Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen - Living Content

January 15, 2026 | 27:29

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

#Contentment #TrustGod #Joy #Peace #Blessing #Lifestyle #JoelOsteen

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Joel Osteen | Joel Osteen - Living Content | January 15, 2026

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. (applause)
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. (applause) well, god bless you. it's
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(applause) well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your
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Well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your homes and if you're ever in our
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Always a joy to come into your homes and if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a
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Homes and if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a part of one of our services.
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Area please stop by and be a part of one of our services. i promise you we'll make you
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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. thank
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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. i like to start with something
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You again for coming out. 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 pastor. he decided to skip
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Funny. i heard about this pastor. he decided to skip church one sunday morning and
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Pastor. he decided to skip church one sunday morning and go play golf. he told his
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Church one sunday morning and go play golf. he told his assistant that he wasn't
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Go play golf. he told his assistant that he wasn't feeling well and he drove to a
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Assistant that he wasn't feeling well and he drove to a golf course in another city so
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Feeling well and he drove to a golf course in another city so nobody would know him. he teed
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Golf course in another city so nobody would know him. he teed off on the first hole. a huge
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Nobody would know him. he teed off on the first hole. a huge gust of wind caught his ball,
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Off on the first hole. a huge gust of wind caught his ball, carried it an extra hundred
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Gust of wind caught his ball, carried it an extra hundred yards and dropped it right in
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Carried it an extra hundred yards and dropped it right in the hole for a 450-yard hole in
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Yards and dropped it right in the hole for a 450-yard hole in one. an angel looked at god and
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The hole for a 450-yard hole in one. an angel looked at god and said, "what did you do that
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One. an angel looked at god and said, "what did you do that for?" god smiled and said,
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Said, "what did you do that for?" god smiled and said, "who is he going to tell?"
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For?" god smiled and said, "who is he going to tell?" (laughter/applause)
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"who is he going to tell?" (laughter/applause) hold up your bible. say it like
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(laughter/applause) hold up your bible. say it like you mean it.
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Hold up your bible. say it like you mean it. this is my bible.
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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. god bless you.
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I will never be the same. in jesus' name. god bless you. i want to talk to you today
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In jesus' name. god bless you. i want to talk to you today about living content. it's good
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I want to talk to you today about living content. it's good to have dreams and goals. we
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About living content. it's good to have dreams and goals. we should be stretching our faith,
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To have dreams and goals. we should be stretching our faith, believing for something bigger.
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Should be stretching our faith, believing for something bigger. but here's the key. while we're
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Believing for something bigger. but here's the key. while we're waiting for things to change,
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But here's the key. while we're waiting for things to change, waiting for promises to come to
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Waiting for things to change, waiting for promises to come to pass, we shouldn't be
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Waiting for promises to come to pass, we shouldn't be discontent where we are. maybe
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Pass, we shouldn't be discontent where we are. maybe you're believing to have a
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Discontent where we are. maybe you're believing to have a baby, believing for a new house,
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You're believing to have a baby, believing for a new house, believing to get married.
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Baby, believing for a new house, believing to get married. that's great but don't go the
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Believing to get married. that's great but don't go the next five years discontent being
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That's great but don't go the next five years discontent being single, discontent with the
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Next five years discontent being single, discontent with the house you have, discontent not
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Single, discontent with the house you have, discontent not having a child. learn to enjoy
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House you have, discontent not having a child. learn to enjoy the season that you're in.
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Having a child. learn to enjoy the season that you're in. being unhappy, frustrated,
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The season that you're in. being unhappy, frustrated, wondering if it's ever going to
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Being unhappy, frustrated, wondering if it's ever going to change is not going to make it
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Wondering if it's ever going to change is not going to make it happen any sooner. when we're
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Change is not going to make it happen any sooner. when we're discontent we're dishonoring
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Happen any sooner. when we're discontent we're dishonoring god. we're so focused on what
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Discontent we're dishonoring god. we're so focused on what we want we're taking for
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God. we're so focused on what we want we're taking for granted what we have. the
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We want we're taking for granted what we have. the right attitude is, "god, i'm
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Granted what we have. the right attitude is, "god, i'm believing for a new house
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Right attitude is, "god, i'm believing for a new house but in the meantime i'm happy
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Believing for a new house but in the meantime i'm happy with the house i have.
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But in the meantime i'm happy with the house i have. i'm believing to get married
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With the house i have. i'm believing to get married but in the meantime i'm content
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I'm believing to get married but in the meantime i'm content being single, believing for a
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But in the meantime i'm content being single, believing for a better job, but i'm happy with
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Being single, believing for a better job, but i'm happy with the job i have right now."
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Better job, but i'm happy with the job i have right now." the apostle paul said, "i have
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The job i have right now." the apostle paul said, "i have learned how to be content,
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The apostle paul said, "i have learned how to be content, whether i'm abased or abounding,
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Learned how to be content, whether i'm abased or abounding, whether i have plenty or whether
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Whether i'm abased or abounding, whether i have plenty or whether i'm in need."
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Whether i have plenty or whether i'm in need." notice he had to learn to be
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I'm in need." notice he had to learn to be content. it doesn't happen
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Notice he had to learn to be content. it doesn't happen automatically. it's a choice we
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Content. it doesn't happen automatically. it's a choice we have to make. being content
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Automatically. it's a choice we have to make. being content doesn't mean that we don't want
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Have to make. being content doesn't mean that we don't want change, we give up on our
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Doesn't mean that we don't want change, we give up on our dreams, we settle where we are.
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Change, we give up on our dreams, we settle where we are. no, it means we're not fighting
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Dreams, we settle where we are. no, it means we're not fighting everything. we're not
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No, it means we're not fighting everything. we're not frustrated. we're trusting
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Everything. we're not frustrated. we're trusting god's timing. we know he is
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Frustrated. we're trusting god's timing. we know he is working behind the scenes and
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God's timing. we know he is working behind the scenes and at the right time he will get
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Working behind the scenes and at the right time he will get us to where we're supposed
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At the right time he will get us to where we're supposed to be. i've found some
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Us to where we're supposed to be. i've found some situations will not change
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To be. i've found some situations will not change until we change. as long as
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Situations will not change until we change. as long as we're frustrated, stressed out,
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Until we change. as long as we're frustrated, stressed out, thinking, "why is it taking so
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We're frustrated, stressed out, thinking, "why is it taking so long? why am i still dealing
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Thinking, "why is it taking so long? why am i still dealing with this problem? why is my
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Long? why am i still dealing with this problem? why is my husband still aggravating me?"
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With this problem? why is my husband still aggravating me?" no, if god has us there we must
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Husband still aggravating me?" no, if god has us there we must need it. he is going to use it
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No, if god has us there we must need it. he is going to use it to do a work in us. when we're
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Need it. he is going to use it to do a work in us. when we're content we're growing. we're
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To do a work in us. when we're content we're growing. we're developing character. our faith
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Content we're growing. we're developing character. our faith is being strengthened. you
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Developing character. our faith is being strengthened. you don't grow in the good times,
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Is being strengthened. you don't grow in the good times, when everything is going your
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Don't grow in the good times, when everything is going your way. you grow when there's
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When everything is going your way. you grow when there's pressure. you feel like being
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Way. you grow when there's pressure. you feel like being sour but you choose to be
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Pressure. you feel like being sour but you choose to be happy. you could easily
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Sour but you choose to be happy. you could easily complain but you say, "lord,
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Happy. you could easily complain but you say, "lord, thank you for another great
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Complain but you say, "lord, thank you for another great day."
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Thank you for another great day." all your dreams haven't come to
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Day." all your dreams haven't come to pass but you choose to enjoy the
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All your dreams haven't come to pass but you choose to enjoy the season that you're in. that's
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Pass but you choose to enjoy the season that you're in. that's passing the test. that's what
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Season that you're in. that's passing the test. that's what allows god to go to work.
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Passing the test. that's what allows god to go to work. instead of trying to change the
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Allows god to go to work. instead of trying to change the situation let it change you.
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Instead of trying to change the situation let it change you. there's something wrong if
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Situation let it change you. there's something wrong if we're always discontented.
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There's something wrong if we're always discontented. "i don't like my job. tired of
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We're always discontented. "i don't like my job. tired of this small apartment. these
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"i don't like my job. tired of this small apartment. these kids get on my nerves. when is
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This small apartment. these kids get on my nerves. when is my business ever going to
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Kids get on my nerves. when is my business ever going to grow?" that's going to keep you
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My business ever going to grow?" that's going to keep you where you are.
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Grow?" that's going to keep you where you are. god's plan for our life is not
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Where you are. god's plan for our life is not to just make us comfortable but
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God's plan for our life is not to just make us comfortable but to grow us up, to mature us,
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To just make us comfortable but to grow us up, to mature us, so he can release more of his
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To grow us up, to mature us, so he can release more of his favor. you may not like where
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So he can release more of his favor. you may not like where you are but you wouldn't be
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Favor. you may not like where you are but you wouldn't be there unless god had a purpose
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You are but you wouldn't be there unless god had a purpose for it. make sure you pass the
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There unless god had a purpose for it. make sure you pass the test. this is what david did.
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For it. make sure you pass the test. this is what david did. he spent years in the lonely
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Test. this is what david did. he spent years in the lonely shepherd's fields taking care of
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He spent years in the lonely shepherd's fields taking care of his father's sheep. what's
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Shepherd's fields taking care of his father's sheep. what's interesting is he had already
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His father's sheep. what's interesting is he had already been chosen to be the next king
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Interesting is he had already been chosen to be the next king of israel. the prophet samuel
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Been chosen to be the next king of israel. the prophet samuel had already anointed him.
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Of israel. the prophet samuel had already anointed him. david could have thought,
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Had already anointed him. david could have thought, "god, this isn't right. i've
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David could have thought, "god, this isn't right. i've got big dreams. you promised me
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"god, this isn't right. i've got big dreams. you promised me great things. what am i doing
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Got big dreams. you promised me great things. what am i doing stuck out here with a bunch of
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Great things. what am i doing stuck out here with a bunch of sheep?" no, david understood
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Stuck out here with a bunch of sheep?" no, david understood this principle. he didn't live
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Sheep?" no, david understood this principle. he didn't live stressed, frustrated. he
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This principle. he didn't live stressed, frustrated. he bloomed where he was planted.
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Stressed, frustrated. he bloomed where he was planted. he knew god was in control
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Bloomed where he was planted. he knew god was in control so he just kept being his best,
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He knew god was in control so he just kept being his best, going to work with a good
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So he just kept being his best, going to work with a good attitude, grateful for where
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Going to work with a good attitude, grateful for where he was. because he was content
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Attitude, grateful for where he was. because he was content in the shepherd's fields he
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He was. because he was content in the shepherd's fields he made it to the throne, to the
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In the shepherd's fields he made it to the throne, to the palace. he passed that test.
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Made it to the throne, to the palace. he passed that test. but if you're not content in the
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Palace. he passed that test. but if you're not content in the season you're in, while you're
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But if you're not content in the season you're in, while you're waiting for things to change,
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Season you're in, while you're waiting for things to change, then even if you do somehow make
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Waiting for things to change, then even if you do somehow make it to your throne so to speak,
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Then even if you do somehow make it to your throne so to speak, your dreams do come to pass,
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It to your throne so to speak, your dreams do come to pass, you're still not going to be
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Your dreams do come to pass, you're still not going to be satisfied. you may be happy for
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You're still not going to be satisfied. you may be happy for a little while but here's the
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Satisfied. you may be happy for a little while but here's the problem. discontentment will
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A little while but here's the problem. discontentment will follow you everywhere you go.
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Problem. discontentment will follow you everywhere you go. if your dreams are not coming
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Follow you everywhere you go. if your dreams are not coming to pass that's a test. will you
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If your dreams are not coming to pass that's a test. will you do like david and bloom where
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To pass that's a test. will you do like david and bloom where you're planted? will you choose
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Do like david and bloom where you're planted? will you choose to enjoy that season and not
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You're planted? will you choose to enjoy that season and not just endure it, thinking, "god,
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To enjoy that season and not just endure it, thinking, "god, when is this ever going to
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Just endure it, thinking, "god, when is this ever going to change? i've been praying for
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When is this ever going to change? i've been praying for two years."
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Change? i've been praying for two years." no, maybe it's going to change
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Two years." no, maybe it's going to change when you change. you've got to
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No, maybe it's going to change when you change. you've got to be satisfied with where god has
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When you change. you've got to be satisfied with where god has you right now. again, it
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Be satisfied with where god has you right now. again, it doesn't mean you settle there,
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You right now. again, it doesn't mean you settle there, never expect anything good.
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Doesn't mean you settle there, never expect anything good. it means you don't live
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Never expect anything good. it means you don't live frustrated, always wanting
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It means you don't live frustrated, always wanting something more. "god, i need
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Frustrated, always wanting something more. "god, i need more money. then i'll be
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Something more. "god, i need more money. then i'll be happy." "i need a better job."
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More money. then i'll be happy." "i need a better job." "i need a bigger house."
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Happy." "i need a better job." "i need a bigger house." "i need to lose 20 pounds."
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"i need a bigger house." "i need to lose 20 pounds." "i need my kids to make better
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"i need to lose 20 pounds." "i need my kids to make better grades. then i'll enjoy life."
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"i need my kids to make better grades. then i'll enjoy life." if you get all that corrected,
00:06:44.994 --> 00:06:46.729
Grades. then i'll enjoy life." if you get all that corrected, if you accomplish your wish
00:06:46.796 --> 00:06:48.564
If you get all that corrected, if you accomplish your wish list, something else will come
00:06:48.631 --> 00:06:50.132
If you accomplish your wish list, something else will come up to make you discontented.
00:06:50.199 --> 00:06:53.002
List, something else will come up to make you discontented. you've got to put your foot down
00:06:53.069 --> 00:06:54.237
Up to make you discontented. you've got to put your foot down and say, "that's it. everything
00:06:54.303 --> 00:06:56.205
You've got to put your foot down and say, "that's it. everything may not be perfect in my life.
00:06:56.272 --> 00:06:58.241
And say, "that's it. everything may not be perfect in my life. all my dreams may not have
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May not be perfect in my life. all my dreams may not have come to pass yet but i'm not
00:07:00.076 --> 00:07:01.611
All my dreams may not have come to pass yet but i'm not living frustrated, stressed
00:07:01.677 --> 00:07:03.312
Come to pass yet but i'm not living frustrated, stressed out. i'm going to bloom right
00:07:03.379 --> 00:07:04.881
Living frustrated, stressed out. i'm going to bloom right where i'm planted." (applause)
00:07:04.947 --> 00:07:07.817
Out. i'm going to bloom right where i'm planted." (applause) in other words, "i'm content
00:07:07.884 --> 00:07:09.619
Where i'm planted." (applause) in other words, "i'm content whether i'm driving a 20 year
00:07:09.685 --> 00:07:11.521
In other words, "i'm content whether i'm driving a 20 year old volkswagen or a brand new
00:07:11.587 --> 00:07:13.322
Whether i'm driving a 20 year old volkswagen or a brand new mercedes benz."
00:07:13.389 --> 00:07:15.324
Old volkswagen or a brand new mercedes benz." "i'm content whether i'm living
00:07:15.391 --> 00:07:16.659
Mercedes benz." "i'm content whether i'm living in a small apartment or a
00:07:16.726 --> 00:07:18.127
"i'm content whether i'm living in a small apartment or a beautiful dream house."
00:07:18.194 --> 00:07:20.129
In a small apartment or a beautiful dream house." "i'm content whether my business
00:07:20.196 --> 00:07:21.564
Beautiful dream house." "i'm content whether my business is booming or whether it's a
00:07:21.631 --> 00:07:23.232
"i'm content whether my business is booming or whether it's a little slow."
00:07:23.299 --> 00:07:25.201
Is booming or whether it's a little slow." you cannot let your contentment
00:07:25.268 --> 00:07:26.836
Little slow." you cannot let your contentment be based on what you have or
00:07:26.903 --> 00:07:29.639
You cannot let your contentment be based on what you have or don't have, on who likes you or
00:07:29.705 --> 00:07:31.007
Be based on what you have or don't have, on who likes you or who doesn't like you. learn to
00:07:31.073 --> 00:07:32.108
Don't have, on who likes you or who doesn't like you. learn to be content in every season.
00:07:32.174 --> 00:07:34.443
Who doesn't like you. learn to be content in every season. content when god blesses you
00:07:34.510 --> 00:07:36.412
Be content in every season. content when god blesses you with a lot and content when you
00:07:36.479 --> 00:07:37.914
Content when god blesses you with a lot and content when you have a little. content when the
00:07:37.980 --> 00:07:39.615
With a lot and content when you have a little. content when the dreams are coming to pass and
00:07:39.682 --> 00:07:41.684
Have a little. content when the dreams are coming to pass and content while you're waiting.
00:07:41.751 --> 00:07:43.419
Dreams are coming to pass and content while you're waiting. content in the shepherd's fields
00:07:43.486 --> 00:07:45.321
Content while you're waiting. content in the shepherd's fields and content in the palace.
00:07:45.388 --> 00:07:47.323
Content in the shepherd's fields and content in the palace. the scripture says, "godliness
00:07:47.390 --> 00:07:49.158
And content in the palace. the scripture says, "godliness with contentment is great gain."
00:07:49.225 --> 00:07:52.562
The scripture says, "godliness with contentment is great gain." life is very freeing when you
00:07:52.628 --> 00:07:54.964
With contentment is great gain." life is very freeing when you can say, "i'm content with who
00:07:55.031 --> 00:07:57.433
Life is very freeing when you can say, "i'm content with who god made me to be. i'm content
00:07:57.500 --> 00:07:59.602
Can say, "i'm content with who god made me to be. i'm content with my personality, content
00:07:59.669 --> 00:08:01.604
God made me to be. i'm content with my personality, content with my looks, content with my
00:08:01.671 --> 00:08:03.005
With my personality, content with my looks, content with my gifts. i'm content with where
00:08:03.072 --> 00:08:05.007
With my looks, content with my gifts. i'm content with where i am in life, my position, my
00:08:05.074 --> 00:08:07.710
Gifts. i'm content with where i am in life, my position, my career, my relationships,
00:08:07.777 --> 00:08:09.011
I am in life, my position, my career, my relationships, my house."
00:08:09.078 --> 00:08:10.613
Career, my relationships, my house." this is the reason many people
00:08:10.680 --> 00:08:12.315
My house." this is the reason many people are unhappy. they're always
00:08:12.381 --> 00:08:14.283
This is the reason many people are unhappy. they're always wishing for something
00:08:14.350 --> 00:08:16.018
Are unhappy. they're always wishing for something different. some single people
00:08:16.085 --> 00:08:18.087
Wishing for something different. some single people are not going to be content
00:08:18.154 --> 00:08:19.989
Different. some single people are not going to be content until they get married.
00:08:20.056 --> 00:08:21.657
Are not going to be content until they get married. no, you need to enjoy being
00:08:21.724 --> 00:08:23.659
Until they get married. no, you need to enjoy being single because when you get
00:08:23.726 --> 00:08:25.561
No, you need to enjoy being single because when you get married you'll enjoy it more.
00:08:25.628 --> 00:08:28.431
Single because when you get married you'll enjoy it more. (laughter) i'm smarter than i
00:08:28.497 --> 00:08:30.833
Married you'll enjoy it more. (laughter) i'm smarter than i look. (laughter)
00:08:30.900 --> 00:08:34.036
(laughter) i'm smarter than i look. (laughter) there are married people that
00:08:34.103 --> 00:08:35.404
Look. (laughter) there are married people that wish they weren't married, wish
00:08:35.471 --> 00:08:37.707
There are married people that wish they weren't married, wish they were married to somebody
00:08:37.773 --> 00:08:38.908
Wish they weren't married, wish they were married to somebody else.
00:08:38.975 --> 00:08:40.810
They were married to somebody else. white people sit in tanning
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Else. white people sit in tanning booths trying to get darker.
00:08:41.711 --> 00:08:43.446
White people sit in tanning booths trying to get darker. dark people put cream on their
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Booths trying to get darker. dark people put cream on their skin trying to get lighter.
00:08:45.481 --> 00:08:47.016
Dark people put cream on their skin trying to get lighter. (laughter)
00:08:47.083 --> 00:08:48.317
Skin trying to get lighter. (laughter) ladies with curly hair go to
00:08:48.384 --> 00:08:49.819
(laughter) ladies with curly hair go to the salon to get it
00:08:49.885 --> 00:08:50.987
Ladies with curly hair go to the salon to get it straightened. people with
00:08:51.053 --> 00:08:52.788
The salon to get it straightened. people with straight hair go to the salon
00:08:52.855 --> 00:08:54.123
Straightened. people with straight hair go to the salon to get it permed. people with
00:08:54.190 --> 00:08:55.157
Straight hair go to the salon to get it permed. people with no hair go to the salon to buy
00:08:55.224 --> 00:08:57.360
To get it permed. people with no hair go to the salon to buy some hair. (laughter)
00:08:57.426 --> 00:09:00.529
No hair go to the salon to buy some hair. (laughter) but really, there's nothing
00:09:00.596 --> 00:09:02.531
Some hair. (laughter) but really, there's nothing wrong with improving, being your
00:09:02.598 --> 00:09:04.000
But really, there's nothing wrong with improving, being your best, showing your style, but
00:09:04.066 --> 00:09:05.635
Wrong with improving, being your best, showing your style, but you shouldn't always be wishing
00:09:05.701 --> 00:09:08.037
Best, showing your style, but you shouldn't always be wishing you were something different.
00:09:08.104 --> 00:09:10.539
You shouldn't always be wishing you were something different. be content with who god made
00:09:10.606 --> 00:09:12.208
You were something different. be content with who god made you to be. (applause)
00:09:12.274 --> 00:09:15.711
Be content with who god made you to be. (applause) it's a tragedy to go through
00:09:15.778 --> 00:09:17.446
You to be. (applause) it's a tragedy to go through life always dissatisfied,
00:09:17.513 --> 00:09:20.249
It's a tragedy to go through life always dissatisfied, wishing you had more, wanting
00:09:20.316 --> 00:09:22.485
Life always dissatisfied, wishing you had more, wanting to look like somebody else,
00:09:22.551 --> 00:09:24.487
Wishing you had more, wanting to look like somebody else, waiting to be happy. i'm asking
00:09:24.553 --> 00:09:26.088
To look like somebody else, waiting to be happy. i'm asking you to be content right where
00:09:26.155 --> 00:09:27.923
Waiting to be happy. i'm asking you to be content right where you are. think about mary, the
00:09:27.990 --> 00:09:30.326
You to be content right where you are. think about mary, the mother of christ. when she was
00:09:30.393 --> 00:09:32.194
You are. think about mary, the mother of christ. when she was pregnant with jesus she had to
00:09:32.261 --> 00:09:34.497
Mother of christ. when she was pregnant with jesus she had to ride a donkey to bethlehem.
00:09:34.563 --> 00:09:37.299
Pregnant with jesus she had to ride a donkey to bethlehem. now, i've lived with a pregnant
00:09:37.366 --> 00:09:38.968
Ride a donkey to bethlehem. now, i've lived with a pregnant woman twice. the same one.
00:09:39.035 --> 00:09:41.671
Now, i've lived with a pregnant woman twice. the same one. (laughter) if i would have
00:09:41.737 --> 00:09:44.240
Woman twice. the same one. (laughter) if i would have suggested victoria getting on
00:09:44.306 --> 00:09:45.775
(laughter) if i would have suggested victoria getting on a donkey at nine months
00:09:45.841 --> 00:09:47.476
Suggested victoria getting on a donkey at nine months pregnant i probably wouldn't
00:09:47.543 --> 00:09:48.844
A donkey at nine months pregnant i probably wouldn't be here today. mary could have
00:09:48.911 --> 00:09:52.248
Pregnant i probably wouldn't be here today. mary could have complained, "joseph, why don't
00:09:52.314 --> 00:09:54.116
Be here today. mary could have complained, "joseph, why don't you get me something smoother?
00:09:54.183 --> 00:09:56.052
Complained, "joseph, why don't you get me something smoother? this is hard." when she got to
00:09:56.118 --> 00:09:57.653
You get me something smoother? this is hard." when she got to bethlehem, "joseph, why didn't
00:09:57.720 --> 00:09:59.522
This is hard." when she got to bethlehem, "joseph, why didn't you make us a hotel
00:09:59.588 --> 00:10:01.090
Bethlehem, "joseph, why didn't you make us a hotel reservation? why didn't you get
00:10:01.157 --> 00:10:02.591
You make us a hotel reservation? why didn't you get me a hospital room? you knew i
00:10:02.658 --> 00:10:04.293
Reservation? why didn't you get me a hospital room? you knew i was going to have this baby.
00:10:04.360 --> 00:10:06.495
Me a hospital room? you knew i was going to have this baby. it's been all over the news."
00:10:06.562 --> 00:10:07.563
Was going to have this baby. it's been all over the news." (laughter)
00:10:07.630 --> 00:10:09.031
It's been all over the news." (laughter) when the baby was born,
00:10:09.098 --> 00:10:10.366
(laughter) when the baby was born, "joseph, why didn't you buy the
00:10:10.433 --> 00:10:11.600
When the baby was born, "joseph, why didn't you buy the baby a new outfit? i've got to
00:10:11.667 --> 00:10:13.135
"joseph, why didn't you buy the baby a new outfit? i've got to wrap my beautiful baby in
00:10:13.202 --> 00:10:14.770
Baby a new outfit? i've got to wrap my beautiful baby in swaddling clothes."
00:10:14.837 --> 00:10:16.772
Wrap my beautiful baby in swaddling clothes." that was strips of cloth.
00:10:16.839 --> 00:10:18.441
Swaddling clothes." that was strips of cloth. mary didn't have designer jeans,
00:10:18.507 --> 00:10:20.443
That was strips of cloth. mary didn't have designer jeans, fancy purse, a latte from
00:10:20.509 --> 00:10:22.244
Mary didn't have designer jeans, fancy purse, a latte from starbucks. (laughter)
00:10:22.311 --> 00:10:24.814
Fancy purse, a latte from starbucks. (laughter) but she never complained. she
00:10:24.880 --> 00:10:26.148
Starbucks. (laughter) but she never complained. she never found fault with joseph.
00:10:26.215 --> 00:10:28.617
But she never complained. she never found fault with joseph. she didn't say, "god, if i'm
00:10:28.684 --> 00:10:30.286
Never found fault with joseph. she didn't say, "god, if i'm going to have this baby for
00:10:30.352 --> 00:10:31.520
She didn't say, "god, if i'm going to have this baby for you at least you could make it
00:10:31.587 --> 00:10:34.590
Going to have this baby for you at least you could make it more comfortable on me."
00:10:34.657 --> 00:10:36.726
You at least you could make it more comfortable on me." no, she was content in the
00:10:36.792 --> 00:10:38.394
More comfortable on me." no, she was content in the season she was in, content when
00:10:38.461 --> 00:10:41.297
No, she was content in the season she was in, content when the angel said, "you've been
00:10:41.363 --> 00:10:43.566
Season she was in, content when the angel said, "you've been highly favored" and content
00:10:43.632 --> 00:10:45.534
The angel said, "you've been highly favored" and content riding a donkey pregnant,
00:10:45.601 --> 00:10:47.803
Highly favored" and content riding a donkey pregnant, content giving birth in a barn
00:10:47.870 --> 00:10:50.406
Riding a donkey pregnant, content giving birth in a barn with a bunch of animals and
00:10:50.473 --> 00:10:52.041
Content giving birth in a barn with a bunch of animals and content when the wise men said,
00:10:52.108 --> 00:10:54.276
With a bunch of animals and content when the wise men said, "your son is the messiah."
00:10:54.343 --> 00:10:56.178
Content when the wise men said, "your son is the messiah." (applause)
00:10:56.245 --> 00:10:57.480
"your son is the messiah." (applause) it takes a mature person to
00:10:57.546 --> 00:10:58.681
(applause) it takes a mature person to be content on the mountaintop
00:10:58.748 --> 00:11:00.516
It takes a mature person to be content on the mountaintop and content in the valley.
00:11:00.583 --> 00:11:02.485
Be content on the mountaintop and content in the valley. a couple of years after victoria
00:11:02.551 --> 00:11:04.353
And content in the valley. a couple of years after victoria and i were married we found this
00:11:04.420 --> 00:11:05.955
A couple of years after victoria and i were married we found this piece of property that we really
00:11:06.021 --> 00:11:07.490
And i were married we found this piece of property that we really liked. it was close in to the
00:11:07.556 --> 00:11:08.958
Piece of property that we really liked. it was close in to the city, in a nice neighborhood,
00:11:09.024 --> 00:11:11.761
Liked. it was close in to the city, in a nice neighborhood, but it had a very old rundown
00:11:11.827 --> 00:11:13.596
City, in a nice neighborhood, but it had a very old rundown house on it that had major
00:11:13.662 --> 00:11:15.364
But it had a very old rundown house on it that had major foundation problems.
00:11:15.431 --> 00:11:17.600
House on it that had major foundation problems. most people would have torn it
00:11:17.666 --> 00:11:18.768
Foundation problems. most people would have torn it down but we decided to fix it up
00:11:18.834 --> 00:11:20.836
Most people would have torn it down but we decided to fix it up and live in it. the floors in
00:11:20.903 --> 00:11:23.005
Down but we decided to fix it up and live in it. the floors in the den were so slanted that i
00:11:23.072 --> 00:11:25.007
And live in it. the floors in the den were so slanted that i had to put little blocks of
00:11:25.074 --> 00:11:27.076
The den were so slanted that i had to put little blocks of wood under the front legs of
00:11:27.143 --> 00:11:29.211
Had to put little blocks of wood under the front legs of the couch so it would match up
00:11:29.278 --> 00:11:30.913
Wood under the front legs of the couch so it would match up with the back legs. most of the
00:11:30.980 --> 00:11:33.048
The couch so it would match up with the back legs. most of the interior doors would not close
00:11:33.115 --> 00:11:35.017
With the back legs. most of the interior doors would not close properly. that didn't bother
00:11:35.084 --> 00:11:36.519
Interior doors would not close properly. that didn't bother us. we were happy. my mother
00:11:36.585 --> 00:11:38.154
Properly. that didn't bother us. we were happy. my mother would come over, "joel, how do
00:11:38.220 --> 00:11:39.522
Us. we were happy. my mother would come over, "joel, how do you live in this house with
00:11:39.588 --> 00:11:41.357
Would come over, "joel, how do you live in this house with these crooked floors?" god
00:11:41.423 --> 00:11:42.858
You live in this house with these crooked floors?" god gives you the grace for each
00:11:42.925 --> 00:11:44.593
These crooked floors?" god gives you the grace for each season. today, we have a nice
00:11:44.660 --> 00:11:46.629
Gives you the grace for each season. today, we have a nice house with even floors.
00:11:46.695 --> 00:11:49.231
Season. today, we have a nice house with even floors. but i don't believe we would be
00:11:49.298 --> 00:11:51.167
House with even floors. but i don't believe we would be where we are if we had not been
00:11:51.233 --> 00:11:53.202
But i don't believe we would be where we are if we had not been content in that older home.
00:11:53.269 --> 00:11:55.838
Where we are if we had not been content in that older home. it would have been easy to
00:11:55.905 --> 00:11:57.039
Content in that older home. it would have been easy to complain, "this is a piece of
00:11:57.106 --> 00:11:58.774
It would have been easy to complain, "this is a piece of junk. god, we wanted something
00:11:58.841 --> 00:12:00.509
Complain, "this is a piece of junk. god, we wanted something new. when is it ever going to
00:12:00.576 --> 00:12:01.877
Junk. god, we wanted something new. when is it ever going to change?" no, pass the test.
00:12:01.944 --> 00:12:04.346
New. when is it ever going to change?" no, pass the test. whether you're abased or
00:12:04.413 --> 00:12:05.748
Change?" no, pass the test. whether you're abased or abounding, whether you're in
00:12:05.815 --> 00:12:07.883
Whether you're abased or abounding, whether you're in your dream house or a crooked
00:12:07.950 --> 00:12:09.485
Abounding, whether you're in your dream house or a crooked floor house, make the decision,
00:12:09.552 --> 00:12:11.787
Your dream house or a crooked floor house, make the decision, "i'm going to be content. i'm
00:12:11.854 --> 00:12:13.589
Floor house, make the decision, "i'm going to be content. i'm going to enjoy my life. i'm
00:12:13.656 --> 00:12:15.958
"i'm going to be content. i'm going to enjoy my life. i'm going to be grateful for what
00:12:16.025 --> 00:12:17.393
Going to enjoy my life. i'm going to be grateful for what god has given me. i want to be
00:12:17.459 --> 00:12:18.761
Going to be grateful for what god has given me. i want to be the best i can be right where i
00:12:18.828 --> 00:12:20.162
God has given me. i want to be the best i can be right where i am."
00:12:20.229 --> 00:12:21.764
The best i can be right where i am." the apostle paul, who said,
00:12:21.831 --> 00:12:23.332
Am." the apostle paul, who said, "i've learned how to be
00:12:23.399 --> 00:12:24.767
The apostle paul, who said, "i've learned how to be content," wrote much of the new
00:12:24.834 --> 00:12:26.836
"i've learned how to be content," wrote much of the new testament from a prison cell.
00:12:26.902 --> 00:12:30.573
Content," wrote much of the new testament from a prison cell. when you've made up your mind to
00:12:30.639 --> 00:12:31.707
Testament from a prison cell. when you've made up your mind to be content, prisons can't stop
00:12:31.774 --> 00:12:33.876
When you've made up your mind to be content, prisons can't stop you, crooked floors can't stop
00:12:33.943 --> 00:12:35.845
Be content, prisons can't stop you, crooked floors can't stop you, donkeys can't stop you,
00:12:35.911 --> 00:12:37.713
You, crooked floors can't stop you, donkeys can't stop you, lonely shepherd's fields can't
00:12:37.780 --> 00:12:39.515
You, donkeys can't stop you, lonely shepherd's fields can't stop you. god will get you to
00:12:39.582 --> 00:12:41.483
Lonely shepherd's fields can't stop you. god will get you to where you're supposed to be.
00:12:41.550 --> 00:12:42.885
Stop you. god will get you to where you're supposed to be. (applause)
00:12:42.952 --> 00:12:44.520
Where you're supposed to be. (applause) a gentleman recently was
00:12:44.587 --> 00:12:45.754
(applause) a gentleman recently was telling me about all of his
00:12:45.821 --> 00:12:47.089
A gentleman recently was telling me about all of his problems and about everything
00:12:47.156 --> 00:12:48.724
Telling me about all of his problems and about everything that was wrong in his life and
00:12:48.791 --> 00:12:50.125
Problems and about everything that was wrong in his life and went on and on. it was a long
00:12:50.192 --> 00:12:51.627
That was wrong in his life and went on and on. it was a long story. he ended by saying,
00:12:51.694 --> 00:12:53.095
Went on and on. it was a long story. he ended by saying, "joel, i just don't like my
00:12:53.162 --> 00:12:54.630
Story. he ended by saying, "joel, i just don't like my life." here's the problem. it's
00:12:54.697 --> 00:12:57.299
"joel, i just don't like my life." here's the problem. it's the only life you have. you
00:12:57.366 --> 00:12:59.935
Life." here's the problem. it's the only life you have. you can't trade it in. you can't
00:13:00.002 --> 00:13:01.604
The only life you have. you can't trade it in. you can't become someone else. you may
00:13:01.670 --> 00:13:03.172
Can't trade it in. you can't become someone else. you may have a thousand reasons to live
00:13:03.239 --> 00:13:04.840
Become someone else. you may have a thousand reasons to live unhappy but you've got to make
00:13:04.907 --> 00:13:06.842
Have a thousand reasons to live unhappy but you've got to make this choice that you're going
00:13:06.909 --> 00:13:08.644
Unhappy but you've got to make this choice that you're going to be content. if you're sour,
00:13:08.711 --> 00:13:10.846
This choice that you're going to be content. if you're sour, "when is it ever going to
00:13:10.913 --> 00:13:12.281
To be content. if you're sour, "when is it ever going to change?" you'll get stuck.
00:13:12.348 --> 00:13:14.650
"when is it ever going to change?" you'll get stuck. god does not promote
00:13:14.717 --> 00:13:16.118
Change?" you'll get stuck. god does not promote discontentment. shake it off
00:13:16.185 --> 00:13:18.354
God does not promote discontentment. shake it off and focus on what's right in
00:13:18.420 --> 00:13:20.890
Discontentment. shake it off and focus on what's right in your life. focus on what you do
00:13:20.956 --> 00:13:23.092
And focus on what's right in your life. focus on what you do have. most of us, when we woke
00:13:23.158 --> 00:13:26.028
Your life. focus on what you do have. most of us, when we woke up this morning, we could see
00:13:26.095 --> 00:13:27.696
Have. most of us, when we woke up this morning, we could see the sunlight, our eyes worked.
00:13:27.763 --> 00:13:30.165
Up this morning, we could see the sunlight, our eyes worked. most of you could hear the birds
00:13:30.232 --> 00:13:32.201
The sunlight, our eyes worked. most of you could hear the birds singing. you had a roof over
00:13:32.268 --> 00:13:34.203
Most of you could hear the birds singing. you had a roof over your head. you have
00:13:34.270 --> 00:13:35.571
Singing. you had a roof over your head. you have opportunity, people to love in
00:13:35.638 --> 00:13:37.039
Your head. you have opportunity, people to love in your life. there's a lot right
00:13:37.106 --> 00:13:39.275
Opportunity, people to love in your life. there's a lot right in your life. don't take it for
00:13:39.341 --> 00:13:41.644
Your life. there's a lot right in your life. don't take it for granted. don't get so focused
00:13:41.710 --> 00:13:43.879
In your life. don't take it for granted. don't get so focused on the crooked floors, the
00:13:43.946 --> 00:13:45.481
Granted. don't get so focused on the crooked floors, the donkeys, the struggles that you
00:13:45.547 --> 00:13:47.049
On the crooked floors, the donkeys, the struggles that you missed the gift of this day.
00:13:47.116 --> 00:13:50.352
Donkeys, the struggles that you missed the gift of this day. see, every season is not
00:13:50.419 --> 00:13:52.554
Missed the gift of this day. see, every season is not springtime, with the flowers,
00:13:52.621 --> 00:13:55.591
See, every season is not springtime, with the flowers, beautiful, blooming, nice
00:13:55.658 --> 00:13:58.761
Springtime, with the flowers, beautiful, blooming, nice sunshine, cool weather. that's
00:13:58.827 --> 00:14:00.429
Beautiful, blooming, nice sunshine, cool weather. that's a great season but you're not
00:14:00.496 --> 00:14:02.765
Sunshine, cool weather. that's a great season but you're not going to grow if you stay in
00:14:02.831 --> 00:14:04.733
A great season but you're not going to grow if you stay in harvest. there's got to be
00:14:04.800 --> 00:14:07.069
Going to grow if you stay in harvest. there's got to be planting seasons, watering
00:14:07.136 --> 00:14:09.004
Harvest. there's got to be planting seasons, watering seasons, maintaining seasons
00:14:09.071 --> 00:14:11.240
Planting seasons, watering seasons, maintaining seasons where you're pulling the weeds,
00:14:11.307 --> 00:14:13.809
Seasons, maintaining seasons where you're pulling the weeds, tilling the soil. those are
00:14:13.876 --> 00:14:15.577
Where you're pulling the weeds, tilling the soil. those are important seasons. without
00:14:15.644 --> 00:14:17.813
Tilling the soil. those are important seasons. without going through that process then
00:14:17.880 --> 00:14:20.282
Important seasons. without going through that process then you're not going to come into a
00:14:20.349 --> 00:14:21.717
Going through that process then you're not going to come into a new season of harvest.
00:14:21.784 --> 00:14:23.752
You're not going to come into a new season of harvest. instead of being frustrated by
00:14:23.819 --> 00:14:25.287
New season of harvest. instead of being frustrated by the difficulties have a new
00:14:25.354 --> 00:14:26.956
Instead of being frustrated by the difficulties have a new perspective. that season is
00:14:27.022 --> 00:14:28.590
The difficulties have a new perspective. that season is getting you prepared for
00:14:28.657 --> 00:14:30.759
Perspective. that season is getting you prepared for promotion. it may look like
00:14:30.826 --> 00:14:32.361
Getting you prepared for promotion. it may look like you're stuck. you don't see
00:14:32.428 --> 00:14:33.796
Promotion. it may look like you're stuck. you don't see anything happening but god is
00:14:33.862 --> 00:14:35.531
You're stuck. you don't see anything happening but god is at work and at the right time
00:14:35.597 --> 00:14:39.168
Anything happening but god is at work and at the right time the season will change. winter
00:14:39.234 --> 00:14:41.337
At work and at the right time the season will change. winter always gives way to spring.
00:14:41.403 --> 00:14:44.840
The season will change. winter always gives way to spring. it takes a mature person to be
00:14:44.907 --> 00:14:47.109
Always gives way to spring. it takes a mature person to be content not only in the harvest
00:14:47.176 --> 00:14:49.411
It takes a mature person to be content not only in the harvest season but content in planting
00:14:49.478 --> 00:14:51.447
Content not only in the harvest season but content in planting season, content in the watering
00:14:51.513 --> 00:14:53.716
Season but content in planting season, content in the watering season, content in the 'pulling
00:14:53.782 --> 00:14:55.351
Season, content in the watering season, content in the 'pulling up the weeds' season. you may
00:14:55.417 --> 00:14:57.086
Season, content in the 'pulling up the weeds' season. you may be in one of those difficult
00:14:57.152 --> 00:14:58.921
Up the weeds' season. you may be in one of those difficult seasons right now, raising a
00:14:58.988 --> 00:15:01.290
Be in one of those difficult seasons right now, raising a small child, or taking care of
00:15:01.357 --> 00:15:02.858
Seasons right now, raising a small child, or taking care of an elderly loved one, perhaps
00:15:02.925 --> 00:15:05.294
Small child, or taking care of an elderly loved one, perhaps dealing with an illness. you
00:15:05.361 --> 00:15:07.196
An elderly loved one, perhaps dealing with an illness. you feel like you're riding that
00:15:07.262 --> 00:15:08.430
Dealing with an illness. you feel like you're riding that donkey. it's easy to think, "as
00:15:08.497 --> 00:15:10.899
Feel like you're riding that donkey. it's easy to think, "as soon as i get through this
00:15:10.966 --> 00:15:12.334
Donkey. it's easy to think, "as soon as i get through this tough time then i'll get my
00:15:12.401 --> 00:15:12.901
Soon as i get through this tough time then i'll get my joy back." "as soon as my kids
00:15:12.968 --> 00:15:16.472
Tough time then i'll get my joy back." "as soon as my kids get out of diapers."
00:15:16.538 --> 00:15:17.806
Joy back." "as soon as my kids get out of diapers." "as soon as i make it through
00:15:17.873 --> 00:15:18.974
Get out of diapers." "as soon as i make it through the busy season at work."
00:15:19.041 --> 00:15:20.776
"as soon as i make it through the busy season at work." "as soon as i lose this 20
00:15:20.843 --> 00:15:21.977
The busy season at work." "as soon as i lose this 20 pounds." no, this is the day
00:15:22.044 --> 00:15:24.413
"as soon as i lose this 20 pounds." no, this is the day the lord has made. you've got
00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:26.615
Pounds." no, this is the day the lord has made. you've got to choose to rejoice today.
00:15:26.682 --> 00:15:28.717
The lord has made. you've got to choose to rejoice today. (applause)
00:15:28.784 --> 00:15:30.119
To choose to rejoice today. (applause) god has given you the grace you
00:15:30.185 --> 00:15:31.553
(applause) god has given you the grace you need not to endure this season;
00:15:31.620 --> 00:15:34.523
God has given you the grace you need not to endure this season; that doesn't take any faith, but
00:15:34.590 --> 00:15:35.958
Need not to endure this season; that doesn't take any faith, but to enjoy the season. when
00:15:36.025 --> 00:15:37.993
That doesn't take any faith, but to enjoy the season. when you're content you see each day
00:15:38.060 --> 00:15:41.163
To enjoy the season. when you're content you see each day as a gift. you appreciate the
00:15:41.230 --> 00:15:43.032
You're content you see each day as a gift. you appreciate the people in your life. you're
00:15:43.098 --> 00:15:45.267
As a gift. you appreciate the people in your life. you're grateful for what god has given
00:15:45.334 --> 00:15:46.835
People in your life. you're grateful for what god has given you. that not only is making
00:15:46.902 --> 00:15:49.171
Grateful for what god has given you. that not only is making you stronger, developing your
00:15:49.238 --> 00:15:51.040
You. that not only is making you stronger, developing your character, but you're passing
00:15:51.106 --> 00:15:54.276
You stronger, developing your character, but you're passing the test. you will come out of
00:15:54.343 --> 00:15:55.444
Character, but you're passing the test. you will come out of fall, out of winter and you
00:15:55.511 --> 00:15:56.712
The test. you will come out of fall, out of winter and you will come in to your
00:15:56.779 --> 00:15:58.414
Fall, out of winter and you will come in to your springtime. things will begin
00:15:58.480 --> 00:15:59.448
Will come in to your springtime. things will begin to bloom and blossom once
00:15:59.515 --> 00:16:00.949
Springtime. things will begin to bloom and blossom once again. when i was growing up,
00:16:01.016 --> 00:16:03.452
To bloom and blossom once again. when i was growing up, there were five of us kids in
00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:04.887
Again. when i was growing up, there were five of us kids in the house. of course, my
00:16:04.953 --> 00:16:06.522
There were five of us kids in the house. of course, my parents were pastors. we didn't
00:16:06.588 --> 00:16:08.123
The house. of course, my parents were pastors. we didn't have necessarily a lot of money
00:16:08.190 --> 00:16:11.193
Parents were pastors. we didn't have necessarily a lot of money but as a little boy i always
00:16:11.260 --> 00:16:12.394
Have necessarily a lot of money but as a little boy i always felt like we were well off.
00:16:12.461 --> 00:16:14.296
But as a little boy i always felt like we were well off. we had fun. we played hide and
00:16:14.363 --> 00:16:16.098
Felt like we were well off. we had fun. we played hide and go seek in the house. we would
00:16:16.165 --> 00:16:18.200
We had fun. we played hide and go seek in the house. we would go out in the front yard and
00:16:18.267 --> 00:16:19.435
Go seek in the house. we would go out in the front yard and have big races. life was good.
00:16:19.501 --> 00:16:22.404
Go out in the front yard and have big races. life was good. but my parents couldn't afford
00:16:22.471 --> 00:16:23.972
Have big races. life was good. but my parents couldn't afford to take us on a big family
00:16:24.039 --> 00:16:25.441
But my parents couldn't afford to take us on a big family vacation every year. so every
00:16:25.507 --> 00:16:27.810
To take us on a big family vacation every year. so every couple of months my father
00:16:27.876 --> 00:16:29.778
Vacation every year. so every couple of months my father would load us kids up in the
00:16:29.845 --> 00:16:31.113
Couple of months my father would load us kids up in the car and take us up to the
00:16:31.180 --> 00:16:33.148
Would load us kids up in the car and take us up to the airport to ride the tram from
00:16:33.215 --> 00:16:36.018
Car and take us up to the airport to ride the tram from terminal a to terminal b.
00:16:36.085 --> 00:16:39.088
Airport to ride the tram from terminal a to terminal b. (laughter) there were just two
00:16:39.154 --> 00:16:40.322
Terminal a to terminal b. (laughter) there were just two terminals back then and the
00:16:40.389 --> 00:16:41.523
(laughter) there were just two terminals back then and the tram was free. we thought that
00:16:41.590 --> 00:16:42.991
Terminals back then and the tram was free. we thought that was so great. we would ride it
00:16:43.058 --> 00:16:44.893
Tram was free. we thought that was so great. we would ride it over and over and over.
00:16:44.960 --> 00:16:47.229
Was so great. we would ride it over and over and over. people would look at us like we
00:16:47.296 --> 00:16:48.797
Over and over and over. people would look at us like we were so confused. we weren't
00:16:48.864 --> 00:16:50.766
People would look at us like we were so confused. we weren't lost. we were having fun.
00:16:50.833 --> 00:16:55.404
Were so confused. we weren't lost. we were having fun. my father learned to be
00:16:55.471 --> 00:16:56.972
Lost. we were having fun. my father learned to be content in each season. instead
00:16:57.039 --> 00:17:00.042
My father learned to be content in each season. instead of complaining that he didn't
00:17:00.109 --> 00:17:01.443
Content in each season. instead of complaining that he didn't have enough he chose to bloom
00:17:01.510 --> 00:17:03.045
Of complaining that he didn't have enough he chose to bloom right where he was planted.
00:17:03.112 --> 00:17:05.114
Have enough he chose to bloom right where he was planted. it's funny. when some of my
00:17:05.180 --> 00:17:06.882
Right where he was planted. it's funny. when some of my friends as a little boy would
00:17:06.949 --> 00:17:08.350
It's funny. when some of my friends as a little boy would tell me they were going to
00:17:08.417 --> 00:17:09.485
Friends as a little boy would tell me they were going to disneyland i always thought
00:17:09.551 --> 00:17:11.053
Tell me they were going to disneyland i always thought that meant they were going up
00:17:11.120 --> 00:17:12.354
Disneyland i always thought that meant they were going up to the airport to ride the
00:17:12.421 --> 00:17:13.589
That meant they were going up to the airport to ride the trams. i'd say, "yeah, we've
00:17:13.655 --> 00:17:15.324
To the airport to ride the trams. i'd say, "yeah, we've been there before." (laughter)
00:17:15.390 --> 00:17:18.794
Trams. i'd say, "yeah, we've been there before." (laughter) when i got old enough to
00:17:18.861 --> 00:17:19.962
Been there before." (laughter) when i got old enough to realize what disneyland really
00:17:20.028 --> 00:17:21.096
When i got old enough to realize what disneyland really was i needed counseling.
00:17:21.163 --> 00:17:22.731
Realize what disneyland really was i needed counseling. (laughter)
00:17:22.798 --> 00:17:26.401
Was i needed counseling. (laughter) but don't miss a great season
00:17:26.468 --> 00:17:28.637
(laughter) but don't miss a great season in your life wishing you had
00:17:28.704 --> 00:17:31.073
But don't miss a great season in your life wishing you had more, complaining about what
00:17:31.140 --> 00:17:32.875
In your life wishing you had more, complaining about what you don't have. listen, the
00:17:32.941 --> 00:17:35.110
More, complaining about what you don't have. listen, the real joy in life is in the
00:17:35.177 --> 00:17:36.812
You don't have. listen, the real joy in life is in the simple things: making memories
00:17:36.879 --> 00:17:38.714
Real joy in life is in the simple things: making memories with your family, riding the
00:17:38.780 --> 00:17:40.282
Simple things: making memories with your family, riding the trams together at the
00:17:40.349 --> 00:17:41.483
With your family, riding the trams together at the airport, playing hide and go
00:17:41.550 --> 00:17:43.085
Trams together at the airport, playing hide and go seek in the house, watching
00:17:43.152 --> 00:17:44.520
Airport, playing hide and go seek in the house, watching the sunset with your spouse,
00:17:44.586 --> 00:17:46.288
Seek in the house, watching the sunset with your spouse, looking at the stars at night;
00:17:46.355 --> 00:17:47.689
The sunset with your spouse, looking at the stars at night; simple things.
00:17:47.756 --> 00:17:49.525
Looking at the stars at night; simple things. when our children were younger,
00:17:49.591 --> 00:17:50.993
Simple things. when our children were younger, jonathan about five and
00:17:51.059 --> 00:17:51.994
When our children were younger, jonathan about five and alexandra would have been two,
00:17:52.060 --> 00:17:53.962
Jonathan about five and alexandra would have been two, we planned a big vacation to
00:17:54.029 --> 00:17:55.764
Alexandra would have been two, we planned a big vacation to disneyland. they were going to
00:17:55.831 --> 00:17:57.533
We planned a big vacation to disneyland. they were going to get to eat breakfast with
00:17:57.599 --> 00:17:59.334
Disneyland. they were going to get to eat breakfast with mickey mouse and take pictures
00:17:59.401 --> 00:18:01.170
Get to eat breakfast with mickey mouse and take pictures with the other characters.
00:18:01.236 --> 00:18:02.638
Mickey mouse and take pictures with the other characters. it was a big deal, you know,
00:18:02.704 --> 00:18:04.039
With the other characters. it was a big deal, you know, getting two small children out
00:18:04.106 --> 00:18:05.107
It was a big deal, you know, getting two small children out to california, booking the
00:18:05.174 --> 00:18:06.675
Getting two small children out to california, booking the hotel, getting the rental car,
00:18:06.742 --> 00:18:08.076
To california, booking the hotel, getting the rental car, the flights. i spent half of my
00:18:08.143 --> 00:18:09.511
Hotel, getting the rental car, the flights. i spent half of my retirement to get there.
00:18:09.578 --> 00:18:11.947
The flights. i spent half of my retirement to get there. (laughter) when we arrived we
00:18:12.014 --> 00:18:13.048
Retirement to get there. (laughter) when we arrived we checked into the hotel and we
00:18:13.115 --> 00:18:14.249
(laughter) when we arrived we checked into the hotel and we went straight to the park.
00:18:14.316 --> 00:18:15.918
Checked into the hotel and we went straight to the park. i was so excited for my
00:18:15.984 --> 00:18:17.085
Went straight to the park. i was so excited for my children. we weren't there
00:18:17.152 --> 00:18:18.887
I was so excited for my children. we weren't there fifteen minutes. jonathan said,
00:18:18.954 --> 00:18:20.923
Children. we weren't there fifteen minutes. jonathan said, "dad, i want to go back to the
00:18:20.989 --> 00:18:22.658
Fifteen minutes. jonathan said, "dad, i want to go back to the hotel and go swimming."
00:18:22.724 --> 00:18:25.127
"dad, i want to go back to the hotel and go swimming." i didn't think i heard him
00:18:25.194 --> 00:18:26.495
Hotel and go swimming." i didn't think i heard him right. i said, "you want to do
00:18:26.562 --> 00:18:27.396
I didn't think i heard him right. i said, "you want to do what?" (laughter) he said,
00:18:27.462 --> 00:18:28.797
Right. i said, "you want to do what?" (laughter) he said, "i want to go back and go
00:18:28.864 --> 00:18:29.998
What?" (laughter) he said, "i want to go back and go swimming." i said, "no, no, no,
00:18:30.065 --> 00:18:31.366
"i want to go back and go swimming." i said, "no, no, no, jonathan. we're at disneyland.
00:18:31.433 --> 00:18:33.202
Swimming." i said, "no, no, no, jonathan. we're at disneyland. we came a long way. look at all
00:18:33.268 --> 00:18:34.603
Jonathan. we're at disneyland. we came a long way. look at all these rides. isn't this going
00:18:34.670 --> 00:18:36.071
We came a long way. look at all these rides. isn't this going to be fun?" he said, "no.
00:18:36.138 --> 00:18:37.573
These rides. isn't this going to be fun?" he said, "no. daddy, i want to go back and go
00:18:37.639 --> 00:18:39.441
To be fun?" he said, "no. daddy, i want to go back and go swimming." i said, "jonathan,
00:18:39.508 --> 00:18:41.243
Daddy, i want to go back and go swimming." i said, "jonathan, we can swim anytime at home at
00:18:41.310 --> 00:18:43.278
Swimming." i said, "jonathan, we can swim anytime at home at the neighborhood pool. we're at
00:18:43.345 --> 00:18:44.813
We can swim anytime at home at the neighborhood pool. we're at disneyland." he sat down on the
00:18:44.880 --> 00:18:47.683
The neighborhood pool. we're at disneyland." he sat down on the pavement, crossed his arms and
00:18:47.749 --> 00:18:49.151
Disneyland." he sat down on the pavement, crossed his arms and said, "i don't want to be at
00:18:49.218 --> 00:18:50.285
Pavement, crossed his arms and said, "i don't want to be at disneyland. i want to go
00:18:50.352 --> 00:18:51.520
Said, "i don't want to be at disneyland. i want to go swimming." i said, "jonathan, i
00:18:51.587 --> 00:18:53.455
Disneyland. i want to go swimming." i said, "jonathan, i spent 50 bucks on your ticket.
00:18:53.522 --> 00:18:55.123
Swimming." i said, "jonathan, i spent 50 bucks on your ticket. you're going to have fun whether
00:18:55.190 --> 00:18:56.491
Spent 50 bucks on your ticket. you're going to have fun whether you like it or not." (laughter)
00:18:56.558 --> 00:18:58.894
You're going to have fun whether you like it or not." (laughter) i thought later, "i should have
00:18:58.961 --> 00:18:59.828
You like it or not." (laughter) i thought later, "i should have done like my dad and taken them
00:18:59.895 --> 00:19:00.929
I thought later, "i should have done like my dad and taken them to the airport to ride the
00:19:00.996 --> 00:19:02.130
Done like my dad and taken them to the airport to ride the trams." (laughter) it could
00:19:02.197 --> 00:19:04.166
To the airport to ride the trams." (laughter) it could have saved me a lot of money.
00:19:04.233 --> 00:19:05.400
Trams." (laughter) it could have saved me a lot of money. (applause)
00:19:05.467 --> 00:19:07.202
Have saved me a lot of money. (applause) but you don't have to have a
00:19:07.269 --> 00:19:08.203
(applause) but you don't have to have a big vacation to have fun. learn
00:19:08.270 --> 00:19:09.805
But you don't have to have a big vacation to have fun. learn to enjoy the simple things
00:19:09.871 --> 00:19:12.241
Big vacation to have fun. learn to enjoy the simple things in life. a mistake we make too
00:19:12.307 --> 00:19:14.409
To enjoy the simple things in life. a mistake we make too often is we think when we reach
00:19:14.476 --> 00:19:16.044
In life. a mistake we make too often is we think when we reach a certain goal then we'll be
00:19:16.111 --> 00:19:18.247
Often is we think when we reach a certain goal then we'll be happy. "as soon as i finish
00:19:18.313 --> 00:19:20.082
A certain goal then we'll be happy. "as soon as i finish college, joel." "as soon as i
00:19:20.148 --> 00:19:21.917
Happy. "as soon as i finish college, joel." "as soon as i get the promotion." "as soon as
00:19:21.984 --> 00:19:23.352
College, joel." "as soon as i get the promotion." "as soon as i move into the new house."
00:19:23.418 --> 00:19:24.586
Get the promotion." "as soon as i move into the new house." "as soon as i have this baby
00:19:24.653 --> 00:19:25.887
I move into the new house." "as soon as i have this baby then i'll enjoy my life."
00:19:25.954 --> 00:19:27.723
"as soon as i have this baby then i'll enjoy my life." yes, you'll be happy when you
00:19:27.789 --> 00:19:29.758
Then i'll enjoy my life." yes, you'll be happy when you accomplish your goals but there
00:19:29.825 --> 00:19:31.994
Yes, you'll be happy when you accomplish your goals but there are challenges that come along
00:19:32.060 --> 00:19:33.829
Accomplish your goals but there are challenges that come along with it. i've heard it said,
00:19:33.895 --> 00:19:35.964
Are challenges that come along with it. i've heard it said, "with every blessing comes a
00:19:36.031 --> 00:19:37.799
With it. i've heard it said, "with every blessing comes a burden." you'll never come to a
00:19:37.866 --> 00:19:41.136
"with every blessing comes a burden." you'll never come to a place where you're problem-
00:19:41.203 --> 00:19:42.604
Burden." you'll never come to a place where you're problem- free, no conflict, no bills to
00:19:42.671 --> 00:19:45.107
Place where you're problem- free, no conflict, no bills to pay, everybody is celebrating
00:19:45.173 --> 00:19:46.608
Free, no conflict, no bills to pay, everybody is celebrating you. that's not reality. if you
00:19:46.675 --> 00:19:48.777
Pay, everybody is celebrating you. that's not reality. if you don't learn to be content where
00:19:48.844 --> 00:19:50.279
You. that's not reality. if you don't learn to be content where you are you won't be content
00:19:50.345 --> 00:19:52.147
Don't learn to be content where you are you won't be content when dreams come to pass.
00:19:52.214 --> 00:19:54.449
You are you won't be content when dreams come to pass. when god blesses you with that
00:19:54.516 --> 00:19:55.617
When dreams come to pass. when god blesses you with that new house what comes with it is
00:19:55.684 --> 00:19:57.619
When god blesses you with that new house what comes with it is a bigger yard to mow, more rooms
00:19:57.686 --> 00:19:59.721
New house what comes with it is a bigger yard to mow, more rooms to clean, more to maintain.
00:19:59.788 --> 00:20:01.923
A bigger yard to mow, more rooms to clean, more to maintain. when you're blessed with that
00:20:01.990 --> 00:20:02.724
To clean, more to maintain. when you're blessed with that promotion what comes with it is
00:20:02.791 --> 00:20:03.992
When you're blessed with that promotion what comes with it is more responsibility. when you
00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:06.094
Promotion what comes with it is more responsibility. when you have that beautiful baby,
00:20:06.161 --> 00:20:07.963
More responsibility. when you have that beautiful baby, nothing like it in all the
00:20:08.030 --> 00:20:09.197
Have that beautiful baby, nothing like it in all the world, but at 3 o'clock in the
00:20:09.264 --> 00:20:10.966
Nothing like it in all the world, but at 3 o'clock in the morning that baby wants to eat.
00:20:11.033 --> 00:20:13.001
World, but at 3 o'clock in the morning that baby wants to eat. they don't do things on our
00:20:13.068 --> 00:20:14.069
Morning that baby wants to eat. they don't do things on our timetable. now don't pray for a
00:20:14.136 --> 00:20:16.672
They don't do things on our timetable. now don't pray for a bigger blessing if you're going
00:20:16.738 --> 00:20:18.607
Timetable. now don't pray for a bigger blessing if you're going to complain about a bigger
00:20:18.674 --> 00:20:19.775
Bigger blessing if you're going to complain about a bigger burden.
00:20:19.841 --> 00:20:20.876
To complain about a bigger burden. a gentleman i know by the name
00:20:20.942 --> 00:20:22.110
Burden. a gentleman i know by the name of mitch albom wrote a great
00:20:22.177 --> 00:20:23.779
A gentleman i know by the name of mitch albom wrote a great book called, "the five people
00:20:23.845 --> 00:20:25.480
Of mitch albom wrote a great book called, "the five people you meet in heaven." they
00:20:25.547 --> 00:20:27.215
Book called, "the five people you meet in heaven." they turned it into a movie. now
00:20:27.282 --> 00:20:28.917
You meet in heaven." they turned it into a movie. now although it's not scriptural it
00:20:28.984 --> 00:20:30.752
Turned it into a movie. now although it's not scriptural it makes a very good point. it's
00:20:30.819 --> 00:20:32.921
Although it's not scriptural it makes a very good point. it's about a man in his 60's that
00:20:32.988 --> 00:20:34.723
Makes a very good point. it's about a man in his 60's that had worked at an amusement park
00:20:34.790 --> 00:20:36.758
About a man in his 60's that had worked at an amusement park his whole life. his parents
00:20:36.825 --> 00:20:38.794
Had worked at an amusement park his whole life. his parents owned it and that's all he
00:20:38.860 --> 00:20:39.961
His whole life. his parents owned it and that's all he knew. he never really wanted to
00:20:40.028 --> 00:20:42.097
Owned it and that's all he knew. he never really wanted to be there. he had dreams to do
00:20:42.164 --> 00:20:44.766
Knew. he never really wanted to be there. he had dreams to do something bigger with his life
00:20:44.833 --> 00:20:46.735
Be there. he had dreams to do something bigger with his life but unfortunate things kept
00:20:46.802 --> 00:20:48.003
Something bigger with his life but unfortunate things kept happening. he found himself
00:20:48.070 --> 00:20:49.638
But unfortunate things kept happening. he found himself back at the amusement park.
00:20:49.705 --> 00:20:51.673
Happening. he found himself back at the amusement park. he was discontented,
00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:53.041
Back at the amusement park. he was discontented, unfulfilled, never felt like
00:20:53.108 --> 00:20:54.643
He was discontented, unfulfilled, never felt like that's where he was supposed to
00:20:54.710 --> 00:20:56.278
Unfulfilled, never felt like that's where he was supposed to be, dreaded going to work each
00:20:56.345 --> 00:20:57.913
That's where he was supposed to be, dreaded going to work each day. on the outside he was good
00:20:57.979 --> 00:20:59.848
Be, dreaded going to work each day. on the outside he was good to people, kind, generous.
00:20:59.915 --> 00:21:01.550
Day. on the outside he was good to people, kind, generous. he would go out of his way to
00:21:01.616 --> 00:21:04.920
To people, kind, generous. he would go out of his way to help others but on the inside he
00:21:04.986 --> 00:21:07.122
He would go out of his way to help others but on the inside he was unhappy, felt like a failure
00:21:07.189 --> 00:21:09.758
Help others but on the inside he was unhappy, felt like a failure in life. at one point this
00:21:09.825 --> 00:21:11.793
Was unhappy, felt like a failure in life. at one point this little girl was in danger on a
00:21:11.860 --> 00:21:13.562
In life. at one point this little girl was in danger on a ride, about to be harmed. he
00:21:13.628 --> 00:21:15.931
Little girl was in danger on a ride, about to be harmed. he rushed over to help her. he
00:21:15.997 --> 00:21:17.599
Ride, about to be harmed. he rushed over to help her. he saved the little girl's life
00:21:17.666 --> 00:21:19.668
Rushed over to help her. he saved the little girl's life but in the process he lost his
00:21:19.735 --> 00:21:21.536
Saved the little girl's life but in the process he lost his own life. he was killed. he
00:21:21.603 --> 00:21:23.872
But in the process he lost his own life. he was killed. he went to heaven and was told
00:21:23.939 --> 00:21:25.774
Own life. he was killed. he went to heaven and was told that he would meet five people.
00:21:25.841 --> 00:21:28.643
Went to heaven and was told that he would meet five people. these people would be
00:21:28.710 --> 00:21:29.878
That he would meet five people. these people would be instrumental in helping him
00:21:29.945 --> 00:21:31.947
These people would be instrumental in helping him to choose what kind of heaven
00:21:32.013 --> 00:21:33.849
Instrumental in helping him to choose what kind of heaven he would have. again, it's not
00:21:33.915 --> 00:21:36.685
To choose what kind of heaven he would have. again, it's not doctrinally correct, but in
00:21:36.752 --> 00:21:38.086
He would have. again, it's not doctrinally correct, but in this book you could choose what
00:21:38.153 --> 00:21:39.988
Doctrinally correct, but in this book you could choose what your heaven would be. if you
00:21:40.055 --> 00:21:41.356
This book you could choose what your heaven would be. if you wanted to live on a beach, in a
00:21:41.423 --> 00:21:42.491
Your heaven would be. if you wanted to live on a beach, in a palace, in the mountains, it
00:21:42.557 --> 00:21:44.192
Wanted to live on a beach, in a palace, in the mountains, it was your choice. the first man
00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:46.728
Palace, in the mountains, it was your choice. the first man he met he had helped during the
00:21:46.795 --> 00:21:49.364
Was your choice. the first man he met he had helped during the war. the man told him how much
00:21:49.431 --> 00:21:50.399
He met he had helped during the war. the man told him how much he meant to him. he then met
00:21:50.465 --> 00:21:52.234
War. the man told him how much he meant to him. he then met three other people that he had
00:21:52.300 --> 00:21:54.202
He meant to him. he then met three other people that he had been good to. they expressed
00:21:54.269 --> 00:21:55.604
Three other people that he had been good to. they expressed their heartfelt love and
00:21:55.670 --> 00:21:57.205
Been good to. they expressed their heartfelt love and appreciations for what he had
00:21:57.272 --> 00:21:58.673
Their heartfelt love and appreciations for what he had done. the last one he met was
00:21:58.740 --> 00:21:59.975
Appreciations for what he had done. the last one he met was the little girl whose life he
00:22:00.041 --> 00:22:02.844
Done. the last one he met was the little girl whose life he had saved. he began to realize
00:22:02.911 --> 00:22:04.446
The little girl whose life he had saved. he began to realize all of his time on earth that
00:22:04.513 --> 00:22:08.016
Had saved. he began to realize all of his time on earth that he felt like he was at the
00:22:08.083 --> 00:22:09.684
All of his time on earth that he felt like he was at the wrong place, the wrong job, he
00:22:09.751 --> 00:22:11.920
He felt like he was at the wrong place, the wrong job, he didn't like his life, but
00:22:11.987 --> 00:22:13.755
Wrong place, the wrong job, he didn't like his life, but actually he was at the right
00:22:13.822 --> 00:22:15.757
Didn't like his life, but actually he was at the right place. god had been directing
00:22:15.824 --> 00:22:17.759
Actually he was at the right place. god had been directing his steps. he had made a
00:22:17.826 --> 00:22:19.594
Place. god had been directing his steps. he had made a difference with his life. when
00:22:19.661 --> 00:22:21.396
His steps. he had made a difference with his life. when he stepped back and saw it from
00:22:21.463 --> 00:22:23.765
Difference with his life. when he stepped back and saw it from a new perspective he chose his
00:22:23.832 --> 00:22:26.201
He stepped back and saw it from a new perspective he chose his heaven to be the amusement
00:22:26.268 --> 00:22:28.203
A new perspective he chose his heaven to be the amusement park, the place that he had
00:22:28.270 --> 00:22:30.739
Heaven to be the amusement park, the place that he had dreaded all those years.
00:22:30.806 --> 00:22:33.775
Park, the place that he had dreaded all those years. could it be that you're at the
00:22:33.842 --> 00:22:34.876
Dreaded all those years. could it be that you're at the right place for the season that
00:22:34.943 --> 00:22:36.445
Could it be that you're at the right place for the season that you're in but you're not
00:22:36.511 --> 00:22:38.346
Right place for the season that you're in but you're not enjoying it? maybe like him, if
00:22:38.413 --> 00:22:41.049
You're in but you're not enjoying it? maybe like him, if you would step back and see it
00:22:41.116 --> 00:22:42.517
Enjoying it? maybe like him, if you would step back and see it from a new perspective you
00:22:42.584 --> 00:22:44.286
You would step back and see it from a new perspective you would realize god has you in
00:22:44.352 --> 00:22:46.121
From a new perspective you would realize god has you in the palm of his hand. he is
00:22:46.188 --> 00:22:47.923
Would realize god has you in the palm of his hand. he is directing your steps. he knows
00:22:47.989 --> 00:22:50.525
The palm of his hand. he is directing your steps. he knows where you are, what you like,
00:22:50.592 --> 00:22:51.927
Directing your steps. he knows where you are, what you like, what you don't like. instead of
00:22:51.993 --> 00:22:54.162
Where you are, what you like, what you don't like. instead of living discontented,
00:22:54.229 --> 00:22:55.964
What you don't like. instead of living discontented, frustrated, always wishing you
00:22:56.031 --> 00:22:57.999
Living discontented, frustrated, always wishing you were somewhere else, embrace
00:22:58.066 --> 00:23:00.268
Frustrated, always wishing you were somewhere else, embrace the place where you are. see
00:23:00.335 --> 00:23:02.604
Were somewhere else, embrace the place where you are. see the good. be grateful for what
00:23:02.671 --> 00:23:05.006
The place where you are. see the good. be grateful for what you have. remember, there is a
00:23:05.073 --> 00:23:07.042
The good. be grateful for what you have. remember, there is a blessing and a burden for every
00:23:07.108 --> 00:23:09.578
You have. remember, there is a blessing and a burden for every season. don't focus on the
00:23:09.644 --> 00:23:11.313
Blessing and a burden for every season. don't focus on the burden. you have the grace to
00:23:11.379 --> 00:23:13.348
Season. don't focus on the burden. you have the grace to enjoy the blessing. if you will
00:23:13.415 --> 00:23:15.283
Burden. you have the grace to enjoy the blessing. if you will make this choice that you're
00:23:15.350 --> 00:23:17.319
Enjoy the blessing. if you will make this choice that you're going to live content through
00:23:17.385 --> 00:23:18.987
Make this choice that you're going to live content through every season, blooming where
00:23:19.054 --> 00:23:20.722
Going to live content through every season, blooming where you're planted, not always
00:23:20.789 --> 00:23:22.324
Every season, blooming where you're planted, not always wishing for something else,
00:23:22.390 --> 00:23:23.792
You're planted, not always wishing for something else, then i believe and declare
00:23:23.859 --> 00:23:25.760
Wishing for something else, then i believe and declare you're going to enjoy your life
00:23:25.827 --> 00:23:27.362
Then i believe and declare you're going to enjoy your life more, you will rise higher,
00:23:27.429 --> 00:23:29.531
You're going to enjoy your life more, you will rise higher, overcome every obstacle and
00:23:29.598 --> 00:23:31.666
More, you will rise higher, overcome every obstacle and you will become everything
00:23:31.733 --> 00:23:33.335
Overcome every obstacle and you will become everything god has created you to be. in
00:23:33.401 --> 00:23:34.769
You will become everything god has created you to be. in jesus' name. (applause)
00:23:34.836 --> 00:23:40.041
God has created you to be. in jesus' name. (applause) well, we never like to close
00:23:40.108 --> 00:23:40.876
Jesus' name. (applause) well, we never like to close our broadcast without giving
00:23:40.942 --> 00:23:42.444
Well, we never like to close our broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make
00:23:42.511 --> 00:23:43.879
Our broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life.
00:23:43.945 --> 00:23:45.714
You an opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life. would you pray with me?
00:23:45.780 --> 00:23:47.349
Jesus the lord of your life. would you pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent
00:23:47.415 --> 00:23:50.685
Would you pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins. come in to my
00:23:50.752 --> 00:23:52.954
Just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins. come in to my heart. wash me clean. i make
00:23:53.021 --> 00:23:55.891
Of my sins. come in to my heart. wash me clean. i make you my lord and savior."
00:23:55.957 --> 00:23:59.327
Heart. wash me clean. i make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that
00:23:59.394 --> 00:24:00.962
You my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you
00:24:01.029 --> 00:24:02.364
Friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good
00:24:02.430 --> 00:24:04.199
Simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good bible-based church. keep god
00:24:04.266 --> 00:24:05.800
Got born again. get in a good bible-based church. keep god first place. he is going to
00:24:05.867 --> 00:24:07.435
Bible-based church. keep god first place. he is going to take you places that you've
00:24:07.502 --> 00:24:08.737
First place. he is going to take you places that you've never dreamed of.
00:24:08.803 --> 00:24:09.104
It's a new year.
00:24:10.972 --> 00:24:12.140
It's a new year. time to see the impossible
00:24:12.207 --> 00:24:13.842
Time to see the impossible become possible.
00:24:13.909 --> 00:24:15.243
Become possible. it's a new year.
00:24:15.310 --> 00:24:16.411
It's a new year. life's setbacks are about
00:24:16.478 --> 00:24:18.113
Life's setbacks are about to become god's setups
00:24:18.179 --> 00:24:19.681
To become god's setups for new opportunity.
00:24:19.748 --> 00:24:21.182
For new opportunity. it's a new year.
00:24:21.249 --> 00:24:22.551
It's a new year. cherished dreams
00:24:22.617 --> 00:24:23.685
Cherished dreams will become unexpected reality.
00:24:23.752 --> 00:24:26.555
Will become unexpected reality. the start of the new year
00:24:26.621 --> 00:24:27.789
The start of the new year is the perfect time
00:24:27.856 --> 00:24:28.823
Is the perfect time to reset your focus,
00:24:28.890 --> 00:24:30.292
To reset your focus, release disappointments
00:24:30.358 --> 00:24:31.526
Release disappointments of the past,
00:24:31.593 --> 00:24:32.394
Of the past, and get ready for
00:24:32.460 --> 00:24:33.194
And get ready for the new things
00:24:33.261 --> 00:24:33.995
The new things god has in store.
00:24:34.062 --> 00:24:35.630
Every january,
00:24:35.730 --> 00:24:36.665
Every january, we create
00:24:36.731 --> 00:24:37.265
We create a new 365-day
00:24:37.332 --> 00:24:39.434
A new 365-day devotional calendar.
00:24:39.501 --> 00:24:41.303
Devotional calendar. i'd love to send it to you.
00:24:41.369 --> 00:24:42.771
I'd love to send it to you. each day is filled
00:24:42.837 --> 00:24:43.705
Each day is filled with inspiration,
00:24:43.772 --> 00:24:44.706
With inspiration, scripture, and uplifting
00:24:44.773 --> 00:24:46.341
Scripture, and uplifting declarations
00:24:46.408 --> 00:24:47.142
Declarations to fuel your faith.
00:24:47.208 --> 00:24:48.643
To fuel your faith. when you begin the day thanking
00:24:48.710 --> 00:24:50.145
When you begin the day thanking god for what he's done,
00:24:50.211 --> 00:24:51.546
God for what he's done, speaking victory
00:24:51.613 --> 00:24:52.581
Speaking victory over your future,
00:24:52.647 --> 00:24:53.982
Over your future, you're positioning yourself
00:24:54.049 --> 00:24:55.483
You're positioning yourself for a blessed,
00:24:55.550 --> 00:24:56.384
For a blessed, favor-filled year.
00:24:56.451 --> 00:24:58.053
Favor-filled year. amazing things happen
00:24:58.119 --> 00:24:59.354
Amazing things happen when you keep god first place.
00:24:59.454 --> 00:25:01.790
When you keep god first place. as our way of saying thank you
00:25:01.890 --> 00:25:03.525
As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount
00:25:03.592 --> 00:25:05.060
For your gift of any amount this first month of the year,
00:25:05.126 --> 00:25:06.695
This first month of the year, we would like to send you
00:25:06.761 --> 00:25:07.963
A copy
00:25:08.063 --> 00:25:08.463
Aof our brand new 365-day, 2026
00:25:08.563 --> 00:25:12.500
Aof our brand new 365-day, 2026 devotional calendar.
00:25:12.567 --> 00:25:14.002
Devotional calendar. do you want to overcome
00:25:14.069 --> 00:25:15.403
Do you want to overcome your most pressing
00:25:15.470 --> 00:25:16.304
Your most pressing challenges in 2026?
00:25:16.371 --> 00:25:18.373
Challenges in 2026? do you want to see your life
00:25:18.440 --> 00:25:19.808
Do you want to see your life take off in new directions
00:25:19.874 --> 00:25:21.509
Take off in new directions of influence,
00:25:21.576 --> 00:25:22.477
Of influence, favor and provision
00:25:22.544 --> 00:25:23.979
Favor and provision in the year ahead?
00:25:24.045 --> 00:25:25.380
In the year ahead? with this daily encouragement,
00:25:25.480 --> 00:25:27.315
With this daily encouragement, you'll not only smile
00:25:27.382 --> 00:25:28.717
You'll not only smile at your day,
00:25:28.783 --> 00:25:29.584
At your day, you'll be reminded
00:25:29.651 --> 00:25:30.652
You'll be reminded that god is smiling
00:25:30.719 --> 00:25:31.987
That god is smiling on your entire life.
00:25:32.053 --> 00:25:33.755
On your entire life. each day
00:25:33.822 --> 00:25:34.556
Each day will be a fresh new day.
00:25:34.623 --> 00:25:36.191
Will be a fresh new day. turn discouragement
00:25:36.257 --> 00:25:37.826
Turn discouragement to encouragement.
00:25:37.892 --> 00:25:39.294
To encouragement. frustration to fulfillment.
00:25:39.361 --> 00:25:41.596
Frustration to fulfillment. anxiety to overcoming.
00:25:41.663 --> 00:25:44.065
Anxiety to overcoming. using this devotional calendar
00:25:44.165 --> 00:25:46.034
Using this devotional calendar is as easy as one, two, three.
00:25:46.134 --> 00:25:49.371
Is as easy as one, two, three. one: wake up with an expectancy
00:25:49.437 --> 00:25:52.173
One: wake up with an expectancy in your heart.
00:25:52.240 --> 00:25:53.475
In your heart. two: reflect
00:25:53.541 --> 00:25:54.676
Two: reflect on the daily scripture verse
00:25:54.743 --> 00:25:56.144
On the daily scripture verse and devotional from joel.
00:25:56.211 --> 00:25:58.046
And devotional from joel. three:
00:25:58.113 --> 00:25:58.813
Three: capture the lord's
00:25:58.880 --> 00:25:59.881
Capture the lord's promises to you
00:25:59.948 --> 00:26:01.116
Promises to you on journaling lines
00:26:01.182 --> 00:26:02.350
On journaling lines for writing and reflection.
00:26:02.417 --> 00:26:04.586
For writing and reflection. 2026 is going to be
00:26:04.653 --> 00:26:06.287
2026 is going to be one of your best years ever.
00:26:06.354 --> 00:26:08.256
One of your best years ever. we're going to help you
00:26:08.323 --> 00:26:08.923
We're going to help you stay in faith
00:26:08.990 --> 00:26:09.824
So you can see
00:26:09.924 --> 00:26:10.558
The goodness of god
00:26:10.659 --> 00:26:11.926
The goodness of god in new ways.
00:26:11.993 --> 00:26:13.395
In new ways. victoria and i pray for
00:26:13.461 --> 00:26:14.462
Victoria and i pray for you and your family every day
00:26:14.529 --> 00:26:16.164
You and your family every day and we want to
00:26:16.231 --> 00:26:16.865
And we want to thank you for your prayer
00:26:16.931 --> 00:26:18.033
Thank you for your prayer and support.
00:26:18.099 --> 00:26:19.100
And support. your generosity is impacting
00:26:19.167 --> 00:26:20.969
Your generosity is impacting lives around the world.
00:26:21.036 --> 00:26:22.704
Lives around the world. a special
00:26:22.771 --> 00:26:23.204
A special thank you to our champion
00:26:23.271 --> 00:26:24.372
Thank you to our champion of hope partners
00:26:24.439 --> 00:26:25.273
Of hope partners for your monthly gifts.
00:26:25.340 --> 00:26:26.775
For your monthly gifts. if you're not a partner,
00:26:26.841 --> 00:26:27.642
If you're not a partner, i hope you'll consider
00:26:27.709 --> 00:26:28.510
I hope you'll consider becoming one.
00:26:28.576 --> 00:26:29.811
Becoming one. remember,
00:26:29.878 --> 00:26:30.311
Remember, you can watch the services
00:26:30.378 --> 00:26:31.579
You can watch the services online live
00:26:31.646 --> 00:26:32.914
Online live every sunday morning.
00:26:32.981 --> 00:26:34.449
Every sunday morning. download our daily podcast,
00:26:34.516 --> 00:26:36.384
Download our daily podcast, watch on youtube
00:26:36.451 --> 00:26:37.719
Watch on youtube or the new joel osteen network
00:26:37.819 --> 00:26:39.487
Or the new joel osteen network 24 hours a day.
00:26:39.554 --> 00:26:41.222
24 hours a day. of course,
00:26:41.289 --> 00:26:41.589
Of course, listen live on sirius
00:26:41.656 --> 00:26:42.724
Listen live on sirius xm as well.
00:26:42.791 --> 00:26:44.125
Xm as well. but until we meet again,
00:26:44.192 --> 00:26:45.627
But until we meet again, may the lord bless
00:26:45.694 --> 00:26:46.561
May the lord bless you and keep you.
00:26:46.628 --> 00:26:48.396
You and keep you. request your copy of the 2026
00:26:48.463 --> 00:26:50.832
Request your copy of the 2026 devotional calendar today
00:26:50.899 --> 00:26:52.634
Devotional calendar today with your gift of any amount.
00:26:52.701 --> 00:26:54.703
With your gift of any amount. also, no matter what season
00:26:54.769 --> 00:26:56.604
Also, no matter what season you're in,
00:26:56.671 --> 00:26:57.338
You're in, god wants to speak into each
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God wants to speak into each and every moment.
00:26:59.441 --> 00:27:00.742
And every moment. god's word for
00:27:00.809 --> 00:27:01.810
God's word for every season is a guided
00:27:01.876 --> 00:27:03.511
Every season is a guided journal series
00:27:03.578 --> 00:27:04.512
Journal series designed to help you slow down,
00:27:04.579 --> 00:27:06.581
Designed to help you slow down, write out
00:27:06.648 --> 00:27:07.148
Write out scripture, and reflect
00:27:07.215 --> 00:27:08.650
Scripture, and reflect on its truth,
00:27:08.717 --> 00:27:09.551
On its truth, one verse at a time.
00:27:09.617 --> 00:27:11.352
One verse at a time. as you engage with his word,
00:27:11.419 --> 00:27:13.254
As you engage with his word, you'll discover fresh strength,
00:27:13.321 --> 00:27:15.223
You'll discover fresh strength, deeper peace,
00:27:15.290 --> 00:27:16.257
Deeper peace, and timely encouragement
00:27:16.324 --> 00:27:17.792
And timely encouragement for every step of your journey.
00:27:17.859 --> 00:27:19.994
For every step of your journey. you can request these
00:27:20.061 --> 00:27:21.096
You can request these inspiring resources
00:27:21.162 --> 00:27:22.597
Inspiring resources by calling 888-567-joel
00:27:22.664 --> 00:27:25.900
By calling 888-567-joel or logging on to
00:27:25.967 --> 00:27:26.968
Or logging on to joelosteen.com today.
00:27:27.035 --> 00:27:29.010

Joel Osteen - Living Content

January 15, 2026 | 27:29

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