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Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen - Power For Your Purpose

March 1, 2026 | 27:29

Joel Osteen - Power For Your Purpose
Joel and Victoria Osteen's message of unconditional love and unending hope reaches everyone across the world.
#WordofGod #Overwhelming #Challenges #Destiny #Purpose #Supernatural #TrustGod #Faithfulness

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Joel Osteen | Joel Osteen - Power For Your Purpose | March 1, 2026
  • >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 man. he was on
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  • About this man. he was on vacation in jerusalem with
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  • Vacation in jerusalem with his family when his
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  • His family when his mother-in-law suddenly died.
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  • Mother-in-law suddenly died. he went to make arrangements
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  • He went to make arrangements to get the body back home.
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  • To get the body back home. the consulate said it would
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  • The consulate said it would cost five thousand dollars to
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  • Cost five thousand dollars to have the body shipped, but he
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  • Have the body shipped, but he could have her buried right
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  • Could have her buried right there in jerusalem for just a
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  • There in jerusalem for just a hundred and fifty dollars.
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  • Hundred and fifty dollars. the man thought about it a
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  • The man thought about it a moment and said, “no, i'd
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  • Moment and said, “no, i'd like to have her shipped.”
  • 00:00:38.995 --> 00:00:40.396
  • Like to have her shipped.” the consulate said, “wow, you
  • 00:00:40.463 --> 00:00:41.631
  • The consulate said, “wow, you must have really loved your
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  • Must have really loved your mother-in-law.” he said, “no,
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  • Mother-in-law.” he said, “no, it's not so much that. i just
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  • It's not so much that. i just remember a case here years
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  • Remember a case here years ago when they buried someone
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  • Ago when they buried someone and on the third day they
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  • And on the third day they arose, and i can't take that
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  • Arose, and i can't take that chance.” (laughter) now i
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  • Chance.” (laughter) now i have an amazing
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  • Have an amazing mother-in-law. i've got to
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  • Mother-in-law. i've got to tell you that. it's her
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  • Tell you that. it's her daughter i've got a problem
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  • Daughter i've got a problem with. but alright, here we go
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  • With. but alright, here we go y'all.
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  • Y'all. are you ready? this is my
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  • Are you ready? this is my bible. i am what it says i
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  • Bible. i am what it says i am. i have what it says i
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  • Am. i have what it says i have. i can do what it says i
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  • Have. i can do what it says i can do. today, i will be
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  • Can do. today, i will be taught the word of god. i
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  • 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 power for your purpose.
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  • About power for your purpose. we all face situations that
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  • We all face situations that seem too big for us. a dream
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  • Seem too big for us. a dream that looks impossible, a
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  • That looks impossible, a medical report's not good, a
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  • Medical report's not good, a child that's off course. it's
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  • Child that's off course. it's easy to get discouraged, feel
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  • Easy to get discouraged, feel overwhelmed. but god knew
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  • Overwhelmed. but god knew every difficulty you would
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  • Every difficulty you would face. he wouldn't have
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  • Face. he wouldn't have allowed it if it was going to
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  • Allowed it if it was going to stop your purpose. he has
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  • Stop your purpose. he has these destiny moments where
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  • These destiny moments where his power will come on you in
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  • His power will come on you in a greater way to fulfill what
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  • A greater way to fulfill what he's called you to do. this
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  • He's called you to do. this is not ordinary, not
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  • Is not ordinary, not something you can work up,
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  • Something you can work up, willpower, determination,
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  • Willpower, determination, this is supernatural power,
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  • This is supernatural power, supernatural favor. that
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  • Supernatural favor. that causes you to do what you
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  • Causes you to do what you couldn't do, overcome what
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  • Couldn't do, overcome what should have stopped you.
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  • Should have stopped you. you're not a disadvantage.
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  • You're not a disadvantage. the odds may be against you.
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  • The odds may be against you. you may be outnumbered, but
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  • You may be outnumbered, but you have a secret weapon. the
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  • You have a secret weapon. the spirit of god will empower
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  • Spirit of god will empower you to defeat giants, to
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  • You to defeat giants, to break addictions, to
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  • Break addictions, to accomplish dreams. now quit
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  • Accomplish dreams. now quit focusing on what you don't
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  • Focusing on what you don't have, how this problem is too
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  • Have, how this problem is too big, and how it's never going
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  • Big, and how it's never going to resolve. no, your time is
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  • To resolve. no, your time is coming. your destiny moments
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  • Coming. your destiny moments are already scheduled to
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  • Are already scheduled to where you're going to feel a
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  • Where you're going to feel a power, a strength, an ability
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  • Power, a strength, an ability that you've never felt, to
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  • That you've never felt, to step in to the purpose that
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  • Step in to the purpose that god has ordained for you.
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  • God has ordained for you. we see this in the life of
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  • We see this in the life of samson. an angel appeared to
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  • Samson. an angel appeared to his mother and said she was
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  • His mother and said she was going to have a baby, and
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  • Going to have a baby, and that he would deliver the
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  • That he would deliver the israelites from the
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  • Israelites from the philistines. there was a
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  • Philistines. there was a divine calling on his life.
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  • Divine calling on his life. something god ordained him to
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  • Something god ordained him to do. as he got older, he saw
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  • Do. as he got older, he saw this young woman that he
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  • This young woman that he really liked. he told his
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  • Really liked. he told his parents he wanted to marry
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  • Parents he wanted to marry her. in those days, the
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  • Her. in those days, the parents arranged the wedding.
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  • Parents arranged the wedding. but they weren't for it,
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  • But they weren't for it, because she was a philistine.
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  • Because she was a philistine. one day while he was walking
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  • One day while he was walking to her city, a lion jumped
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  • To her city, a lion jumped out of the woods and attacked
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  • Out of the woods and attacked samson. one verse says it
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  • Samson. one verse says it took him by surprise.
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  • Took him by surprise. suddenly he's in this crisis.
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  • Suddenly he's in this crisis. that should be the end of
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  • That should be the end of samson. had a bad break. at
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  • Samson. had a bad break. at the wrong place, wrong time,
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  • The wrong place, wrong time, attacked by a lion. but what
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  • Attacked by a lion. but what god has purposed for your
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  • God has purposed for your life cannot be stopped by bad
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  • Life cannot be stopped by bad breaks, by unexpected
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  • Breaks, by unexpected trouble, by obstacles you
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  • Trouble, by obstacles you didn't see coming. verse 6
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  • Didn't see coming. verse 6 says, “at that moment, the
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  • Says, “at that moment, the spirit of god powerfully took
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  • Spirit of god powerfully took control of samson, and he
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  • Control of samson, and he ripped the lion apart with
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  • Ripped the lion apart with his bare hands.” all the
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  • His bare hands.” all the sudden, he had this
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  • Sudden, he had this supernatural strength,
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  • Supernatural strength, strength he'd never felt
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  • Strength he'd never felt before. it wasn't like he
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  • Before. it wasn't like he decided to be brave, decided
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  • Decided to be brave, decided to have this courage, the
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  • To have this courage, the spirit of god took control of
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  • Spirit of god took control of him. he didn't have a choice.
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  • Him. he didn't have a choice. he was just minding his own
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  • He was just minding his own business, but what god has
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  • Business, but what god has purposed for your life, he
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  • Purposed for your life, he will empower you to do.
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  • Will empower you to do. you may face some unexpected
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  • You may face some unexpected challenges, things you didn't
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  • Challenges, things you didn't see coming. in your health,
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  • See coming. in your health, your finances, with a child.
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  • Your finances, with a child. like that lion, it suddenly
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  • Like that lion, it suddenly attacks. all the facts say,
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  • Attacks. all the facts say, “you're done. it's too big.
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  • “you're done. it's too big. this is too much.” but like
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  • This is too much.” but like with samson, the spirit of
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  • With samson, the spirit of god is going to come on you
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  • God is going to come on you in a powerful way. it's going
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  • In a powerful way. it's going to take control and help you
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  • To take control and help you do what you couldn't do by
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  • Do what you couldn't do by yourself. the scripture says,
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  • Yourself. the scripture says, “when the enemy comes in like
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  • “when the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of god
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  • A flood, the spirit of god will raise up a barrier.”
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  • Will raise up a barrier.” you're not fighting on your
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  • You're not fighting on your own. you're not at the mercy
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  • Own. you're not at the mercy of fate, people, a sickness.
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  • Of fate, people, a sickness. you have a defender, a
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  • You have a defender, a protector. he's going before
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  • Protector. he's going before you. he's ordering your
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  • You. he's ordering your steps. he's planned your
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  • Steps. he's planned your days. he knows where the
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  • Days. he knows where the lions are hiding. he knows
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  • Lions are hiding. he knows where the bad breaks, the
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  • Where the bad breaks, the unexpected trouble is. it was
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  • Unexpected trouble is. it was a surprise to samson, but it
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  • A surprise to samson, but it wasn't a surprise to god. you
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  • Wasn't a surprise to god. you don't have to live worried
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  • Don't have to live worried about what might happen,
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  • About what might happen, “what if i get laid off? what
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  • “what if i get laid off? what if my medical report isn't
  • 00:05:02.291 --> 00:05:03.526
  • If my medical report isn't good? what if this
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  • Good? what if this relationship doesn't work
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  • Relationship doesn't work out?” god knows everything
  • 00:05:06.028 --> 00:05:07.764
  • Out?” god knows everything that's going to happen. he
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  • That's going to happen. he already has solutions to
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  • Already has solutions to problems you haven't even
  • 00:05:11.401 --> 00:05:12.535
  • Problems you haven't even had. he's already lined up
  • 00:05:12.602 --> 00:05:14.604
  • Had. he's already lined up your destiny moments, where
  • 00:05:14.670 --> 00:05:16.339
  • Your destiny moments, where his spirit rises up in you in
  • 00:05:16.406 --> 00:05:18.641
  • His spirit rises up in you in a powerful way and you defeat
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  • A powerful way and you defeat the giant. you tear the lion
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  • The giant. you tear the lion apart. you break the
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  • Apart. you break the addiction. god didn't send an
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  • Addiction. god didn't send an angel to defeat the lion. he
  • 00:05:25.948 --> 00:05:28.151
  • Angel to defeat the lion. he didn't send another person,
  • 00:05:28.217 --> 00:05:29.685
  • Didn't send another person, an army, a game warden. that
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  • An army, a game warden. that would have all been fine. but
  • 00:05:31.487 --> 00:05:33.022
  • Would have all been fine. but you don't have to rely on
  • 00:05:33.089 --> 00:05:34.290
  • You don't have to rely on other people. the spirit of
  • 00:05:34.357 --> 00:05:35.825
  • Other people. the spirit of god lives in you. you are
  • 00:05:35.892 --> 00:05:37.527
  • God lives in you. you are powerful. you are equipped.
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  • You are anointed. equipped.
  • 00:05:39.529 --> 00:05:40.930
  • You are anointed. equipped. it's significant that a lion
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  • It's significant that a lion came out of nowhere and
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  • Came out of nowhere and attacked him. this is
  • 00:05:44.300 --> 00:05:45.568
  • Attacked him. this is symbolic. the scripture says,
  • 00:05:45.635 --> 00:05:47.236
  • Symbolic. the scripture says, “the enemy goes about as a
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  • “the enemy goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he
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  • Roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.” the good news is
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  • He can't devour everyone. you
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  • He can't devour everyone. you are god's property. when you
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  • Are god's property. when you made jesus the lord of your
  • 00:05:57.980 --> 00:05:59.415
  • Made jesus the lord of your life, yes, the lion may
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  • Life, yes, the lion may attack. it seems bigger,
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  • Attack. it seems bigger, stronger. he thinks you're
  • 00:06:03.419 --> 00:06:04.854
  • Stronger. he thinks you're easy game. but what he
  • 00:06:04.921 --> 00:06:06.522
  • Easy game. but what he doesn't realize, is you
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  • Doesn't realize, is you belong to the most high god.
  • 00:06:08.024 --> 00:06:10.193
  • Belong to the most high god. you are not doing life on
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  • You are not doing life on your own. when the enemy
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  • Your own. when the enemy attacks, god doesn't sit back
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  • Attacks, god doesn't sit back and watch what happens. he
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  • And watch what happens. he sends his spirit to rise up
  • 00:06:16.966 --> 00:06:18.668
  • Sends his spirit to rise up in you. there's not a lion
  • 00:06:18.734 --> 00:06:20.803
  • In you. there's not a lion you face that you can't tear
  • 00:06:20.870 --> 00:06:22.205
  • You face that you can't tear apart. not a problem you
  • 00:06:22.271 --> 00:06:24.040
  • Apart. not a problem you can't overcome. not an
  • 00:06:24.106 --> 00:06:25.575
  • Can't overcome. not an addiction, a sickness, a bad
  • 00:06:25.641 --> 00:06:27.477
  • Addiction, a sickness, a bad break that can keep you from
  • 00:06:27.543 --> 00:06:28.945
  • Your purpose.
  • 00:06:29.045 --> 00:06:30.379
  • The lion attacking samson was
  • 00:06:30.480 --> 00:06:32.915
  • The lion attacking samson was not only an unexpected
  • 00:06:32.982 --> 00:06:34.550
  • Not only an unexpected attack, but it happened in
  • 00:06:34.617 --> 00:06:36.018
  • Attack, but it happened in private. no one was around.
  • 00:06:36.085 --> 00:06:38.754
  • Private. no one was around. no one saw the attack. no one
  • 00:06:38.821 --> 00:06:40.723
  • No one saw the attack. no one saw what he struggled with.
  • 00:06:40.790 --> 00:06:42.525
  • Saw what he struggled with. this could have happened like
  • 00:06:42.592 --> 00:06:43.793
  • This could have happened like with david, when he defeated
  • 00:06:43.860 --> 00:06:45.561
  • With david, when he defeated goliath. the whole army was
  • 00:06:45.628 --> 00:06:47.363
  • Goliath. the whole army was cheering and celebrating. god
  • 00:06:47.430 --> 00:06:49.632
  • Cheering and celebrating. god was showing us what you
  • 00:06:49.699 --> 00:06:51.133
  • Was showing us what you struggle with in private,
  • 00:06:51.200 --> 00:06:52.902
  • Struggle with in private, he's going to help you
  • 00:06:52.969 --> 00:06:53.736
  • He's going to help you defeat. those habits that
  • 00:06:53.803 --> 00:06:55.938
  • Defeat. those habits that you're not proud of. you've
  • 00:06:56.005 --> 00:06:57.440
  • You're not proud of. you've tried to get free. tried to
  • 00:06:57.507 --> 00:06:59.308
  • Tried to get free. tried to stay disciplined, but you
  • 00:06:59.375 --> 00:07:00.343
  • Stay disciplined, but you keep falling back. this is
  • 00:07:00.409 --> 00:07:02.178
  • Keep falling back. this is your year for freedom. this
  • 00:07:02.245 --> 00:07:03.913
  • Your year for freedom. this is your year for victory. god
  • 00:07:03.980 --> 00:07:05.915
  • Is your year for victory. god has seen you doing everything
  • 00:07:05.982 --> 00:07:07.650
  • Has seen you doing everything you can. he's seen your
  • 00:07:07.717 --> 00:07:09.619
  • You can. he's seen your effort, but now he's about to
  • 00:07:09.685 --> 00:07:11.721
  • Effort, but now he's about to step in and give you his
  • 00:07:11.787 --> 00:07:13.523
  • Step in and give you his power to break free.
  • 00:07:13.589 --> 00:07:15.491
  • Power to break free. defeating that lion was the
  • 00:07:15.558 --> 00:07:17.126
  • Defeating that lion was the first time samson saw god's
  • 00:07:17.193 --> 00:07:19.362
  • First time samson saw god's spirit come on him with that
  • 00:07:19.428 --> 00:07:20.930
  • Spirit come on him with that kind of power. the principle
  • 00:07:20.997 --> 00:07:22.798
  • Kind of power. the principle is you have to win your
  • 00:07:22.865 --> 00:07:24.233
  • Is you have to win your private battles before you
  • 00:07:24.300 --> 00:07:26.168
  • Private battles before you can be trusted with public
  • 00:07:26.235 --> 00:07:27.703
  • Can be trusted with public victories. if you don't deal
  • 00:07:27.770 --> 00:07:29.872
  • Victories. if you don't deal with things, just keep
  • 00:07:29.939 --> 00:07:31.007
  • With things, just keep putting it off; that's going
  • 00:07:31.073 --> 00:07:32.341
  • Putting it off; that's going to keep you stuck. you're
  • 00:07:32.408 --> 00:07:34.176
  • To keep you stuck. you're hearing this because god is
  • 00:07:34.243 --> 00:07:35.945
  • Hearing this because god is about have his power rise up
  • 00:07:36.012 --> 00:07:38.347
  • About have his power rise up in you in a greater way to
  • 00:07:38.414 --> 00:07:40.182
  • In you in a greater way to defeat that lion, to break
  • 00:07:40.249 --> 00:07:41.951
  • Defeat that lion, to break that bad habit. “joel, i've
  • 00:07:42.018 --> 00:07:43.819
  • That bad habit. “joel, i've tried and i couldn't do it
  • 00:07:43.886 --> 00:07:45.087
  • Tried and i couldn't do it before.” this is a new day.
  • 00:07:45.154 --> 00:07:47.156
  • Before.” this is a new day. god is doing a new thing. you
  • 00:07:47.223 --> 00:07:49.392
  • God is doing a new thing. you couldn't do it before.
  • 00:07:49.458 --> 00:07:50.293
  • Couldn't do it before. neither could samson. he
  • 00:07:50.359 --> 00:07:52.128
  • Neither could samson. he couldn't defeat a lion. he
  • 00:07:52.194 --> 00:07:53.563
  • Couldn't defeat a lion. he was a teenager. he'd never
  • 00:07:53.629 --> 00:07:55.331
  • Was a teenager. he'd never had that kind of strength;
  • 00:07:55.398 --> 00:07:56.966
  • Had that kind of strength; that kind of ability. but it
  • 00:07:57.033 --> 00:07:58.868
  • That kind of ability. but it says, the spirit of god took
  • 00:07:58.935 --> 00:08:00.369
  • Says, the spirit of god took control of him. as believers,
  • 00:08:00.436 --> 00:08:03.105
  • Control of him. as believers, we all have god's spirit on
  • 00:08:03.172 --> 00:08:04.607
  • We all have god's spirit on the inside, but there will be
  • 00:08:04.674 --> 00:08:06.642
  • The inside, but there will be these destiny moments, where
  • 00:08:06.709 --> 00:08:08.344
  • These destiny moments, where his spirit will take control
  • 00:08:08.411 --> 00:08:09.979
  • His spirit will take control of you. you'll have a power
  • 00:08:10.046 --> 00:08:11.948
  • Of you. you'll have a power you've never had, to break
  • 00:08:12.014 --> 00:08:13.649
  • You've never had, to break things that you could never
  • 00:08:13.716 --> 00:08:15.084
  • Things that you could never break.
  • 00:08:15.151 --> 00:08:16.352
  • What's significant is
  • 00:08:16.452 --> 00:08:17.720
  • What's significant is samson's power, this
  • 00:08:17.787 --> 00:08:19.288
  • Samson's power, this supernatural ability, was not
  • 00:08:19.355 --> 00:08:21.490
  • Supernatural ability, was not just about him, it was about
  • 00:08:21.557 --> 00:08:23.359
  • Just about him, it was about delivering the israelites. he
  • 00:08:23.426 --> 00:08:25.194
  • Delivering the israelites. he was part of a bigger plan to
  • 00:08:25.261 --> 00:08:27.196
  • Free god's people. he wasn't
  • 00:08:27.296 --> 00:08:29.231
  • Free god's people. he wasn't just fighting for himself; he
  • 00:08:29.298 --> 00:08:30.800
  • Just fighting for himself; he was fighting for his family
  • 00:08:30.866 --> 00:08:32.435
  • Was fighting for his family and for all of israel. they
  • 00:08:32.501 --> 00:08:34.570
  • And for all of israel. they had been oppressed so long,
  • 00:08:34.637 --> 00:08:36.706
  • Had been oppressed so long, lived so defeated. they said,
  • 00:08:36.772 --> 00:08:38.374
  • Lived so defeated. they said, “samson, don't bother the
  • 00:08:38.441 --> 00:08:39.875
  • “samson, don't bother the philistines. don't you know,
  • 00:08:39.942 --> 00:08:41.911
  • Philistines. don't you know, they rule over us.” they had
  • 00:08:41.978 --> 00:08:43.980
  • They rule over us.” they had this limited mindset, “we're
  • 00:08:44.046 --> 00:08:45.481
  • This limited mindset, “we're victims. that's the way we've
  • 00:08:45.548 --> 00:08:46.882
  • Victims. that's the way we've always been, joel.” “my
  • 00:08:46.949 --> 00:08:48.084
  • Always been, joel.” “my family has always struggled,
  • 00:08:48.150 --> 00:08:49.418
  • Family has always struggled, always been angry, always
  • 00:08:49.485 --> 00:08:50.653
  • Always been angry, always been depressed.” god has
  • 00:08:50.720 --> 00:08:52.455
  • Been depressed.” god has raised you up to break those
  • 00:08:52.521 --> 00:08:53.956
  • Raised you up to break those barriers. to set new
  • 00:08:54.023 --> 00:08:55.424
  • Barriers. to set new standards. he wouldn't have
  • 00:08:55.491 --> 00:08:57.159
  • Standards. he wouldn't have let you face that lion if it
  • 00:08:57.226 --> 00:08:59.261
  • Let you face that lion if it was going to stop you. even
  • 00:08:59.328 --> 00:09:01.631
  • Was going to stop you. even when samson made mistakes and
  • 00:09:01.697 --> 00:09:03.366
  • When samson made mistakes and got off course, the power
  • 00:09:03.432 --> 00:09:05.267
  • Got off course, the power kept coming on him, because
  • 00:09:05.334 --> 00:09:07.536
  • Kept coming on him, because god's purpose for your life
  • 00:09:07.603 --> 00:09:09.505
  • God's purpose for your life will override bad breaks,
  • 00:09:09.572 --> 00:09:11.674
  • Will override bad breaks, people that do you wrong,
  • 00:09:11.741 --> 00:09:13.242
  • People that do you wrong, even failures and habits that
  • 00:09:13.309 --> 00:09:15.344
  • Even failures and habits that should stop you. god used
  • 00:09:15.411 --> 00:09:17.346
  • Should stop you. god used samson despite his flaws and
  • 00:09:17.413 --> 00:09:19.582
  • Samson despite his flaws and weaknesses. despite the
  • 00:09:19.649 --> 00:09:21.250
  • Weaknesses. despite the opposition being stronger.
  • 00:09:21.317 --> 00:09:24.387
  • Opposition being stronger. like samson, there's a
  • 00:09:24.453 --> 00:09:25.755
  • Like samson, there's a destiny for you to fulfill.
  • 00:09:25.821 --> 00:09:28.224
  • Destiny for you to fulfill. an angel may not have
  • 00:09:28.290 --> 00:09:29.325
  • An angel may not have announced to your mother your
  • 00:09:29.392 --> 00:09:30.926
  • Announced to your mother your birth, but god chose you
  • 00:09:30.993 --> 00:09:32.828
  • Birth, but god chose you before you were formed in
  • 00:09:32.895 --> 00:09:34.163
  • Before you were formed in your mother's womb. he
  • 00:09:34.230 --> 00:09:35.631
  • Your mother's womb. he handpicked you. he's given
  • 00:09:35.698 --> 00:09:37.500
  • Handpicked you. he's given you an assignment, something
  • 00:09:37.566 --> 00:09:39.301
  • You an assignment, something to accomplish. not to just
  • 00:09:39.368 --> 00:09:41.404
  • To accomplish. not to just wander through life defeated,
  • 00:09:41.470 --> 00:09:43.105
  • Wander through life defeated, worried. there's a calling on
  • 00:09:43.172 --> 00:09:44.940
  • Worried. there's a calling on your life. it's not just
  • 00:09:45.007 --> 00:09:46.909
  • Your life. it's not just about you. you're a piece to
  • 00:09:46.976 --> 00:09:48.811
  • About you. you're a piece to the puzzle. you're a
  • 00:09:48.878 --> 00:09:50.179
  • The puzzle. you're a strategic part in the plan of
  • 00:09:50.246 --> 00:09:52.248
  • Strategic part in the plan of god. that's why the enemy
  • 00:09:52.314 --> 00:09:54.350
  • God. that's why the enemy comes against you. and that's
  • 00:09:54.417 --> 00:09:56.252
  • Comes against you. and that's why you're going to have
  • 00:09:56.318 --> 00:09:57.119
  • Why you're going to have these times like samson,
  • 00:09:57.186 --> 00:09:58.754
  • These times like samson, where the spirit of god comes
  • 00:09:58.821 --> 00:10:00.690
  • Where the spirit of god comes on you powerfully. you can't
  • 00:10:00.756 --> 00:10:02.792
  • On you powerfully. you can't explain it. you have an
  • 00:10:02.858 --> 00:10:04.527
  • Explain it. you have an unexpected challenge, and you
  • 00:10:04.593 --> 00:10:06.462
  • Unexpected challenge, and you discover favor and ability
  • 00:10:06.529 --> 00:10:08.364
  • Discover favor and ability that you've never had. that
  • 00:10:08.431 --> 00:10:10.399
  • That you've never had. that surprise attack, that lion
  • 00:10:10.466 --> 00:10:12.601
  • Surprise attack, that lion catches you off guard, but
  • 00:10:12.668 --> 00:10:14.470
  • Catches you off guard, but the real surprise is what
  • 00:10:14.537 --> 00:10:15.938
  • The real surprise is what happens to the lion. you rise
  • 00:10:16.005 --> 00:10:18.040
  • Happens to the lion. you rise up in power, with favor, and
  • 00:10:18.107 --> 00:10:20.142
  • Up in power, with favor, and defeat what should have
  • 00:10:20.209 --> 00:10:21.510
  • Defeat what should have defeated you.
  • 00:10:21.577 --> 00:10:23.112
  • Samson's parents made the
  • 00:10:23.212 --> 00:10:24.413
  • Samson's parents made the arrangements to marry this
  • 00:10:24.480 --> 00:10:25.614
  • Arrangements to marry this philistine girl. samson
  • 00:10:25.681 --> 00:10:27.149
  • Philistine girl. samson decided to have a bachelor
  • 00:10:27.216 --> 00:10:28.718
  • Decided to have a bachelor party. thirty men were there.
  • 00:10:28.784 --> 00:10:31.153
  • Party. thirty men were there. he said to them. “i'm going
  • 00:10:31.220 --> 00:10:32.088
  • He said to them. “i'm going to tell you a riddle. if you
  • 00:10:32.154 --> 00:10:33.689
  • To tell you a riddle. if you figure it out, i'll give you
  • 00:10:33.756 --> 00:10:35.324
  • Thirty, nice, expensive
  • 00:10:35.424 --> 00:10:37.993
  • Thirty, nice, expensive robes, but if you can't, you
  • 00:10:38.060 --> 00:10:40.262
  • Robes, but if you can't, you have to give me thirty
  • 00:10:40.329 --> 00:10:41.097
  • Have to give me thirty robes.” they tried and tried,
  • 00:10:41.163 --> 00:10:43.566
  • Robes.” they tried and tried, but couldn't figure it out,
  • 00:10:43.632 --> 00:10:45.367
  • But couldn't figure it out, so they began to pressure his
  • 00:10:45.434 --> 00:10:46.802
  • So they began to pressure his fiancé. they had been friends
  • 00:10:46.869 --> 00:10:48.537
  • For years. they said to her,s
  • 00:10:48.637 --> 00:10:50.406
  • For years. they said to her,s “you have to find out, or
  • 00:10:50.473 --> 00:10:52.174
  • “you have to find out, or we're going to go broke
  • 00:10:52.241 --> 00:10:53.375
  • We're going to go broke buying these nice robes.” all
  • 00:10:53.442 --> 00:10:55.044
  • Buying these nice robes.” all this pressure. well, she kept
  • 00:10:55.111 --> 00:10:56.746
  • This pressure. well, she kept asking samson, “please tell
  • 00:10:56.812 --> 00:10:58.714
  • Asking samson, “please tell me, please.” day after day
  • 00:10:58.781 --> 00:11:01.117
  • Me, please.” day after day after day. after seven days
  • 00:11:01.183 --> 00:11:03.285
  • After day. after seven days of nagging, a man can only
  • 00:11:03.352 --> 00:11:05.588
  • Of nagging, a man can only take so much, samson finally
  • 00:11:05.654 --> 00:11:08.124
  • Take so much, samson finally gave in and told the answer.
  • 00:11:08.190 --> 00:11:10.593
  • Gave in and told the answer. she went and told all the
  • 00:11:10.659 --> 00:11:11.527
  • She went and told all the men. they came to samson so
  • 00:11:11.594 --> 00:11:13.696
  • Men. they came to samson so happy, so relieved and told
  • 00:11:13.763 --> 00:11:16.298
  • Happy, so relieved and told him what the riddle meant.
  • 00:11:16.365 --> 00:11:18.033
  • Samson said to them in verse
  • 00:11:18.134 --> 00:11:19.301
  • Samson said to them in verse 18, “if you hadn't plowed
  • 00:11:19.368 --> 00:11:21.337
  • 18, “if you hadn't plowed with my heifer, you wouldn't
  • 00:11:21.403 --> 00:11:23.139
  • With my heifer, you wouldn't have found the answer to my
  • 00:11:23.205 --> 00:11:24.340
  • Have found the answer to my riddle.” now if you're
  • 00:11:24.406 --> 00:11:26.008
  • Riddle.” now if you're referring to your fiancé as a
  • 00:11:26.075 --> 00:11:27.476
  • Referring to your fiancé as a heifer, you're going to need
  • 00:11:27.543 --> 00:11:28.744
  • Heifer, you're going to need god's power. samson owed
  • 00:11:28.811 --> 00:11:30.546
  • God's power. samson owed thirty nice robes. the
  • 00:11:30.613 --> 00:11:32.982
  • Thirty nice robes. the scripture says, “the spirit
  • 00:11:33.048 --> 00:11:35.050
  • Scripture says, “the spirit of the lord powerfully took
  • 00:11:35.117 --> 00:11:36.952
  • Of the lord powerfully took control of samson, he went to
  • 00:11:37.019 --> 00:11:39.021
  • Control of samson, he went to a neighboring city, killed
  • 00:11:39.088 --> 00:11:40.623
  • A neighboring city, killed thirty men and took their
  • 00:11:40.689 --> 00:11:42.158
  • Thirty men and took their robes.” this wasn't about
  • 00:11:42.224 --> 00:11:44.059
  • Robes.” this wasn't about samson doing right, making
  • 00:11:44.126 --> 00:11:46.061
  • Samson doing right, making good choices. he had a
  • 00:11:46.128 --> 00:11:47.897
  • Good choices. he had a supernatural calling, but he
  • 00:11:47.963 --> 00:11:50.132
  • Supernatural calling, but he was unfocused, undisciplined.
  • 00:11:50.199 --> 00:11:52.701
  • Was unfocused, undisciplined. despite his failures, despite
  • 00:11:52.768 --> 00:11:55.104
  • Despite his failures, despite his shortcomings, god's
  • 00:11:55.171 --> 00:11:56.739
  • His shortcomings, god's spirit came on him to fulfill
  • 00:11:56.806 --> 00:11:58.774
  • Spirit came on him to fulfill his purpose. you would think
  • 00:11:58.841 --> 00:12:00.910
  • His purpose. you would think god would say, “fine samson.
  • 00:12:00.976 --> 00:12:02.845
  • God would say, “fine samson. i'll find someone else.” but
  • 00:12:02.912 --> 00:12:04.513
  • I'll find someone else.” but what god purposed for your
  • 00:12:04.580 --> 00:12:06.015
  • What god purposed for your life will come to pass. your
  • 00:12:06.081 --> 00:12:08.217
  • Life will come to pass. your mistakes didn't stop it. you
  • 00:12:08.284 --> 00:12:10.486
  • Mistakes didn't stop it. you may not be where you should
  • 00:12:10.553 --> 00:12:11.620
  • May not be where you should be in life. you got off
  • 00:12:11.687 --> 00:12:12.822
  • Be in life. you got off course, distracted, playing
  • 00:12:12.888 --> 00:12:14.957
  • Course, distracted, playing games. the good news is god
  • 00:12:15.024 --> 00:12:17.059
  • Games. the good news is god is not finished with you.
  • 00:12:17.126 --> 00:12:18.527
  • Is not finished with you. what he's assigned for you is
  • 00:12:18.594 --> 00:12:20.229
  • What he's assigned for you is still on the schedule. “i
  • 00:12:20.296 --> 00:12:22.464
  • Still on the schedule. “i don't know, joel, i think i
  • 00:12:22.531 --> 00:12:23.899
  • Don't know, joel, i think i stopped my destiny. i'm too
  • 00:12:23.966 --> 00:12:25.534
  • Stopped my destiny. i'm too far off course.” can i tell
  • 00:12:25.601 --> 00:12:26.969
  • Far off course.” can i tell you, you're not that
  • 00:12:27.036 --> 00:12:28.070
  • You, you're not that powerful. you can't cancel
  • 00:12:28.137 --> 00:12:30.472
  • Powerful. you can't cancel what god has planned. you may
  • 00:12:30.539 --> 00:12:32.374
  • What god has planned. you may delay it, you may make it
  • 00:12:32.441 --> 00:12:33.709
  • Delay it, you may make it harder, but what god has
  • 00:12:33.776 --> 00:12:35.444
  • Harder, but what god has purposed will come to
  • 00:12:35.511 --> 00:12:36.545
  • Purposed will come to fulfillment.
  • 00:12:36.612 --> 00:12:38.214
  • Fulfillment. samson called the wedding off
  • 00:12:38.280 --> 00:12:40.082
  • Samson called the wedding off and didn't marry the girl.
  • 00:12:40.149 --> 00:12:41.550
  • And didn't marry the girl. later, he changed his mind,
  • 00:12:41.617 --> 00:12:42.985
  • Later, he changed his mind, and went back but the lady
  • 00:12:43.052 --> 00:12:45.187
  • And went back but the lady had married someone else. he
  • 00:12:45.254 --> 00:12:47.056
  • Had married someone else. he was so upset. he caught three
  • 00:12:47.122 --> 00:12:49.558
  • Was so upset. he caught three hundred foxes, set their
  • 00:12:49.625 --> 00:12:51.493
  • Hundred foxes, set their tails on fire, they ran
  • 00:12:51.560 --> 00:12:53.429
  • Tails on fire, they ran through the fields and burned
  • 00:12:53.495 --> 00:12:54.864
  • Through the fields and burned all the grain. when the
  • 00:12:54.930 --> 00:12:56.599
  • All the grain. when the philistines found out who did
  • 00:12:56.665 --> 00:12:58.133
  • Philistines found out who did it, they were furious. samson
  • 00:12:58.200 --> 00:13:00.135
  • It, they were furious. samson was hiding in a cave. the
  • 00:13:00.202 --> 00:13:01.837
  • Was hiding in a cave. the philistines came with full
  • 00:13:01.904 --> 00:13:03.372
  • Philistines came with full force. the israelites asked
  • 00:13:03.439 --> 00:13:05.174
  • Force. the israelites asked what they were doing there.
  • 00:13:05.241 --> 00:13:06.375
  • What they were doing there. they said, “we're here to
  • 00:13:06.442 --> 00:13:07.076
  • They said, “we're here to capture samson. if you don't
  • 00:13:07.142 --> 00:13:09.178
  • Capture samson. if you don't give him to us, we're going
  • 00:13:09.245 --> 00:13:10.512
  • Give him to us, we're going to attack your city.” so,
  • 00:13:10.579 --> 00:13:12.047
  • To attack your city.” so, three thousand men from
  • 00:13:12.114 --> 00:13:13.482
  • Three thousand men from israel went to the cave and
  • 00:13:13.549 --> 00:13:15.351
  • Israel went to the cave and told samson that they were
  • 00:13:15.417 --> 00:13:16.485
  • Told samson that they were going to give him to the
  • 00:13:16.552 --> 00:13:17.319
  • Going to give him to the philistines so they wouldn't
  • 00:13:17.386 --> 00:13:18.888
  • Philistines so they wouldn't be harmed. samson agreed.
  • 00:13:18.954 --> 00:13:21.223
  • Be harmed. samson agreed. verse 13 says, “they tied
  • 00:13:21.290 --> 00:13:23.092
  • Verse 13 says, “they tied samson up with two new ropes
  • 00:13:23.158 --> 00:13:25.461
  • Samson up with two new ropes and took him to the
  • 00:13:25.527 --> 00:13:26.161
  • And took him to the philistines.” when they saw
  • 00:13:26.228 --> 00:13:28.097
  • Philistines.” when they saw samson, they were so excited.
  • 00:13:28.163 --> 00:13:29.765
  • Samson, they were so excited. they started celebrating, “we
  • 00:13:29.832 --> 00:13:31.500
  • They started celebrating, “we finally got him.” here samson
  • 00:13:31.567 --> 00:13:34.003
  • Finally got him.” here samson is bound, outnumbered,
  • 00:13:34.069 --> 00:13:36.205
  • Is bound, outnumbered, surrounded by a huge army.
  • 00:13:36.272 --> 00:13:38.474
  • Surrounded by a huge army. most of it is his own fault.
  • 00:13:38.540 --> 00:13:40.509
  • Most of it is his own fault. he didn't make good choices.
  • 00:13:40.576 --> 00:13:41.777
  • He didn't make good choices. it looks like he's done. but
  • 00:13:41.844 --> 00:13:43.979
  • It looks like he's done. but the scripture says, “the
  • 00:13:44.046 --> 00:13:45.347
  • The scripture says, “the spirit of god powerfully took
  • 00:13:45.414 --> 00:13:47.249
  • Spirit of god powerfully took control of samson, and he
  • 00:13:47.316 --> 00:13:48.951
  • Control of samson, and he snapped the ropes as if they
  • 00:13:49.018 --> 00:13:50.786
  • Snapped the ropes as if they were strings.” all these
  • 00:13:50.853 --> 00:13:53.055
  • Were strings.” all these times when he should have
  • 00:13:53.122 --> 00:13:54.156
  • Times when he should have been captured, defeated,
  • 00:13:54.223 --> 00:13:56.625
  • Been captured, defeated, injured from the lion, stuck
  • 00:13:56.692 --> 00:13:58.394
  • Injured from the lion, stuck because of mistakes, but look
  • 00:13:58.460 --> 00:14:00.396
  • Because of mistakes, but look at how the purpose of god
  • 00:14:00.462 --> 00:14:01.931
  • At how the purpose of god prevails. the spirit of the
  • 00:14:01.997 --> 00:14:04.066
  • Prevails. the spirit of the lord kept coming on him
  • 00:14:04.133 --> 00:14:05.668
  • Lord kept coming on him powerfully to overcome what
  • 00:14:05.734 --> 00:14:08.037
  • Powerfully to overcome what should have stopped him, to
  • 00:14:08.103 --> 00:14:09.605
  • Should have stopped him, to break chains that should have
  • 00:14:09.672 --> 00:14:11.206
  • Break chains that should have held him back.
  • 00:14:11.273 --> 00:14:12.574
  • Held him back. like samson, you may be
  • 00:14:12.641 --> 00:14:14.176
  • Like samson, you may be struggling with things that
  • 00:14:14.243 --> 00:14:15.411
  • Struggling with things that have you bound. addictions,
  • 00:14:15.477 --> 00:14:17.813
  • Have you bound. addictions, bad habits, wrong mindsets.
  • 00:14:17.880 --> 00:14:20.582
  • Bad habits, wrong mindsets. it's been that way a long
  • 00:14:20.649 --> 00:14:21.951
  • It's been that way a long time. you tried, and couldn't
  • 00:14:22.017 --> 00:14:23.919
  • Time. you tried, and couldn't break it. the enemy may have
  • 00:14:23.986 --> 00:14:25.888
  • Break it. the enemy may have tied you up, or you may have
  • 00:14:25.955 --> 00:14:27.623
  • Tied you up, or you may have tied yourself up. samson's
  • 00:14:27.690 --> 00:14:29.658
  • Tied yourself up. samson's own people bound him. but
  • 00:14:29.725 --> 00:14:31.794
  • Own people bound him. but being bound is not how your
  • 00:14:31.860 --> 00:14:33.595
  • Being bound is not how your story ends. you can't do it
  • 00:14:33.662 --> 00:14:35.898
  • Story ends. you can't do it on your own, but the spirit
  • 00:14:35.965 --> 00:14:37.466
  • On your own, but the spirit of god is going to come
  • 00:14:37.533 --> 00:14:38.701
  • Of god is going to come powerfully on you to break
  • 00:14:38.767 --> 00:14:40.402
  • Powerfully on you to break addictions, break chains of
  • 00:14:40.469 --> 00:14:42.538
  • Addictions, break chains of depression; how about chains
  • 00:14:42.604 --> 00:14:44.606
  • Depression; how about chains of sickness, chains of lack
  • 00:14:44.673 --> 00:14:46.342
  • Of sickness, chains of lack and struggle. our god is a
  • 00:14:46.408 --> 00:14:48.177
  • And struggle. our god is a chain breaker. a yoke
  • 00:14:48.243 --> 00:14:49.878
  • Chain breaker. a yoke destroyer. a burden lifter.
  • 00:14:49.945 --> 00:14:52.614
  • Destroyer. a burden lifter. he's going to take control.
  • 00:14:52.681 --> 00:14:54.316
  • He's going to take control. you're going to feel a
  • 00:14:54.383 --> 00:14:54.950
  • You're going to feel a strength that you've never
  • 00:14:55.017 --> 00:14:55.985
  • Strength that you've never felt, to break what you
  • 00:14:56.051 --> 00:14:57.720
  • Felt, to break what you couldn't break.
  • 00:14:57.786 --> 00:14:59.254
  • Maybe it was someone else
  • 00:14:59.355 --> 00:15:00.656
  • Maybe it was someone else that sort of tied you up.
  • 00:15:00.723 --> 00:15:02.291
  • That sort of tied you up. they put you at a
  • 00:15:02.358 --> 00:15:02.992
  • They put you at a disadvantage. what you saw
  • 00:15:03.058 --> 00:15:04.693
  • Disadvantage. what you saw growing up was bad habits;
  • 00:15:04.760 --> 00:15:07.096
  • Growing up was bad habits; people modeled addictions and
  • 00:15:07.162 --> 00:15:08.697
  • People modeled addictions and anger. it wasn't necessarily
  • 00:15:08.764 --> 00:15:10.532
  • Anger. it wasn't necessarily your choice. you just kind of
  • 00:15:10.599 --> 00:15:11.567
  • Fell into it. god knew what
  • 00:15:11.667 --> 00:15:13.402
  • Fell into it. god knew what you would face. he knew the
  • 00:15:13.469 --> 00:15:15.204
  • You would face. he knew the things that wouldn't be fair.
  • 00:15:15.270 --> 00:15:17.172
  • Things that wouldn't be fair. the times, at no fault of
  • 00:15:17.239 --> 00:15:18.607
  • The times, at no fault of your own, you got tied up.
  • 00:15:18.674 --> 00:15:21.110
  • Your own, you got tied up. thoughts whisper, “no, that's
  • 00:15:21.176 --> 00:15:22.211
  • Thoughts whisper, “no, that's the way it's always going to
  • 00:15:22.277 --> 00:15:23.145
  • The way it's always going to be.” no, what god did for
  • 00:15:23.212 --> 00:15:24.747
  • Be.” no, what god did for samson, he's about to do for
  • 00:15:24.813 --> 00:15:26.281
  • Samson, he's about to do for you. get ready to snap some
  • 00:15:26.348 --> 00:15:28.083
  • You. get ready to snap some chains. what should be
  • 00:15:28.150 --> 00:15:29.885
  • Chains. what should be permanent is going to feel
  • 00:15:29.952 --> 00:15:31.053
  • Permanent is going to feel like a piece of thread. when
  • 00:15:31.120 --> 00:15:32.654
  • Like a piece of thread. when the most high empowers you,
  • 00:15:32.721 --> 00:15:34.390
  • The most high empowers you, it's not natural, it's
  • 00:15:34.456 --> 00:15:35.524
  • It's not natural, it's supernatural.
  • 00:15:35.591 --> 00:15:36.959
  • Supernatural. samson broke those chains. he
  • 00:15:37.026 --> 00:15:38.927
  • Samson broke those chains. he picked up the jawbone of a
  • 00:15:38.994 --> 00:15:40.229
  • Picked up the jawbone of a donkey and defeated one
  • 00:15:40.295 --> 00:15:42.664
  • Donkey and defeated one thousand philistines. god is
  • 00:15:42.731 --> 00:15:44.900
  • Thousand philistines. god is showing us even when you're
  • 00:15:44.967 --> 00:15:46.502
  • Showing us even when you're surrounded by enemies, even
  • 00:15:46.568 --> 00:15:48.737
  • Surrounded by enemies, even when things have you bound,
  • 00:15:48.804 --> 00:15:50.339
  • When things have you bound, it looks impossible, there's
  • 00:15:50.406 --> 00:15:52.007
  • It looks impossible, there's a force coming that you can't
  • 00:15:52.074 --> 00:15:53.609
  • A force coming that you can't explain. a power that
  • 00:15:53.675 --> 00:15:55.477
  • Explain. a power that overcomes any opposition. a
  • 00:15:55.544 --> 00:15:57.746
  • Overcomes any opposition. a favor to defeat what should
  • 00:15:57.813 --> 00:15:59.481
  • Favor to defeat what should have defeated you. it's the
  • 00:15:59.548 --> 00:16:01.016
  • Have defeated you. it's the spirit of god empowering you
  • 00:16:01.083 --> 00:16:03.652
  • Spirit of god empowering you to fulfill your purpose.
  • 00:16:03.719 --> 00:16:05.988
  • To fulfill your purpose. when samson was attacked by
  • 00:16:06.055 --> 00:16:07.423
  • When samson was attacked by that lion, he tore it apart.
  • 00:16:07.489 --> 00:16:09.224
  • That lion, he tore it apart. one version says, “though he
  • 00:16:09.291 --> 00:16:10.959
  • One version says, “though he had nothing in his hands.”
  • 00:16:11.026 --> 00:16:13.095
  • Had nothing in his hands.” sometimes we don't think we
  • 00:16:13.162 --> 00:16:14.730
  • Sometimes we don't think we have what we need. “joel, i
  • 00:16:14.797 --> 00:16:16.598
  • Have what we need. “joel, i would believe this, if i had
  • 00:16:16.665 --> 00:16:18.534
  • Would believe this, if i had more talent, if i was more
  • 00:16:18.600 --> 00:16:20.202
  • More talent, if i was more disciplined, had more
  • 00:16:20.269 --> 00:16:21.437
  • Disciplined, had more connections, more resources,
  • 00:16:21.503 --> 00:16:23.405
  • Connections, more resources, then i could accomplish my
  • 00:16:23.472 --> 00:16:24.373
  • Then i could accomplish my dreams.” when god called you,
  • 00:16:24.440 --> 00:16:27.309
  • Dreams.” when god called you, he knew everything you didn't
  • 00:16:27.376 --> 00:16:28.544
  • He knew everything you didn't have. he knew who would leave
  • 00:16:28.610 --> 00:16:30.913
  • Have. he knew who would leave you out, the doors that would
  • 00:16:30.979 --> 00:16:32.781
  • You out, the doors that would close, the family you would
  • 00:16:32.848 --> 00:16:34.450
  • Close, the family you would come from.” none of that is
  • 00:16:34.516 --> 00:16:36.652
  • Come from.” none of that is going to stop who you were
  • 00:16:36.718 --> 00:16:38.053
  • Going to stop who you were created to be.
  • 00:16:38.120 --> 00:16:39.788
  • God chose a young man named
  • 00:16:39.888 --> 00:16:41.090
  • God chose a young man named saul as the first king of
  • 00:16:41.156 --> 00:16:43.058
  • Saul as the first king of israel. it didn't seem like a
  • 00:16:43.125 --> 00:16:45.027
  • Israel. it didn't seem like a logical choice. saul came
  • 00:16:45.094 --> 00:16:46.962
  • Logical choice. saul came from the smallest tribe, the
  • 00:16:47.029 --> 00:16:48.897
  • From the smallest tribe, the least significant family.
  • 00:16:48.964 --> 00:16:50.799
  • Least significant family. when samuel came to announce
  • 00:16:50.866 --> 00:16:52.401
  • Saul, present him in front of
  • 00:16:52.501 --> 00:16:54.136
  • Saul, present him in front of the people, saul was hiding
  • 00:16:54.203 --> 00:16:55.938
  • The people, saul was hiding in a storeroom. he wouldn't
  • 00:16:56.004 --> 00:16:57.673
  • In a storeroom. he wouldn't come out. he was afraid,
  • 00:16:57.739 --> 00:16:59.775
  • Come out. he was afraid, intimidated, thinking of
  • 00:16:59.842 --> 00:17:01.376
  • Intimidated, thinking of everything he was not, how he
  • 00:17:01.443 --> 00:17:03.479
  • Everything he was not, how he didn't have what it takes.
  • 00:17:03.545 --> 00:17:05.614
  • Didn't have what it takes. but god doesn't make
  • 00:17:05.681 --> 00:17:06.748
  • But god doesn't make mistakes. he didn't choose
  • 00:17:06.815 --> 00:17:08.851
  • Mistakes. he didn't choose saul, and then think, “oh
  • 00:17:08.917 --> 00:17:09.918
  • Saul, and then think, “oh man, i didn't know he was
  • 00:17:09.985 --> 00:17:11.520
  • Man, i didn't know he was weak. i didn't know he'd be
  • 00:17:11.587 --> 00:17:13.322
  • Weak. i didn't know he'd be afraid or insecure.” or with
  • 00:17:13.388 --> 00:17:15.390
  • Afraid or insecure.” or with samson, “i didn't know he
  • 00:17:15.457 --> 00:17:16.792
  • Samson, “i didn't know he would play around, make poor
  • 00:17:16.859 --> 00:17:18.527
  • Would play around, make poor choices. i didn't know his
  • 00:17:18.594 --> 00:17:19.795
  • Choices. i didn't know his own family, his own people
  • 00:17:19.862 --> 00:17:21.497
  • Own family, his own people would tie him up.” no, god
  • 00:17:21.563 --> 00:17:23.165
  • Would tie him up.” no, god knew everything about you.
  • 00:17:23.232 --> 00:17:25.000
  • Knew everything about you. he's the one that created
  • 00:17:25.067 --> 00:17:26.602
  • He's the one that created you. he sees potential in you
  • 00:17:26.668 --> 00:17:29.338
  • You. he sees potential in you that you can't see. he knows
  • 00:17:29.404 --> 00:17:31.473
  • That you can't see. he knows the greatness, that there's a
  • 00:17:31.540 --> 00:17:32.908
  • The greatness, that there's a mighty hero, a giant killer,
  • 00:17:32.975 --> 00:17:35.277
  • Mighty hero, a giant killer, a barrier breaker in you.
  • 00:17:35.344 --> 00:17:37.579
  • A barrier breaker in you. he's already lined up your
  • 00:17:37.646 --> 00:17:38.981
  • He's already lined up your destiny moments, where his
  • 00:17:39.047 --> 00:17:40.816
  • Destiny moments, where his spirit will rise up
  • 00:17:40.883 --> 00:17:42.050
  • Spirit will rise up powerfully in you to do what
  • 00:17:42.117 --> 00:17:44.453
  • Powerfully in you to do what you couldn't do.
  • 00:17:44.520 --> 00:17:46.088
  • You couldn't do. samuel finally got saul to
  • 00:17:46.155 --> 00:17:47.689
  • Samuel finally got saul to come out. he was standing
  • 00:17:47.756 --> 00:17:49.124
  • Come out. he was standing there, afraid and
  • 00:17:49.191 --> 00:17:49.958
  • There, afraid and intimidated. samuel looked at
  • 00:17:50.025 --> 00:17:51.827
  • Intimidated. samuel looked at him and said in verse 6, “the
  • 00:17:51.894 --> 00:17:54.029
  • Him and said in verse 6, “the spirit of the lord will come
  • 00:17:54.096 --> 00:17:55.797
  • Spirit of the lord will come on you with power, and you
  • 00:17:55.864 --> 00:17:57.533
  • On you with power, and you will be changed into a
  • 00:17:57.599 --> 00:17:58.800
  • Will be changed into a different person.” sometimes
  • 00:17:58.867 --> 00:18:00.936
  • Different person.” sometimes the reason we don't think we
  • 00:18:01.003 --> 00:18:02.371
  • The reason we don't think we can accomplish a dream,
  • 00:18:02.437 --> 00:18:04.239
  • Can accomplish a dream, overcome an obstacle, is we
  • 00:18:04.306 --> 00:18:06.408
  • Overcome an obstacle, is we can't see what god is about
  • 00:18:06.475 --> 00:18:08.076
  • Can't see what god is about to do. it's natural to have
  • 00:18:08.143 --> 00:18:10.279
  • To do. it's natural to have doubts and think, “joel, how
  • 00:18:10.345 --> 00:18:11.713
  • Doubts and think, “joel, how could this happen? there's a
  • 00:18:11.780 --> 00:18:12.581
  • Could this happen? there's a goliath, a lion, it's too
  • 00:18:12.648 --> 00:18:14.716
  • Goliath, a lion, it's too big.” those are normal
  • 00:18:14.783 --> 00:18:16.118
  • Big.” those are normal thoughts, but when god's
  • 00:18:16.185 --> 00:18:17.719
  • Thoughts, but when god's spirit comes on you
  • 00:18:17.786 --> 00:18:18.954
  • Spirit comes on you powerfully, you will be
  • 00:18:19.021 --> 00:18:20.522
  • Powerfully, you will be changed into a different
  • 00:18:20.589 --> 00:18:21.790
  • Changed into a different person. this is not something
  • 00:18:21.857 --> 00:18:24.092
  • Person. this is not something you have to make happen, or
  • 00:18:24.159 --> 00:18:25.594
  • You have to make happen, or strive; just dare to believe.
  • 00:18:25.661 --> 00:18:28.297
  • “god this obstacle looks too.
  • 00:18:28.397 --> 00:18:29.565
  • “god this obstacle looks too. big, i feel bound by these
  • 00:18:29.631 --> 00:18:31.466
  • Big, i feel bound by these chains, i'm hiding because
  • 00:18:31.533 --> 00:18:33.268
  • Chains, i'm hiding because i'm afraid, but god i believe
  • 00:18:33.335 --> 00:18:35.170
  • I'm afraid, but god i believe your spirit is coming.
  • 00:18:35.237 --> 00:18:36.672
  • Your spirit is coming. something that i've never
  • 00:18:36.738 --> 00:18:37.606
  • Something that i've never seen. supernatural healing,
  • 00:18:37.673 --> 00:18:39.942
  • Seen. supernatural healing, strength, doors opening,
  • 00:18:40.008 --> 00:18:41.877
  • Strength, doors opening, chains breaking, turning me
  • 00:18:41.944 --> 00:18:44.046
  • Chains breaking, turning me into a different person.”
  • 00:18:44.112 --> 00:18:45.781
  • Into a different person.” what does that mean? from
  • 00:18:45.847 --> 00:18:46.782
  • What does that mean? from afraid to confident. from
  • 00:18:46.848 --> 00:18:48.784
  • Afraid to confident. from sick to healthy. from
  • 00:18:48.850 --> 00:18:50.285
  • Sick to healthy. from addicted to free. from
  • 00:18:50.352 --> 00:18:51.920
  • Addicted to free. from struggling to abundance. from
  • 00:18:51.987 --> 00:18:53.622
  • Struggling to abundance. from defeat into victory.
  • 00:18:53.689 --> 00:18:56.391
  • My father went to be with the
  • 00:18:56.491 --> 00:18:57.459
  • My father went to be with the lord on a saturday in 1999.
  • 00:18:57.526 --> 00:19:00.429
  • Lord on a saturday in 1999. that was unexpected. he had a
  • 00:19:00.495 --> 00:19:02.998
  • That was unexpected. he had a heart attack and suddenly
  • 00:19:03.065 --> 00:19:04.299
  • Heart attack and suddenly passed. for the first couple
  • 00:19:04.366 --> 00:19:06.001
  • Passed. for the first couple of days, i was kind of in a
  • 00:19:06.068 --> 00:19:07.436
  • Of days, i was kind of in a fog. i couldn't believe my
  • 00:19:07.502 --> 00:19:08.937
  • Fog. i couldn't believe my father was gone. my best
  • 00:19:09.004 --> 00:19:10.906
  • Father was gone. my best friend outside of victoria. i
  • 00:19:10.973 --> 00:19:13.208
  • Friend outside of victoria. i had been behind the scenes at
  • 00:19:13.275 --> 00:19:14.409
  • Had been behind the scenes at lakewood seventeen years
  • 00:19:14.476 --> 00:19:16.044
  • Lakewood seventeen years doing the production. i never
  • 00:19:16.111 --> 00:19:18.113
  • Doing the production. i never wanted to get up in front of
  • 00:19:18.180 --> 00:19:19.214
  • Wanted to get up in front of people. i'm more quiet and
  • 00:19:19.281 --> 00:19:21.049
  • People. i'm more quiet and reserved. my father tried to
  • 00:19:21.116 --> 00:19:23.085
  • Reserved. my father tried to get me up to help him pastor,
  • 00:19:23.151 --> 00:19:24.586
  • Get me up to help him pastor, but i didn't feel qualified.
  • 00:19:24.653 --> 00:19:26.922
  • But i didn't feel qualified. he was so strong and he had a
  • 00:19:26.989 --> 00:19:28.357
  • He was so strong and he had a big personality. i thought,
  • 00:19:28.423 --> 00:19:30.325
  • Big personality. i thought, “that's not me. i didn't get
  • 00:19:30.392 --> 00:19:31.426
  • “that's not me. i didn't get any of that.” four days after
  • 00:19:31.493 --> 00:19:33.695
  • Any of that.” four days after he passed, that next
  • 00:19:33.762 --> 00:19:34.696
  • He passed, that next wednesday, we were at the
  • 00:19:34.763 --> 00:19:35.931
  • Wednesday, we were at the memorial service. i was
  • 00:19:35.998 --> 00:19:37.432
  • Memorial service. i was standing on the platform with
  • 00:19:37.499 --> 00:19:38.800
  • Standing on the platform with victoria and the rest of my
  • 00:19:38.867 --> 00:19:40.335
  • Victoria and the rest of my siblings and their spouses.
  • 00:19:40.402 --> 00:19:42.204
  • Siblings and their spouses. my mother was up speaking.
  • 00:19:42.271 --> 00:19:43.872
  • My mother was up speaking. when she finished. she turned
  • 00:19:43.939 --> 00:19:45.173
  • When she finished. she turned around and looked at all of
  • 00:19:45.240 --> 00:19:46.108
  • Around and looked at all of us, and said, “does anyone
  • 00:19:46.174 --> 00:19:47.776
  • Us, and said, “does anyone want to say anything?”
  • 00:19:47.843 --> 00:19:49.544
  • Want to say anything?” normally i would be the last
  • 00:19:49.611 --> 00:19:51.179
  • Normally i would be the last one. i would do my best to
  • 00:19:51.246 --> 00:19:53.215
  • One. i would do my best to get out of it, but for some
  • 00:19:53.282 --> 00:19:54.983
  • Get out of it, but for some reason, i started walking to
  • 00:19:55.050 --> 00:19:56.752
  • Reason, i started walking to the podium. in my mind i was
  • 00:19:56.818 --> 00:19:58.920
  • The podium. in my mind i was thinking, “what are you
  • 00:19:58.987 --> 00:19:59.688
  • Thinking, “what are you doing? joel, you are you
  • 00:19:59.755 --> 00:20:00.789
  • Doing? joel, you are you crazy.” all this doubt, but
  • 00:20:00.856 --> 00:20:03.158
  • Crazy.” all this doubt, but in my spirit, i could feel
  • 00:20:03.225 --> 00:20:05.427
  • In my spirit, i could feel something rising up. it was
  • 00:20:05.494 --> 00:20:07.462
  • Something rising up. it was like something took control
  • 00:20:07.529 --> 00:20:08.830
  • Like something took control of me. i felt this boldness,
  • 00:20:08.897 --> 00:20:10.399
  • Of me. i felt this boldness, this confidence, to step up
  • 00:20:10.465 --> 00:20:13.101
  • This confidence, to step up and say something. i don't
  • 00:20:13.168 --> 00:20:15.037
  • And say something. i don't know what i said. i hope it
  • 00:20:15.103 --> 00:20:16.104
  • Know what i said. i hope it was good. i was just in awe
  • 00:20:16.171 --> 00:20:17.472
  • Was good. i was just in awe that i got up there.
  • 00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:18.340
  • I had never ministered in
  • 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:20.042
  • I had never ministered in seventeen years, but that day
  • 00:20:20.108 --> 00:20:22.044
  • Seventeen years, but that day it was like i was turned into
  • 00:20:22.110 --> 00:20:23.645
  • It was like i was turned into a different person. suddenly
  • 00:20:23.712 --> 00:20:25.380
  • A different person. suddenly i had the desire to pastor
  • 00:20:25.447 --> 00:20:27.215
  • I had the desire to pastor the church. i didn't dread
  • 00:20:27.282 --> 00:20:28.517
  • The church. i didn't dread it; i wanted to do it. i had
  • 00:20:28.583 --> 00:20:30.385
  • This knowing that i've been
  • 00:20:30.485 --> 00:20:31.586
  • This knowing that i've been raised up for this. i didn't
  • 00:20:31.653 --> 00:20:33.588
  • Raised up for this. i didn't know if i'd be any good; i
  • 00:20:33.655 --> 00:20:35.357
  • Know if i'd be any good; i didn't know if people would
  • 00:20:35.424 --> 00:20:36.058
  • Didn't know if people would listen or continue to come. i
  • 00:20:36.124 --> 00:20:38.193
  • Listen or continue to come. i thought, “we're about to find
  • 00:20:38.260 --> 00:20:39.194
  • Thought, “we're about to find out. if they don't, i'll go
  • 00:20:39.261 --> 00:20:41.063
  • Out. if they don't, i'll go work at whataburger.” who
  • 00:20:41.129 --> 00:20:43.231
  • Work at whataburger.” who would have ever thought we
  • 00:20:43.298 --> 00:20:44.099
  • Would have ever thought we would be here. i never
  • 00:20:44.166 --> 00:20:45.400
  • Would be here. i never dreamed that in my future was
  • 00:20:45.467 --> 00:20:47.402
  • Dreamed that in my future was the compaq center, where i
  • 00:20:47.469 --> 00:20:49.004
  • The compaq center, where i used to watch the rockets
  • 00:20:49.071 --> 00:20:49.971
  • Used to watch the rockets play basketball. that i would
  • 00:20:50.038 --> 00:20:51.506
  • Play basketball. that i would have books and sirius radio,
  • 00:20:51.573 --> 00:20:53.075
  • Have books and sirius radio, media. you don't know what
  • 00:20:53.141 --> 00:20:55.110
  • Media. you don't know what god has planned for you. all
  • 00:20:55.177 --> 00:20:57.012
  • God has planned for you. all we can see is right here, but
  • 00:20:57.079 --> 00:20:58.914
  • We can see is right here, but god knows what he's put in
  • 00:20:58.980 --> 00:21:00.248
  • God knows what he's put in you. your compaq centers. the
  • 00:21:00.315 --> 00:21:02.951
  • You. your compaq centers. the goliaths you'll defeat. the
  • 00:21:03.018 --> 00:21:04.553
  • Goliaths you'll defeat. the lions you'll tear apart. the
  • 00:21:04.619 --> 00:21:06.121
  • Lions you'll tear apart. the chains you'll break. the
  • 00:21:06.188 --> 00:21:07.689
  • Chains you'll break. the dreams you'll accomplish that
  • 00:21:07.756 --> 00:21:09.458
  • Dreams you'll accomplish that will catapult your family
  • 00:21:09.524 --> 00:21:10.959
  • Will catapult your family ahead. how's this going to
  • 00:21:11.026 --> 00:21:12.527
  • Ahead. how's this going to happen? when you feel
  • 00:21:12.594 --> 00:21:14.029
  • Happen? when you feel limited, when the obstacles
  • 00:21:14.096 --> 00:21:15.831
  • Limited, when the obstacles look too big, when you're
  • 00:21:15.897 --> 00:21:17.265
  • Look too big, when you're hiding instead of shining.
  • 00:21:17.332 --> 00:21:19.000
  • Hiding instead of shining. here's how, the spirit of the
  • 00:21:19.067 --> 00:21:21.069
  • Here's how, the spirit of the most high, the god who
  • 00:21:21.136 --> 00:21:22.904
  • Most high, the god who created you, the god who
  • 00:21:22.971 --> 00:21:24.706
  • Created you, the god who planned your days, the god
  • 00:21:24.773 --> 00:21:26.508
  • Planned your days, the god who ordered your steps, the
  • 00:21:26.575 --> 00:21:28.276
  • Who ordered your steps, the god who numbers your hair,
  • 00:21:28.343 --> 00:21:29.911
  • God who numbers your hair, the god who fights your
  • 00:21:29.978 --> 00:21:30.979
  • The god who fights your battles, the god who makes
  • 00:21:31.046 --> 00:21:32.447
  • Battles, the god who makes crooked places straight, the
  • 00:21:32.514 --> 00:21:33.982
  • Crooked places straight, the god who lines up the right
  • 00:21:34.049 --> 00:21:35.250
  • God who lines up the right people, the god who comes
  • 00:21:35.317 --> 00:21:37.018
  • People, the god who comes into the fire with you, the
  • 00:21:37.085 --> 00:21:38.954
  • Into the fire with you, the god who causes you to stand
  • 00:21:39.020 --> 00:21:40.589
  • God who causes you to stand out, his spirit is going to
  • 00:21:40.655 --> 00:21:43.158
  • Out, his spirit is going to come on you powerfully to
  • 00:21:43.225 --> 00:21:45.026
  • Come on you powerfully to accomplish what he's already
  • 00:21:45.093 --> 00:21:46.862
  • Accomplish what he's already purposed for your life. not
  • 00:21:46.928 --> 00:21:48.497
  • Purposed for your life. not by might, not by power, but
  • 00:21:48.563 --> 00:21:50.298
  • By might, not by power, but by the spirit of god.
  • 00:21:50.365 --> 00:21:52.334
  • The life of samson is both
  • 00:21:52.434 --> 00:21:54.436
  • The life of samson is both inspiring and a little bit
  • 00:21:54.503 --> 00:21:56.304
  • Inspiring and a little bit sad. he started with this
  • 00:21:56.371 --> 00:21:58.840
  • Sad. he started with this supernatural birth, had all
  • 00:21:58.907 --> 00:22:00.742
  • Supernatural birth, had all this potential, but he played
  • 00:22:00.809 --> 00:22:02.377
  • This potential, but he played around with his destiny. he
  • 00:22:02.444 --> 00:22:04.212
  • Compromised and gave in to
  • 00:22:04.312 --> 00:22:05.847
  • Compromised and gave in to temptation. he ended up
  • 00:22:05.914 --> 00:22:07.449
  • Temptation. he ended up captured. they gouged his
  • 00:22:07.516 --> 00:22:09.351
  • Captured. they gouged his eyes out, and he was grinding
  • 00:22:09.418 --> 00:22:11.353
  • Eyes out, and he was grinding at the mill. the philistines
  • 00:22:11.420 --> 00:22:13.288
  • At the mill. the philistines had this big party, and
  • 00:22:13.355 --> 00:22:14.990
  • Had this big party, and someone suggested to bring
  • 00:22:15.056 --> 00:22:16.525
  • Someone suggested to bring samson out, so they could
  • 00:22:16.591 --> 00:22:18.226
  • Samson out, so they could make fun of him. samson asked
  • 00:22:18.293 --> 00:22:20.695
  • Make fun of him. samson asked the young man that was
  • 00:22:20.762 --> 00:22:21.863
  • The young man that was leading him to place his
  • 00:22:21.930 --> 00:22:23.432
  • Leading him to place his hands on the pillars of the
  • 00:22:23.498 --> 00:22:24.499
  • Hands on the pillars of the building where he was
  • 00:22:24.566 --> 00:22:25.734
  • Building where he was chained. while they were all
  • 00:22:25.801 --> 00:22:27.502
  • Chained. while they were all laughing and mocking. the
  • 00:22:27.569 --> 00:22:28.970
  • Laughing and mocking. the scripture says, “the spirit
  • 00:22:29.037 --> 00:22:30.305
  • Scripture says, “the spirit of god came on samson one
  • 00:22:30.372 --> 00:22:32.307
  • Of god came on samson one more time.” he pushed the
  • 00:22:32.374 --> 00:22:34.042
  • More time.” he pushed the pillars over. the building
  • 00:22:34.109 --> 00:22:35.377
  • Pillars over. the building came crashing down. he
  • 00:22:35.444 --> 00:22:37.279
  • Came crashing down. he defeated more enemies in his
  • 00:22:37.345 --> 00:22:38.680
  • Defeated more enemies in his death than he did his whole
  • 00:22:38.747 --> 00:22:39.881
  • Death than he did his whole life. look at the mercy of
  • 00:22:39.948 --> 00:22:42.184
  • Life. look at the mercy of god. when we make mistakes,
  • 00:22:42.250 --> 00:22:44.719
  • God. when we make mistakes, get off course, god doesn't
  • 00:22:44.786 --> 00:22:46.421
  • Get off course, god doesn't say, “alright, you're done.”
  • 00:22:46.488 --> 00:22:47.689
  • Say, “alright, you're done.” no god has a one more time
  • 00:22:47.756 --> 00:22:49.324
  • No god has a one more time for you. it's not too late.
  • 00:22:49.391 --> 00:22:51.526
  • For you. it's not too late. you haven't missed your
  • 00:22:51.593 --> 00:22:52.394
  • You haven't missed your chance. you wouldn't be
  • 00:22:52.461 --> 00:22:54.196
  • Chance. you wouldn't be hearing this if god wasn't
  • 00:22:54.262 --> 00:22:56.097
  • Hearing this if god wasn't about to do something new in
  • 00:22:56.164 --> 00:22:58.133
  • About to do something new in your life.
  • 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:58.867
  • One thing about samson, is
  • 00:22:58.967 --> 00:23:00.735
  • One thing about samson, is all the pictures i've ever
  • 00:23:00.802 --> 00:23:01.770
  • All the pictures i've ever seen of him, those renderings
  • 00:23:01.837 --> 00:23:03.538
  • Seen of him, those renderings in sunday school and growing
  • 00:23:03.605 --> 00:23:04.940
  • In sunday school and growing up was always this huge man,
  • 00:23:05.006 --> 00:23:07.108
  • Up was always this huge man, with big muscles, looked like
  • 00:23:07.175 --> 00:23:08.777
  • With big muscles, looked like a body builder. you could
  • 00:23:08.844 --> 00:23:10.512
  • A body builder. you could tell he was so strong and a
  • 00:23:10.579 --> 00:23:12.280
  • Tell he was so strong and a force to reckoned with. but
  • 00:23:12.347 --> 00:23:14.483
  • Force to reckoned with. but the scripture never describes
  • 00:23:14.549 --> 00:23:16.051
  • The scripture never describes his physical size. it says
  • 00:23:16.117 --> 00:23:18.119
  • His physical size. it says that saul was tall, david was
  • 00:23:18.186 --> 00:23:20.188
  • That saul was tall, david was handsome, and goliath was
  • 00:23:20.255 --> 00:23:21.756
  • Handsome, and goliath was huge. but when the
  • 00:23:21.823 --> 00:23:23.258
  • Huge. but when the philistines were trying to
  • 00:23:23.325 --> 00:23:24.526
  • Philistines were trying to trick samson, they asked
  • 00:23:24.593 --> 00:23:26.595
  • Delilah, “to find out where
  • 00:23:26.695 --> 00:23:28.463
  • Delilah, “to find out where his strength comes from.” if
  • 00:23:28.530 --> 00:23:30.599
  • His strength comes from.” if he was big and impressive, it
  • 00:23:30.665 --> 00:23:32.234
  • He was big and impressive, it would be obvious. “we know
  • 00:23:32.300 --> 00:23:33.702
  • Would be obvious. “we know where it comes from, his
  • 00:23:33.768 --> 00:23:35.170
  • Where it comes from, his biceps, his legs, look at
  • 00:23:35.237 --> 00:23:37.305
  • Biceps, his legs, look at him, man, he's a beast.” the
  • 00:23:37.372 --> 00:23:38.874
  • Him, man, he's a beast.” the truth is samson looked
  • 00:23:38.940 --> 00:23:40.909
  • Truth is samson looked ordinary, like a normal
  • 00:23:40.976 --> 00:23:42.444
  • Ordinary, like a normal person. the message is you
  • 00:23:42.511 --> 00:23:44.880
  • Person. the message is you don't have to look powerful,
  • 00:23:44.946 --> 00:23:46.548
  • Don't have to look powerful, to be powerful. your strength
  • 00:23:46.615 --> 00:23:48.617
  • To be powerful. your strength doesn't come from what you
  • 00:23:48.683 --> 00:23:49.651
  • Doesn't come from what you have, it comes from what god
  • 00:23:49.718 --> 00:23:51.887
  • Have, it comes from what god has. not natural, but
  • 00:23:51.953 --> 00:23:54.089
  • Has. not natural, but supernatural. like samson,
  • 00:23:54.155 --> 00:23:56.791
  • Supernatural. like samson, you may face some unexpected
  • 00:23:56.858 --> 00:23:58.393
  • You may face some unexpected challenges, that lion
  • 00:23:58.460 --> 00:23:59.895
  • Challenges, that lion surprises you. don't worry,
  • 00:23:59.961 --> 00:24:01.463
  • Surprises you. don't worry, it's not a surprise to god.
  • 00:24:01.530 --> 00:24:03.598
  • It's not a surprise to god. just like that difficulty
  • 00:24:03.665 --> 00:24:05.534
  • Just like that difficulty suddenly came. his power will
  • 00:24:05.600 --> 00:24:08.136
  • Suddenly came. his power will suddenly come on you to
  • 00:24:08.203 --> 00:24:09.404
  • Suddenly come on you to overcome. now let's win the
  • 00:24:09.471 --> 00:24:11.773
  • Overcome. now let's win the private battles. let's deal
  • 00:24:11.840 --> 00:24:13.975
  • Private battles. let's deal with what's holding us back.
  • 00:24:14.042 --> 00:24:15.844
  • With what's holding us back. don't be like the israelites,
  • 00:24:15.911 --> 00:24:17.646
  • Don't be like the israelites, “they've always ruled over
  • 00:24:17.712 --> 00:24:18.813
  • “they've always ruled over us.” no this is your time to
  • 00:24:18.880 --> 00:24:20.615
  • Us.” no this is your time to rule. those obstacles are not
  • 00:24:20.682 --> 00:24:22.984
  • Rule. those obstacles are not permanent. you're about to
  • 00:24:23.051 --> 00:24:24.486
  • Permanent. you're about to feel supernatural power to
  • 00:24:24.553 --> 00:24:26.555
  • Feel supernatural power to break chains. that dream that
  • 00:24:26.621 --> 00:24:28.890
  • Break chains. that dream that seems impossible. you're
  • 00:24:28.957 --> 00:24:30.358
  • Seems impossible. you're outnumbered, over your head.
  • 00:24:30.425 --> 00:24:32.260
  • Outnumbered, over your head. like god did for saul, like
  • 00:24:32.327 --> 00:24:34.162
  • Like god did for saul, like he did for me, you're going
  • 00:24:34.229 --> 00:24:35.430
  • He did for me, you're going to be changed into a
  • 00:24:35.497 --> 00:24:36.631
  • To be changed into a different person. get ready
  • 00:24:36.698 --> 00:24:38.233
  • Different person. get ready for favor, get ready for
  • 00:24:38.300 --> 00:24:39.801
  • For favor, get ready for breakthroughs. i believe and
  • 00:24:39.868 --> 00:24:41.736
  • Breakthroughs. i believe and declare, this is your year to
  • 00:24:41.803 --> 00:24:43.505
  • Declare, this is your year to rise higher, to set new
  • 00:24:43.572 --> 00:24:45.540
  • Rise higher, to set new standards, to break barriers
  • 00:24:45.607 --> 00:24:47.842
  • Standards, to break barriers that have held you back, to
  • 00:24:47.909 --> 00:24:49.344
  • That have held you back, to defeat giants, to accomplish
  • 00:24:49.411 --> 00:24:51.313
  • Defeat giants, to accomplish dreams, to see new levels of
  • 00:24:51.379 --> 00:24:53.415
  • Dreams, to see new levels of your destiny, in jesus' name.
  • 00:24:53.481 --> 00:24:56.418
  • Your destiny, in jesus' name. if you receive it, can you
  • 00:24:56.484 --> 00:24:57.619
  • If you receive it, can you say amen today? (applause)
  • 00:24:57.686 --> 00:24:59.321
  • We all go
  • 00:25:01.423 --> 00:25:01.823
  • We all go through disappointments
  • 00:25:01.890 --> 00:25:02.991
  • Through disappointments and things that are not fair.
  • 00:25:03.058 --> 00:25:04.659
  • And things that are not fair. but god sees every hurt,
  • 00:25:04.726 --> 00:25:06.261
  • But god sees every hurt, every injustice,
  • 00:25:06.328 --> 00:25:07.662
  • Every injustice, and he's promised to pay
  • 00:25:07.729 --> 00:25:08.730
  • And he's promised to pay you back for the unfair things.
  • 00:25:08.797 --> 00:25:11.099
  • You back for the unfair things. i'd love to send you
  • 00:25:11.166 --> 00:25:11.733
  • My new resource,
  • 00:25:11.833 --> 00:25:12.767
  • My new resource, double for your trouble.
  • 00:25:12.834 --> 00:25:14.569
  • Double for your trouble. it's filled with inspiration
  • 00:25:14.636 --> 00:25:15.837
  • It's filled with inspiration to help
  • 00:25:15.904 --> 00:25:16.271
  • To help you stay in faith
  • 00:25:16.338 --> 00:25:17.405
  • You stay in faith and not get bitter
  • 00:25:17.472 --> 00:25:18.773
  • And not get bitter and think, why me?
  • 00:25:18.840 --> 00:25:20.308
  • And think, why me? now, that setback
  • 00:25:20.375 --> 00:25:21.276
  • Now, that setback may have been painful,
  • 00:25:21.343 --> 00:25:22.544
  • May have been painful, but the fact is it
  • 00:25:22.611 --> 00:25:23.845
  • But the fact is it set you up for double.
  • 00:25:23.912 --> 00:25:25.513
  • Set you up for double. god will make the enemy pay
  • 00:25:25.580 --> 00:25:27.315
  • God will make the enemy pay and bring you out
  • 00:25:27.382 --> 00:25:28.116
  • And bring you out better than you were before.
  • 00:25:28.183 --> 00:25:30.285
  • Better than you were before. this ministry
  • 00:25:30.352 --> 00:25:31.152
  • This ministry is reaching people
  • 00:25:31.219 --> 00:25:32.087
  • Is reaching people around the world
  • 00:25:32.153 --> 00:25:33.054
  • Around the world with the message of hope,
  • 00:25:33.121 --> 00:25:34.556
  • With the message of hope, and as our way of saying
  • 00:25:34.623 --> 00:25:35.790
  • And as our way of saying thank you
  • 00:25:35.857 --> 00:25:36.358
  • Thank you for your gift of any amount,
  • 00:25:36.424 --> 00:25:38.059
  • For your gift of any amount, we would like to send you
  • 00:25:38.126 --> 00:25:39.294
  • We would like to send you a copy of double
  • 00:25:39.361 --> 00:25:40.395
  • A copy of double for your trouble:
  • 00:25:40.462 --> 00:25:41.329
  • For your trouble: a daily guide for restoration.
  • 00:25:41.396 --> 00:25:43.665
  • A daily guide for restoration. this 31-day spiral bound
  • 00:25:43.732 --> 00:25:45.800
  • This 31-day spiral bound resource is an invitation
  • 00:25:45.867 --> 00:25:47.502
  • Resource is an invitation into healing, restoration,
  • 00:25:47.569 --> 00:25:49.404
  • Into healing, restoration, and the abundant life
  • 00:25:49.471 --> 00:25:50.772
  • And the abundant life god has promised.
  • 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:52.240
  • God has promised. whether you're walking
  • 00:25:52.307 --> 00:25:53.241
  • Whether you're walking through a season of loss,
  • 00:25:53.308 --> 00:25:54.676
  • Through a season of loss, believing for a breakthrough,
  • 00:25:54.743 --> 00:25:56.378
  • Believing for a breakthrough, or simply looking
  • 00:25:56.444 --> 00:25:57.445
  • Or simply looking for a deeper connection
  • 00:25:57.512 --> 00:25:58.680
  • For a deeper connection with god,
  • 00:25:58.747 --> 00:25:59.547
  • With god, this guide is designed
  • 00:25:59.614 --> 00:26:00.849
  • This guide is designed to help you
  • 00:26:00.915 --> 00:26:01.516
  • To help you reflect, realign,
  • 00:26:01.583 --> 00:26:03.184
  • Reflect, realign, and rebuild day by day.
  • 00:26:03.251 --> 00:26:05.854
  • And rebuild day by day. receive your copy
  • 00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:07.222
  • Receive your copy and know that
  • 00:26:07.288 --> 00:26:07.922
  • And know that whatever you're facing
  • 00:26:07.989 --> 00:26:08.990
  • Whatever you're facing today: grief,
  • 00:26:09.057 --> 00:26:10.325
  • Today: grief, loss, uncertainty.
  • 00:26:10.392 --> 00:26:12.060
  • Loss, uncertainty. it doesn't define your future.
  • 00:26:12.127 --> 00:26:14.229
  • It doesn't define your future. choose to trust god.
  • 00:26:14.295 --> 00:26:16.031
  • Choose to trust god. he sees you.
  • 00:26:16.097 --> 00:26:17.198
  • He sees you. he cares deeply.
  • 00:26:17.265 --> 00:26:18.700
  • He cares deeply. and he is the god
  • 00:26:18.767 --> 00:26:20.135
  • And he is the god who restores double.
  • 00:26:20.201 --> 00:26:21.970
  • Who restores double. none of us like difficulties.
  • 00:26:22.037 --> 00:26:23.872
  • None of us like difficulties. but if you'll stay in faith,
  • 00:26:23.938 --> 00:26:25.206
  • But if you'll stay in faith, you won't come out the same.
  • 00:26:25.273 --> 00:26:26.875
  • You won't come out the same. you'll come out with double.
  • 00:26:26.941 --> 00:26:28.843
  • You'll come out with double. victoria and i pray for
  • 00:26:28.910 --> 00:26:29.878
  • Victoria and i pray for you and your family every day.
  • 00:26:29.944 --> 00:26:31.913
  • You and your family every day. thank you for your prayers
  • 00:26:31.980 --> 00:26:33.148
  • Thank you for your prayers and support.
  • 00:26:33.214 --> 00:26:34.215
  • And support. your donations
  • 00:26:34.282 --> 00:26:35.116
  • Your donations are bringing hope
  • 00:26:35.183 --> 00:26:35.817
  • Are bringing hope to people around the world.
  • 00:26:35.884 --> 00:26:37.752
  • To people around the world. special
  • 00:26:37.819 --> 00:26:38.186
  • Special thank you to our champion
  • 00:26:38.253 --> 00:26:39.354
  • Thank you to our champion of hope partners
  • 00:26:39.421 --> 00:26:40.288
  • Of hope partners for all you do
  • 00:26:40.355 --> 00:26:41.256
  • For all you do to make the ministry possible.
  • 00:26:41.322 --> 00:26:43.258
  • To make the ministry possible. until we see you again
  • 00:26:43.324 --> 00:26:44.192
  • Until we see you again next week,
  • 00:26:44.259 --> 00:26:44.893
  • Next week, may the lord bless
  • 00:26:44.959 --> 00:26:45.794
  • May the lord bless you and keep you.
  • 00:26:45.860 --> 00:26:47.729
  • You and keep you. be sure to request
  • 00:26:47.796 --> 00:26:48.930
  • Be sure to request your copy of double
  • 00:26:48.997 --> 00:26:50.198
  • Your copy of double for your trouble,
  • 00:26:50.265 --> 00:26:51.166
  • For your trouble, available this month
  • 00:26:51.232 --> 00:26:52.467
  • Available this month by simply visiting us
  • 00:26:52.534 --> 00:26:53.835
  • By simply visiting us at joelosteen.com,
  • 00:26:53.902 --> 00:26:55.637
  • At joelosteen.com, scanning the qr code
  • 00:26:55.704 --> 00:26:57.138
  • Scanning the qr code or by calling 888-567-joel.
  • 00:26:57.205 --> 00:27:00.542
  • Or by calling 888-567-joel. that's joelosteen.com or call
  • 00:27:00.608 --> 00:27:03.511
  • 888-567-joel.
  • 00:27:03.678 --> 00:27:06.581
  • 888-567-joel. if you've never
  • 00:27:06.648 --> 00:27:07.182
  • If you've never been to lakewood,
  • 00:27:07.248 --> 00:27:08.216
  • Been to lakewood, we have a great opportunity
  • 00:27:08.283 --> 00:27:09.884
  • We have a great opportunity to come.
  • 00:27:09.951 --> 00:27:10.585
  • To come. we call it homecoming weekend.
  • 00:27:10.652 --> 00:27:13.088
  • We call it homecoming weekend. we'd love to meet you
  • 00:27:13.154 --> 00:27:14.289
  • We'd love to meet you and your family.
  • 00:27:14.355 --> 00:27:15.457
  • And your family. you can see the building
  • 00:27:15.523 --> 00:27:16.691
  • You can see the building and attend one of the services.
  • 00:27:16.758 --> 00:27:18.593
  • And attend one of the services. it's a great time
  • 00:27:18.660 --> 00:27:19.527
  • It's a great time to be a part
  • 00:27:19.594 --> 00:27:20.128
  • To be a part of the lakewood family.
  • 00:27:20.195 --> 00:27:21.596
  • Of the lakewood family. looking forward to seeing
  • 00:27:21.663 --> 00:27:22.664
  • Looking forward to seeing you at homecoming
  • 00:27:22.731 --> 00:27:24.099
  • You at homecoming weekend.
  • 00:27:24.165 --> 00:27:24.632