Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen - God Is A Rewarder

July 5, 2025 | 30:0

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

#Reward #Blessing #SeekGod #GlorifyGod #Focus #Praise #Faith #TrustGod #Honor #Favor

Closed captions

Show Timecode

Joel Osteen | Joel Osteen - God Is A Rewarder | July 5, 2025

(applause)
00:00:10.300 --> 00:00:12.902
(applause) well, god bless you. it's
00:00:12.969 --> 00:00:14.037
(applause) well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your
00:00:14.104 --> 00:00:15.905
Well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your homes. we love you. if you're
00:00:15.972 --> 00:00:17.540
Always a joy to come into your homes. we love you. if you're ever in our area please stop
00:00:17.607 --> 00:00:19.175
Homes. we love you. if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a part of one of our
00:00:19.242 --> 00:00:20.643
Ever in our area please stop by and be a part of one of our services. i promise you we'll
00:00:20.710 --> 00:00:22.979
By and be a part of one of our services. i promise you we'll make you feel right at home.
00:00:23.046 --> 00:00:24.414
Services. i promise you we'll make you feel right at home. but thanks so much for
00:00:24.481 --> 00:00:25.248
Make you feel right at home. but thanks so much for tuning in. thank you again for
00:00:25.315 --> 00:00:26.449
But thanks so much for tuning in. thank you again for coming out today.
00:00:26.516 --> 00:00:28.318
Tuning in. thank you again for coming out today. i like to start with something
00:00:28.384 --> 00:00:29.419
Coming out today. i like to start with something funny. i take no credit for
00:00:29.486 --> 00:00:31.721
I like to start with something funny. i take no credit for this joke. it was given to me
00:00:31.788 --> 00:00:33.590
Funny. i take no credit for this joke. it was given to me by my brother paul. (laughter)
00:00:33.656 --> 00:00:36.192
This joke. it was given to me by my brother paul. (laughter) i heard about this blond lady.
00:00:36.259 --> 00:00:39.062
By my brother paul. (laughter) i heard about this blond lady. she was...it's already not
00:00:39.129 --> 00:00:40.430
I heard about this blond lady. she was...it's already not starting good is it? (laughter)
00:00:40.497 --> 00:00:42.532
She was...it's already not starting good is it? (laughter) she was out in the yard doing
00:00:42.599 --> 00:00:43.533
Starting good is it? (laughter) she was out in the yard doing some work with the weed eater
00:00:43.600 --> 00:00:46.169
She was out in the yard doing some work with the weed eater when she accidentally cut off
00:00:46.236 --> 00:00:47.804
Some work with the weed eater when she accidentally cut off her cat's tail. he was in the
00:00:47.871 --> 00:00:49.939
When she accidentally cut off her cat's tail. he was in the bushes and she didn't see him
00:00:50.006 --> 00:00:51.875
Her cat's tail. he was in the bushes and she didn't see him and she felt so bad.
00:00:51.941 --> 00:00:53.376
Bushes and she didn't see him and she felt so bad. she grabbed the cat, grabbed
00:00:53.443 --> 00:00:54.277
And she felt so bad. she grabbed the cat, grabbed the tail, and told her friend
00:00:54.344 --> 00:00:55.445
She grabbed the cat, grabbed the tail, and told her friend she was going to wal-mart.
00:00:55.512 --> 00:00:57.480
The tail, and told her friend she was going to wal-mart. she said, "wal-mart? why
00:00:57.547 --> 00:00:58.681
She was going to wal-mart. she said, "wal-mart? why wal-mart?
00:00:58.748 --> 00:00:59.916
She said, "wal-mart? why wal-mart? she said, "hellooo. they're the
00:00:59.983 --> 00:01:00.917
Wal-mart? she said, "hellooo. they're the largest retailer in the world."
00:01:00.984 --> 00:01:03.853
She said, "hellooo. they're the largest retailer in the world." (laughter/applause)
00:01:03.920 --> 00:01:05.421
Largest retailer in the world." (laughter/applause) paul's cell number is (713)...
00:01:05.488 --> 00:01:07.390
(laughter/applause) paul's cell number is (713)... (laughter)
00:01:07.457 --> 00:01:10.126
Paul's cell number is (713)... (laughter) say it like you mean it.
00:01:10.193 --> 00:01:11.060
(laughter) say it like you mean it. this is my bible. i am what it
00:01:11.127 --> 00:01:12.295
Say it like you mean it. this is my bible. i am what it says i am. i have what it says
00:01:12.362 --> 00:01:14.531
This is my bible. i am what it says i am. i have what it says i have. i can do what it says
00:01:14.597 --> 00:01:16.766
Says i am. i have what it says i have. i can do what it says i can do.
00:01:16.833 --> 00:01:18.334
I have. i can do what it says i can do. today i will be taught the word
00:01:18.401 --> 00:01:19.969
I can do. today i will be taught the word of god. i boldly confess:
00:01:20.036 --> 00:01:21.137
Today i will be taught the word of god. i boldly confess: my mind is alert. my heart
00:01:21.204 --> 00:01:23.573
Of god. i boldly confess: my mind is alert. my heart is receptive. i will never be
00:01:23.640 --> 00:01:25.108
My mind is alert. my heart is receptive. i will never be the same. in jesus' name.
00:01:25.175 --> 00:01:28.645
Is receptive. i will never be the same. in jesus' name. god bless you.
00:01:28.711 --> 00:01:31.714
About how god
00:01:33.516 --> 00:01:34.484
About how god is a rewarder.
00:01:34.551 --> 00:01:36.386
Is a rewarder. when you put god first place
00:01:36.452 --> 00:01:38.821
When you put god first place and you make it your highest
00:01:38.888 --> 00:01:40.356
And you make it your highest priority to please him,
00:01:40.423 --> 00:01:42.292
Priority to please him, then you can expect
00:01:42.358 --> 00:01:43.793
Then you can expect to live a blessed,
00:01:43.860 --> 00:01:44.894
To live a blessed, fulfilled life.
00:01:44.961 --> 00:01:46.496
Fulfilled life. that's what it says in
00:01:46.563 --> 00:01:47.430
That's what it says in hebrews 11:6, "god is
00:01:47.497 --> 00:01:49.933
Hebrews 11:6, "god is a rewarder of those
00:01:49.999 --> 00:01:51.534
A rewarder of those who diligently seek him."
00:01:51.601 --> 00:01:54.037
Who diligently seek him." notice who god rewards: not
00:01:54.103 --> 00:01:56.105
People who halfheartedly seek
00:01:56.306 --> 00:01:57.840
People who halfheartedly seek him, people that only think
00:01:57.907 --> 00:01:59.943
Him, people that only think about him when they're having
00:02:00.009 --> 00:02:01.077
About him when they're having a problem, people that only
00:02:01.144 --> 00:02:02.579
A problem, people that only come to church when something
00:02:02.645 --> 00:02:04.047
Come to church when something special is going on.
00:02:04.113 --> 00:02:05.748
Special is going on. no, god rewards people that
00:02:05.815 --> 00:02:07.917
No, god rewards people that diligently seek him, people
00:02:07.984 --> 00:02:10.353
Diligently seek him, people like you that get up every
00:02:10.420 --> 00:02:12.055
Like you that get up every morning and thank him for his
00:02:12.121 --> 00:02:13.723
Morning and thank him for his goodness, people that go
00:02:13.790 --> 00:02:15.525
Goodness, people that go through the day meditating on
00:02:15.592 --> 00:02:17.327
Through the day meditating on his promises, people that
00:02:17.393 --> 00:02:19.195
His promises, people that give him praise in the good
00:02:19.262 --> 00:02:20.663
Give him praise in the good times and in the tough times,
00:02:20.730 --> 00:02:23.533
Times and in the tough times, people that are always
00:02:23.600 --> 00:02:24.500
People that are always growing, learning,
00:02:24.567 --> 00:02:26.069
Growing, learning, striving to do better.
00:02:26.135 --> 00:02:28.204
Striving to do better. when you diligently seek god,
00:02:28.271 --> 00:02:30.607
When you diligently seek god, he promises a reward
00:02:30.673 --> 00:02:32.508
He promises a reward is coming.
00:02:32.575 --> 00:02:33.776
Is coming. god will give you strength,
00:02:33.843 --> 00:02:35.511
God will give you strength, wisdom, favor,
00:02:35.578 --> 00:02:37.113
Wisdom, favor, good breaks, promotion,
00:02:37.180 --> 00:02:38.648
Good breaks, promotion, healing, restoration.
00:02:38.715 --> 00:02:40.416
Healing, restoration. you won't be able to outrun
00:02:40.483 --> 00:02:42.452
You won't be able to outrun the good things of god when
00:02:42.518 --> 00:02:44.220
The good things of god when you seek him with
00:02:44.287 --> 00:02:45.154
You seek him with your whole heart,
00:02:45.221 --> 00:02:47.090
Your whole heart, what's interesting about
00:02:47.156 --> 00:02:48.091
What's interesting about a reward is it's put in place
00:02:48.157 --> 00:02:50.059
A reward is it's put in place before anyone claims it.
00:02:50.126 --> 00:02:52.962
Before anyone claims it. right now, there are rewards
00:02:53.029 --> 00:02:54.797
Right now, there are rewards for certain fugitives
00:02:54.864 --> 00:02:55.798
For certain fugitives on the loose.
00:02:55.865 --> 00:02:57.767
The money is already in
00:02:58.001 --> 00:02:59.102
The money is already in a fund, just waiting
00:02:59.168 --> 00:03:00.670
A fund, just waiting for someone to step up
00:03:00.737 --> 00:03:01.704
For someone to step up and claim it.
00:03:01.771 --> 00:03:03.139
And claim it. the only thing you have
00:03:03.206 --> 00:03:04.307
The only thing you have to do is find
00:03:04.374 --> 00:03:05.608
To do is find that fugitive, and then
00:03:05.675 --> 00:03:07.910
That fugitive, and then the money would be
00:03:07.977 --> 00:03:08.611
The money would be released in that fund.
00:03:08.678 --> 00:03:10.713
In the same way, god has a
00:03:10.913 --> 00:03:12.882
In the same way, god has a reward that's already been
00:03:12.949 --> 00:03:14.584
Reward that's already been put in place.
00:03:14.651 --> 00:03:16.052
Put in place. it's just waiting
00:03:16.119 --> 00:03:16.886
It's just waiting to be released.
00:03:16.953 --> 00:03:18.388
To be released. the only catch is we have
00:03:18.454 --> 00:03:20.390
The only catch is we have to meet the demands
00:03:20.456 --> 00:03:21.524
To meet the demands of the reward.
00:03:21.591 --> 00:03:23.359
Of the reward. now, the amazing thing about
00:03:23.426 --> 00:03:24.794
Now, the amazing thing about god is he says, "you don't
00:03:24.861 --> 00:03:27.096
God is he says, "you don't even have to find me.
00:03:27.163 --> 00:03:29.399
Even have to find me. if you'll just seek me,
00:03:29.465 --> 00:03:31.334
If you'll just seek me, i'll give you the reward.
00:03:31.401 --> 00:03:33.169
I'll give you the reward. if you'll just make an effort
00:03:33.236 --> 00:03:34.637
If you'll just make an effort to please me, if you'll just
00:03:34.704 --> 00:03:36.773
To please me, if you'll just get up in the morning and
00:03:36.839 --> 00:03:38.074
Get up in the morning and thank me," if you'll just
00:03:38.141 --> 00:03:39.842
Thank me," if you'll just read the scripture, you may
00:03:39.909 --> 00:03:41.611
Read the scripture, you may not even understand it,
00:03:41.678 --> 00:03:43.246
Not even understand it, but god says, "that's okay.
00:03:43.313 --> 00:03:44.881
But god says, "that's okay. i'll give you the reward for
00:03:44.947 --> 00:03:46.849
I'll give you the reward for just making the effort."
00:03:46.916 --> 00:03:48.985
Was driving out of my
00:03:49.185 --> 00:03:49.886
Was driving out of my neighborhood the other day,
00:03:49.952 --> 00:03:50.987
Neighborhood the other day, and i saw a sign on a
00:03:51.054 --> 00:03:52.555
And i saw a sign on a telephone pole.
00:03:52.622 --> 00:03:53.756
Telephone pole. it said, "lost dog."
00:03:53.823 --> 00:03:55.258
It said, "lost dog." it had a picture of the dog,
00:03:55.325 --> 00:03:57.026
It had a picture of the dog, and at the bottom in big
00:03:57.093 --> 00:03:58.594
And at the bottom in big letters, it read,
00:03:58.661 --> 00:04:00.196
Letters, it read, "reward, $500."
00:04:00.263 --> 00:04:01.664
"reward, $500." imagine, i went to the house,
00:04:01.731 --> 00:04:04.100
Imagine, i went to the house, knocked on the door, said,
00:04:04.167 --> 00:04:05.234
Knocked on the door, said, "hey, i've been looking for
00:04:05.301 --> 00:04:06.536
"hey, i've been looking for your dog the last 2 hours.
00:04:06.602 --> 00:04:08.938
Your dog the last 2 hours. i've searched this whole
00:04:09.005 --> 00:04:09.539
I've searched this whole section of the neighborhood.
00:04:09.605 --> 00:04:11.474
Now i'm here
00:04:11.674 --> 00:04:12.075
Now i'm here for the reward."
00:04:12.141 --> 00:04:13.176
For the reward." their first question would
00:04:13.242 --> 00:04:14.110
Their first question would be, "hey, where's the dog?"
00:04:14.177 --> 00:04:16.245
Be, "hey, where's the dog?" "well, sorry, i didn't find
00:04:16.312 --> 00:04:17.213
"well, sorry, i didn't find the dog, but i promise you,
00:04:17.280 --> 00:04:18.281
The dog, but i promise you, i've been looking."
00:04:18.348 --> 00:04:19.916
I've been looking." they would say, "sir,
00:04:19.982 --> 00:04:20.717
They would say, "sir, no dog, no reward."
00:04:20.783 --> 00:04:23.353
No dog, no reward." this is what's so great
00:04:23.419 --> 00:04:24.587
This is what's so great about god.
00:04:24.654 --> 00:04:25.655
About god. he says, "i'll pay you
00:04:25.722 --> 00:04:27.623
He says, "i'll pay you just for looking.
00:04:27.690 --> 00:04:29.192
Just for looking. i'll bless you just
00:04:29.258 --> 00:04:30.460
I'll bless you just for seeking me.
00:04:30.526 --> 00:04:31.661
For seeking me. i'll reward you just for
00:04:31.728 --> 00:04:33.129
I'll reward you just for coming to church.
00:04:33.196 --> 00:04:35.164
Coming to church. i'll show you favor just for
00:04:35.231 --> 00:04:37.533
I'll show you favor just for getting up in the morning and
00:04:37.600 --> 00:04:39.102
Getting up in the morning and meditating on my promises."
00:04:39.168 --> 00:04:41.137
Meditating on my promises." the reward is not in having
00:04:41.204 --> 00:04:43.439
The reward is not in having it all figured out.
00:04:43.506 --> 00:04:44.941
It all figured out. the reward is in the seeking.
00:04:45.007 --> 00:04:47.110
The reward is in the seeking. the reward is in making
00:04:47.176 --> 00:04:48.478
The reward is in making the effort.
00:04:48.544 --> 00:04:49.212
The effort. my father came from a family
00:04:49.278 --> 00:04:52.115
My father came from a family that didn't have anything
00:04:52.181 --> 00:04:52.949
That didn't have anything to do with god.
00:04:53.015 --> 00:04:54.183
To do with god. they were good people,
00:04:54.250 --> 00:04:55.151
They were good people, but he didn't have any kind
00:04:55.218 --> 00:04:56.319
But he didn't have any kind of spiritual upbringing.
00:04:56.386 --> 00:04:58.388
Of spiritual upbringing. at the age of 17, daddy
00:04:58.454 --> 00:05:00.456
At the age of 17, daddy gave his life to christ,
00:05:00.523 --> 00:05:01.891
Gave his life to christ, first one in the family.
00:05:01.958 --> 00:05:03.393
First one in the family. god called him to preach.
00:05:03.459 --> 00:05:05.361
God called him to preach. as a teenager, he started
00:05:05.428 --> 00:05:07.096
As a teenager, he started ministering in the prisons,
00:05:07.163 --> 00:05:09.332
Ministering in the prisons, in the senior citizens homes,
00:05:09.399 --> 00:05:11.167
In the senior citizens homes, on the street corners.
00:05:11.234 --> 00:05:12.869
On the street corners. he didn't know anything
00:05:12.935 --> 00:05:13.736
He didn't know anything about the bible.
00:05:13.803 --> 00:05:15.171
About the bible. he'd never been to seminary.
00:05:15.238 --> 00:05:16.973
He'd never been to seminary. he called job, "job."
00:05:17.039 --> 00:05:19.675
He called job, "job." one time, he preached a whole
00:05:19.742 --> 00:05:20.910
One time, he preached a whole sermon on samson and
00:05:20.977 --> 00:05:22.678
Sermon on samson and realized, at the end, he'd
00:05:22.745 --> 00:05:24.013
Realized, at the end, he'd been calling him "tarzan."
00:05:24.080 --> 00:05:26.949
Been calling him "tarzan." he didn't have it all
00:05:27.016 --> 00:05:28.050
He didn't have it all together, but daddy had
00:05:28.117 --> 00:05:30.787
Together, but daddy had a desire to please god.
00:05:30.853 --> 00:05:33.055
A desire to please god. he was seeking him,
00:05:33.122 --> 00:05:34.557
He was seeking him, making the effort.
00:05:34.624 --> 00:05:36.092
Making the effort. god doesn't say, "if you know
00:05:36.159 --> 00:05:38.528
God doesn't say, "if you know all the scriptures, if you
00:05:38.594 --> 00:05:40.997
All the scriptures, if you understand all the theology,
00:05:41.063 --> 00:05:42.799
Understand all the theology, i'll give you the reward."
00:05:42.865 --> 00:05:44.367
I'll give you the reward." no, god says, "i'll pay you
00:05:44.434 --> 00:05:46.502
No, god says, "i'll pay you for making the effort.
00:05:46.569 --> 00:05:48.137
For making the effort. i'll pay you for trying.
00:05:48.204 --> 00:05:50.106
I'll pay you for trying. i'll pay you for
00:05:50.173 --> 00:05:51.040
I'll pay you for seeking me."
00:05:51.107 --> 00:05:52.975
From the time i was a little
00:05:53.209 --> 00:05:53.910
From the time i was a little boy, my parents taught me the
00:05:53.976 --> 00:05:56.379
Boy, my parents taught me the importance of honoring god.
00:05:56.446 --> 00:05:58.848
Importance of honoring god. i wasn't perfect.
00:05:58.915 --> 00:05:59.749
I wasn't perfect. i made mistakes, but for as
00:05:59.816 --> 00:06:01.617
I made mistakes, but for as long back as i can remember,
00:06:01.684 --> 00:06:03.886
Long back as i can remember, i would get up every morning
00:06:03.953 --> 00:06:05.588
I would get up every morning and thank god for the day
00:06:05.655 --> 00:06:07.123
And thank god for the day and ask him for wisdom
00:06:07.190 --> 00:06:08.958
And ask him for wisdom and guidance.
00:06:09.025 --> 00:06:10.326
And guidance. every day, i would read
00:06:10.393 --> 00:06:11.594
Every day, i would read a chapter in my bible.
00:06:11.661 --> 00:06:13.563
Didn't always understand it.
00:06:13.830 --> 00:06:15.598
Didn't always understand it. still don't, and i'm the
00:06:15.665 --> 00:06:16.699
Still don't, and i'm the pastor of a big church!
00:06:16.766 --> 00:06:18.835
Pastor of a big church! god hasn't blessed me
00:06:18.901 --> 00:06:20.303
God hasn't blessed me because i'm the smartest,
00:06:20.369 --> 00:06:21.904
Because i'm the smartest, the most qualified,
00:06:21.971 --> 00:06:23.172
The most qualified, the most talented.
00:06:23.239 --> 00:06:24.640
The most talented. god has blessed me because
00:06:24.707 --> 00:06:26.843
God has blessed me because i've made it a goal to seek
00:06:26.909 --> 00:06:28.578
I've made it a goal to seek him, to honor him,
00:06:28.644 --> 00:06:30.179
Him, to honor him, to please him.
00:06:30.246 --> 00:06:31.247
To please him. every morning, i still get up
00:06:31.314 --> 00:06:35.151
Every morning, i still get up and take the first half hour
00:06:35.218 --> 00:06:36.285
And take the first half hour of the day to thank god
00:06:36.352 --> 00:06:37.887
Of the day to thank god for his goodness, to
00:06:37.954 --> 00:06:39.322
For his goodness, to acknowledge him as my savior,
00:06:39.388 --> 00:06:40.990
Acknowledge him as my savior, to ask him for wisdom.
00:06:41.057 --> 00:06:43.159
To ask him for wisdom. i pray every day, "lord, let
00:06:43.226 --> 00:06:44.861
I pray every day, "lord, let everything i do today bring
00:06:44.927 --> 00:06:46.796
Everything i do today bring honor to your name," and god
00:06:46.863 --> 00:06:48.798
Honor to your name," and god has taken me places that i've
00:06:48.865 --> 00:06:50.266
Has taken me places that i've never dreamed of.
00:06:50.333 --> 00:06:51.467
Never dreamed of. he's blessed our family more
00:06:51.534 --> 00:06:53.402
He's blessed our family more than i could imagine.
00:06:53.469 --> 00:06:55.004
Than i could imagine. i'd love to tell you i'm just
00:06:55.071 --> 00:06:56.339
I'd love to tell you i'm just that smart, i'm just
00:06:56.405 --> 00:06:57.773
That smart, i'm just that talented, i'm just
00:06:57.840 --> 00:06:59.108
That talented, i'm just an overachiever.
00:06:59.175 --> 00:07:00.943
An overachiever. no, i have done my part to
00:07:01.010 --> 00:07:02.512
No, i have done my part to develop what god's given me,
00:07:02.578 --> 00:07:04.413
Develop what god's given me, but i know the promotion,
00:07:04.480 --> 00:07:06.082
But i know the promotion, the favor, the blessing has
00:07:06.148 --> 00:07:07.884
The favor, the blessing has come because i've kept
00:07:07.950 --> 00:07:09.685
Come because i've kept god first place.
00:07:09.752 --> 00:07:11.454
God first place. i've done my best to
00:07:11.521 --> 00:07:12.522
I've done my best to diligently seek him.
00:07:12.588 --> 00:07:14.757
I'm asking you to do
00:07:15.024 --> 00:07:16.192
I'm asking you to do the same thing.
00:07:16.259 --> 00:07:17.827
The same thing. make pleasing god your
00:07:17.894 --> 00:07:19.695
Make pleasing god your highest priority.
00:07:19.762 --> 00:07:21.631
Highest priority. get up every morning and
00:07:21.697 --> 00:07:23.266
Get up every morning and thank god for what he's done.
00:07:23.332 --> 00:07:25.301
Take time to read
00:07:25.568 --> 00:07:26.702
Take time to read the scripture.
00:07:26.769 --> 00:07:27.737
The scripture. all through the day,
00:07:27.803 --> 00:07:28.504
All through the day, meditate on god's promises.
00:07:28.571 --> 00:07:30.673
Meditate on god's promises. when you have a major
00:07:30.740 --> 00:07:31.541
When you have a major decision, ask god for wisdom.
00:07:31.607 --> 00:07:33.843
Decision, ask god for wisdom. if you live like that, god
00:07:33.910 --> 00:07:36.112
If you live like that, god will take you places that
00:07:36.178 --> 00:07:37.680
Will take you places that you've never dreamed of.
00:07:37.747 --> 00:07:39.415
You've never dreamed of. think about david.
00:07:39.482 --> 00:07:40.550
Think about david. he wasn't the biggest,
00:07:40.616 --> 00:07:41.884
He wasn't the biggest, strongest, most qualified.
00:07:41.951 --> 00:07:44.153
Strongest, most qualified. how did he make it
00:07:44.220 --> 00:07:45.187
How did he make it to the palace?
00:07:45.254 --> 00:07:46.556
To the palace? how did he surpass others
00:07:46.622 --> 00:07:48.224
How did he surpass others that had more
00:07:48.291 --> 00:07:48.858
That had more natural ability?
00:07:48.925 --> 00:07:50.326
Natural ability? the scripture says, "david
00:07:50.393 --> 00:07:52.461
The scripture says, "david was a man after
00:07:52.528 --> 00:07:53.696
Was a man after god's own heart."
00:07:53.763 --> 00:07:55.464
God's own heart." david was constantly
00:07:55.531 --> 00:07:56.866
David was constantly seeking god.
00:07:56.933 --> 00:07:58.367
Seeking god. he was always writing songs
00:07:58.434 --> 00:08:00.436
He was always writing songs of praise, telling god
00:08:00.503 --> 00:08:02.238
Of praise, telling god how much he loved him,
00:08:02.305 --> 00:08:03.706
How much he loved him, how much he needed him,
00:08:03.773 --> 00:08:04.974
How much he needed him, how great god was.
00:08:05.041 --> 00:08:07.043
How great god was. when you diligently seek god,
00:08:07.109 --> 00:08:09.378
When you diligently seek god, you will go places that your
00:08:09.445 --> 00:08:10.913
You will go places that your natural ability could not
00:08:10.980 --> 00:08:12.381
Natural ability could not have taken you.
00:08:12.448 --> 00:08:13.950
Have taken you. many of you gave
00:08:14.016 --> 00:08:14.784
Many of you gave in the offering.
00:08:14.850 --> 00:08:15.618
In the offering. you spent gas money.
00:08:15.685 --> 00:08:17.186
You spent gas money. god's going to cause what you
00:08:17.253 --> 00:08:18.688
God's going to cause what you have left over to go further
00:08:18.754 --> 00:08:20.890
Have left over to go further than if you would've kept it
00:08:20.957 --> 00:08:21.891
Than if you would've kept it all for yourself.
00:08:21.958 --> 00:08:22.825
All for yourself. that's just the way god is.
00:08:22.892 --> 00:08:24.727
When you seek him,
00:08:24.961 --> 00:08:25.895
When you seek him, he rewards you.
00:08:25.962 --> 00:08:27.797
He rewards you. this couple kept flying in
00:08:27.863 --> 00:08:30.132
This couple kept flying in saturday after saturday,
00:08:30.199 --> 00:08:31.601
Saturday after saturday, week after week,
00:08:31.667 --> 00:08:32.602
Week after week, a journey of faith.
00:08:32.668 --> 00:08:34.136
A journey of faith. the husband felt very
00:08:34.203 --> 00:08:35.104
The husband felt very strongly about drilling
00:08:35.171 --> 00:08:36.872
Strongly about drilling for oil on this certain piece
00:08:36.939 --> 00:08:38.474
For oil on this certain piece of property.
00:08:38.541 --> 00:08:39.308
Of property. he drilled with no success.
00:08:39.375 --> 00:08:41.310
He drilled at the same
00:08:41.544 --> 00:08:42.345
He drilled at the same property, again, no success,
00:08:42.411 --> 00:08:44.480
Property, again, no success, 10 times, 20 times, 30 times,
00:08:44.547 --> 00:08:47.249
10 times, 20 times, 30 times, 40 times.
00:08:47.316 --> 00:08:48.384
40 times. his wife said, "honey,
00:08:48.451 --> 00:08:49.652
His wife said, "honey, don't drill on this
00:08:49.719 --> 00:08:50.853
Don't drill on this property anymore.
00:08:50.920 --> 00:08:52.455
Property anymore. you've already done that.
00:08:52.521 --> 00:08:53.322
You've already done that. drill somewhere else."
00:08:53.389 --> 00:08:54.924
Drill somewhere else." something down in here kept
00:08:54.991 --> 00:08:56.392
Something down in here kept telling him, "drill
00:08:56.459 --> 00:08:57.593
Telling him, "drill right where you are."
00:08:57.660 --> 00:08:59.128
Right where you are." his crew thought he
00:08:59.195 --> 00:09:00.162
His crew thought he had lost his mind.
00:09:00.229 --> 00:09:01.631
Had lost his mind. they thought he was far-off,
00:09:01.697 --> 00:09:03.366
They thought he was far-off, but when you honor god,
00:09:03.432 --> 00:09:04.800
But when you honor god, he will give you
00:09:04.867 --> 00:09:05.635
He will give you inside information.
00:09:05.701 --> 00:09:07.470
Inside information. he'll lead you
00:09:07.536 --> 00:09:08.471
He'll lead you and direct you.
00:09:08.537 --> 00:09:10.506
And direct you. he drilled the 46th time,
00:09:10.573 --> 00:09:12.041
He drilled the 46th time, nothing; 47th time, nothing,
00:09:12.108 --> 00:09:13.676
Nothing; 47th time, nothing, but on the 48th time,
00:09:13.743 --> 00:09:15.544
But on the 48th time, they struck oil.
00:09:15.611 --> 00:09:17.046
They struck oil. today they're not
00:09:17.113 --> 00:09:17.847
Today they're not struggling anymore.
00:09:17.913 --> 00:09:19.382
Struggling anymore. when they want to come
00:09:19.448 --> 00:09:20.016
When they want to come see us, they don't go buy
00:09:20.082 --> 00:09:21.450
See us, they don't go buy a cheap ticket.
00:09:21.517 --> 00:09:22.318
A cheap ticket. they go get on their own
00:09:22.385 --> 00:09:23.352
They go get on their own airplane.
00:09:23.419 --> 00:09:24.420
Airplane. god has blessed them more
00:09:24.487 --> 00:09:26.322
God has blessed them more than they can even imagine,
00:09:26.389 --> 00:09:29.125
Than they can even imagine, and they are being a bigger
00:09:29.191 --> 00:09:30.726
And they are being a bigger blessing, more than they
00:09:30.793 --> 00:09:32.194
Blessing, more than they ever imagined.
00:09:32.261 --> 00:09:33.796
Ever imagined. friends, when you diligently
00:09:33.863 --> 00:09:35.264
Friends, when you diligently seek god, he promises
00:09:35.331 --> 00:09:37.033
Seek god, he promises a reward is coming.
00:09:37.099 --> 00:09:39.068
A reward is coming. many of you have
00:09:39.135 --> 00:09:40.136
Many of you have been faithful.
00:09:40.202 --> 00:09:41.637
Been faithful. you've honored god.
00:09:41.704 --> 00:09:43.105
You've honored god. you've gotten up early
00:09:43.172 --> 00:09:43.939
You've gotten up early to spend time with him.
00:09:44.006 --> 00:09:45.408
To spend time with him. you come every time
00:09:45.474 --> 00:09:46.475
You come every time the doors are open.
00:09:46.542 --> 00:09:47.943
The doors are open. god is saying, "get ready:
00:09:48.010 --> 00:09:49.445
God is saying, "get ready: a reward is coming."
00:09:49.512 --> 00:09:51.180
A reward is coming." god's going to give you
00:09:51.247 --> 00:09:52.448
God's going to give you inside information.
00:09:52.515 --> 00:09:54.316
Inside information. he's going to cause you
00:09:54.383 --> 00:09:55.451
He's going to cause you to be at the right place
00:09:55.518 --> 00:09:56.719
To be at the right place at the right time.
00:09:56.786 --> 00:09:58.120
At the right time. like this couple, god has
00:09:58.187 --> 00:09:59.655
Like this couple, god has something big coming
00:09:59.722 --> 00:10:00.589
Something big coming your way.
00:10:00.656 --> 00:10:02.558
Here's the key: if you don't
00:10:02.825 --> 00:10:03.926
Here's the key: if you don't realize god is a rewarder,
00:10:03.993 --> 00:10:06.629
Realize god is a rewarder, then you won't expect
00:10:06.696 --> 00:10:07.763
Then you won't expect his goodness.
00:10:07.830 --> 00:10:09.031
His goodness. your expectation is your
00:10:09.098 --> 00:10:11.000
Faith being released.
00:10:11.200 --> 00:10:12.635
Faith being released. that's what allows god
00:10:12.702 --> 00:10:13.703
That's what allows god to do amazing things.
00:10:13.769 --> 00:10:15.638
To do amazing things. well, you say, "joel, you're
00:10:15.705 --> 00:10:16.439
Well, you say, "joel, you're saying to just serve god,
00:10:16.505 --> 00:10:17.707
Saying to just serve god, just to seek him to get
00:10:17.773 --> 00:10:19.241
Just to seek him to get something from him?"
00:10:19.308 --> 00:10:20.976
Something from him?" jesus said in matthew 6:33,
00:10:21.043 --> 00:10:23.245
Jesus said in matthew 6:33, "seek first the kingdom of
00:10:23.312 --> 00:10:25.147
"seek first the kingdom of god and his righteousness,
00:10:25.214 --> 00:10:27.750
God and his righteousness, and all these things will be
00:10:27.817 --> 00:10:29.919
And all these things will be added unto you."
00:10:29.985 --> 00:10:31.787
Added unto you." notice the key:
00:10:31.854 --> 00:10:32.955
Notice the key: seek first the kingdom.
00:10:33.022 --> 00:10:35.224
In other words,
00:10:35.491 --> 00:10:36.025
In other words, don't seek the blessing.
00:10:36.092 --> 00:10:38.227
Don't seek the blessing. seek the blessor.
00:10:38.294 --> 00:10:39.061
Seek the blessor. don't be consumed by things.
00:10:39.128 --> 00:10:42.298
Don't be consumed by things. don't chase after money,
00:10:42.364 --> 00:10:44.900
Don't chase after money, fame, fortune, bigger this,
00:10:44.967 --> 00:10:46.535
Fame, fortune, bigger this, bigger that.
00:10:46.602 --> 00:10:47.536
Bigger that. chase after god.
00:10:47.603 --> 00:10:49.205
Chase after god. if you will seek the blessor,
00:10:49.271 --> 00:10:51.607
If you will seek the blessor, then all these blessings
00:10:51.674 --> 00:10:53.375
Then all these blessings will be added unto you.
00:10:53.442 --> 00:10:55.511
This is where many
00:10:55.745 --> 00:10:56.679
This is where many people miss it.
00:10:56.746 --> 00:10:57.880
People miss it. when we seek things,
00:10:57.947 --> 00:10:59.548
When we seek things, life is very shallow.
00:10:59.615 --> 00:11:01.383
Life is very shallow. we're always struggling,
00:11:01.450 --> 00:11:02.985
We're always struggling, trying to make it happen, got
00:11:03.052 --> 00:11:04.553
Trying to make it happen, got to have something bigger,
00:11:04.620 --> 00:11:06.188
To have something bigger, but when you seek
00:11:06.255 --> 00:11:07.189
But when you seek the blessor and say,
00:11:07.256 --> 00:11:08.858
The blessor and say, "god, my highest priority
00:11:08.924 --> 00:11:10.860
"god, my highest priority is to please you.
00:11:10.926 --> 00:11:12.061
Is to please you. help me to honor you."
00:11:12.128 --> 00:11:13.496
Help me to honor you." when you live that way,
00:11:13.562 --> 00:11:15.097
When you live that way, instead of chasing blessings,
00:11:15.164 --> 00:11:17.199
Instead of chasing blessings, blessings will chase you,
00:11:17.266 --> 00:11:18.534
Blessings will chase you, and i'm all for having goals,
00:11:18.601 --> 00:11:20.936
And i'm all for having goals, dreams, pursuing what god's
00:11:21.003 --> 00:11:22.438
Dreams, pursuing what god's put in our heart, but i've
00:11:22.505 --> 00:11:23.806
Put in our heart, but i've seen over and over in my own
00:11:23.873 --> 00:11:25.775
Life, when i'm just doing my
00:11:25.975 --> 00:11:27.243
Life, when i'm just doing my best to please god,
00:11:27.309 --> 00:11:28.844
Best to please god, to honor him,
00:11:28.911 --> 00:11:30.146
To honor him, focused on his principles,
00:11:30.212 --> 00:11:32.114
Focused on his principles, then out of the blue,
00:11:32.181 --> 00:11:33.149
Then out of the blue, a good break,
00:11:33.215 --> 00:11:34.617
A good break, unexpected favor,
00:11:34.683 --> 00:11:35.985
Unexpected favor, i'm at the right place
00:11:36.051 --> 00:11:37.019
I'm at the right place at the right time.
00:11:37.086 --> 00:11:38.554
At the right time. i didn't have
00:11:38.621 --> 00:11:39.221
I didn't have to manipulate things.
00:11:39.288 --> 00:11:41.023
To manipulate things. i didn't have to struggle
00:11:41.090 --> 00:11:42.057
I didn't have to struggle to make it happen.
00:11:42.124 --> 00:11:43.459
To make it happen. it was a reward.
00:11:43.526 --> 00:11:45.294
It was a reward. it was something god
00:11:45.361 --> 00:11:46.529
It was something god blessed me with because
00:11:46.595 --> 00:11:48.264
Blessed me with because i was on his payroll.
00:11:48.330 --> 00:11:49.865
I was on his payroll. i was diligently seeking him.
00:11:49.932 --> 00:11:52.168
I love how it says, "all
00:11:52.401 --> 00:11:54.069
I love how it says, "all these things will be added
00:11:54.136 --> 00:11:55.805
These things will be added unto you," not a few things,
00:11:55.871 --> 00:11:58.007
Unto you," not a few things, not a half a dozen.
00:11:58.073 --> 00:11:59.308
Not a half a dozen. god is a god of abundance,
00:11:59.375 --> 00:12:01.710
God is a god of abundance, and when you keep him first
00:12:01.777 --> 00:12:03.245
And when you keep him first place, you won't be able to
00:12:03.312 --> 00:12:04.747
Place, you won't be able to contain all the good things
00:12:04.814 --> 00:12:06.782
Contain all the good things that god brings across your
00:12:06.849 --> 00:12:07.950
That god brings across your path, and our main mission in
00:12:08.017 --> 00:12:10.186
Life should not be
00:12:10.386 --> 00:12:11.620
Life should not be making money.
00:12:11.687 --> 00:12:13.355
Making money. our main mission should be
00:12:13.422 --> 00:12:15.758
Our main mission should be honoring god.
00:12:15.825 --> 00:12:16.926
Honoring god. here's what i've learned.
00:12:16.992 --> 00:12:17.960
Here's what i've learned. when you honor god,
00:12:18.027 --> 00:12:19.361
When you honor god, the money will come.
00:12:19.428 --> 00:12:20.896
The money will come. when you honor god, he'll
00:12:20.963 --> 00:12:22.398
When you honor god, he'll open the right doors.
00:12:22.464 --> 00:12:23.833
Open the right doors. he'll bring the right people.
00:12:23.899 --> 00:12:25.301
He'll bring the right people. he'll cause you to be
00:12:25.367 --> 00:12:26.335
He'll cause you to be at the right place
00:12:26.402 --> 00:12:27.203
At the right place at the right time.
00:12:27.269 --> 00:12:28.904
At the right time. victoria and i have never had
00:12:28.971 --> 00:12:30.539
Victoria and i have never had money as a goal.
00:12:30.606 --> 00:12:32.107
Money as a goal. our goal is to please god.
00:12:32.174 --> 00:12:34.476
Our goal is to please god. victoria could say she has
00:12:34.543 --> 00:12:36.212
Victoria could say she has sought the blessing,
00:12:36.278 --> 00:12:37.880
Sought the blessing, and the bling has come.
00:12:37.947 --> 00:12:40.015
And the bling has come. all these things
00:12:40.082 --> 00:12:40.916
All these things have been added.
00:12:40.983 --> 00:12:42.017
Have been added. now, here's my challenge.
00:12:42.084 --> 00:12:43.652
Now, here's my challenge. don't fall in love
00:12:43.719 --> 00:12:44.220
Don't fall in love with the blessing.
00:12:44.286 --> 00:12:46.155
Fall in love
00:12:46.388 --> 00:12:47.089
Fall in love with the blessor.
00:12:47.156 --> 00:12:48.891
With the blessor. don't be so consumed that
00:12:48.958 --> 00:12:51.227
Don't be so consumed that you've got to have that
00:12:51.293 --> 00:12:52.461
You've got to have that bigger house, you've got
00:12:52.528 --> 00:12:53.462
Bigger house, you've got to have that promotion,
00:12:53.529 --> 00:12:54.663
To have that promotion, working night and day,
00:12:54.730 --> 00:12:56.031
Working night and day, trying to make it happen.
00:12:56.098 --> 00:12:57.466
Trying to make it happen. no, you're not called
00:12:57.533 --> 00:12:58.701
No, you're not called to make money.
00:12:58.767 --> 00:13:00.069
To make money. you're called to make
00:13:00.135 --> 00:13:01.136
You're called to make a difference.
00:13:01.203 --> 00:13:02.137
A difference. you're called to honor god.
00:13:02.204 --> 00:13:04.139
Sure, work hard, develop your
00:13:04.373 --> 00:13:05.841
Sure, work hard, develop your talents, be your best,
00:13:05.908 --> 00:13:07.576
Talents, be your best, but don't chase money.
00:13:07.643 --> 00:13:09.211
But don't chase money. chase god.
00:13:09.278 --> 00:13:10.646
Chase god. if you will seek the blessor,
00:13:10.713 --> 00:13:13.048
If you will seek the blessor, god will give you
00:13:13.115 --> 00:13:14.350
God will give you what money cannot buy.
00:13:14.416 --> 00:13:16.418
What money cannot buy. you can work 24/7,
00:13:16.485 --> 00:13:18.320
You can work 24/7, but you can't buy health.
00:13:18.387 --> 00:13:19.955
But you can't buy health. you can't buy strength.
00:13:20.022 --> 00:13:21.390
You can't buy strength. you can't buy a good
00:13:21.457 --> 00:13:22.358
You can't buy a good night's rest.
00:13:22.424 --> 00:13:23.592
Night's rest. seek first the kingdom,
00:13:23.659 --> 00:13:25.494
Seek first the kingdom, and god will reward you
00:13:25.561 --> 00:13:27.162
And god will reward you with all these things.
00:13:27.229 --> 00:13:29.098
That word "seek" is
00:13:31.233 --> 00:13:32.501
That word "seek" is a strong word.
00:13:32.568 --> 00:13:34.303
A strong word. one definition says,
00:13:34.370 --> 00:13:35.905
One definition says, "to require as
00:13:35.971 --> 00:13:37.006
"to require as a vital necessity."
00:13:37.072 --> 00:13:39.375
You need to see spending time
00:13:39.608 --> 00:13:41.043
You need to see spending time with god as being vital to
00:13:41.110 --> 00:13:43.679
With god as being vital to living a victorious life
00:13:43.746 --> 00:13:45.047
Living a victorious life 'cause sometimes we get up in
00:13:45.114 --> 00:13:46.916
'cause sometimes we get up in the morning, and we think,
00:13:46.982 --> 00:13:47.950
The morning, and we think, "i don't want to read
00:13:48.017 --> 00:13:48.651
"i don't want to read my bible today.
00:13:48.717 --> 00:13:49.652
My bible today. i don't feel like going
00:13:49.718 --> 00:13:50.853
I don't feel like going to church.
00:13:50.920 --> 00:13:51.553
To church. i'm tired."
00:13:51.620 --> 00:13:52.454
I'm tired." but once you develop the
00:13:52.521 --> 00:13:53.622
But once you develop the habit and you see the benefit
00:13:53.689 --> 00:13:56.659
Habit and you see the benefit of how you feel refreshed and
00:13:56.725 --> 00:13:58.327
Of how you feel refreshed and restored and how you make
00:13:58.394 --> 00:14:00.129
Restored and how you make better decisions and how you
00:14:00.195 --> 00:14:01.497
Better decisions and how you have god's favor, then you'll
00:14:01.563 --> 00:14:03.499
Have god's favor, then you'll think, "i can't afford
00:14:03.565 --> 00:14:04.967
Think, "i can't afford not to do this.
00:14:05.034 --> 00:14:06.402
Not to do this. without spending time, it
00:14:06.468 --> 00:14:08.337
Without spending time, it just doesn't feel right."
00:14:08.404 --> 00:14:10.239
Just doesn't feel right." people tell me again and
00:14:10.306 --> 00:14:11.240
People tell me again and again, "joel, when i don't
00:14:11.307 --> 00:14:12.508
Again, "joel, when i don't come to church each week,
00:14:12.574 --> 00:14:14.143
Come to church each week, i just don't have that boost
00:14:14.209 --> 00:14:15.678
I just don't have that boost that i need."
00:14:15.744 --> 00:14:17.279
That i need." it says, "seek first
00:14:17.346 --> 00:14:18.948
It says, "seek first the kingdom."
00:14:19.014 --> 00:14:19.982
The kingdom." in other words, honor god at
00:14:20.049 --> 00:14:21.951
In other words, honor god at the start of your day.
00:14:22.017 --> 00:14:23.852
The start of your day. make it a part
00:14:23.919 --> 00:14:24.586
Make it a part of your routine.
00:14:24.653 --> 00:14:26.522
Last few months
00:14:26.722 --> 00:14:27.189
Last few months of my father's life,
00:14:27.256 --> 00:14:28.424
Of my father's life, he was on dialysis.
00:14:28.490 --> 00:14:30.326
He was on dialysis. three times a week for 4
00:14:30.392 --> 00:14:31.894
Three times a week for 4 hours a day, he would go
00:14:31.961 --> 00:14:33.529
Hours a day, he would go to the clinic to have
00:14:33.595 --> 00:14:34.697
To the clinic to have his blood cleansed.
00:14:34.763 --> 00:14:36.465
His blood cleansed. there were times that
00:14:36.532 --> 00:14:37.333
There were times that he didn't feel like going.
00:14:37.399 --> 00:14:39.201
He didn't feel like going. he was tired.
00:14:39.268 --> 00:14:40.369
He was tired. he was busy, wanted to do
00:14:40.436 --> 00:14:41.804
He was busy, wanted to do something else.
00:14:41.870 --> 00:14:42.905
Something else. didn't matter.
00:14:42.972 --> 00:14:43.906
Didn't matter. he went anyway.
00:14:43.973 --> 00:14:44.707
He went anyway. why?
00:14:44.773 --> 00:14:45.607
Why? his life depended on it.
00:14:45.674 --> 00:14:47.543
It wasn't an option.
00:14:47.776 --> 00:14:49.178
It wasn't an option. it was vital.
00:14:49.244 --> 00:14:50.913
It was vital. my father loved to travel
00:14:50.980 --> 00:14:52.414
My father loved to travel all over the world,
00:14:52.481 --> 00:14:53.782
All over the world, but when he started dialysis,
00:14:53.849 --> 00:14:55.784
But when he started dialysis, he had to change
00:14:55.851 --> 00:14:56.652
He had to change his plans and
00:14:56.719 --> 00:14:57.987
His plans and rearrange his priorities.
00:14:58.053 --> 00:14:59.989
Rearrange his priorities. he knew how important
00:15:00.055 --> 00:15:01.290
He knew how important dialysis was to him.
00:15:01.357 --> 00:15:03.492
Dialysis was to him. that's the way we need to see
00:15:03.559 --> 00:15:05.160
That's the way we need to see seeking god, require it as
00:15:05.227 --> 00:15:07.730
Seeking god, require it as a vital necessity.
00:15:07.796 --> 00:15:09.832
A vital necessity. when things get busy, the
00:15:09.898 --> 00:15:11.567
When things get busy, the children need you, it's
00:15:11.633 --> 00:15:13.002
Children need you, it's hectic at the office, you got
00:15:13.068 --> 00:15:14.570
Hectic at the office, you got a thousand things to do,
00:15:14.636 --> 00:15:16.238
A thousand things to do, you got to put your foot down
00:15:16.305 --> 00:15:17.773
You got to put your foot down and say, "no, this is not
00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:19.241
And say, "no, this is not an option.
00:15:19.308 --> 00:15:20.175
An option. if i'm going to be strong,
00:15:20.242 --> 00:15:21.977
If i'm going to be strong, if i'm going to be productive
00:15:22.044 --> 00:15:23.212
If i'm going to be productive today, if i'm going to have
00:15:23.278 --> 00:15:24.613
Today, if i'm going to have god's favor, then i've got to
00:15:24.680 --> 00:15:26.248
God's favor, then i've got to rearrange some priorities
00:15:26.315 --> 00:15:28.017
Rearrange some priorities so i can spend time with god."
00:15:28.083 --> 00:15:30.252
So i can spend time with god." you may have to get up
00:15:30.319 --> 00:15:31.286
You may have to get up earlier before the children
00:15:31.353 --> 00:15:32.821
Earlier before the children need you, before the e-mail
00:15:32.888 --> 00:15:34.456
Need you, before the e-mail goes out, before the phone
00:15:34.523 --> 00:15:35.924
Goes out, before the phone starts ringing.
00:15:35.991 --> 00:15:37.092
Starts ringing. you draw strength,
00:15:37.159 --> 00:15:38.594
You draw strength, encouragement, wisdom, when
00:15:38.660 --> 00:15:40.763
Encouragement, wisdom, when you're in god's presence.
00:15:40.829 --> 00:15:42.564
You're in god's presence. that's what's going to keep
00:15:42.631 --> 00:15:43.799
That's what's going to keep your life fresh, and just
00:15:43.866 --> 00:15:45.934
Your life fresh, and just like we feed our physical
00:15:46.001 --> 00:15:47.403
Like we feed our physical man, we need to feed
00:15:47.469 --> 00:15:49.171
Man, we need to feed our spiritual man.
00:15:49.238 --> 00:15:51.507
Our spiritual man. learn to invest in yourself.
00:15:51.573 --> 00:15:54.576
Learn to invest in yourself. sometimes we feed the outer
00:15:54.643 --> 00:15:56.178
Sometimes we feed the outer person three hot meals a day,
00:15:56.245 --> 00:15:59.014
Person three hot meals a day, but we only feed our inner
00:15:59.081 --> 00:16:00.449
But we only feed our inner person one cold snack a week.
00:16:00.516 --> 00:16:03.519
Person one cold snack a week. we wonder why we don't have
00:16:03.585 --> 00:16:04.920
We wonder why we don't have energy and favor and wisdom
00:16:04.987 --> 00:16:06.922
Energy and favor and wisdom and creativity.
00:16:06.989 --> 00:16:07.956
And creativity. it's because we're not taking
00:16:08.023 --> 00:16:09.591
It's because we're not taking time to get filled back up.
00:16:09.658 --> 00:16:11.994
The scripture says in god's
00:16:12.227 --> 00:16:14.096
The scripture says in god's presence is fullness of joy,
00:16:14.163 --> 00:16:17.266
Presence is fullness of joy, fullness of peace,
00:16:17.332 --> 00:16:18.667
Fullness of peace, fullness of victory.
00:16:18.734 --> 00:16:19.935
Fullness of victory. that's where you're refreshed
00:16:20.002 --> 00:16:21.270
That's where you're refreshed and restored.
00:16:21.336 --> 00:16:22.738
And restored. every day, you need to take
00:16:22.805 --> 00:16:24.173
Every day, you need to take time to read your bible.
00:16:24.239 --> 00:16:25.974
Time to read your bible. all through the day, meditate
00:16:26.041 --> 00:16:27.476
All through the day, meditate on god's promises.
00:16:27.543 --> 00:16:29.011
On god's promises. put on some good
00:16:29.078 --> 00:16:29.878
Put on some good praise music.
00:16:29.945 --> 00:16:31.213
Praise music. have that quiet time
00:16:31.280 --> 00:16:32.314
Have that quiet time with just you and god.
00:16:32.381 --> 00:16:33.515
With just you and god. you know, these days,
00:16:33.582 --> 00:16:35.384
You know, these days, everything is so noisy, so
00:16:35.451 --> 00:16:37.653
Hectic, so busy, but when you
00:16:37.853 --> 00:16:39.988
Hectic, so busy, but when you get alone and say, "god,
00:16:40.055 --> 00:16:41.757
Get alone and say, "god, i love you today.
00:16:41.824 --> 00:16:43.459
I love you today. thank you for my life,
00:16:43.525 --> 00:16:45.094
Thank you for my life, for my family,
00:16:45.160 --> 00:16:46.395
For my family, for the opportunities
00:16:46.462 --> 00:16:47.463
For the opportunities you've given me.
00:16:47.529 --> 00:16:48.330
You've given me. lord, i know every good thing
00:16:48.397 --> 00:16:50.332
Lord, i know every good thing comes from you."
00:16:50.399 --> 00:16:52.267
Comes from you." when you live like that,
00:16:52.334 --> 00:16:53.836
When you live like that, you will have fresh oil
00:16:53.902 --> 00:16:55.637
You will have fresh oil to keep your light burning
00:16:55.704 --> 00:16:57.206
To keep your light burning brightly, and it's easy to
00:16:57.272 --> 00:16:59.108
Brightly, and it's easy to take care of everyone else,
00:16:59.174 --> 00:17:00.809
Take care of everyone else, but your first priority is
00:17:00.876 --> 00:17:03.078
But your first priority is to take care of yourself.
00:17:03.145 --> 00:17:05.380
To take care of yourself. sometimes we're always
00:17:05.447 --> 00:17:06.715
Sometimes we're always giving, taking care of the
00:17:06.782 --> 00:17:08.117
Giving, taking care of the children, working overtime at
00:17:08.183 --> 00:17:09.952
Children, working overtime at the office, helping that
00:17:10.018 --> 00:17:11.787
The office, helping that friend that's struggling,
00:17:11.854 --> 00:17:13.021
Friend that's struggling, and that's all good,
00:17:13.088 --> 00:17:14.456
And that's all good, but if we're not careful,
00:17:14.523 --> 00:17:15.491
But if we're not careful, we're always giving,
00:17:15.557 --> 00:17:17.259
We're always giving, and we end up run-down.
00:17:17.326 --> 00:17:19.761
And we end up run-down. you have to take time every
00:17:19.828 --> 00:17:21.663
You have to take time every day to get filled back up.
00:17:21.730 --> 00:17:24.733
Day to get filled back up. when you're in god's presence
00:17:24.800 --> 00:17:26.368
When you're in god's presence like today, you're being
00:17:26.435 --> 00:17:27.636
Like today, you're being refreshed, restored,
00:17:27.703 --> 00:17:29.538
Refreshed, restored, reenergized.
00:17:29.605 --> 00:17:31.473
Reenergized. even things that we can do
00:17:31.540 --> 00:17:32.875
Even things that we can do on our own, if you
00:17:32.941 --> 00:17:34.543
On our own, if you will acknowledge god,
00:17:34.610 --> 00:17:36.145
Will acknowledge god, it will go better.
00:17:36.211 --> 00:17:37.446
It will go better. it will be easier.
00:17:37.513 --> 00:17:39.014
It will be easier. at the grocery store,
00:17:39.081 --> 00:17:39.915
At the grocery store, "father, help me to find
00:17:39.982 --> 00:17:41.216
"father, help me to find good deals today."
00:17:41.283 --> 00:17:42.818
Good deals today." in a crowded parking lot,
00:17:42.885 --> 00:17:44.153
In a crowded parking lot, "lord, help me to find
00:17:44.219 --> 00:17:45.020
"lord, help me to find a parking spot."
00:17:45.087 --> 00:17:46.421
A parking spot." before you play that ball
00:17:46.488 --> 00:17:47.523
Before you play that ball game, "lord, help my skills,
00:17:47.589 --> 00:17:48.924
Game, "lord, help my skills, my gifts, my talents,
00:17:48.991 --> 00:17:49.925
My gifts, my talents, to come out to the full."
00:17:49.992 --> 00:17:52.261
To come out to the full." so often, we think we can
00:17:52.327 --> 00:17:54.129
So often, we think we can only talk to god about major
00:17:54.196 --> 00:17:56.598
Only talk to god about major problems, major obstacles,
00:17:56.665 --> 00:17:59.434
Problems, major obstacles, but god wants to be involved
00:17:59.501 --> 00:18:01.436
But god wants to be involved in every part of our lives.
00:18:01.503 --> 00:18:03.839
In every part of our lives. that's why he said, "in all
00:18:03.906 --> 00:18:05.874
That's why he said, "in all your ways, if you'll
00:18:05.941 --> 00:18:07.176
Your ways, if you'll acknowledge me, if you'll
00:18:07.242 --> 00:18:08.544
Acknowledge me, if you'll put me first, i'll give you
00:18:08.610 --> 00:18:10.412
Put me first, i'll give you a reward."
00:18:10.479 --> 00:18:12.147
A reward." seek, when we acknowledge
00:18:12.214 --> 00:18:13.348
Seek, when we acknowledge god, we're showing our
00:18:13.415 --> 00:18:14.783
God, we're showing our dependency on him.
00:18:14.850 --> 00:18:16.618
Dependency on him. we're putting away our pride,
00:18:16.685 --> 00:18:18.453
We're putting away our pride, and in humility,
00:18:18.520 --> 00:18:19.288
And in humility, we're saying, "god
00:18:19.354 --> 00:18:20.422
We're saying, "god i need you today.
00:18:20.489 --> 00:18:21.890
I need you today. i'm counting on your
00:18:21.957 --> 00:18:22.758
I'm counting on your strength, your favor."
00:18:22.824 --> 00:18:25.160
Strength, your favor." it's this attitude of
00:18:25.227 --> 00:18:26.361
It's this attitude of dependency that god
00:18:26.428 --> 00:18:27.963
Dependency that god responds to.
00:18:28.030 --> 00:18:29.164
Responds to. that's what causes him
00:18:29.231 --> 00:18:30.065
That's what causes him to show up and crown
00:18:30.132 --> 00:18:31.600
To show up and crown that day with success.
00:18:31.667 --> 00:18:33.569
On the other hand, when we
00:18:33.769 --> 00:18:35.003
On the other hand, when we don't ask for god's help,
00:18:35.070 --> 00:18:37.105
Don't ask for god's help, we're showing our
00:18:37.172 --> 00:18:37.906
We're showing our self-reliance.
00:18:37.973 --> 00:18:39.474
Self-reliance. we're saying, in effect,
00:18:39.541 --> 00:18:40.576
We're saying, in effect, "god, i've got
00:18:40.642 --> 00:18:41.310
"god, i've got this covered today.
00:18:41.376 --> 00:18:42.578
This covered today. i don't need you.
00:18:42.644 --> 00:18:43.312
I don't need you. i can do it on my own."
00:18:43.378 --> 00:18:45.047
I can do it on my own." that's when god will step
00:18:45.113 --> 00:18:46.215
That's when god will step back and take away
00:18:46.281 --> 00:18:47.583
Back and take away his blessing.
00:18:47.649 --> 00:18:48.850
His blessing. it doesn't mean that we won't
00:18:48.917 --> 00:18:50.219
It doesn't mean that we won't accomplish things, but my
00:18:50.285 --> 00:18:51.687
Accomplish things, but my point is this: how much more
00:18:51.753 --> 00:18:53.689
Could we accomplish?
00:18:53.956 --> 00:18:55.524
Could we accomplish? how much easier would it be?
00:18:55.591 --> 00:18:57.359
How much easier would it be? how much less of a headache,
00:18:57.426 --> 00:18:58.894
How much less of a headache, stress, and strain, if we had
00:18:58.961 --> 00:19:01.029
Stress, and strain, if we had the creator of the universe
00:19:01.096 --> 00:19:02.698
The creator of the universe breathing in our direction?
00:19:02.764 --> 00:19:04.700
Breathing in our direction? in all of your ways,
00:19:04.766 --> 00:19:06.501
In all of your ways, learn to acknowledge god.
00:19:06.568 --> 00:19:07.703
Learn to acknowledge god. a few years ago, one of our
00:19:07.769 --> 00:19:10.906
A few years ago, one of our rabbits got out of the cage.
00:19:10.973 --> 00:19:12.975
Rabbits got out of the cage. we have this fenced-off area
00:19:13.041 --> 00:19:14.476
We have this fenced-off area in our backyard, and somebody
00:19:14.543 --> 00:19:16.144
In our backyard, and somebody left the little gate open,
00:19:16.211 --> 00:19:17.346
Left the little gate open, and this had happened several
00:19:17.412 --> 00:19:19.248
And this had happened several times before, and this
00:19:19.314 --> 00:19:20.716
Times before, and this particular rabbit that got
00:19:20.782 --> 00:19:22.084
Particular rabbit that got out was almost impossible
00:19:22.150 --> 00:19:23.952
Out was almost impossible to catch.
00:19:24.019 --> 00:19:25.187
To catch. a few months earlier
00:19:25.254 --> 00:19:26.555
A few months earlier he got out, and i spent
00:19:26.622 --> 00:19:27.823
He got out, and i spent over 2 1/2 hours
00:19:27.889 --> 00:19:29.591
Over 2 1/2 hours in my backyard with
00:19:29.658 --> 00:19:31.126
In my backyard with my children, trying
00:19:31.193 --> 00:19:32.327
My children, trying to catch this rabbit.
00:19:32.394 --> 00:19:33.862
To catch this rabbit. he gets along the fence line
00:19:33.929 --> 00:19:35.130
He gets along the fence line in the bushes and runs up
00:19:35.197 --> 00:19:36.331
In the bushes and runs up and down.
00:19:36.398 --> 00:19:37.032
And down. he is so fast!
00:19:37.099 --> 00:19:37.833
He is so fast! i took some food out there to
00:19:37.899 --> 00:19:39.167
I took some food out there to bribe him, and i gave him
00:19:39.234 --> 00:19:40.535
Bribe him, and i gave him the food, but he got away
00:19:40.602 --> 00:19:42.004
The food, but he got away before i could grab him.
00:19:42.070 --> 00:19:43.739
Before i could grab him. then i got my children,
00:19:43.805 --> 00:19:44.773
Then i got my children, jonathan and alexandra.
00:19:44.840 --> 00:19:45.974
Jonathan and alexandra. they got a big blanket,
00:19:46.041 --> 00:19:47.175
They got a big blanket, and i had a blanket,
00:19:47.242 --> 00:19:48.377
And i had a blanket, and we were
00:19:48.443 --> 00:19:49.044
And we were on that fence line, very
00:19:49.111 --> 00:19:49.811
On that fence line, very strategically closing in.
00:19:49.878 --> 00:19:51.680
Strategically closing in. right when we threw
00:19:51.747 --> 00:19:52.414
Right when we threw our blankets though,
00:19:52.481 --> 00:19:53.382
Our blankets though, he was able to get away.
00:19:53.448 --> 00:19:54.449
He was able to get away. after 2 1/2 hours,
00:19:54.516 --> 00:19:56.385
After 2 1/2 hours, i was so frustrated,
00:19:56.451 --> 00:19:57.552
I was so frustrated, i went in the house.
00:19:57.619 --> 00:19:58.954
I went in the house. about a half hour later,
00:19:59.021 --> 00:20:00.555
About a half hour later, our daughter alexandra--
00:20:00.622 --> 00:20:01.790
Our daughter alexandra-- she was about 7
00:20:01.857 --> 00:20:02.958
She was about 7 at that time--she caught
00:20:03.025 --> 00:20:03.992
At that time--she caught the rabbit, but this
00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:05.093
The rabbit, but this particular morning,
00:20:05.160 --> 00:20:06.228
Particular morning, it was very early, and i was
00:20:06.295 --> 00:20:08.096
It was very early, and i was in my office at home,
00:20:08.163 --> 00:20:09.097
In my office at home, preparing my message.
00:20:09.164 --> 00:20:10.499
Preparing my message. the children were about
00:20:10.565 --> 00:20:11.366
The children were about to go to school.
00:20:11.433 --> 00:20:12.534
To go to school. they came, running up
00:20:12.601 --> 00:20:13.235
They came, running up the stairs, and said,
00:20:13.302 --> 00:20:14.102
The stairs, and said, "daddy, daddy!
00:20:14.169 --> 00:20:14.936
"daddy, daddy! the rabbit is out, and he's
00:20:15.003 --> 00:20:16.805
The rabbit is out, and he's in the front yard!"
00:20:16.872 --> 00:20:18.640
In the front yard!" to me, that was the worst
00:20:18.707 --> 00:20:20.242
To me, that was the worst possible news
00:20:20.309 --> 00:20:21.076
Possible news i could've received.
00:20:21.143 --> 00:20:21.843
I could've received. you could've said the house
00:20:21.910 --> 00:20:23.612
You could've said the house was on fire, and i thought,
00:20:23.679 --> 00:20:25.113
Was on fire, and i thought, "okay, i can deal with that,"
00:20:25.180 --> 00:20:26.581
"okay, i can deal with that," but i did not want to deal
00:20:26.648 --> 00:20:27.783
But i did not want to deal with this stinking rabbit--
00:20:27.849 --> 00:20:28.950
With this stinking rabbit-- i mean, this beautiful rabbit!
00:20:29.017 --> 00:20:31.186
I mean, this beautiful rabbit! it took me 2 1/2 hours
00:20:31.253 --> 00:20:32.721
It took me 2 1/2 hours in the backyard.
00:20:32.788 --> 00:20:34.089
In the backyard. i thought, man alive,
00:20:34.156 --> 00:20:35.257
I thought, man alive, in the front yard,
00:20:35.324 --> 00:20:36.258
In the front yard, he can run all the way
00:20:36.325 --> 00:20:36.992
He can run all the way down the street.
00:20:37.059 --> 00:20:37.659
Down the street. we're going
00:20:37.726 --> 00:20:38.327
We're going to be here forever.
00:20:38.393 --> 00:20:39.328
To be here forever. i went out there and victoria
00:20:39.394 --> 00:20:41.296
And some neighbors
00:20:41.530 --> 00:20:42.164
And some neighbors and our children.
00:20:42.230 --> 00:20:43.265
And our children. they were looking at
00:20:43.332 --> 00:20:43.965
They were looking at the rabbit in the bushes,
00:20:44.032 --> 00:20:45.534
The rabbit in the bushes, just as calm as can be.
00:20:45.600 --> 00:20:47.436
Just as calm as can be. this time, i decided a
00:20:47.502 --> 00:20:49.037
This time, i decided a different approach.
00:20:49.104 --> 00:20:50.172
Different approach. i thought,
00:20:50.238 --> 00:20:50.839
I thought, "i'm going to pray."
00:20:50.906 --> 00:20:51.473
"i'm going to pray." i remembered proverbs 3:6.
00:20:51.540 --> 00:20:53.709
I remembered proverbs 3:6. i said, "father, you said, if
00:20:53.775 --> 00:20:55.477
I said, "father, you said, if i would acknowledge you in
00:20:55.544 --> 00:20:56.745
I would acknowledge you in all my ways, you would crown
00:20:56.812 --> 00:20:58.347
All my ways, you would crown my efforts with success, and,
00:20:58.413 --> 00:20:59.681
My efforts with success, and, god, i know you made
00:20:59.748 --> 00:21:01.583
This rabbit.
00:21:01.850 --> 00:21:02.617
This rabbit. you're in complete control,"
00:21:02.684 --> 00:21:04.019
You're in complete control," and said, "god, i'm asking
00:21:04.086 --> 00:21:05.554
And said, "god, i'm asking you to cause this rabbit to
00:21:05.620 --> 00:21:07.089
You to cause this rabbit to be still so i can catch him
00:21:07.155 --> 00:21:08.890
Be still so i can catch him and go on about
00:21:08.957 --> 00:21:10.092
And go on about my business."
00:21:10.158 --> 00:21:11.660
My business." you laugh,
00:21:11.727 --> 00:21:12.327
You laugh, but it turns out good.
00:21:12.394 --> 00:21:14.996
But it turns out good. i went over to that rabbit,
00:21:15.063 --> 00:21:16.164
I went over to that rabbit, and he turned like he's going
00:21:16.231 --> 00:21:17.933
And he turned like he's going to take off running like he
00:21:17.999 --> 00:21:19.000
To take off running like he always does, but for some
00:21:19.067 --> 00:21:21.036
Always does, but for some reason, it was like something
00:21:21.103 --> 00:21:22.704
Reason, it was like something put the brakes on him.
00:21:22.771 --> 00:21:24.840
Put the brakes on him. he didn't twitch.
00:21:24.906 --> 00:21:26.074
He didn't twitch. he didn't sniff.
00:21:26.141 --> 00:21:27.943
He didn't sniff. he didn't wiggle.
00:21:28.009 --> 00:21:28.944
He didn't wiggle. he was frozen in his tracks.
00:21:29.010 --> 00:21:30.979
He was frozen in his tracks. i was able to pick up
00:21:31.046 --> 00:21:32.013
I was able to pick up that rabbit.
00:21:32.080 --> 00:21:32.814
That rabbit. listen, we've had
00:21:32.881 --> 00:21:33.515
Listen, we've had that rabbit 6 years.
00:21:33.582 --> 00:21:34.750
That rabbit 6 years. i've never caught that rabbit
00:21:34.816 --> 00:21:35.884
I've never caught that rabbit that easily before.
00:21:35.951 --> 00:21:36.685
That easily before. when i got that rabbit,
00:21:36.752 --> 00:21:38.687
When i got that rabbit, he started going wild,
00:21:38.754 --> 00:21:40.255
He started going wild, trying to get loose.
00:21:40.322 --> 00:21:41.123
Trying to get loose. it's like god said, "joel,
00:21:41.189 --> 00:21:42.858
It's like god said, "joel, i gave him to you,
00:21:42.924 --> 00:21:43.658
I gave him to you, but good luck now!"
00:21:43.725 --> 00:21:47.095
That rabbit was so mad,
00:21:47.295 --> 00:21:49.431
That rabbit was so mad, he was snarling at me like
00:21:49.498 --> 00:21:51.566
He was snarling at me like he was thinking,
00:21:51.633 --> 00:21:52.234
He was thinking, "how in the world
00:21:52.300 --> 00:21:53.235
"how in the world did i let you catch me?"
00:21:53.301 --> 00:21:54.436
Did i let you catch me?" i thought, "don't
00:21:54.503 --> 00:21:55.303
I thought, "don't get mad at me.
00:21:55.370 --> 00:21:55.971
Get mad at me. god did it to you."
00:21:56.037 --> 00:21:56.872
God did it to you." let me encourage you,
00:21:56.938 --> 00:21:59.875
Acknowledge god in all your
00:22:00.075 --> 00:22:02.144
Acknowledge god in all your ways, in big things,
00:22:02.210 --> 00:22:03.779
Ways, in big things, in little things, at home,
00:22:03.845 --> 00:22:05.080
In little things, at home, at the office,
00:22:05.147 --> 00:22:06.214
At the office, the little league field,
00:22:06.281 --> 00:22:07.048
The little league field, the grocery store.
00:22:07.115 --> 00:22:08.717
The grocery store. "god, i need you today.
00:22:08.784 --> 00:22:11.453
"god, i need you today. god, i recognize you're
00:22:11.520 --> 00:22:12.554
God, i recognize you're the source of my strength."
00:22:12.621 --> 00:22:14.122
The source of my strength." that's seeking god.
00:22:14.189 --> 00:22:16.091
He promises a reward
00:22:16.291 --> 00:22:17.325
He promises a reward is coming.
00:22:17.392 --> 00:22:18.727
Is coming. proverbs 22:4, says, "the
00:22:18.794 --> 00:22:20.796
Proverbs 22:4, says, "the reward of true humility and
00:22:20.862 --> 00:22:23.498
Reward of true humility and fear of the lord is wealth,
00:22:23.565 --> 00:22:25.934
Fear of the lord is wealth, honor, and a long life."
00:22:26.001 --> 00:22:28.737
Honor, and a long life." that's my prayer for each of
00:22:28.804 --> 00:22:29.938
That's my prayer for each of you, that you will have god's
00:22:30.005 --> 00:22:31.907
Favor, that you will live a
00:22:32.107 --> 00:22:33.375
Favor, that you will live a long life, and that you will
00:22:33.442 --> 00:22:35.076
Long life, and that you will see all your dreams come
00:22:35.143 --> 00:22:36.511
See all your dreams come to pass.
00:22:36.578 --> 00:22:37.245
To pass. how does this happen?
00:22:37.312 --> 00:22:38.647
How does this happen? by honoring god.
00:22:38.713 --> 00:22:40.515
By honoring god. make pleasing god
00:22:40.582 --> 00:22:42.150
Make pleasing god your highest priority.
00:22:42.217 --> 00:22:43.885
Your highest priority. get up every morning and
00:22:43.952 --> 00:22:45.153
Get up every morning and thank god for his goodness.
00:22:45.220 --> 00:22:47.088
Thank god for his goodness. all through the day,
00:22:47.155 --> 00:22:48.023
All through the day, acknowledge god.
00:22:48.089 --> 00:22:49.791
Acknowledge god. keep your inner man filled up
00:22:49.858 --> 00:22:51.460
Keep your inner man filled up by spending time with god.
00:22:51.526 --> 00:22:53.195
By spending time with god. see it as a vital necessity.
00:22:53.261 --> 00:22:55.530
See it as a vital necessity. remember, don't seek
00:22:55.597 --> 00:22:57.098
Remember, don't seek the blessing.
00:22:57.165 --> 00:22:58.300
The blessing. seek the blessor
00:22:58.366 --> 00:22:58.934
Seek the blessor and the blessing will come.
00:22:59.000 --> 00:23:01.203
And the blessing will come. "all these things will be
00:23:01.269 --> 00:23:02.370
"all these things will be added unto you,"
00:23:02.437 --> 00:23:03.171
Added unto you," and i believe today,
00:23:03.238 --> 00:23:04.806
And i believe today, because you are diligently
00:23:04.873 --> 00:23:06.408
Because you are diligently seeking god, a reward
00:23:06.475 --> 00:23:08.210
Seeking god, a reward is coming.
00:23:08.276 --> 00:23:09.478
Is coming. get ready for god's goodness.
00:23:09.544 --> 00:23:11.480
Get ready for god's goodness. he's going to turn negative
00:23:11.546 --> 00:23:12.747
He's going to turn negative situations around.
00:23:12.814 --> 00:23:14.382
Situations around. he's going to open up
00:23:14.449 --> 00:23:15.350
He's going to open up new doors.
00:23:15.417 --> 00:23:16.485
New doors. god's going to give you
00:23:16.551 --> 00:23:17.419
God's going to give you inside information.
00:23:17.486 --> 00:23:19.254
Inside information. he's going to pour out his
00:23:19.321 --> 00:23:20.388
He's going to pour out his favor in ways greater
00:23:20.455 --> 00:23:21.823
Favor in ways greater than you ever imagined.
00:23:21.890 --> 00:23:23.492
Than you ever imagined. god is saying, "i'm going to
00:23:23.558 --> 00:23:25.026
God is saying, "i'm going to pay you for seeking me,
00:23:25.093 --> 00:23:26.862
Pay you for seeking me, with favor, with honor,
00:23:26.928 --> 00:23:29.164
With favor, with honor, and with a long,
00:23:29.231 --> 00:23:30.165
And with a long, blessed, satisfied,
00:23:30.232 --> 00:23:31.967
Blessed, satisfied, productive, prosperous,
00:23:32.033 --> 00:23:33.768
Productive, prosperous, faith-filled, healthy life."
00:23:33.835 --> 00:23:35.804
Faith-filled, healthy life." i declare it, and i believe
00:23:35.871 --> 00:23:37.405
I declare it, and i believe it over each one of you.
00:23:37.472 --> 00:23:38.640
It over each one of you. if you receive it, can you
00:23:38.707 --> 00:23:40.041
If you receive it, can you say amen today?
00:23:40.108 --> 00:23:42.444
We never like to close our
00:23:42.644 --> 00:23:43.645
We never like to close our broadcast without giving you
00:23:43.712 --> 00:23:45.180
Broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make jesus
00:23:45.247 --> 00:23:46.948
An opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life.
00:23:47.015 --> 00:23:48.283
The lord of your life. would you pray with me?
00:23:48.350 --> 00:23:49.551
Would you pray with me? just say, "lord jesus,
00:23:49.618 --> 00:23:52.254
Just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins.
00:23:52.320 --> 00:23:54.689
I repent of my sins. come into my heart.
00:23:54.756 --> 00:23:56.825
Come into my heart. i make you my lord
00:23:56.892 --> 00:23:58.026
I make you my lord and savior."
00:23:58.093 --> 00:23:59.961
And savior." friends, if you prayed that
00:24:00.028 --> 00:24:00.996
Friends, if you prayed that simple prayer, we believe
00:24:01.062 --> 00:24:02.230
Simple prayer, we believe you got born again.
00:24:02.297 --> 00:24:03.632
You got born again. get in a good bible-based
00:24:03.698 --> 00:24:04.933
Get in a good bible-based church.
00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:05.600
Church. keep god first place.
00:24:05.667 --> 00:24:06.601
Keep god first place. he's going to take you places
00:24:06.668 --> 00:24:08.537
You've never dreamed of.
00:24:08.737 --> 00:24:09.437
Sometimes in life,
00:24:09.971 --> 00:24:11.039
Sometimes in life, people don't choose us.
00:24:11.106 --> 00:24:12.741
People don't choose us. we've all felt overlooked
00:24:12.807 --> 00:24:14.242
We've all felt overlooked and like we're not good enough.
00:24:14.309 --> 00:24:16.077
And like we're not good enough. it's easy to live inferior,
00:24:16.144 --> 00:24:17.646
It's easy to live inferior, thinking we don't measure up.
00:24:17.712 --> 00:24:19.648
Thinking we don't measure up. people may have left you out.
00:24:19.714 --> 00:24:21.182
People may have left you out. the good news is
00:24:21.249 --> 00:24:22.284
The good news is god has chosen you.
00:24:22.350 --> 00:24:23.952
God has chosen you. he's the one that matters.
00:24:24.019 --> 00:24:25.654
And in my new book, chosen:
00:24:25.754 --> 00:24:27.522
And in my new book, chosen: your life is marked
00:24:27.589 --> 00:24:28.623
Your life is marked for distinction,
00:24:28.690 --> 00:24:29.891
For distinction, you'll discover,
00:24:29.958 --> 00:24:30.792
You'll discover, before you were born,
00:24:30.859 --> 00:24:32.394
Before you were born, god not only knew you,
00:24:32.460 --> 00:24:33.795
God not only knew you, but he handpicked you
00:24:33.862 --> 00:24:35.330
But he handpicked you and placed
00:24:35.397 --> 00:24:35.931
And placed a calling on your life.
00:24:35.997 --> 00:24:37.699
A calling on your life. you are equipped and empowered
00:24:37.766 --> 00:24:39.501
You are equipped and empowered to fulfill your destiny.
00:24:39.568 --> 00:24:41.570
To fulfill your destiny. when you understand
00:24:41.636 --> 00:24:42.604
When you understand that you're chosen,
00:24:42.671 --> 00:24:43.772
That you're chosen, fear and doubt can't stay,
00:24:43.838 --> 00:24:45.874
Fear and doubt can't stay, you'll live
00:24:45.941 --> 00:24:46.241
You'll live with the boldness
00:24:46.308 --> 00:24:47.042
With the boldness to step into the greatness
00:24:47.108 --> 00:24:48.643
To step into the greatness god put in you.
00:24:48.710 --> 00:24:50.045
God put in you. i'd love to send you
00:24:50.111 --> 00:24:50.745
I'd love to send you my new book, chosen,
00:24:50.812 --> 00:24:52.180
My new book, chosen, plus the chosen t-shirt
00:24:52.247 --> 00:24:53.815
Plus the chosen t-shirt from our friends at copper fit.
00:24:53.882 --> 00:24:56.284
From our friends at copper fit. as our way of saying thank you
00:24:56.351 --> 00:24:57.986
As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount
00:24:58.053 --> 00:24:59.554
For your gift of any amount this month,
00:24:59.621 --> 00:25:00.322
This month, we would like to send you
00:25:00.388 --> 00:25:01.556
We would like to send you a copy of joel's book,
00:25:01.623 --> 00:25:03.358
A copy of joel's book, chosen:
00:25:03.425 --> 00:25:04.225
Chosen: your life is marked
00:25:04.292 --> 00:25:05.660
Your life is marked for distinction.
00:25:05.727 --> 00:25:06.928
For distinction. in the scriptures,
00:25:06.995 --> 00:25:07.929
In the scriptures, jesus encouraged us by saying,
00:25:07.996 --> 00:25:10.198
Jesus encouraged us by saying, "you didn't choose me.
00:25:10.265 --> 00:25:11.900
"you didn't choose me. i chose you."
00:25:11.967 --> 00:25:13.535
I chose you." this powerful guide
00:25:13.602 --> 00:25:14.869
This powerful guide will help
00:25:14.936 --> 00:25:15.337
Will help you discover the abundant life
00:25:15.403 --> 00:25:17.138
You discover the abundant life you were designed to live.
00:25:17.205 --> 00:25:19.140
You were designed to live. as a child of god,
00:25:19.207 --> 00:25:20.609
As a child of god, you have a calling,
00:25:20.675 --> 00:25:22.010
You have a calling, a purpose,
00:25:22.077 --> 00:25:23.044
A purpose, a destiny still
00:25:23.111 --> 00:25:24.212
A destiny still to be fulfilled.
00:25:24.279 --> 00:25:25.413
To be fulfilled. when you request your copy,
00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:27.182
When you request your copy, we also want to send you
00:25:27.248 --> 00:25:28.683
We also want to send you our exclusive chosen t-shirt
00:25:28.750 --> 00:25:30.685
Our exclusive chosen t-shirt from copper fit
00:25:30.752 --> 00:25:31.653
From copper fit that will remind you
00:25:31.720 --> 00:25:32.854
That will remind you that you've been chosen
00:25:32.921 --> 00:25:34.189
That you've been chosen by almighty god
00:25:34.255 --> 00:25:35.657
By almighty god every time you wear it.
00:25:35.724 --> 00:25:37.759
Every time you wear it. please request these gifts today
00:25:37.826 --> 00:25:39.728
Please request these gifts today and discover
00:25:39.794 --> 00:25:40.462
And discover that god is moving
00:25:40.528 --> 00:25:41.696
That god is moving on your behalf.
00:25:41.763 --> 00:25:42.897
On your behalf. your next days
00:25:42.964 --> 00:25:44.132
Your next days are going to be your best days.
00:25:44.199 --> 00:25:46.735
Are going to be your best days. you're not average.
00:25:46.801 --> 00:25:47.702
You're not average. you're not ordinary.
00:25:47.769 --> 00:25:48.770
You're not ordinary. you've been chosen
00:25:48.837 --> 00:25:49.771
You've been chosen by almighty god.
00:25:49.838 --> 00:25:51.473
By almighty god. victoria and i want you to know
00:25:51.539 --> 00:25:52.774
Victoria and i want you to know how much we love you.
00:25:52.841 --> 00:25:54.109
How much we love you. we pray for
00:25:54.175 --> 00:25:54.909
We pray for you and your family every day.
00:25:54.976 --> 00:25:56.711
You and your family every day. and thanks so much
00:25:56.778 --> 00:25:57.812
And thanks so much for your prayer and support.
00:25:57.879 --> 00:25:59.681
For your prayer and support. your generosity
00:25:59.748 --> 00:26:00.715
Your generosity is helping people
00:26:00.782 --> 00:26:01.549
Is helping people all over the world.
00:26:01.616 --> 00:26:03.118
All over the world. and a special thank you
00:26:03.184 --> 00:26:04.285
And a special thank you to our champion
00:26:04.352 --> 00:26:04.953
To our champion of hope partners
00:26:05.020 --> 00:26:05.887
Of hope partners for your monthly gifts.
00:26:05.954 --> 00:26:07.589
For your monthly gifts. if you're not a partner,
00:26:07.656 --> 00:26:08.556
If you're not a partner, i hope you'll consider
00:26:08.623 --> 00:26:09.491
I hope you'll consider becoming one.
00:26:09.557 --> 00:26:10.892
Becoming one. remember,
00:26:10.959 --> 00:26:11.426
Remember, you can watch the services
00:26:11.493 --> 00:26:12.727
You can watch the services online live
00:26:12.794 --> 00:26:14.162
Online live every sunday morning,
00:26:14.229 --> 00:26:15.664
Every sunday morning, download our daily podcast,
00:26:15.730 --> 00:26:17.666
Download our daily podcast, watch on youtube,
00:26:17.732 --> 00:26:18.933
Watch on youtube, the new joel osteen network,
00:26:19.000 --> 00:26:20.535
The new joel osteen network, social media,
00:26:20.602 --> 00:26:21.536
Social media, listen on sirius xm.
00:26:21.603 --> 00:26:23.505
Listen on sirius xm. we'll keep you
00:26:23.571 --> 00:26:24.039
We'll keep you encouraged and inspired.
00:26:24.105 --> 00:26:26.041
Encouraged and inspired. until we see you next time,
00:26:26.107 --> 00:26:27.475
Until we see you next time, may the lord bless you
00:26:27.542 --> 00:26:28.743
May the lord bless you and keep you.
00:26:28.810 --> 00:26:30.345
And keep you. be sure to request
00:26:30.412 --> 00:26:31.446
Be sure to request your copy of chosen:
00:26:31.513 --> 00:26:33.081
Your copy of chosen: your life is marked
00:26:33.148 --> 00:26:34.349
Your life is marked for distinction,
00:26:34.416 --> 00:26:35.417
For distinction, plus our exclusive
00:26:35.483 --> 00:26:36.718
Plus our exclusive chosen t-shirt from copper fit.
00:26:36.785 --> 00:26:39.020
Chosen t-shirt from copper fit. visit joelosteen.com
00:26:39.087 --> 00:26:41.056
Visit joelosteen.com or call 888-567-joel.
00:26:41.122 --> 00:26:44.793
Or call 888-567-joel. for an additional donation
00:26:44.859 --> 00:26:46.227
For an additional donation this month,
00:26:46.294 --> 00:26:46.828
This month, we are also offering
00:26:46.895 --> 00:26:48.063
We are also offering the nlt large
00:26:48.129 --> 00:26:49.597
The nlt large print thin line
00:26:49.664 --> 00:26:50.465
Print thin line reference bible.
00:26:50.532 --> 00:26:51.666
Reference bible. this bible also enables you
00:26:51.733 --> 00:26:53.702
This bible also enables you to connect
00:26:53.768 --> 00:26:54.369
To connect through your smartphone
00:26:54.436 --> 00:26:55.336
Through your smartphone or tablet
00:26:55.403 --> 00:26:56.171
Or tablet to a vast, power-packed
00:26:56.237 --> 00:26:57.872
To a vast, power-packed array of study notes,
00:26:57.939 --> 00:26:59.140
Array of study notes, devotionals, interactive maps,
00:26:59.207 --> 00:27:01.376
Devotionals, interactive maps, videos, and worship music.
00:27:01.443 --> 00:27:03.678
Videos, and worship music. you can request
00:27:03.745 --> 00:27:04.579
You can request these inspiring resources
00:27:04.646 --> 00:27:06.247
These inspiring resources by calling 888-567-joel
00:27:06.314 --> 00:27:10.051
By calling 888-567-joel or logging on to
00:27:10.118 --> 00:27:11.052
Or logging on to joelosteen.com today.
00:27:11.119 --> 00:27:13.621
Joelosteen.com today. call or click anytime,
00:27:13.688 --> 00:27:15.423
Call or click anytime, 24 hours a day.
00:27:15.490 --> 00:27:17.192
24 hours a day. yes, god has chosen you
00:27:17.258 --> 00:27:19.327
Yes, god has chosen you for a reason, for a purpose.
00:27:19.394 --> 00:27:21.763
For a reason, for a purpose. request your copies today.
00:27:21.830 --> 00:27:24.165

Joel Osteen - God Is A Rewarder

July 5, 2025 | 30:0

Closed captions

Share