Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen - Over and Above Blessings

December 7, 2025 | 29:0

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

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Joel Osteen | Joel Osteen - Over and Above Blessings | December 7, 2025

>joel: god bless you. it's
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>joel: god bless you. it's great to be with you today.
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Great to be with you today. i hope you'll stay connected
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I hope you'll stay connected with us during the week,
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With us during the week, through our daily podcast,
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Through our daily podcast, our youtube channel, social
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Our youtube channel, social media. and you can come visit
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Media. and you can come visit us in person. we'd love to
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Us in person. we'd love to have you be a part of one of
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Have you be a part of one of our services.
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I like to start with
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I like to start with something funny. i heard
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Something funny. i heard about this pastor, he was
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About this pastor, he was asked to inform one of his
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Asked to inform one of his members that he had just
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Members that he had just inherited $10 million. they
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Inherited $10 million. they were concerned because of the
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Were concerned because of the shock of it he might have a
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Shock of it he might have a heart attack. the pastor went
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Heart attack. the pastor went to him and said, "sir, what
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To him and said, "sir, what would you do if you inherited
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Would you do if you inherited $10 million?" the man said,
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$10 million?" the man said, "pastor, the first thing i'd
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"pastor, the first thing i'd do is give half of it to the
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Do is give half of it to the church." at that point, the
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Church." at that point, the pastor fell over dead.
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Pastor fell over dead. (laughter)
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(laughter) say it like you mean it. this
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Say it like you mean it. this is my bible. i am what it
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Is my bible. i am what it says i am. i have what it
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Says i am. i have what it says i have. i can do what it
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Says i have. i can do what it says i can do. today, i will
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Says i can do. today, i will be taught the word of god. i
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Be taught the word of god. i boldly confess: my mind is
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Boldly confess: my mind is alert. my heart is receptive.
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Alert. my heart is receptive. i will never be the same in
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I will never be the same in jesus' name. god bless you.
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Jesus' name. god bless you. i want to talk to you today
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I want to talk to you today about over and above
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About over and above blessings. when you have a
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Blessings. when you have a generous spirit, you're
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Generous spirit, you're always doing more than what's
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Always doing more than what's required. you stay late to
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Required. you stay late to help that coworker that's
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Help that coworker that's struggling. you take that
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Struggling. you take that elderly neighbor dinner at
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Elderly neighbor dinner at night. you support that
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Night. you support that single parent mom. you give
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Single parent mom. you give to expand the ministry. you
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To expand the ministry. you don't have to. nobody would
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Don't have to. nobody would look down on you if you
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Look down on you if you didn't, but you have this
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Didn't, but you have this over and above mentality.
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Over and above mentality. you're always looking for
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You're always looking for ways you can do good. you're
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Ways you can do good. you're not just being a blessing to
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Not just being a blessing to others, but you are
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Others, but you are positioning yourself for god
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Positioning yourself for god to do over and above in your
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To do over and above in your life. the scripture says, “if
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Life. the scripture says, “if you sow sparingly, you will
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You sow sparingly, you will reap sparingly, but if you
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Reap sparingly, but if you sow generously, you will reap
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Sow generously, you will reap generously.” some people do
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Generously.” some people do as little as they can to get
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As little as they can to get by. they have a little
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By. they have a little kindness, so they won't be
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Kindness, so they won't be seen as unfriendly. they'll
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Seen as unfriendly. they'll give a little time to help
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Give a little time to help others, a little
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Others, a little encouragement, a little
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Encouragement, a little friendship. they wonder why
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Friendship. they wonder why they don't get good breaks,
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They don't get good breaks, why they don't see favor.
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Why they don't see favor. they're reaping what they're
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They're reaping what they're sowing. if you sow average,
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Sowing. if you sow average, you're going to see average.
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You're going to see average. if you sow ordinary, do only
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If you sow ordinary, do only what's required, then you'll
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What's required, then you'll see ordinary. but when you
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See ordinary. but when you have this over and above
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Have this over and above mentality, looking for ways
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Mentality, looking for ways to be a blessing, doing more
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To be a blessing, doing more than what's expected, you are
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Than what's expected, you are setting yourself up for god
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Setting yourself up for god to show out in your life. to
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To show out in your life. to open doors you couldn't open,
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Open doors you couldn't open, to bring divine connections,
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To bring divine connections, to see favor that you've
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Never seen.
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Don't live at the level of
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Don't live at the level of obligation. don't have that
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Obligation. don't have that what can i get by with
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What can i get by with mentality. that's going to
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Mentality. that's going to limit your life. have a
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Limit your life. have a generous spirit. if you'll
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Generous spirit. if you'll turn loose of what's in your
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Turn loose of what's in your hands, god will turn loose of
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Hands, god will turn loose of what's in his hands. god is a
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What's in his hands. god is a rewarder. he sees you being a
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Rewarder. he sees you being a blessing, singing in the
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Blessing, singing in the choir on your day off.
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Choir on your day off. investing in that young man
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Investing in that young man that doesn't have a father,
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That doesn't have a father, taking him to ball practice
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Taking him to ball practice with your son. he sees you
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With your son. he sees you giving funds that you could
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Giving funds that you could use for your dream, making
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Use for your dream, making sacrifices to build his
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Sacrifices to build his kingdom. that's setting you
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Kingdom. that's setting you up for over and above
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Up for over and above blessings. i've learned you
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Blessings. i've learned you can't outgive god. you can't
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Can't outgive god. you can't be a blessing to others,
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Be a blessing to others, without god being a blessing
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Without god being a blessing to you. the way he does it,
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To you. the way he does it, is he multiplies it. it's
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Is he multiplies it. it's going to come back pressed
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Going to come back pressed down, shaken together and
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Down, shaken together and running over.
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Running over. there was a man in the
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There was a man in the scripture named barnabas. he
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Scripture named barnabas. he didn't come from an
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Didn't come from an influential family. he didn't
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Influential family. he didn't have a big resume, or
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Have a big resume, or education. just an ordinary
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Education. just an ordinary man. but he had a generous
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Man. but he had a generous spirit. he saw the disciples
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Spirit. he saw the disciples were doing great work and he
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Were doing great work and he wanted to support them. acts
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Wanted to support them. acts 4 says, “he sold a piece of
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4 says, “he sold a piece of property he owned, and
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Property he owned, and brought the funds and laid
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Brought the funds and laid them at the disciples' feet.”
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Them at the disciples' feet.” he didn't have to. nobody
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He didn't have to. nobody would have faulted him if he
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Would have faulted him if he didn't, but he had this over
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Didn't, but he had this over and above mentality. he
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And above mentality. he wanted to be a blessing. that
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Wanted to be a blessing. that one act of generosity opened
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One act of generosity opened the door to all this
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The door to all this opportunity. he became a
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Opportunity. he became a mentor to paul. paul wasn't
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Mentor to paul. paul wasn't accepted by the disciples at
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Accepted by the disciples at first. they still thought he
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First. they still thought he was against the church. it
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Was against the church. it was barnabas that convinced
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Was barnabas that convinced them that paul was a
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Them that paul was a believer. barnabas went from
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Believer. barnabas went from ordinary, nobody knew him, to
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Ordinary, nobody knew him, to this influential position.
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This influential position. the scripture says, “barnabas
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The scripture says, “barnabas was chosen by the spirit to
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Was chosen by the spirit to accompany paul on his first
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Accompany paul on his first missionary journey.” barnabas
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Missionary journey.” barnabas helped start the church in
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Helped start the church in antioch. when paul and mark
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Antioch. when paul and mark had a big disagreement,
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Had a big disagreement, barnabas was the one that
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Barnabas was the one that helped restore the
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Helped restore the relationship. on and on, god
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Relationship. on and on, god used barnabas in great ways.
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Used barnabas in great ways. but it can all be traced back
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But it can all be traced back to that over and above gift.
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To that over and above gift. his generosity opened doors,
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His generosity opened doors, brought favor, relationships
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Brought favor, relationships that he never dreamed.
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That he never dreamed. when you live with this over
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When you live with this over and above mentality, you're
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And above mentality, you're generous with your time, your
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Generous with your time, your talent, your resources. not
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Talent, your resources. not living at the level of
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Living at the level of obligation, but going above
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Obligation, but going above and beyond, that gets god's
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And beyond, that gets god's attention. he'll release over
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Attention. he'll release over and above in your life. he'll
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And above in your life. he'll put you in front of audiences
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Put you in front of audiences that you never dreamed,
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That you never dreamed, people, opportunities,
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People, opportunities, resources you didn't see
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Resources you didn't see coming. that's the running
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Coming. that's the running over blessings. things you
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Can't explain. positionsou
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Can't explain. positionsou where you didn't have the
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Where you didn't have the qualifications. connections
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Qualifications. connections with people that should be
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With people that should be over your head, out of your
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Over your head, out of your league, but now they're
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League, but now they're looking up to you. now you're
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Looking up to you. now you're the leader. you're giving
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The leader. you're giving vision. you're making the
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Impact. don't miss
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Impact. don't miss opportunities to live over
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Opportunities to live over and above. these are things
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And above. these are things that are not required. nobody
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That are not required. nobody is going to pressure you to
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Is going to pressure you to do it. your mind, your
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Do it. your mind, your reasoning will tell you, “no
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Reasoning will tell you, “no thanks, joel. i'm busy, i
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Thanks, joel. i'm busy, i don't have time to serve, i
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Don't have time to serve, i don't have time to mentor
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Don't have time to mentor that young person. or i need
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That young person. or i need these funds. i've got my own
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These funds. i've got my own dreams. i'm trying to build
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Dreams. i'm trying to build my own career.” here's the
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My own career.” here's the whole key. when you give over
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Whole key. when you give over and above, you're not going
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And above, you're not going to end up at a deficit.
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To end up at a deficit. you're not losing anything.
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You're not losing anything. you are positioning yourself
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You are positioning yourself for increase, for abundance,
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For increase, for abundance, for doors to open, for divine
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For doors to open, for divine connections. if barnabas were
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Connections. if barnabas were here today, he would tell
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Here today, he would tell you, “it all started when i
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You, “it all started when i gave that gift. when i went
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Gave that gift. when i went over and above.” he didn't
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Over and above.” he didn't give it to get something; he
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Give it to get something; he simply gave it to be a
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Simply gave it to be a blessing. but look how god
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Blessing. but look how god works. if he can entrust you
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Works. if he can entrust you to be a great blessing, then
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To be a great blessing, then he will bless you with more.
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He will bless you with more. he will open the windows of
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He will open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings
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Heaven and pour out blessings you cannot contain.
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That's what it says in the
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That's what it says in the book of malachi, that when
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Book of malachi, that when you tithe your income, when
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You tithe your income, when you give offerings, god will
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You give offerings, god will increase you and pour out his
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Increase you and pour out his blessings. in that same
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Blessings. in that same passage, it asks the
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Passage, it asks the question, “will a man rob god
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Question, “will a man rob god by not giving?” what's
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By not giving?” what's interesting is god owns it
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Interesting is god owns it all. he makes streets out of
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All. he makes streets out of gold. when peter needed money
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Gold. when peter needed money for taxes, there was a coin
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For taxes, there was a coin in the fish's mouth. it's not
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In the fish's mouth. it's not like god needs our funds to
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Like god needs our funds to keep everything going. god's
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Going to go broke if we don't
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Going to go broke if we don't give. no, what that means,
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Give. no, what that means, ‘will a person rob god?', is
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‘will a person rob god?', is if you have don't live
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If you have don't live generously, you are robbing
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Generously, you are robbing god of the opportunity to
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God of the opportunity to bless you. you're robbing him
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Bless you. you're robbing him of the doors he wants to
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Of the doors he wants to open, the resources he wants
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Open, the resources he wants to give you, the people he
00:07:15.925 --> 00:07:17.426
To give you, the people he wants to bring. you're taking
00:07:17.493 --> 00:07:19.295
Wants to bring. you're taking away that opportunity for him
00:07:19.362 --> 00:07:21.197
Away that opportunity for him to show out in your life.
00:07:21.264 --> 00:07:23.099
To show out in your life. don't rob him. he's longing
00:07:23.165 --> 00:07:25.167
Don't rob him. he's longing to be good to you. jesus
00:07:25.234 --> 00:07:27.036
To be good to you. jesus said, it's the father's good
00:07:27.103 --> 00:07:28.404
Said, it's the father's good pleasure to give you the
00:07:28.471 --> 00:07:29.839
Pleasure to give you the kingdom. but god works by
00:07:29.906 --> 00:07:31.874
Kingdom. but god works by principles. when you live
00:07:31.941 --> 00:07:33.743
Principles. when you live over and above, that's a seed
00:07:33.809 --> 00:07:35.678
Over and above, that's a seed you're sowing. then you will
00:07:35.745 --> 00:07:37.313
You're sowing. then you will reap over and above.
00:07:37.380 --> 00:07:39.282
Reap over and above. when you do more than what's
00:07:39.348 --> 00:07:40.550
When you do more than what's required. like barnabas,
00:07:40.616 --> 00:07:42.652
Required. like barnabas, nobody forced you to bless
00:07:42.718 --> 00:07:44.387
Nobody forced you to bless that neighbor that's
00:07:44.453 --> 00:07:45.087
That neighbor that's struggling. nobody made you
00:07:45.154 --> 00:07:46.856
Struggling. nobody made you come early today and serve as
00:07:46.923 --> 00:07:48.357
Come early today and serve as a prayer partner, an usher.
00:07:48.424 --> 00:07:50.226
A prayer partner, an usher. nobody required you to give
00:07:50.293 --> 00:07:51.561
Nobody required you to give that coworker a ride. you
00:07:51.627 --> 00:07:53.262
That coworker a ride. you weren't obligated to support
00:07:53.329 --> 00:07:54.564
Weren't obligated to support the ministry. nobody would
00:07:54.630 --> 00:07:56.098
The ministry. nobody would know if you didn't. you could
00:07:56.165 --> 00:07:57.767
Know if you didn't. you could live at the level of
00:07:57.833 --> 00:07:58.768
Live at the level of obligation, but i know a
00:07:58.834 --> 00:08:00.603
Obligation, but i know a secret, i'm looking at
00:08:00.670 --> 00:08:01.737
Secret, i'm looking at barnabas'. i'm looking at
00:08:01.804 --> 00:08:03.706
Barnabas'. i'm looking at over and above people, people
00:08:03.773 --> 00:08:05.908
Over and above people, people with a generous spirit. you
00:08:05.975 --> 00:08:07.710
With a generous spirit. you need to get ready. god is
00:08:07.777 --> 00:08:08.978
Need to get ready. god is about to release over and
00:08:09.045 --> 00:08:10.613
About to release over and above in your life. he's
00:08:10.680 --> 00:08:12.481
Above in your life. he's about to put you in front of
00:08:12.548 --> 00:08:13.849
About to put you in front of audiences you didn't see
00:08:13.916 --> 00:08:15.451
Audiences you didn't see coming. with people of
00:08:15.518 --> 00:08:17.286
Coming. with people of influence where you shine
00:08:17.353 --> 00:08:19.021
Influence where you shine brightly, where they admire
00:08:19.088 --> 00:08:20.856
Brightly, where they admire you. open doors that thrust
00:08:20.923 --> 00:08:22.758
You. open doors that thrust you to a new level. because
00:08:22.825 --> 00:08:24.860
You to a new level. because you sow generously, you're
00:08:24.927 --> 00:08:26.729
You sow generously, you're going to reap generously.
00:08:26.796 --> 00:08:28.798
Going to reap generously. i know many of you have been
00:08:28.864 --> 00:08:30.299
I know many of you have been doing this, but you haven't
00:08:30.366 --> 00:08:31.534
Doing this, but you haven't seen those windows open yet.
00:08:31.601 --> 00:08:33.903
Seen those windows open yet. let me encourage you. god has
00:08:33.970 --> 00:08:35.438
Let me encourage you. god has seen all the sacrifices. the
00:08:35.504 --> 00:08:37.807
Seen all the sacrifices. the times you gave when you
00:08:37.873 --> 00:08:39.108
Times you gave when you needed the funds. you stayed
00:08:39.175 --> 00:08:40.943
Needed the funds. you stayed late to help when you were
00:08:41.010 --> 00:08:42.144
Late to help when you were tired. you went the extra
00:08:42.211 --> 00:08:43.946
Tired. you went the extra mile, but nobody said thanks.
00:08:44.013 --> 00:08:45.982
Mile, but nobody said thanks. god is about to thank you.
00:08:46.048 --> 00:08:48.184
God is about to thank you. he's about to show out in
00:08:48.250 --> 00:08:49.619
He's about to show out in your life. you're going to
00:08:49.685 --> 00:08:50.820
Your life. you're going to see increase, abundance,
00:08:50.886 --> 00:08:53.022
See increase, abundance, resources, contracts, that
00:08:53.089 --> 00:08:55.491
Resources, contracts, that you cannot contain. that
00:08:55.558 --> 00:08:57.793
You cannot contain. that means so many good
00:08:57.860 --> 00:08:59.128
Means so many good opportunities that you have
00:08:59.195 --> 00:09:00.763
Opportunities that you have to choose what's best. that
00:09:00.830 --> 00:09:02.932
To choose what's best. that means lending and not
00:09:02.999 --> 00:09:04.500
Means lending and not borrowing, being able to be a
00:09:04.567 --> 00:09:06.135
Borrowing, being able to be a bigger blessing. that means
00:09:06.202 --> 00:09:08.037
Bigger blessing. that means the right people showing up.
00:09:08.104 --> 00:09:10.006
The right people showing up. not having to track them
00:09:10.072 --> 00:09:11.007
Not having to track them down, hope they give you a
00:09:11.073 --> 00:09:12.742
Down, hope they give you a break, but divine
00:09:12.808 --> 00:09:14.143
Break, but divine connections, searching you
00:09:14.210 --> 00:09:15.611
Connections, searching you out. this all goes back,
00:09:15.678 --> 00:09:17.713
Out. this all goes back, number one, to honoring god,
00:09:17.780 --> 00:09:19.982
Number one, to honoring god, keeping him first place and
00:09:20.049 --> 00:09:21.684
Keeping him first place and number two, having an over
00:09:21.751 --> 00:09:23.586
Number two, having an over and above mentality. a
00:09:23.653 --> 00:09:25.655
And above mentality. a generous spirit. not ingrown,
00:09:25.721 --> 00:09:28.791
Generous spirit. not ingrown, focused only on me. get
00:09:28.858 --> 00:09:30.760
Focused only on me. get outside of yourself. don't
00:09:30.826 --> 00:09:32.895
Outside of yourself. don't rob god of the opportunity to
00:09:32.962 --> 00:09:34.797
Rob god of the opportunity to bless you. look for ways you
00:09:34.864 --> 00:09:37.466
Bless you. look for ways you can be an over and above
00:09:37.533 --> 00:09:39.101
Can be an over and above blessing.
00:09:39.168 --> 00:09:40.569
Blessing. i was at the furniture store
00:09:40.636 --> 00:09:41.637
I was at the furniture store a while back. i ran into this
00:09:41.704 --> 00:09:43.406
A while back. i ran into this couple. they told how they
00:09:43.472 --> 00:09:44.874
Couple. they told how they had just bought their first
00:09:44.940 --> 00:09:46.142
Had just bought their first home. they were so proud,
00:09:46.208 --> 00:09:48.644
Home. they were so proud, beaming with joy. i
00:09:48.711 --> 00:09:50.079
Beaming with joy. i congratulated them and gave
00:09:50.146 --> 00:09:51.280
Congratulated them and gave them a hug. they were looking
00:09:51.347 --> 00:09:53.115
Them a hug. they were looking for furniture for their
00:09:53.182 --> 00:09:54.350
For furniture for their living room. on the way out,
00:09:54.417 --> 00:09:56.719
Living room. on the way out, i told my salesman, “whatever
00:09:56.786 --> 00:09:58.821
I told my salesman, “whatever they find to buy, put it on
00:09:58.888 --> 00:10:00.256
They find to buy, put it on this credit card. don't say
00:10:00.322 --> 00:10:02.058
This credit card. don't say anything about who it was.”
00:10:02.124 --> 00:10:03.993
Anything about who it was.” i'm not doing it to get
00:10:04.060 --> 00:10:05.061
I'm not doing it to get credit; i'm doing it unto
00:10:05.127 --> 00:10:06.328
Credit; i'm doing it unto god. he's the one that
00:10:06.395 --> 00:10:08.097
God. he's the one that matters. he's keeping all the
00:10:08.164 --> 00:10:10.132
Matters. he's keeping all the records. “joel, i don't have
00:10:10.199 --> 00:10:13.169
Records. “joel, i don't have those kinds of funds to buy a
00:10:13.235 --> 00:10:14.603
Those kinds of funds to buy a stranger furniture.” maybe
00:10:14.670 --> 00:10:15.971
Stranger furniture.” maybe not but can you buy your
00:10:16.038 --> 00:10:17.273
Not but can you buy your coworker a cup of coffee and
00:10:17.339 --> 00:10:19.241
Coworker a cup of coffee and bring it to them in the
00:10:19.308 --> 00:10:19.942
Bring it to them in the morning. you didn't have to.
00:10:20.009 --> 00:10:21.711
Morning. you didn't have to. that's an over and above
00:10:21.777 --> 00:10:23.179
That's an over and above blessing. can you mow the
00:10:23.245 --> 00:10:24.980
Blessing. can you mow the lawn of that elderly
00:10:25.047 --> 00:10:26.248
Lawn of that elderly neighbor? can you pick up
00:10:26.315 --> 00:10:27.817
Neighbor? can you pick up that friend that doesn't have
00:10:27.883 --> 00:10:28.818
That friend that doesn't have a ride and bring them to
00:10:28.884 --> 00:10:29.985
A ride and bring them to church? can you mentor that
00:10:30.052 --> 00:10:31.320
Church? can you mentor that young man that's struggling?
00:10:31.387 --> 00:10:33.322
Young man that's struggling? look for something you can do
00:10:33.389 --> 00:10:35.458
Look for something you can do that's over and above. that's
00:10:35.524 --> 00:10:37.426
That's over and above. that's not required. that's sowing a
00:10:37.493 --> 00:10:39.495
Not required. that's sowing a seed for god to do over and
00:10:39.562 --> 00:10:41.630
Seed for god to do over and above in your life. the
00:10:41.697 --> 00:10:43.699
Above in your life. the scripture says in galatians,
00:10:43.766 --> 00:10:45.234
Scripture says in galatians, “don't miss an opportunity to
00:10:45.301 --> 00:10:47.203
“don't miss an opportunity to do good.” don't be too busy,
00:10:47.269 --> 00:10:49.972
Do good.” don't be too busy, too self-centered, too
00:10:50.039 --> 00:10:51.173
Too self-centered, too stingy. when you miss that
00:10:51.240 --> 00:10:53.008
Stingy. when you miss that opportunity, you are robbing
00:10:53.075 --> 00:10:54.810
Opportunity, you are robbing god of the opportunity to
00:10:54.877 --> 00:10:56.545
God of the opportunity to bless you. when you make
00:10:56.612 --> 00:10:58.347
Bless you. when you make someone else's day, god will
00:10:58.414 --> 00:11:00.249
Someone else's day, god will always make your own day.
00:11:00.316 --> 00:11:02.985
When we acquired the compaq
00:11:03.085 --> 00:11:04.353
When we acquired the compaq center, this place, we
00:11:04.420 --> 00:11:05.955
Center, this place, we learned that it was going to
00:11:06.021 --> 00:11:06.722
Learned that it was going to cost a hundred million
00:11:06.789 --> 00:11:07.723
Cost a hundred million dollars to renovate. we
00:11:07.790 --> 00:11:09.458
Dollars to renovate. we borrowed seventy-five. in a
00:11:09.525 --> 00:11:11.794
Borrowed seventy-five. in a year, before we could move
00:11:11.861 --> 00:11:13.162
Year, before we could move in, we had a
00:11:13.229 --> 00:11:14.130
In, we had a twenty-five-million-dollar
00:11:14.196 --> 00:11:15.264
Twenty-five-million-dollar payment due. i was
00:11:15.331 --> 00:11:16.832
Payment due. i was thirty-eight years old; i'd
00:11:16.899 --> 00:11:18.534
Thirty-eight years old; i'd only been pastoring for two
00:11:18.601 --> 00:11:19.769
Only been pastoring for two years. i had never had to
00:11:19.835 --> 00:11:21.103
Years. i had never had to raise those kinds of funds
00:11:21.170 --> 00:11:22.805
Raise those kinds of funds and come up with such a large
00:11:22.872 --> 00:11:24.140
And come up with such a large amount. i felt this pressure,
00:11:24.206 --> 00:11:26.909
Amount. i felt this pressure, this uncertainty. thoughts
00:11:26.976 --> 00:11:28.344
Saying, “joel you're never
00:11:28.444 --> 00:11:29.178
Saying, “joel you're never going make that payment.
00:11:29.245 --> 00:11:30.546
Going make that payment. you're way over your head.” i
00:11:30.613 --> 00:11:32.782
You're way over your head.” i had to agree. it was over my
00:11:32.848 --> 00:11:34.750
Had to agree. it was over my head, but i knew it wasn't
00:11:34.817 --> 00:11:36.519
Head, but i knew it wasn't over god's head. that year we
00:11:36.585 --> 00:11:39.455
Over god's head. that year we did everything we could. we
00:11:39.522 --> 00:11:41.190
Did everything we could. we presented the vision; we had
00:11:41.257 --> 00:11:43.259
Presented the vision; we had meetings inviting people to
00:11:43.325 --> 00:11:44.660
Meetings inviting people to support. so many got on board
00:11:44.727 --> 00:11:46.962
Support. so many got on board and were very generous, many
00:11:47.029 --> 00:11:48.097
And were very generous, many of you. but despite all our
00:11:48.164 --> 00:11:50.232
Of you. but despite all our efforts, we were three months
00:11:50.299 --> 00:11:51.867
Efforts, we were three months from moving in and still only
00:11:51.934 --> 00:11:54.036
From moving in and still only a third of the way there.
00:11:54.103 --> 00:11:56.038
A third of the way there. i received a phone call from
00:11:56.105 --> 00:11:57.373
I received a phone call from a pastor friend of mine in
00:11:57.439 --> 00:11:58.707
A pastor friend of mine in another state. he was trying
00:11:58.774 --> 00:12:00.409
Another state. he was trying to purchase a building for
00:12:00.476 --> 00:12:01.443
To purchase a building for his church. he had been
00:12:01.510 --> 00:12:03.078
His church. he had been working on it a couple years,
00:12:03.145 --> 00:12:04.713
Working on it a couple years, raising the funds, doing
00:12:04.780 --> 00:12:06.148
Raising the funds, doing everything he could. this was
00:12:06.215 --> 00:12:07.983
Everything he could. this was his dream, but he didn't have
00:12:08.050 --> 00:12:09.685
His dream, but he didn't have enough. he was scheduled to
00:12:09.752 --> 00:12:11.620
Enough. he was scheduled to close in three days, but he
00:12:11.687 --> 00:12:13.589
Close in three days, but he was a million dollars short.
00:12:13.656 --> 00:12:15.724
Was a million dollars short. he said, “joel, i'm just
00:12:15.791 --> 00:12:16.559
He said, “joel, i'm just calling to see if you'll pray
00:12:16.625 --> 00:12:18.194
Calling to see if you'll pray with me about these funds
00:12:18.260 --> 00:12:19.862
With me about these funds coming in.” he had a much
00:12:19.929 --> 00:12:21.730
Coming in.” he had a much smaller church. i could tell
00:12:21.797 --> 00:12:23.532
Smaller church. i could tell he was devastated. he would
00:12:23.599 --> 00:12:25.367
He was devastated. he would not only lose the property,
00:12:25.434 --> 00:12:27.069
Not only lose the property, but he would lose the
00:12:27.136 --> 00:12:27.837
But he would lose the downpayment if he didn't
00:12:27.903 --> 00:12:29.371
Downpayment if he didn't close. i could hear that
00:12:29.438 --> 00:12:31.373
Close. i could hear that still small voice saying,
00:12:31.440 --> 00:12:32.908
Still small voice saying, “joel, give him the million
00:12:32.975 --> 00:12:34.610
“joel, give him the million that he needs.” i thought,
00:12:34.677 --> 00:12:36.579
That he needs.” i thought, “get behind me satan.” we
00:12:36.645 --> 00:12:39.181
“get behind me satan.” we don't have enough for our own
00:12:39.248 --> 00:12:40.349
Don't have enough for our own building. god, we're three
00:12:40.416 --> 00:12:42.184
Building. god, we're three months out and we're twenty
00:12:42.251 --> 00:12:43.853
Months out and we're twenty million short. that doesn't
00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:44.820
Million short. that doesn't make sense. i told him we'll
00:12:44.887 --> 00:12:46.589
Make sense. i told him we'll be praying for you. that's
00:12:46.655 --> 00:12:49.124
Be praying for you. that's the easy way out, right?
00:12:49.191 --> 00:12:50.559
The easy way out, right? that night i couldn't sleep.
00:12:50.626 --> 00:12:52.795
That night i couldn't sleep. all i could think about was
00:12:52.862 --> 00:12:53.863
All i could think about was him. i finally fell asleep,
00:12:53.929 --> 00:12:55.664
Him. i finally fell asleep, and i dreamed about him.
00:12:55.731 --> 00:12:56.765
And i dreamed about him. sometimes to go over and
00:12:56.832 --> 00:12:59.702
Sometimes to go over and above, it doesn't make sense.
00:12:59.768 --> 00:13:02.004
Above, it doesn't make sense. all the facts, the figures,
00:13:02.071 --> 00:13:03.706
All the facts, the figures, the logic, says hold on to
00:13:03.772 --> 00:13:05.641
The logic, says hold on to what you have. you need that
00:13:05.708 --> 00:13:07.509
What you have. you need that for your dream, your house,
00:13:07.576 --> 00:13:09.245
For your dream, your house, your retirement. but god is
00:13:09.311 --> 00:13:11.080
Your retirement. but god is not always logical. this is
00:13:11.146 --> 00:13:13.115
Not always logical. this is what faith is all about. i
00:13:13.182 --> 00:13:15.251
What faith is all about. i called him the next morning
00:13:15.317 --> 00:13:16.318
Called him the next morning and said lakewood was going
00:13:16.385 --> 00:13:17.519
And said lakewood was going to give him the funds. it was
00:13:17.586 --> 00:13:19.121
To give him the funds. it was our gift that made his dream
00:13:19.188 --> 00:13:21.023
Our gift that made his dream come true. when you help
00:13:21.090 --> 00:13:23.726
Come true. when you help others accomplish their
00:13:23.792 --> 00:13:25.060
Others accomplish their dream, god will help you
00:13:25.127 --> 00:13:27.029
Dream, god will help you accomplish your dream. you're
00:13:27.096 --> 00:13:29.198
Accomplish your dream. you're never losing what you give.
00:13:29.265 --> 00:13:31.000
Never losing what you give. it's a seed you're sowing
00:13:31.066 --> 00:13:32.735
It's a seed you're sowing that's going to come back to
00:13:32.801 --> 00:13:33.702
That's going to come back to you, pressed down, shaken
00:13:33.769 --> 00:13:34.970
You, pressed down, shaken together and running over.
00:13:35.037 --> 00:13:37.473
Together and running over. lakewood owned a television
00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:39.041
Lakewood owned a television station at that time, channel
00:13:39.108 --> 00:13:40.342
Station at that time, channel 55, here in houston. victoria
00:13:40.409 --> 00:13:42.478
55, here in houston. victoria and i put that on the air in
00:13:42.544 --> 00:13:43.979
And i put that on the air in the late nineties. when my
00:13:44.046 --> 00:13:45.714
The late nineties. when my father passed, we decided to
00:13:45.781 --> 00:13:47.516
Father passed, we decided to sell it. we believed it was
00:13:47.583 --> 00:13:49.585
Sell it. we believed it was worth thirty million dollars.
00:13:49.652 --> 00:13:51.687
Worth thirty million dollars. we had a man come in to
00:13:51.754 --> 00:13:53.188
We had a man come in to represent us. he sold more
00:13:53.255 --> 00:13:54.723
Represent us. he sold more stations than anyone in the
00:13:54.790 --> 00:13:56.158
Stations than anyone in the us, the leading expert. he
00:13:56.225 --> 00:13:58.327
Us, the leading expert. he said, “you won't get half of
00:13:58.394 --> 00:14:00.062
Said, “you won't get half of what you're asking. there's
00:14:00.129 --> 00:14:01.563
What you're asking. there's no way. the market is down.
00:14:01.630 --> 00:14:03.699
No way. the market is down. no one wants an independent
00:14:03.766 --> 00:14:05.034
No one wants an independent station. there's no future in
00:14:05.100 --> 00:14:06.602
Station. there's no future in it.” on and on. he could not
00:14:06.669 --> 00:14:09.371
It.” on and on. he could not have been more negative,
00:14:09.438 --> 00:14:10.472
Have been more negative, discouraging. he had all the
00:14:10.539 --> 00:14:11.874
Discouraging. he had all the facts, the figures, the sales
00:14:11.941 --> 00:14:13.776
Facts, the figures, the sales to back up what he was
00:14:13.842 --> 00:14:15.210
To back up what he was saying. in the natural, he
00:14:15.277 --> 00:14:17.346
Saying. in the natural, he was right. but god knows how
00:14:17.413 --> 00:14:19.148
Was right. but god knows how to breathe on your property,
00:14:19.214 --> 00:14:20.849
To breathe on your property, breathe on your career,
00:14:20.916 --> 00:14:22.051
Breathe on your career, breathe on your children,
00:14:22.117 --> 00:14:23.819
Breathe on your children, where what looks impossible,
00:14:23.886 --> 00:14:25.654
Where what looks impossible, becomes possible. my
00:14:25.721 --> 00:14:27.356
Becomes possible. my brother-in-law, don, ran the
00:14:27.423 --> 00:14:29.158
Brother-in-law, don, ran the station. he said, “joel,
00:14:29.224 --> 00:14:30.592
Station. he said, “joel, don't listen to him. we're
00:14:30.659 --> 00:14:31.827
Don't listen to him. we're going to get the full
00:14:31.894 --> 00:14:32.594
Going to get the full amount.” i thought, “man,
00:14:32.661 --> 00:14:33.896
Amount.” i thought, “man, don, you've more faith than i
00:14:33.963 --> 00:14:35.064
Don, you've more faith than i do, but i'm going to agree
00:14:35.130 --> 00:14:36.265
Do, but i'm going to agree with you. i'm going to be a
00:14:36.332 --> 00:14:37.499
With you. i'm going to be a believer and not a doubter.”
00:14:37.566 --> 00:14:39.702
Believer and not a doubter.” one month before the big
00:14:39.768 --> 00:14:40.970
One month before the big payment was due, a buyer
00:14:41.036 --> 00:14:42.771
Payment was due, a buyer showed up for the station. we
00:14:42.838 --> 00:14:44.740
Showed up for the station. we didn't go after him; he came
00:14:44.807 --> 00:14:46.342
Didn't go after him; he came to us. he had never owned any
00:14:46.408 --> 00:14:48.410
To us. he had never owned any television properties. we
00:14:48.477 --> 00:14:50.179
Television properties. we told him the price. he said,
00:14:50.245 --> 00:14:51.647
Told him the price. he said, “you've got a deal. i'll take
00:14:51.714 --> 00:14:52.848
“you've got a deal. i'll take it.” we sold the station a
00:14:52.915 --> 00:14:54.850
It.” we sold the station a few days before the deadline,
00:14:54.917 --> 00:14:57.119
Few days before the deadline, got twice the amount the
00:14:57.186 --> 00:14:58.687
Got twice the amount the expert said we'd get. we had
00:14:58.754 --> 00:15:00.923
Expert said we'd get. we had the funds to move into the
00:15:00.990 --> 00:15:02.324
The funds to move into the compaq center.
00:15:02.391 --> 00:15:04.493
Compaq center. but i believe, i believe it
00:15:04.560 --> 00:15:07.730
But i believe, i believe it all goes back to that act of
00:15:07.796 --> 00:15:09.665
All goes back to that act of generosity a year earlier.
00:15:09.732 --> 00:15:12.067
Generosity a year earlier. where we went over and above
00:15:12.134 --> 00:15:13.736
Where we went over and above to help someone else. we
00:15:13.802 --> 00:15:15.404
To help someone else. we sowed a generous seed, and
00:15:15.471 --> 00:15:17.406
Sowed a generous seed, and god did over and above in our
00:15:17.473 --> 00:15:19.141
God did over and above in our life. you cannot give god
00:15:19.208 --> 00:15:21.477
Life. you cannot give god something without him giving
00:15:21.543 --> 00:15:23.245
Something without him giving you more back in return. it's
00:15:23.312 --> 00:15:25.180
You more back in return. it's not just what he does. it's
00:15:25.247 --> 00:15:27.049
Not just what he does. it's who he is. for god so loved
00:15:27.116 --> 00:15:29.418
Who he is. for god so loved the world that he gave. it's
00:15:29.485 --> 00:15:31.320
The world that he gave. it's his nature to give. you have
00:15:31.387 --> 00:15:33.622
His nature to give. you have to stir your faith up when it
00:15:33.689 --> 00:15:35.357
To stir your faith up when it comes to over and above. our
00:15:35.424 --> 00:15:37.526
Comes to over and above. our flesh, our human nature
00:15:37.593 --> 00:15:39.895
Flesh, our human nature doesn't like to stretch. we
00:15:39.962 --> 00:15:41.730
Doesn't like to stretch. we don't want to be
00:15:41.797 --> 00:15:42.364
Don't want to be uncomfortable,
00:15:42.431 --> 00:15:43.032
Uncomfortable, inconvenienced. it doesn't
00:15:43.098 --> 00:15:45.100
Inconvenienced. it doesn't have to be money, but how
00:15:45.167 --> 00:15:46.368
Have to be money, but how about giving your time,
00:15:46.435 --> 00:15:48.037
About giving your time, giving encouragement, giving
00:15:48.103 --> 00:15:49.571
Giving encouragement, giving friendship. are there any
00:15:49.638 --> 00:15:51.740
Friendship. are there any areas you're living over and
00:15:51.807 --> 00:15:53.375
Areas you're living over and above? being a blessing to
00:15:53.442 --> 00:15:55.310
Above? being a blessing to someone else. going the extra
00:15:55.377 --> 00:15:57.279
Someone else. going the extra mile to help that friend's
00:15:57.346 --> 00:15:59.048
Mile to help that friend's dream come true. “joel, if i
00:15:59.114 --> 00:16:01.016
Dream come true. “joel, if i do that, man, i'm falling
00:16:01.083 --> 00:16:02.251
Do that, man, i'm falling behind. i'm not going to have
00:16:02.317 --> 00:16:03.819
Behind. i'm not going to have enough for my own dreams, for
00:16:03.886 --> 00:16:05.354
Enough for my own dreams, for my future.” it's just the
00:16:05.421 --> 00:16:07.022
My future.” it's just the opposite. you are positioning
00:16:07.089 --> 00:16:08.957
Opposite. you are positioning yourself for god to do over
00:16:09.024 --> 00:16:11.193
Yourself for god to do over and above in your life, to
00:16:11.260 --> 00:16:13.128
And above in your life, to open the windows of heaven,
00:16:13.195 --> 00:16:14.863
Open the windows of heaven, to pour out blessings you
00:16:14.930 --> 00:16:16.498
To pour out blessings you cannot contain.
00:16:16.565 --> 00:16:18.500
There was a young woman in
00:16:18.600 --> 00:16:19.468
There was a young woman in the scripture named rebekah.
00:16:19.535 --> 00:16:21.270
The scripture named rebekah. she lived in the city of
00:16:21.336 --> 00:16:22.404
She lived in the city of nahor, which is modern day
00:16:22.471 --> 00:16:24.373
Nahor, which is modern day syria. i'm sure like any girl
00:16:24.440 --> 00:16:26.608
Syria. i'm sure like any girl she wondered what she was
00:16:26.675 --> 00:16:27.876
She wondered what she was going to do with her life.
00:16:27.943 --> 00:16:29.344
Going to do with her life. would she get married? where
00:16:29.411 --> 00:16:30.846
Would she get married? where would she live? would she
00:16:30.913 --> 00:16:31.780
Would she live? would she have children? she had all
00:16:31.847 --> 00:16:33.682
Have children? she had all these hopes and dreams. but
00:16:33.749 --> 00:16:35.651
These hopes and dreams. but in those days, the marriages
00:16:35.717 --> 00:16:37.319
In those days, the marriages were prearranged. you didn't
00:16:37.386 --> 00:16:38.954
Were prearranged. you didn't have a choice. the parents of
00:16:39.021 --> 00:16:40.689
Have a choice. the parents of the husband would choose who
00:16:40.756 --> 00:16:42.091
The husband would choose who the wife would be. abraham
00:16:42.157 --> 00:16:44.359
The wife would be. abraham lived in canaan. he was an
00:16:44.426 --> 00:16:46.128
Lived in canaan. he was an old man, about to pass. he
00:16:46.195 --> 00:16:48.430
Said to his assistant, “go
00:16:48.530 --> 00:16:49.932
Said to his assistant, “go back to my hometown of nahor,
00:16:49.998 --> 00:16:52.201
Back to my hometown of nahor, and find a good wife for my
00:16:52.267 --> 00:16:53.602
And find a good wife for my son isaac.” you can imagine
00:16:53.669 --> 00:16:56.238
Son isaac.” you can imagine the pressure on this
00:16:56.305 --> 00:16:57.139
The pressure on this assistant. it was up to him
00:16:57.206 --> 00:16:58.874
Assistant. it was up to him to choose. he traveled back
00:16:58.941 --> 00:17:00.742
To choose. he traveled back to nahor. he was camped on
00:17:00.809 --> 00:17:03.078
To nahor. he was camped on the outskirts there with his
00:17:03.145 --> 00:17:04.580
The outskirts there with his camels. there was a well down
00:17:04.646 --> 00:17:06.415
Camels. there was a well down the hill. all these young
00:17:06.482 --> 00:17:08.150
The hill. all these young girls were coming from the
00:17:08.217 --> 00:17:09.151
Girls were coming from the city to draw water. he
00:17:09.218 --> 00:17:11.053
City to draw water. he thought, “how am i going to
00:17:11.120 --> 00:17:11.920
Thought, “how am i going to know which one is the right
00:17:11.987 --> 00:17:13.455
Know which one is the right one?” he said, “god, here's
00:17:13.522 --> 00:17:15.090
One?” he said, “god, here's what i'm going to do, i'm
00:17:15.157 --> 00:17:16.358
What i'm going to do, i'm going to ask these girls for
00:17:16.425 --> 00:17:17.593
Going to ask these girls for a drink. the way i'll know
00:17:17.659 --> 00:17:19.728
A drink. the way i'll know it's the one you've chosen,
00:17:19.795 --> 00:17:21.430
It's the one you've chosen, is she will say, ‘yes, i will
00:17:21.497 --> 00:17:23.198
Is she will say, ‘yes, i will not only give you a drink,
00:17:23.265 --> 00:17:25.000
Not only give you a drink, but i will get water for your
00:17:25.067 --> 00:17:26.301
But i will get water for your camels as well.'”
00:17:26.368 --> 00:17:27.402
Camels as well.'” the first one that came up
00:17:27.469 --> 00:17:29.471
The first one that came up was this beautiful girl. he
00:17:29.538 --> 00:17:30.973
Was this beautiful girl. he said, “do you mind getting me
00:17:31.039 --> 00:17:32.374
Said, “do you mind getting me a drink of water?” she said,
00:17:32.441 --> 00:17:34.109
A drink of water?” she said, “certainly i will.” she
00:17:34.176 --> 00:17:35.878
“certainly i will.” she lowered her jug. he drank the
00:17:35.944 --> 00:17:37.613
Lowered her jug. he drank the water. when he finished, he
00:17:37.679 --> 00:17:39.248
Water. when he finished, he handed it back. she said,
00:17:39.314 --> 00:17:40.949
Handed it back. she said, “let me get water for your
00:17:41.016 --> 00:17:42.117
“let me get water for your camels as well.” verse 20
00:17:42.184 --> 00:17:44.286
Says, “she ran quickly down
00:17:44.386 --> 00:17:46.221
Says, “she ran quickly down to the well again. she kept
00:17:46.288 --> 00:17:48.423
To the well again. she kept carrying the water until all
00:17:48.490 --> 00:17:50.325
Carrying the water until all the camels had all finished
00:17:50.392 --> 00:17:51.627
The camels had all finished drinking.” this man had ten
00:17:51.693 --> 00:17:53.729
Drinking.” this man had ten camels. a camel, after a long
00:17:53.795 --> 00:17:56.365
Camels. a camel, after a long day's walk, can drink thirty
00:17:56.431 --> 00:17:58.000
Gallons of water. if she had
00:17:58.100 --> 00:17:59.902
Gallons of water. if she had a one-gallon container, that
00:17:59.968 --> 00:18:01.670
A one-gallon container, that means she had to go back to
00:18:01.737 --> 00:18:02.871
Means she had to go back to the well three hundred times.
00:18:02.938 --> 00:18:05.541
The well three hundred times. look at her generosity. it's
00:18:05.607 --> 00:18:07.409
Look at her generosity. it's one thing to say, “i'll get
00:18:07.476 --> 00:18:08.343
One thing to say, “i'll get you some water.” that's the
00:18:08.410 --> 00:18:09.945
You some water.” that's the minimal commitment. that's
00:18:10.012 --> 00:18:11.647
Minimal commitment. that's what's required. “i'm not
00:18:11.713 --> 00:18:12.915
What's required. “i'm not going to leave you here
00:18:12.981 --> 00:18:13.549
Going to leave you here thirsty. i'd be looked down
00:18:13.615 --> 00:18:15.384
Thirsty. i'd be looked down on. but all these camels,
00:18:15.450 --> 00:18:16.985
On. but all these camels, forget it. i going to go hang
00:18:17.052 --> 00:18:18.854
Forget it. i going to go hang out with friends. we're going
00:18:18.921 --> 00:18:20.289
Out with friends. we're going to lulu lemons. i don't want
00:18:20.355 --> 00:18:21.623
To lulu lemons. i don't want to be inconvenienced.” no,
00:18:21.690 --> 00:18:23.959
To be inconvenienced.” no, rebekah had this over and
00:18:24.026 --> 00:18:25.861
Rebekah had this over and above mentality. the
00:18:25.928 --> 00:18:28.063
Above mentality. the assistant didn't ask to water
00:18:28.130 --> 00:18:29.898
Assistant didn't ask to water the camels. she suggested it.
00:18:29.965 --> 00:18:32.301
The camels. she suggested it. it was her idea. she wasn't
00:18:32.367 --> 00:18:34.469
It was her idea. she wasn't doing this to get anything.
00:18:34.536 --> 00:18:36.371
Doing this to get anything. she didn't have an ulterior
00:18:36.438 --> 00:18:37.472
She didn't have an ulterior motive, “maybe he'll give me
00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:39.174
Motive, “maybe he'll give me a gift.” she was simply
00:18:39.241 --> 00:18:40.676
A gift.” she was simply doing it to be a blessing.
00:18:40.742 --> 00:18:43.245
Doing it to be a blessing. he knew she was the right
00:18:43.312 --> 00:18:44.546
He knew she was the right one. he went and spoke to her
00:18:44.613 --> 00:18:46.148
One. he went and spoke to her father and told him how
00:18:46.215 --> 00:18:47.749
Father and told him how abraham had sent him. this
00:18:47.816 --> 00:18:49.618
Abraham had sent him. this patriarch of the faith, a man
00:18:49.685 --> 00:18:51.753
Patriarch of the faith, a man everyone knew and respected,
00:18:51.820 --> 00:18:54.056
Everyone knew and respected, one of the wealthiest men of
00:18:54.122 --> 00:18:55.324
One of the wealthiest men of that day, now she was
00:18:55.390 --> 00:18:57.192
That day, now she was marrying his son isaac. you
00:18:57.259 --> 00:18:59.861
Marrying his son isaac. you talk about an over and above
00:18:59.928 --> 00:19:01.763
Talk about an over and above blessing. she thought she'd
00:19:01.830 --> 00:19:03.432
Blessing. she thought she'd live in that town, in
00:19:03.498 --> 00:19:04.766
Live in that town, in obscurity. have an ordinary
00:19:04.833 --> 00:19:06.602
Obscurity. have an ordinary life, but now she's in the
00:19:06.668 --> 00:19:08.570
Life, but now she's in the most influential family of
00:19:08.637 --> 00:19:10.305
Most influential family of that day. she gave birth to
00:19:10.372 --> 00:19:12.374
That day. she gave birth to jacob. out of jacob came the
00:19:12.441 --> 00:19:14.676
Jacob. out of jacob came the twelve tribes of israel.
00:19:14.743 --> 00:19:16.845
Twelve tribes of israel. rebekah is in the family line
00:19:16.912 --> 00:19:18.680
Rebekah is in the family line of jesus. this can all be
00:19:18.747 --> 00:19:21.049
Of jesus. this can all be traced back to the over and
00:19:21.116 --> 00:19:22.918
Traced back to the over and above giving. to doing more
00:19:22.985 --> 00:19:25.053
Above giving. to doing more than what's required. had she
00:19:25.120 --> 00:19:27.022
Than what's required. had she been too busy, too selfish,
00:19:27.089 --> 00:19:29.124
Been too busy, too selfish, she would have missed the
00:19:29.191 --> 00:19:30.092
She would have missed the awesome future god had for
00:19:30.158 --> 00:19:32.094
Awesome future god had for her.
00:19:32.160 --> 00:19:33.295
Her. let's be rebekahs. let's be
00:19:33.362 --> 00:19:35.030
Let's be rebekahs. let's be over and above people. let's
00:19:35.097 --> 00:19:36.865
Over and above people. let's look for opportunities to be
00:19:36.932 --> 00:19:38.367
Look for opportunities to be a blessing. that friend
00:19:38.433 --> 00:19:40.302
A blessing. that friend that's struggling, just a
00:19:40.369 --> 00:19:41.403
That's struggling, just a phone call. “hey, i'm praying
00:19:41.470 --> 00:19:43.171
Phone call. “hey, i'm praying for you. let me bring you
00:19:43.238 --> 00:19:44.940
For you. let me bring you dinner this week.” that
00:19:45.007 --> 00:19:46.575
Dinner this week.” that coworker that's fighting
00:19:46.642 --> 00:19:47.643
Coworker that's fighting cancer. “let me baby sit your
00:19:47.709 --> 00:19:49.278
Cancer. “let me baby sit your children one night. let me
00:19:49.344 --> 00:19:50.545
Children one night. let me pick you up and bring you to
00:19:50.612 --> 00:19:51.480
Pick you up and bring you to church.” that relative that's
00:19:51.546 --> 00:19:53.882
Church.” that relative that's trying to get the down
00:19:53.949 --> 00:19:54.783
Trying to get the down payment for the house. “let
00:19:54.850 --> 00:19:55.984
Payment for the house. “let me give you a gift, something
00:19:56.051 --> 00:19:57.419
Me give you a gift, something to push you ahead.” what you
00:19:57.486 --> 00:19:59.821
To push you ahead.” what you give, may leave your hand,
00:19:59.888 --> 00:20:02.157
Give, may leave your hand, but it doesn't leave your
00:20:02.224 --> 00:20:03.125
But it doesn't leave your life. it's a seed you're
00:20:03.191 --> 00:20:05.127
Life. it's a seed you're sowing. it's coming back. god
00:20:05.193 --> 00:20:07.696
Sowing. it's coming back. god sees the sacrifices. he sees
00:20:07.763 --> 00:20:10.065
Sees the sacrifices. he sees you going over and above. not
00:20:10.132 --> 00:20:12.267
You going over and above. not doing it to get the credit.
00:20:12.334 --> 00:20:14.069
Doing it to get the credit. rebekah wasn't making a big
00:20:14.136 --> 00:20:15.337
Rebekah wasn't making a big announcement, doing it in
00:20:15.404 --> 00:20:16.638
Announcement, doing it in front of friends. it was this
00:20:16.705 --> 00:20:18.307
Front of friends. it was this stranger, that she'd never
00:20:18.373 --> 00:20:20.142
Stranger, that she'd never met. and look what happened,
00:20:20.208 --> 00:20:22.477
Met. and look what happened, thousands of years later
00:20:22.544 --> 00:20:23.812
Thousands of years later we're talking about her. she
00:20:23.879 --> 00:20:26.081
We're talking about her. she opened her heart and god
00:20:26.148 --> 00:20:27.916
Opened her heart and god opened the heavens. when you
00:20:27.983 --> 00:20:29.818
Opened the heavens. when you give what's in your hand, god
00:20:29.885 --> 00:20:31.687
Give what's in your hand, god will give what's in his
00:20:31.753 --> 00:20:32.788
Will give what's in his hands. i don't believe in
00:20:32.854 --> 00:20:34.890
Hands. i don't believe in pressuring people to give,
00:20:34.956 --> 00:20:36.258
Pressuring people to give, making you feel manipulated
00:20:36.325 --> 00:20:38.160
Making you feel manipulated and guilty. but i am
00:20:38.226 --> 00:20:39.761
And guilty. but i am passionate about challenging
00:20:39.828 --> 00:20:41.763
Passionate about challenging you to live generously. i've
00:20:41.830 --> 00:20:44.099
You to live generously. i've seen it in my own life; god
00:20:44.166 --> 00:20:45.834
Seen it in my own life; god open the windows of heaven.
00:20:45.901 --> 00:20:48.370
Open the windows of heaven. when you have and over and
00:20:48.437 --> 00:20:49.604
When you have and over and above mentality, not, “i have
00:20:49.671 --> 00:20:52.040
Above mentality, not, “i have to. this is what's required.
00:20:52.107 --> 00:20:54.443
To. this is what's required. this is the minimum i can get
00:20:54.509 --> 00:20:55.744
This is the minimum i can get away with.” that's robbing
00:20:55.811 --> 00:20:57.846
Away with.” that's robbing god of the opportunity to
00:20:57.913 --> 00:20:59.614
God of the opportunity to bless you. that will keep the
00:20:59.681 --> 00:21:01.783
Bless you. that will keep the windows of heaven closed. but
00:21:01.850 --> 00:21:03.919
Windows of heaven closed. but you come to lakewood. i know
00:21:03.985 --> 00:21:05.253
You come to lakewood. i know who you are. i'm looking at
00:21:05.320 --> 00:21:07.122
Who you are. i'm looking at over and above people. i've
00:21:07.189 --> 00:21:08.990
Over and above people. i've seen you show up and
00:21:09.057 --> 00:21:10.225
Seen you show up and volunteer week after week.
00:21:10.292 --> 00:21:12.394
Volunteer week after week. i've seen you give to
00:21:12.461 --> 00:21:13.462
I've seen you give to building projects
00:21:13.528 --> 00:21:15.030
Building projects unselfishly, rebuild houses,
00:21:15.097 --> 00:21:17.232
Unselfishly, rebuild houses, visit people in the hospital.
00:21:17.299 --> 00:21:19.301
Visit people in the hospital. all those good deeds,
00:21:19.368 --> 00:21:21.203
All those good deeds, sacrifices you've made, funds
00:21:21.269 --> 00:21:23.438
Sacrifices you've made, funds you've given, they are coming
00:21:23.505 --> 00:21:25.207
You've given, they are coming back to you. pressed down,
00:21:25.273 --> 00:21:26.908
Back to you. pressed down, shaken together and running
00:21:26.975 --> 00:21:28.510
Shaken together and running over. you may not have seen
00:21:28.577 --> 00:21:30.879
Over. you may not have seen it yet, but your time is
00:21:30.946 --> 00:21:32.347
It yet, but your time is coming. god is faithful. when
00:21:32.414 --> 00:21:34.983
Coming. god is faithful. when you sow generously, you're
00:21:35.050 --> 00:21:36.451
You sow generously, you're going to reap generously.
00:21:36.518 --> 00:21:38.120
Going to reap generously. like rebekah, he's going to
00:21:38.186 --> 00:21:39.388
Like rebekah, he's going to show out in your life and
00:21:39.454 --> 00:21:41.056
Show out in your life and take you where you've never
00:21:41.123 --> 00:21:41.957
Take you where you've never dreamed.
00:21:42.023 --> 00:21:43.525
Dreamed. when victoria was in her
00:21:43.592 --> 00:21:44.693
When victoria was in her early twenties, still single,
00:21:44.760 --> 00:21:47.062
Early twenties, still single, she met an elderly lady at
00:21:47.129 --> 00:21:48.964
She met an elderly lady at the church she attended
00:21:49.030 --> 00:21:50.065
The church she attended across town. they became
00:21:50.132 --> 00:21:52.100
Across town. they became friends. this woman got to
00:21:52.167 --> 00:21:54.136
Friends. this woman got to where she couldn't drive
00:21:54.202 --> 00:21:55.203
Where she couldn't drive anymore. so, victoria would
00:21:55.270 --> 00:21:56.938
Anymore. so, victoria would go pick her up every sunday
00:21:57.005 --> 00:21:58.373
Go pick her up every sunday and take her to church. take
00:21:58.440 --> 00:22:00.475
And take her to church. take her to lunch afterwards.
00:22:00.542 --> 00:22:02.444
Her to lunch afterwards. victoria had other friends.
00:22:02.511 --> 00:22:04.179
Victoria had other friends. she was busy, had plenty of
00:22:04.246 --> 00:22:05.914
She was busy, had plenty of things to do. nobody would
00:22:05.981 --> 00:22:06.915
Things to do. nobody would have faulted her for not
00:22:06.982 --> 00:22:07.983
Have faulted her for not doing this. but she had this
00:22:08.049 --> 00:22:09.885
Doing this. but she had this over and above mentality.
00:22:09.951 --> 00:22:12.187
Over and above mentality. thinking, “how can i be a
00:22:12.254 --> 00:22:13.522
Thinking, “how can i be a blessing today? who can i be
00:22:13.588 --> 00:22:15.290
Blessing today? who can i be good to? where is a need i
00:22:15.357 --> 00:22:17.526
Good to? where is a need i can meet?” that's the best
00:22:17.592 --> 00:22:19.628
Can meet?” that's the best way to live. get up in the
00:22:19.694 --> 00:22:21.329
Way to live. get up in the morning, not thinking about
00:22:21.396 --> 00:22:22.964
Morning, not thinking about how you can be blessed, but
00:22:23.031 --> 00:22:24.733
How you can be blessed, but “god how can i be a blessing
00:22:24.800 --> 00:22:26.301
“god how can i be a blessing today? show me ways to be
00:22:26.368 --> 00:22:28.570
Today? show me ways to be good to people. bring those
00:22:28.637 --> 00:22:30.305
Good to people. bring those across my path that need
00:22:30.372 --> 00:22:31.540
Across my path that need encouragement, that need a
00:22:31.606 --> 00:22:32.974
Encouragement, that need a friend, that need to know
00:22:33.041 --> 00:22:34.543
Friend, that need to know that you care.”
00:22:34.609 --> 00:22:36.311
Victoria always prayed that
00:22:36.411 --> 00:22:37.712
Victoria always prayed that god would bring the right man
00:22:37.779 --> 00:22:39.347
God would bring the right man into her life. she said, “god
00:22:39.414 --> 00:22:42.851
Into her life. she said, “god what's more important to me
00:22:42.918 --> 00:22:44.886
What's more important to me than how he looks, or what he
00:22:44.953 --> 00:22:47.189
Than how he looks, or what he has, or how talented he is,
00:22:47.255 --> 00:22:49.391
Is that i want someone that
00:22:49.491 --> 00:22:50.859
Is that i want someone that loves you with their whole
00:22:50.926 --> 00:22:52.027
Loves you with their whole heart. i want a man that puts
00:22:52.093 --> 00:22:53.895
Heart. i want a man that puts you first place.” all this
00:22:53.962 --> 00:22:56.298
You first place.” all this time she's praying that, god
00:22:56.364 --> 00:22:58.066
Time she's praying that, god didn't send her a young man.
00:22:58.133 --> 00:22:59.701
Didn't send her a young man. he sent this older woman.
00:22:59.768 --> 00:23:01.736
He sent this older woman. year after year, victoria was
00:23:01.803 --> 00:23:03.171
Year after year, victoria was faithful, taking her to
00:23:03.238 --> 00:23:04.573
Faithful, taking her to church, making sure she felt
00:23:04.639 --> 00:23:06.508
Church, making sure she felt loved. she went over and
00:23:06.575 --> 00:23:08.477
Loved. she went over and above to be a blessing. and
00:23:08.543 --> 00:23:10.512
Above to be a blessing. and what did god do, he went over
00:23:10.579 --> 00:23:12.647
What did god do, he went over and above and sent her this
00:23:12.714 --> 00:23:16.451
And above and sent her this tall, good looking, hunk of
00:23:16.518 --> 00:23:20.322
Humanity. she didn't comeof
00:23:20.422 --> 00:23:23.124
Humanity. she didn't comeof looking for me. i found her.
00:23:23.191 --> 00:23:25.894
Looking for me. i found her. i walked into her mother's
00:23:25.961 --> 00:23:27.062
I walked into her mother's jewelry store. there she was
00:23:27.128 --> 00:23:28.463
Jewelry store. there she was to wait on me. i thought
00:23:28.530 --> 00:23:30.732
To wait on me. i thought about how, if victoria had
00:23:30.799 --> 00:23:32.000
About how, if victoria had not taken care of that lady,
00:23:32.067 --> 00:23:33.635
Not taken care of that lady, had not gone over and above,
00:23:33.702 --> 00:23:35.504
Had not gone over and above, my brother paul could have
00:23:35.570 --> 00:23:36.505
My brother paul could have walked into the store.
00:23:36.571 --> 00:23:37.372
Walked into the store. (laughter) i like that one;
00:23:37.439 --> 00:23:41.243
(laughter) i like that one; here we go y'all.
00:23:41.309 --> 00:23:41.877
Here we go y'all. this is like rebekah. she
00:23:41.943 --> 00:23:45.313
This is like rebekah. she didn't have to get water for
00:23:45.380 --> 00:23:46.548
Didn't have to get water for the camels. victoria didn't
00:23:46.615 --> 00:23:48.517
The camels. victoria didn't have to be good to the older
00:23:48.583 --> 00:23:49.684
Have to be good to the older lady. barnabas didn't have to
00:23:49.751 --> 00:23:51.653
Give the property. we didn't
00:23:51.753 --> 00:23:53.355
Give the property. we didn't have to help that other
00:23:53.421 --> 00:23:54.289
Have to help that other pastor with his building. but
00:23:54.356 --> 00:23:56.291
Pastor with his building. but every time you go over and
00:23:56.358 --> 00:23:58.059
Every time you go over and above, god is going to go
00:23:58.126 --> 00:23:59.728
Above, god is going to go over and above. he's going to
00:23:59.794 --> 00:24:01.396
Over and above. he's going to do things in your life that
00:24:01.463 --> 00:24:02.764
Do things in your life that surprise you. now my
00:24:02.831 --> 00:24:05.267
Surprise you. now my challenge, don't rob him of
00:24:05.333 --> 00:24:07.636
Challenge, don't rob him of this opportunity. look for
00:24:07.702 --> 00:24:09.638
This opportunity. look for ways you can be good to
00:24:09.704 --> 00:24:10.906
Ways you can be good to people. you may not get any
00:24:10.972 --> 00:24:12.440
People. you may not get any credit. nobody knows. but god
00:24:12.507 --> 00:24:14.876
Credit. nobody knows. but god knows. he's keeping the
00:24:14.943 --> 00:24:16.511
Knows. he's keeping the records. let's stretch our
00:24:16.578 --> 00:24:18.380
Records. let's stretch our faith. let's get out of our
00:24:18.446 --> 00:24:20.081
Faith. let's get out of our comfort zones. if you keep
00:24:20.148 --> 00:24:21.983
Comfort zones. if you keep doing the same thing, you're
00:24:22.050 --> 00:24:23.451
Doing the same thing, you're going to get the same
00:24:23.518 --> 00:24:24.219
Going to get the same results. what god has planned
00:24:24.286 --> 00:24:26.621
Results. what god has planned for you is bigger than you
00:24:26.688 --> 00:24:28.223
For you is bigger than you can imagine. how about
00:24:28.290 --> 00:24:29.925
Can imagine. how about getting some bigger seed in
00:24:29.991 --> 00:24:31.259
Getting some bigger seed in the ground. take some steps
00:24:31.326 --> 00:24:33.028
The ground. take some steps of faith. do something over
00:24:33.094 --> 00:24:34.796
Of faith. do something over and above what you're used
00:24:34.863 --> 00:24:36.498
And above what you're used to. if you'll do this, i
00:24:36.565 --> 00:24:38.033
To. if you'll do this, i believe and declare, you're
00:24:38.099 --> 00:24:40.068
Believe and declare, you're about to see the heavens
00:24:40.135 --> 00:24:41.236
About to see the heavens open. god is going to bring
00:24:41.303 --> 00:24:43.171
Open. god is going to bring people you've never imagined,
00:24:43.238 --> 00:24:45.173
People you've never imagined, open doors you couldn't open,
00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:47.208
Open doors you couldn't open, give you resources,
00:24:47.275 --> 00:24:48.476
Give you resources, influence, creativity,
00:24:48.543 --> 00:24:50.745
Influence, creativity, blessings that you cannot
00:24:50.812 --> 00:24:52.280
Blessings that you cannot contain. i believe it and
00:24:52.347 --> 00:24:54.282
Contain. i believe it and declare it in jesus' name. if
00:24:54.349 --> 00:24:56.685
Declare it in jesus' name. if you receive it, can you say
00:24:56.751 --> 00:24:57.919
You receive it, can you say amen? (applause)
00:24:57.986 --> 00:24:58.787
What if every plan you set,
00:25:00.388 --> 00:25:03.158
What if every plan you set, every habit you formed,
00:25:03.224 --> 00:25:04.993
Every habit you formed, and every decision you made
00:25:05.060 --> 00:25:07.095
And every decision you made became a pathway
00:25:07.162 --> 00:25:08.296
Became a pathway to see god move in your life?
00:25:08.363 --> 00:25:11.399
To see god move in your life? we all have hopes and dreams;
00:25:11.466 --> 00:25:13.168
We all have hopes and dreams; things we're believing for.
00:25:13.234 --> 00:25:14.836
Things we're believing for. when you start the year
00:25:14.903 --> 00:25:15.904
When you start the year in faith,
00:25:15.971 --> 00:25:16.738
In faith, expecting god's goodness,
00:25:16.805 --> 00:25:18.373
Expecting god's goodness, you are setting the tone
00:25:18.440 --> 00:25:19.608
You are setting the tone for a blessed new year.
00:25:19.674 --> 00:25:21.476
We'd love to send you our 2026
00:25:21.610 --> 00:25:23.578
We'd love to send you our 2026 faith for today planner.
00:25:23.645 --> 00:25:25.580
Faith for today planner. you can write down your dreams
00:25:25.680 --> 00:25:26.948
You can write down your dreams and goals,
00:25:27.015 --> 00:25:27.816
And goals, plus use it for your everyday
00:25:27.882 --> 00:25:29.250
Plus use it for your everyday activities and reminders.
00:25:29.317 --> 00:25:31.152
Activities and reminders. it's important
00:25:31.219 --> 00:25:31.920
It's important to feed your faith
00:25:31.987 --> 00:25:32.954
To feed your faith on a daily basis.
00:25:33.021 --> 00:25:34.489
On a daily basis. this planner, it's
00:25:34.556 --> 00:25:35.457
This planner, it's not just a calendar,
00:25:35.523 --> 00:25:36.725
Not just a calendar, it's filled with scriptures
00:25:36.791 --> 00:25:37.993
It's filled with scriptures and inspiration
00:25:38.059 --> 00:25:39.027
And inspiration to help
00:25:39.094 --> 00:25:39.461
To help you stay encouraged
00:25:39.527 --> 00:25:40.495
You stay encouraged and keep believing
00:25:40.562 --> 00:25:41.730
And keep believing for what god
00:25:41.796 --> 00:25:42.464
For what god has put in your heart.
00:25:42.530 --> 00:25:43.498
Has put in your heart. 2026 is your year
00:25:43.565 --> 00:25:45.166
2026 is your year to see the goodness of god
00:25:45.233 --> 00:25:46.468
To see the goodness of god in greater ways.
00:25:46.534 --> 00:25:47.869
In greater ways. let go of what
00:25:47.936 --> 00:25:48.536
Let go of what didn't work out and get ready
00:25:48.603 --> 00:25:50.105
Didn't work out and get ready for the new things
00:25:50.171 --> 00:25:51.139
For the new things god has in store.
00:25:51.206 --> 00:25:52.641
God has in store. as our way of saying thank you
00:25:52.741 --> 00:25:54.376
As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount
00:25:54.442 --> 00:25:55.910
For your gift of any amount this month,
00:25:55.977 --> 00:25:56.645
This month, we would like to send you
00:25:56.711 --> 00:25:57.912
We would like to send you a copy of the 2026
00:25:57.979 --> 00:25:59.814
A copy of the 2026 faith for today planner.
00:25:59.881 --> 00:26:01.516
Faith for today planner. each month features
00:26:01.583 --> 00:26:03.018
Each month features a fresh theme of encouragement,
00:26:03.084 --> 00:26:05.120
A fresh theme of encouragement, a guiding scripture
00:26:05.186 --> 00:26:06.254
A guiding scripture to stand on.
00:26:06.321 --> 00:26:07.355
To stand on. room to write your goals,
00:26:07.422 --> 00:26:08.890
Room to write your goals, prayers, and vision.
00:26:08.957 --> 00:26:10.392
Prayers, and vision. space for faith steps,
00:26:10.458 --> 00:26:12.127
Space for faith steps, because faith isn't passive,
00:26:12.193 --> 00:26:14.095
Because faith isn't passive, it's active.
00:26:14.162 --> 00:26:15.163
It's active. a monthly qr code
00:26:15.230 --> 00:26:16.765
A monthly qr code linking to a message or video
00:26:16.831 --> 00:26:18.700
Linking to a message or video to keep your spirit lifted.
00:26:18.767 --> 00:26:20.635
To keep your spirit lifted. with the 2026
00:26:20.702 --> 00:26:22.070
With the 2026 faith for today planner,
00:26:22.137 --> 00:26:23.638
Faith for today planner, you'll be reminded
00:26:23.705 --> 00:26:24.739
You'll be reminded that living by faith
00:26:24.806 --> 00:26:26.241
That living by faith makes room for god to do
00:26:26.307 --> 00:26:28.143
Makes room for god to do what only he can do.
00:26:28.209 --> 00:26:30.245
What only he can do. breakthrough in your business.
00:26:30.345 --> 00:26:31.980
Breakthrough in your business. god's healing touch.
00:26:32.047 --> 00:26:33.815
God's healing touch. loved ones returning to faith.
00:26:33.915 --> 00:26:36.117
Loved ones returning to faith. request your copy of the planner
00:26:36.184 --> 00:26:38.186
Request your copy of the planner and step into the new year
00:26:38.253 --> 00:26:39.688
And step into the new year with bold faith, fresh hope,
00:26:39.754 --> 00:26:42.057
With bold faith, fresh hope, and daily encouragement
00:26:42.123 --> 00:26:43.491
And daily encouragement to strengthen your spirit
00:26:43.558 --> 00:26:44.959
To strengthen your spirit and face every challenge
00:26:45.026 --> 00:26:46.528
And face every challenge with confidence.
00:26:46.594 --> 00:26:48.063
With confidence. no matter what's happening
00:26:48.129 --> 00:26:49.130
No matter what's happening around you,
00:26:49.197 --> 00:26:49.998
Around you, faith can rise up in you.
00:26:50.065 --> 00:26:51.933
Faith can rise up in you. keep believing
00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:52.767
Keep believing and expecting a blessed 2026.
00:26:52.834 --> 00:26:55.737
And expecting a blessed 2026. victoria and i pray for
00:26:55.804 --> 00:26:56.905
Victoria and i pray for you and your family every day.
00:26:57.005 --> 00:26:58.940
You and your family every day. thank you so much
00:26:59.007 --> 00:26:59.808
Thank you so much for your prayer and support.
00:26:59.874 --> 00:27:01.676
For your prayer and support. your generosity
00:27:01.743 --> 00:27:02.610
Your generosity is helping people
00:27:02.677 --> 00:27:03.478
Is helping people around the world.
00:27:03.545 --> 00:27:04.979
Around the world. as we finish this year,
00:27:05.046 --> 00:27:06.448
As we finish this year, i hope you'll consider
00:27:06.514 --> 00:27:07.482
I hope you'll consider making a special year-end gift
00:27:07.582 --> 00:27:09.584
Making a special year-end gift to help
00:27:09.651 --> 00:27:10.018
To help keep the ministry strong.
00:27:10.085 --> 00:27:11.920
Keep the ministry strong. we so appreciate
00:27:11.986 --> 00:27:12.821
We so appreciate all the champion
00:27:12.887 --> 00:27:13.588
All the champion of hope partners
00:27:13.655 --> 00:27:14.456
Of hope partners for your monthly support.
00:27:14.522 --> 00:27:16.257
For your monthly support. we wish you and your family
00:27:16.324 --> 00:27:17.592
We wish you and your family a very merry christmas.
00:27:17.659 --> 00:27:19.527
A very merry christmas. till we see you next time,
00:27:19.594 --> 00:27:20.862
Till we see you next time, may the lord bless
00:27:20.929 --> 00:27:21.730
May the lord bless you and keep you.
00:27:21.796 --> 00:27:23.465
You and keep you. request your copy of the 2026
00:27:23.531 --> 00:27:26.034
Request your copy of the 2026 faith for today planner today.
00:27:26.134 --> 00:27:28.937

Joel Osteen - Over and Above Blessings

December 7, 2025 | 29:0

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