Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen - Stay On The Potter's Wheel

April 23, 2026 | 27:29

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

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Joel Osteen | Joel Osteen - Stay On The Potter's Wheel | April 23, 2026

(applause)
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(applause) well, god bless you. it's
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(applause) well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your
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Well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your homes. if you're ever in our
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Always a joy to come into your homes. if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a
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Homes. if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a part of one of our services.
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Area please stop by and be a part of one of our services. i promise you we'll make you
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Part of one of our services. i promise you we'll make you feel right at home. but thanks
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I promise you we'll make you feel right at home. but thanks so much for tuning in. thank
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Feel right at home. but thanks so much for tuning in. thank you again for coming out.
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So much for tuning in. thank you again for coming out. i like to start with something
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You again for coming out. i like to start with something funny.
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I like to start with something funny. one day up in heaven god said to
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Funny. one day up in heaven god said to the men, "i want you to form two
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One day up in heaven god said to the men, "i want you to form two lines, one line for the men who
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The men, "i want you to form two lines, one line for the men who were the head of the house and
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Lines, one line for the men who were the head of the house and the other line is for the men
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Were the head of the house and the other line is for the men who let the woman be the head
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The other line is for the men who let the woman be the head of the house." the line where
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Who let the woman be the head of the house." the line where the woman ran the house was
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Of the house." the line where the woman ran the house was 100 miles long. (laughter)
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The woman ran the house was 100 miles long. (laughter) there was only one man in
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100 miles long. (laughter) there was only one man in the other line. god said, "men,
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There was only one man in the other line. god said, "men, i'm ashamed of you. i created
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The other line. god said, "men, i'm ashamed of you. i created you to be the head but you let
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I'm ashamed of you. i created you to be the head but you let the woman run the house. only
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You to be the head but you let the woman run the house. only one man stood up to make me
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The woman run the house. only one man stood up to make me proud." he looked at him and
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One man stood up to make me proud." he looked at him and said, "son, tell them how did
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Proud." he looked at him and said, "son, tell them how did you manage to be the only one
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Said, "son, tell them how did you manage to be the only one in this line." the man looked
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You manage to be the only one in this line." the man looked confused and said, "i don't
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In this line." the man looked confused and said, "i don't know. my wife told me to stand
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Confused and said, "i don't know. my wife told me to stand here." (laughter)
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Know. my wife told me to stand here." (laughter) hold up your bible. say it like
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Here." (laughter) hold up your bible. say it like you mean it.
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Hold up your bible. say it like you mean it. this is my bible.
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You mean it. this is my bible. i am what it says i am.
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This is my bible. i am what it says i am. i have what it says i have.
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I am what it says i am. i have what it says i have. i can do what it says i can do.
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I have what it says i have. i can do what it says i can do. today i will be taught the word
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I can do what it says i can do. today i will be taught the word of god.
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Today i will be taught the word of god. i boldly confess:
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Of god. i boldly confess: my mind is alert.
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I boldly confess: my mind is alert. my heart is receptive.
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My mind is alert. my heart is receptive. i will never be the same.
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My heart is receptive. i will never be the same. in jesus' name. god bless you.
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I will never be the same. in jesus' name. god bless you. i want to talk to you today
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In jesus' name. god bless you. i want to talk to you today about staying on the potter's
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I want to talk to you today about staying on the potter's wheel. we all face situations
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About staying on the potter's wheel. we all face situations that we don't like, where we're
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Wheel. we all face situations that we don't like, where we're uncomfortable, we're not
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That we don't like, where we're uncomfortable, we're not getting our way, somebody is
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Uncomfortable, we're not getting our way, somebody is not treating us right, traffic
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Getting our way, somebody is not treating us right, traffic is backed up, a person gets on
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Not treating us right, traffic is backed up, a person gets on our nerves. it's easy to get
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Is backed up, a person gets on our nerves. it's easy to get frustrated, think, "god, when
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Our nerves. it's easy to get frustrated, think, "god, when are you ever going to change
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Frustrated, think, "god, when are you ever going to change this?" but i've learned you
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Are you ever going to change this?" but i've learned you can't pray away every
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This?" but i've learned you can't pray away every difficulty. some of the things
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Can't pray away every difficulty. some of the things that are uncomfortable in
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Difficulty. some of the things that are uncomfortable in your life right now, if god
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That are uncomfortable in your life right now, if god removed them, you wouldn't be
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Your life right now, if god removed them, you wouldn't be prepared for the promotion
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Removed them, you wouldn't be prepared for the promotion that he has in store. god uses
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Prepared for the promotion that he has in store. god uses difficulties to do a work in
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That he has in store. god uses difficulties to do a work in us.
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Difficulties to do a work in us. the scripture says, "he is the
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Us. the scripture says, "he is the potter. we are the clay."
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The scripture says, "he is the potter. we are the clay." when god is spinning us around
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Potter. we are the clay." when god is spinning us around on that potter's wheel and he
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When god is spinning us around on that potter's wheel and he comes across a lump of
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On that potter's wheel and he comes across a lump of impatience, of pride, of
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Comes across a lump of impatience, of pride, of jealousy, he will put us in a
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Impatience, of pride, of jealousy, he will put us in a situation to bring those
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Jealousy, he will put us in a situation to bring those impurities to light. nothing
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Situation to bring those impurities to light. nothing randomly happens. every
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Impurities to light. nothing randomly happens. every traffic jam, every person
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Randomly happens. every traffic jam, every person that irritates you, every time
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Traffic jam, every person that irritates you, every time you're tempted to worry,
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That irritates you, every time you're tempted to worry, to be critical, to be jealous,
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You're tempted to worry, to be critical, to be jealous, that's an opportunity for you
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To be critical, to be jealous, that's an opportunity for you to be refined.
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That's an opportunity for you to be refined. in the difficult times we prove
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To be refined. in the difficult times we prove to god what we're made of.
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In the difficult times we prove to god what we're made of. that's when our quality is
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To god what we're made of. that's when our quality is tested. if you'll work with god
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That's when our quality is tested. if you'll work with god and stay on the potter's wheel,
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Tested. if you'll work with god and stay on the potter's wheel, be moldable, pliable, willing
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And stay on the potter's wheel, be moldable, pliable, willing to change, then your character
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Be moldable, pliable, willing to change, then your character will come up higher.
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To change, then your character will come up higher. as your character is developed,
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Will come up higher. as your character is developed, god will release more of his
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As your character is developed, god will release more of his blessings and favor. but too
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God will release more of his blessings and favor. but too many people, when they're in
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Blessings and favor. but too many people, when they're in an uncomfortable situation,
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Many people, when they're in an uncomfortable situation, instead of doing the right
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An uncomfortable situation, instead of doing the right thing, keeping a good attitude,
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Instead of doing the right thing, keeping a good attitude, forgiving the wrong, being
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Thing, keeping a good attitude, forgiving the wrong, being patient, they try to get off
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Forgiving the wrong, being patient, they try to get off the potter's wheel. they
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Patient, they try to get off the potter's wheel. they complain, get upset, offended,
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The potter's wheel. they complain, get upset, offended, impatient. "i don't have to put
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Complain, get upset, offended, impatient. "i don't have to put up with this. i'm going to give
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Impatient. "i don't have to put up with this. i'm going to give them a piece of my mind."
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Up with this. i'm going to give them a piece of my mind." they respond the same way
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Them a piece of my mind." they respond the same way year after year. that's why
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They respond the same way year after year. that's why they get stuck. this is what
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Year after year. that's why they get stuck. this is what happened with the israelites.
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They get stuck. this is what happened with the israelites. they were headed toward the
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Happened with the israelites. they were headed toward the promised land. it was an
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They were headed toward the promised land. it was an eleven day journey. no big
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Promised land. it was an eleven day journey. no big deal. but they started
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Eleven day journey. no big deal. but they started complaining. "it's hot. we're
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Deal. but they started complaining. "it's hot. we're tired. we don't like the food.
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Complaining. "it's hot. we're tired. we don't like the food. moses, it's uncomfortable out
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Tired. we don't like the food. moses, it's uncomfortable out here. can't we just go back
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Moses, it's uncomfortable out here. can't we just go back to egypt?" they kept getting
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Here. can't we just go back to egypt?" they kept getting off the potter's wheel.
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To egypt?" they kept getting off the potter's wheel. that eleven day journey ended
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Off the potter's wheel. that eleven day journey ended up taking over 40 years and
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That eleven day journey ended up taking over 40 years and they never did make it into
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Up taking over 40 years and they never did make it into the promised land. they kept
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They never did make it into the promised land. they kept going around the same mountain
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The promised land. they kept going around the same mountain again and again. if they would
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Going around the same mountain again and again. if they would have just recognized, "yes,
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Again and again. if they would have just recognized, "yes, this is uncomfortable. we don't
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Have just recognized, "yes, this is uncomfortable. we don't like it but we know god
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This is uncomfortable. we don't like it but we know god wouldn't have us here unless
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Like it but we know god wouldn't have us here unless we needed it. he is using it to
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Wouldn't have us here unless we needed it. he is using it to refine us, to prepare us, to
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We needed it. he is using it to refine us, to prepare us, to make us tougher, stronger.
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Refine us, to prepare us, to make us tougher, stronger. it's not working against us.
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Make us tougher, stronger. it's not working against us. it's working for us."
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It's not working against us. it's working for us." if they were to pass those tests
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It's working for us." if they were to pass those tests and let god refine them, their
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If they were to pass those tests and let god refine them, their character would've come up
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And let god refine them, their character would've come up higher. their whole life
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Character would've come up higher. their whole life would've been so much better.
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Higher. their whole life would've been so much better. now my challenge to us today is
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Would've been so much better. now my challenge to us today is don't do like they did and go
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Now my challenge to us today is don't do like they did and go the next 40 years responding
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Don't do like they did and go the next 40 years responding to the uncomfortable situations
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The next 40 years responding to the uncomfortable situations the same way: getting upset,
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To the uncomfortable situations the same way: getting upset, offended, impatient, feeling
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The same way: getting upset, offended, impatient, feeling sorry for yourself.
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Offended, impatient, feeling sorry for yourself. no, stay on the potter's wheel.
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Sorry for yourself. no, stay on the potter's wheel. next time you get stuck in
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No, stay on the potter's wheel. next time you get stuck in traffic, instead of letting that
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Next time you get stuck in traffic, instead of letting that sour your day, have a new
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Traffic, instead of letting that sour your day, have a new approach. "god, i believe you
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Sour your day, have a new approach. "god, i believe you are guiding and directing my
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Approach. "god, i believe you are guiding and directing my steps. you have me at the right
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Are guiding and directing my steps. you have me at the right place at the right time. so i'm
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Steps. you have me at the right place at the right time. so i'm going to stay in peace and
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Place at the right time. so i'm going to stay in peace and enjoy where i am."
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Going to stay in peace and enjoy where i am." that's passing the test.
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Enjoy where i am." that's passing the test. that's letting god refine you.
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That's passing the test. that's letting god refine you. when you go through a
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That's letting god refine you. when you go through a disappointment, an unfair
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When you go through a disappointment, an unfair situation, instead of being
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Disappointment, an unfair situation, instead of being discouraged, living in
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Situation, instead of being discouraged, living in self-pity, no, "god, you said
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Discouraged, living in self-pity, no, "god, you said you would give me beauty
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Self-pity, no, "god, you said you would give me beauty for ashes. you said what's
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You would give me beauty for ashes. you said what's meant for harm you would use
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For ashes. you said what's meant for harm you would use to my advantage. so i'm going
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Meant for harm you would use to my advantage. so i'm going to stay in faith and get ready
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To my advantage. so i'm going to stay in faith and get ready for the new thing that you
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To stay in faith and get ready for the new thing that you have in store."
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For the new thing that you have in store." instead of complaining about
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Have in store." instead of complaining about that person at work that gets
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Instead of complaining about that person at work that gets on your nerves have a new
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That person at work that gets on your nerves have a new perspective. that person is
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On your nerves have a new perspective. that person is there to help develop your
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Perspective. that person is there to help develop your character. next time you see
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There to help develop your character. next time you see them, they say something rude
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Character. next time you see them, they say something rude and disrespectful. instead of
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Them, they say something rude and disrespectful. instead of responding the same way,
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And disrespectful. instead of responding the same way, letting it upset you, or saying
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Responding the same way, letting it upset you, or saying something rude back to them,
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Letting it upset you, or saying something rude back to them, no, stay on the potter's
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Something rude back to them, no, stay on the potter's wheel. let it bounce off of
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No, stay on the potter's wheel. let it bounce off of you. don't pay it any
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Wheel. let it bounce off of you. don't pay it any attention. just smile and say,
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You. don't pay it any attention. just smile and say, "i hope you have a great day."
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Attention. just smile and say, "i hope you have a great day." here's the beauty. the next
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"i hope you have a great day." here's the beauty. the next time you do it, it will be a
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Here's the beauty. the next time you do it, it will be a little bit easier. the next
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Time you do it, it will be a little bit easier. the next time, even easier. if you keep
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Little bit easier. the next time, even easier. if you keep at it you'll look up in a year
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Time, even easier. if you keep at it you'll look up in a year or two. it won't bother you
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At it you'll look up in a year or two. it won't bother you at all. what happened? your
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Or two. it won't bother you at all. what happened? your character came up higher. they
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At all. what happened? your character came up higher. they didn't change. you changed.
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Character came up higher. they didn't change. you changed. but too often we're praying,
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Didn't change. you changed. but too often we're praying, "god, change my children.
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But too often we're praying, "god, change my children. they're getting on my nerves."
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"god, change my children. they're getting on my nerves." (laughter) "change my boss.
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They're getting on my nerves." (laughter) "change my boss. he's driving me crazy."
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(laughter) "change my boss. he's driving me crazy." "change the traffic. it's
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He's driving me crazy." "change the traffic. it's making me upset."
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"change the traffic. it's making me upset." i've learned god is more
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Making me upset." i've learned god is more interested in changing me
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I've learned god is more interested in changing me than he is in changing my
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Interested in changing me than he is in changing my circumstances. (applause)
00:06:37.353 --> 00:06:40.223
Than he is in changing my circumstances. (applause) sometimes, we're trying to pray
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Circumstances. (applause) sometimes, we're trying to pray away the very thing that god
00:06:41.491 --> 00:06:43.659
Sometimes, we're trying to pray away the very thing that god wants to use. the reason he is
00:06:43.726 --> 00:06:46.095
Away the very thing that god wants to use. the reason he is not removing it is he is
00:06:46.162 --> 00:06:48.564
Wants to use. the reason he is not removing it is he is waiting for us to change. that
00:06:48.631 --> 00:06:51.133
Not removing it is he is waiting for us to change. that person that irritates you, god
00:06:51.200 --> 00:06:52.602
Waiting for us to change. that person that irritates you, god can use them like sandpaper
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Person that irritates you, god can use them like sandpaper to rub the rough edges off
00:06:55.605 --> 00:06:56.439
Can use them like sandpaper to rub the rough edges off of you.
00:06:56.506 --> 00:06:57.807
To rub the rough edges off of you. that neighbor that's hard to
00:06:57.874 --> 00:06:58.741
Of you. that neighbor that's hard to get along with, god can use
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That neighbor that's hard to get along with, god can use them to teach you how to be
00:07:00.743 --> 00:07:02.478
Get along with, god can use them to teach you how to be merciful, kind, understanding.
00:07:02.545 --> 00:07:05.314
Them to teach you how to be merciful, kind, understanding. or that loved one that says
00:07:05.381 --> 00:07:06.749
Merciful, kind, understanding. or that loved one that says things that are hurtful, god
00:07:06.816 --> 00:07:08.417
Or that loved one that says things that are hurtful, god can use them to toughen you
00:07:08.484 --> 00:07:09.952
Things that are hurtful, god can use them to toughen you up, to learn not to be easily
00:07:10.019 --> 00:07:11.988
Can use them to toughen you up, to learn not to be easily offended. they're not there
00:07:12.054 --> 00:07:13.823
Up, to learn not to be easily offended. they're not there by accident. god has them
00:07:13.890 --> 00:07:15.992
Offended. they're not there by accident. god has them there on purpose. why don't
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By accident. god has them there on purpose. why don't you look inside and say,
00:07:17.727 --> 00:07:19.795
There on purpose. why don't you look inside and say, "god, how can i change? how
00:07:19.862 --> 00:07:22.198
You look inside and say, "god, how can i change? how can i be more patient, more
00:07:22.265 --> 00:07:24.534
"god, how can i change? how can i be more patient, more forgiving, more loving, more
00:07:24.600 --> 00:07:26.102
Can i be more patient, more forgiving, more loving, more understanding? how can i come
00:07:26.168 --> 00:07:27.236
Forgiving, more loving, more understanding? how can i come up higher?"
00:07:27.303 --> 00:07:29.205
Understanding? how can i come up higher?" see, don't ever pray for god to
00:07:29.272 --> 00:07:31.007
Up higher?" see, don't ever pray for god to change somebody else without
00:07:31.073 --> 00:07:32.475
See, don't ever pray for god to change somebody else without first saying, "god, change me."
00:07:32.542 --> 00:07:35.144
Change somebody else without first saying, "god, change me." a question i ask myself often
00:07:35.211 --> 00:07:37.380
First saying, "god, change me." a question i ask myself often is, "how much have i grown in
00:07:37.446 --> 00:07:39.916
A question i ask myself often is, "how much have i grown in the last five years? do i have
00:07:39.982 --> 00:07:42.251
Is, "how much have i grown in the last five years? do i have a better attitude? do i forgive
00:07:42.318 --> 00:07:44.520
The last five years? do i have a better attitude? do i forgive quicker? do i treat people
00:07:44.587 --> 00:07:46.622
A better attitude? do i forgive quicker? do i treat people better? am i kinder? am i more
00:07:46.689 --> 00:07:48.391
Quicker? do i treat people better? am i kinder? am i more considerate?"
00:07:48.457 --> 00:07:50.459
Better? am i kinder? am i more considerate?" we shouldn't be at the same
00:07:50.526 --> 00:07:51.794
Considerate?" we shouldn't be at the same place now as we were five
00:07:51.861 --> 00:07:53.796
We shouldn't be at the same place now as we were five years ago. if you're still
00:07:53.863 --> 00:07:56.065
Place now as we were five years ago. if you're still letting the same things upset
00:07:56.132 --> 00:07:57.934
Years ago. if you're still letting the same things upset you, the same people offend
00:07:58.000 --> 00:07:59.835
Letting the same things upset you, the same people offend you, the same circumstances
00:07:59.902 --> 00:08:01.938
You, the same people offend you, the same circumstances steal your joy, this is a
00:08:02.004 --> 00:08:04.373
You, the same circumstances steal your joy, this is a wake-up call. i'm sounding the
00:08:04.440 --> 00:08:06.042
Steal your joy, this is a wake-up call. i'm sounding the alarm. you don't have time to
00:08:06.108 --> 00:08:08.477
Wake-up call. i'm sounding the alarm. you don't have time to waste another year of going
00:08:08.544 --> 00:08:10.913
Alarm. you don't have time to waste another year of going around the same mountain.
00:08:10.980 --> 00:08:12.682
Waste another year of going around the same mountain. your assignment is too
00:08:12.748 --> 00:08:14.183
Around the same mountain. your assignment is too important. your time is too
00:08:14.250 --> 00:08:16.185
Your assignment is too important. your time is too valuable, your destiny is too
00:08:16.252 --> 00:08:18.454
Important. your time is too valuable, your destiny is too great. you can't afford
00:08:18.521 --> 00:08:20.656
Valuable, your destiny is too great. you can't afford 40 years like the israelites to
00:08:20.723 --> 00:08:23.793
Great. you can't afford 40 years like the israelites to learn a lesson that we could
00:08:23.859 --> 00:08:25.127
40 years like the israelites to learn a lesson that we could learn in a fraction of the
00:08:25.194 --> 00:08:26.329
Learn a lesson that we could learn in a fraction of the time. you've got put your foot
00:08:26.395 --> 00:08:28.497
Learn in a fraction of the time. you've got put your foot down and say, "that's it. i'm
00:08:28.564 --> 00:08:30.433
Time. you've got put your foot down and say, "that's it. i'm done going around this
00:08:30.499 --> 00:08:32.368
Down and say, "that's it. i'm done going around this mountain. i'm done having a
00:08:32.435 --> 00:08:34.370
Done going around this mountain. i'm done having a bad attitude when i don't get
00:08:34.437 --> 00:08:36.172
Mountain. i'm done having a bad attitude when i don't get my way. i'm done getting
00:08:36.238 --> 00:08:38.040
Bad attitude when i don't get my way. i'm done getting stressed in traffic. i'm done
00:08:38.107 --> 00:08:40.276
My way. i'm done getting stressed in traffic. i'm done arguing with my spouse over
00:08:40.343 --> 00:08:42.278
Stressed in traffic. i'm done arguing with my spouse over the same petty things. this is
00:08:42.345 --> 00:08:44.580
Arguing with my spouse over the same petty things. this is a new day. i'm not waiting for
00:08:44.647 --> 00:08:46.215
The same petty things. this is a new day. i'm not waiting for anyone or anything to change.
00:08:46.282 --> 00:08:48.818
A new day. i'm not waiting for anyone or anything to change. i'm going to change. (applause)
00:08:48.884 --> 00:08:51.153
Anyone or anything to change. i'm going to change. (applause) the scripture talks about
00:08:51.220 --> 00:08:52.822
I'm going to change. (applause) the scripture talks about how there are different levels
00:08:52.888 --> 00:08:54.190
The scripture talks about how there are different levels that we can grow into; vessels
00:08:54.256 --> 00:08:56.459
How there are different levels that we can grow into; vessels of clay, vessels of wood, that
00:08:56.525 --> 00:08:59.228
That we can grow into; vessels of clay, vessels of wood, that are used for ordinary purposes.
00:08:59.295 --> 00:09:02.164
Of clay, vessels of wood, that are used for ordinary purposes. but if you'll stay willing to
00:09:02.231 --> 00:09:03.432
Are used for ordinary purposes. but if you'll stay willing to change and not get stuck in one
00:09:03.499 --> 00:09:05.735
But if you'll stay willing to change and not get stuck in one level in your attitude and how
00:09:05.801 --> 00:09:08.270
Change and not get stuck in one level in your attitude and how you treat people and how you
00:09:08.337 --> 00:09:09.972
Level in your attitude and how you treat people and how you respond to difficulties, but
00:09:10.039 --> 00:09:12.174
You treat people and how you respond to difficulties, but you'll let god keep refining
00:09:12.241 --> 00:09:13.509
Respond to difficulties, but you'll let god keep refining you, then you will become a
00:09:13.576 --> 00:09:15.678
You'll let god keep refining you, then you will become a vessel of gold used for his
00:09:15.745 --> 00:09:18.114
You, then you will become a vessel of gold used for his highest purposes. we all start
00:09:18.180 --> 00:09:21.384
Vessel of gold used for his highest purposes. we all start off at the same place in life.
00:09:21.450 --> 00:09:23.753
Highest purposes. we all start off at the same place in life. like a lump of clay, we have
00:09:23.819 --> 00:09:25.821
Off at the same place in life. like a lump of clay, we have impurities: impatience,
00:09:25.888 --> 00:09:27.523
Like a lump of clay, we have impurities: impatience, selfishness, anger.
00:09:27.590 --> 00:09:29.959
Impurities: impatience, selfishness, anger. god will put us in situations
00:09:30.026 --> 00:09:32.428
Selfishness, anger. god will put us in situations to work that out of us. the key
00:09:32.495 --> 00:09:35.131
God will put us in situations to work that out of us. the key is to pass those tests. don't
00:09:35.197 --> 00:09:37.600
To work that out of us. the key is to pass those tests. don't fight against everything you
00:09:37.667 --> 00:09:39.335
Is to pass those tests. don't fight against everything you don't like. that's an
00:09:39.402 --> 00:09:40.803
Fight against everything you don't like. that's an opportunity to come up higher.
00:09:40.870 --> 00:09:43.406
Don't like. that's an opportunity to come up higher. if you don't pass the test the
00:09:43.472 --> 00:09:45.207
Opportunity to come up higher. if you don't pass the test the good news is you get to take
00:09:45.274 --> 00:09:46.876
If you don't pass the test the good news is you get to take it again and again and again.
00:09:46.942 --> 00:09:50.613
Good news is you get to take it again and again and again. it's not going to go away until
00:09:50.680 --> 00:09:51.747
It again and again and again. it's not going to go away until god does the work in us. the
00:09:51.814 --> 00:09:54.116
It's not going to go away until god does the work in us. the sooner you deal with what
00:09:54.183 --> 00:09:56.152
God does the work in us. the sooner you deal with what you know god is bringing to
00:09:56.218 --> 00:09:57.420
Sooner you deal with what you know god is bringing to light the better off you're
00:09:57.486 --> 00:09:58.688
You know god is bringing to light the better off you're going to be.
00:09:58.754 --> 00:10:00.289
Light the better off you're going to be. when victoria and i were first
00:10:00.356 --> 00:10:01.357
Going to be. when victoria and i were first married and we were about to
00:10:01.424 --> 00:10:02.858
When victoria and i were first married and we were about to go some place, i would ask her
00:10:02.925 --> 00:10:04.560
Married and we were about to go some place, i would ask her if she was ready to leave.
00:10:04.627 --> 00:10:06.529
Go some place, i would ask her if she was ready to leave. when she would tell me yes, i
00:10:06.595 --> 00:10:08.030
If she was ready to leave. when she would tell me yes, i would go get in the car and
00:10:08.097 --> 00:10:09.965
When she would tell me yes, i would go get in the car and wait and wait and wait and
00:10:10.032 --> 00:10:12.668
Would go get in the car and wait and wait and wait and wait. i'd get frustrated, go
00:10:12.735 --> 00:10:15.037
Wait and wait and wait and wait. i'd get frustrated, go back in and say, "i thought you
00:10:15.104 --> 00:10:16.405
Wait. i'd get frustrated, go back in and say, "i thought you said you were ready?"
00:10:16.472 --> 00:10:17.873
Back in and say, "i thought you said you were ready?" she would say, "i am ready."
00:10:17.940 --> 00:10:19.475
Said you were ready?" she would say, "i am ready." i would say, "well, would you
00:10:19.542 --> 00:10:20.209
She would say, "i am ready." i would say, "well, would you mind walking to the car?"
00:10:20.276 --> 00:10:21.711
I would say, "well, would you mind walking to the car?" (laughter)
00:10:21.777 --> 00:10:22.878
Mind walking to the car?" (laughter) this happened time and time
00:10:22.945 --> 00:10:23.813
(laughter) this happened time and time again. i used to get so
00:10:23.879 --> 00:10:24.914
This happened time and time again. i used to get so stressed, so uptight. i was
00:10:24.980 --> 00:10:26.382
Again. i used to get so stressed, so uptight. i was praying, "god, you've got to
00:10:26.449 --> 00:10:27.717
Stressed, so uptight. i was praying, "god, you've got to change her and make her more
00:10:27.783 --> 00:10:29.185
Praying, "god, you've got to change her and make her more this. make her more of that."
00:10:29.251 --> 00:10:30.886
Change her and make her more this. make her more of that." i had her on my potter's wheel.
00:10:30.953 --> 00:10:33.222
This. make her more of that." i had her on my potter's wheel. one day i realized i'm not the
00:10:33.289 --> 00:10:35.291
I had her on my potter's wheel. one day i realized i'm not the potter. god is.
00:10:35.357 --> 00:10:37.727
One day i realized i'm not the potter. god is. the funny thing is god didn't
00:10:37.793 --> 00:10:39.595
Potter. god is. the funny thing is god didn't change her. god used her to
00:10:39.662 --> 00:10:42.298
The funny thing is god didn't change her. god used her to change me. it took a couple of
00:10:42.364 --> 00:10:44.400
Change her. god used her to change me. it took a couple of years. i kept going around that
00:10:44.467 --> 00:10:46.268
Change me. it took a couple of years. i kept going around that same mountain again and again.
00:10:46.335 --> 00:10:48.204
Years. i kept going around that same mountain again and again. finally, it dawned on me.
00:10:48.270 --> 00:10:50.873
Same mountain again and again. finally, it dawned on me. life is too short to let this
00:10:50.940 --> 00:10:52.641
Finally, it dawned on me. life is too short to let this stress me out. she may not ever
00:10:52.708 --> 00:10:55.211
Life is too short to let this stress me out. she may not ever change so you know what?
00:10:55.277 --> 00:10:56.412
Stress me out. she may not ever change so you know what? i'm going to change.
00:10:56.479 --> 00:10:58.147
Change so you know what? i'm going to change. i learned how to be patient,
00:10:58.214 --> 00:11:00.249
I'm going to change. i learned how to be patient, to stay calm, to be peaceful.
00:11:00.316 --> 00:11:02.017
I learned how to be patient, to stay calm, to be peaceful. (applause)
00:11:02.084 --> 00:11:02.985
To stay calm, to be peaceful. (applause) today, it's no big deal. when
00:11:03.052 --> 00:11:05.821
(applause) today, it's no big deal. when she says, "i'm ready," i know
00:11:05.888 --> 00:11:07.423
Today, it's no big deal. when she says, "i'm ready," i know that means "in general" she's
00:11:07.490 --> 00:11:09.658
She says, "i'm ready," i know that means "in general" she's ready. (laughter)
00:11:09.725 --> 00:11:12.061
That means "in general" she's ready. (laughter) it's like the two-minute
00:11:12.128 --> 00:11:12.962
Ready. (laughter) it's like the two-minute warning in football.
00:11:13.028 --> 00:11:14.764
It's like the two-minute warning in football. the clock officially says two
00:11:14.830 --> 00:11:16.565
Warning in football. the clock officially says two minutes but if you know football
00:11:16.632 --> 00:11:18.200
The clock officially says two minutes but if you know football its going take fifteen minutes.
00:11:18.267 --> 00:11:19.602
Minutes but if you know football its going take fifteen minutes. (laughter)
00:11:19.668 --> 00:11:21.036
Its going take fifteen minutes. (laughter) now when she says, "i'm ready,"
00:11:21.103 --> 00:11:22.471
(laughter) now when she says, "i'm ready," i'll go sit down, watch some
00:11:22.538 --> 00:11:23.305
Now when she says, "i'm ready," i'll go sit down, watch some television, get something to
00:11:23.372 --> 00:11:24.673
I'll go sit down, watch some television, get something to eat, mow the lawn, wash the car.
00:11:24.740 --> 00:11:27.309
Television, get something to eat, mow the lawn, wash the car. (laughter/applause) she doesn't
00:11:27.376 --> 00:11:29.912
Eat, mow the lawn, wash the car. (laughter/applause) she doesn't realize it but... and i'm not
00:11:29.979 --> 00:11:31.847
(laughter/applause) she doesn't realize it but... and i'm not looking that way. (laughter)
00:11:31.914 --> 00:11:34.984
Realize it but... and i'm not looking that way. (laughter) but god used her to refine me,
00:11:35.050 --> 00:11:37.453
Looking that way. (laughter) but god used her to refine me, to make me better.
00:11:37.520 --> 00:11:40.222
But god used her to refine me, to make me better. are there things that you keep
00:11:40.289 --> 00:11:41.924
To make me better. are there things that you keep letting upset you, stress you
00:11:41.991 --> 00:11:43.893
Are there things that you keep letting upset you, stress you out? do you keep going around
00:11:43.959 --> 00:11:45.694
Letting upset you, stress you out? do you keep going around the same mountain again and
00:11:45.761 --> 00:11:47.229
Out? do you keep going around the same mountain again and again? this may be hard to
00:11:47.296 --> 00:11:49.598
The same mountain again and again? this may be hard to swallow but that other person
00:11:49.665 --> 00:11:52.034
Again? this may be hard to swallow but that other person may not ever change. why don't
00:11:52.101 --> 00:11:54.036
Swallow but that other person may not ever change. why don't you change? god wouldn't have
00:11:54.103 --> 00:11:56.038
May not ever change. why don't you change? god wouldn't have put you in that situation if
00:11:56.105 --> 00:11:58.073
You change? god wouldn't have put you in that situation if you didn't need it. he is not
00:11:58.140 --> 00:12:00.276
Put you in that situation if you didn't need it. he is not going to be content with you
00:12:00.342 --> 00:12:01.844
You didn't need it. he is not going to be content with you staying a vessel of clay,
00:12:01.911 --> 00:12:03.312
Going to be content with you staying a vessel of clay, a vessel of wood, not even
00:12:03.379 --> 00:12:05.114
Staying a vessel of clay, a vessel of wood, not even a vessel of silver. he is going
00:12:05.181 --> 00:12:06.949
A vessel of wood, not even a vessel of silver. he is going to keep spinning you around
00:12:07.016 --> 00:12:08.651
A vessel of silver. he is going to keep spinning you around on that wheel until he brings
00:12:08.717 --> 00:12:10.920
To keep spinning you around on that wheel until he brings out all those impurities and
00:12:10.986 --> 00:12:12.855
On that wheel until he brings out all those impurities and you become the vessel of gold
00:12:12.922 --> 00:12:14.623
Out all those impurities and you become the vessel of gold he has created you to be.
00:12:14.690 --> 00:12:17.326
You become the vessel of gold he has created you to be. now our job is to recognize that
00:12:17.393 --> 00:12:19.361
He has created you to be. now our job is to recognize that every challenge, every delay,
00:12:19.428 --> 00:12:21.797
Now our job is to recognize that every challenge, every delay, every offense, is an opportunity
00:12:21.864 --> 00:12:25.000
Every challenge, every delay, every offense, is an opportunity to be refined. you can't just
00:12:25.067 --> 00:12:27.169
Every offense, is an opportunity to be refined. you can't just pray it away.
00:12:27.236 --> 00:12:28.804
To be refined. you can't just pray it away. god is not going to remove every
00:12:28.871 --> 00:12:30.506
Pray it away. god is not going to remove every difficult person from your life.
00:12:30.573 --> 00:12:32.875
God is not going to remove every difficult person from your life. you've got to learn to overlook
00:12:32.942 --> 00:12:34.376
Difficult person from your life. you've got to learn to overlook the faults, to stay on the high
00:12:34.443 --> 00:12:35.945
You've got to learn to overlook the faults, to stay on the high road. he is not going to shield
00:12:36.011 --> 00:12:37.780
The faults, to stay on the high road. he is not going to shield you from every negative,
00:12:37.847 --> 00:12:39.315
Road. he is not going to shield you from every negative, derogatory comment.
00:12:39.381 --> 00:12:41.483
You from every negative, derogatory comment. you've got to learn to keep
00:12:41.550 --> 00:12:42.384
Derogatory comment. you've got to learn to keep your walls up, not be easily
00:12:42.451 --> 00:12:43.853
You've got to learn to keep your walls up, not be easily offended.
00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:44.653
Your walls up, not be easily offended. i was in new york city a few
00:12:44.720 --> 00:12:45.721
Offended. i was in new york city a few years ago. went to a diner
00:12:45.788 --> 00:12:47.756
I was in new york city a few years ago. went to a diner early in the morning to eat
00:12:47.823 --> 00:12:49.525
Years ago. went to a diner early in the morning to eat breakfast. there was a
00:12:49.592 --> 00:12:51.360
Early in the morning to eat breakfast. there was a gentleman sitting a couple of
00:12:51.427 --> 00:12:53.562
Breakfast. there was a gentleman sitting a couple of tables over. he came up and
00:12:53.629 --> 00:12:55.030
Gentleman sitting a couple of tables over. he came up and told how when he came in the
00:12:55.097 --> 00:12:56.832
Tables over. he came up and told how when he came in the restaurant that morning it was
00:12:56.899 --> 00:12:58.267
Told how when he came in the restaurant that morning it was very windy outside. the person
00:12:58.334 --> 00:13:00.469
Restaurant that morning it was very windy outside. the person in front of him let the door
00:13:00.536 --> 00:13:02.738
Very windy outside. the person in front of him let the door slam in his face. the person
00:13:02.805 --> 00:13:04.874
In front of him let the door slam in his face. the person clearly saw him, looked around
00:13:04.940 --> 00:13:06.942
Slam in his face. the person clearly saw him, looked around at him. it was almost like he
00:13:07.009 --> 00:13:08.177
Clearly saw him, looked around at him. it was almost like he did it on purpose. this man
00:13:08.244 --> 00:13:10.579
At him. it was almost like he did it on purpose. this man had been hot-tempered his
00:13:10.646 --> 00:13:12.214
Did it on purpose. this man had been hot-tempered his whole life. normally, he
00:13:12.281 --> 00:13:14.049
Had been hot-tempered his whole life. normally, he would've gone over there and
00:13:14.116 --> 00:13:15.417
Whole life. normally, he would've gone over there and told them what he thought but
00:13:15.484 --> 00:13:17.086
Would've gone over there and told them what he thought but he had been watching us on
00:13:17.152 --> 00:13:18.287
Told them what he thought but he had been watching us on television for a few years.
00:13:18.354 --> 00:13:20.289
He had been watching us on television for a few years. he heard me talking about this
00:13:20.356 --> 00:13:21.657
Television for a few years. he heard me talking about this subject, growing, not letting
00:13:21.724 --> 00:13:23.626
He heard me talking about this subject, growing, not letting the same things hold us back.
00:13:23.692 --> 00:13:26.495
Subject, growing, not letting the same things hold us back. just as he was about to give
00:13:26.562 --> 00:13:28.163
The same things hold us back. just as he was about to give them a piece of his mind, he
00:13:28.230 --> 00:13:29.899
Just as he was about to give them a piece of his mind, he said, "joel, i heard your voice
00:13:29.965 --> 00:13:32.468
Them a piece of his mind, he said, "joel, i heard your voice saying, 'let it go and god will
00:13:32.534 --> 00:13:35.070
Said, "joel, i heard your voice saying, 'let it go and god will fight your battles.'" he did
00:13:35.137 --> 00:13:37.339
Saying, 'let it go and god will fight your battles.'" he did just that. he ignored what that
00:13:37.406 --> 00:13:39.208
Fight your battles.'" he did just that. he ignored what that person did. when he did he said
00:13:39.275 --> 00:13:41.543
Just that. he ignored what that person did. when he did he said that he felt this incredible
00:13:41.610 --> 00:13:43.646
Person did. when he did he said that he felt this incredible joy bubbling up on the inside,
00:13:43.712 --> 00:13:47.683
That he felt this incredible joy bubbling up on the inside, something that he never felt
00:13:47.750 --> 00:13:48.550
Joy bubbling up on the inside, something that he never felt before.
00:13:48.617 --> 00:13:50.119
Something that he never felt before. when you pass these tests, when
00:13:50.185 --> 00:13:51.887
Before. when you pass these tests, when you make a decision, "i'm not
00:13:51.954 --> 00:13:53.622
When you pass these tests, when you make a decision, "i'm not going around this mountain,
00:13:53.689 --> 00:13:55.591
You make a decision, "i'm not going around this mountain, responding the same way.
00:13:55.658 --> 00:13:57.493
Going around this mountain, responding the same way. i'm going to bite my tongue even
00:13:57.559 --> 00:13:59.361
Responding the same way. i'm going to bite my tongue even though i feel like telling them
00:13:59.428 --> 00:14:00.429
I'm going to bite my tongue even though i feel like telling them off. i'm going to stay peaceful
00:14:00.496 --> 00:14:02.398
Though i feel like telling them off. i'm going to stay peaceful even though i feel like being
00:14:02.464 --> 00:14:03.432
Off. i'm going to stay peaceful even though i feel like being stressed. i'm going to forgive
00:14:03.499 --> 00:14:05.401
Even though i feel like being stressed. i'm going to forgive even though they did me wrong."
00:14:05.467 --> 00:14:08.137
Stressed. i'm going to forgive even though they did me wrong." when you do the right thing when
00:14:08.203 --> 00:14:09.672
Even though they did me wrong." when you do the right thing when it's difficult, like this man,
00:14:09.738 --> 00:14:12.741
When you do the right thing when it's difficult, like this man, you will feel a new sense of
00:14:12.808 --> 00:14:14.310
It's difficult, like this man, you will feel a new sense of joy down in your spirit.
00:14:14.376 --> 00:14:16.645
You will feel a new sense of joy down in your spirit. you will know the creator
00:14:16.712 --> 00:14:17.780
Joy down in your spirit. you will know the creator of the universe is smiling
00:14:17.846 --> 00:14:18.847
You will know the creator of the universe is smiling down on you. (applause)
00:14:18.914 --> 00:14:22.251
Of the universe is smiling down on you. (applause) i read about how up in the
00:14:22.318 --> 00:14:24.053
Down on you. (applause) i read about how up in the northeast, fishing for codfish
00:14:24.119 --> 00:14:26.555
I read about how up in the northeast, fishing for codfish had become a huge commercial
00:14:26.622 --> 00:14:28.724
Northeast, fishing for codfish had become a huge commercial business. there was a great
00:14:28.791 --> 00:14:30.426
Had become a huge commercial business. there was a great market for codfish all over
00:14:30.492 --> 00:14:31.994
Business. there was a great market for codfish all over the united states but they had
00:14:32.061 --> 00:14:33.862
Market for codfish all over the united states but they had a major problem with the
00:14:33.929 --> 00:14:35.731
The united states but they had a major problem with the distribution. at first they
00:14:35.798 --> 00:14:37.666
A major problem with the distribution. at first they tried freezing the codfish and
00:14:37.733 --> 00:14:39.835
Distribution. at first they tried freezing the codfish and shipping it out all over like
00:14:39.902 --> 00:14:41.670
Tried freezing the codfish and shipping it out all over like they did their other products
00:14:41.737 --> 00:14:43.572
Shipping it out all over like they did their other products but for some reason when the
00:14:43.639 --> 00:14:45.074
They did their other products but for some reason when the codfish was frozen it didn't
00:14:45.140 --> 00:14:47.176
But for some reason when the codfish was frozen it didn't have any more taste. next, they
00:14:47.242 --> 00:14:49.712
Codfish was frozen it didn't have any more taste. next, they tried shipping it alive in big
00:14:49.778 --> 00:14:51.847
Have any more taste. next, they tried shipping it alive in big containers with fresh seawater.
00:14:51.914 --> 00:14:54.650
Tried shipping it alive in big containers with fresh seawater. they thought that would
00:14:54.717 --> 00:14:55.484
Containers with fresh seawater. they thought that would certainly solve the problem
00:14:55.551 --> 00:14:57.119
They thought that would certainly solve the problem but it only made it worse.
00:14:57.186 --> 00:14:59.188
Certainly solve the problem but it only made it worse. because the codfish just sat
00:14:59.254 --> 00:15:00.923
But it only made it worse. because the codfish just sat there inactive in the water
00:15:00.990 --> 00:15:03.025
Because the codfish just sat there inactive in the water they became soft and mushy and
00:15:03.092 --> 00:15:05.060
There inactive in the water they became soft and mushy and once again lost their taste.
00:15:05.127 --> 00:15:07.329
They became soft and mushy and once again lost their taste. someone came up with an
00:15:07.396 --> 00:15:08.597
Once again lost their taste. someone came up with an interesting idea.
00:15:08.664 --> 00:15:10.466
Someone came up with an interesting idea. they decided to put a catfish in
00:15:10.532 --> 00:15:12.334
Interesting idea. they decided to put a catfish in each container with the codfish.
00:15:12.401 --> 00:15:16.505
They decided to put a catfish in each container with the codfish. the catfish is the natural enemy
00:15:16.572 --> 00:15:19.174
Each container with the codfish. the catfish is the natural enemy of the codfish so the whole time
00:15:19.241 --> 00:15:21.443
The catfish is the natural enemy of the codfish so the whole time the codfish was being shipped it
00:15:21.510 --> 00:15:23.379
Of the codfish so the whole time the codfish was being shipped it had to stay alert and active,
00:15:23.445 --> 00:15:25.981
The codfish was being shipped it had to stay alert and active, looking out for this catfish.
00:15:26.048 --> 00:15:27.916
Had to stay alert and active, looking out for this catfish. this solved the problem. when
00:15:27.983 --> 00:15:29.485
Looking out for this catfish. this solved the problem. when the codfish arrived at their
00:15:29.551 --> 00:15:30.853
This solved the problem. when the codfish arrived at their destination they were just as
00:15:30.919 --> 00:15:32.321
The codfish arrived at their destination they were just as fresh and tasty as they were
00:15:32.388 --> 00:15:34.323
Destination they were just as fresh and tasty as they were up in the northeast.
00:15:34.390 --> 00:15:35.958
Fresh and tasty as they were up in the northeast. several years ago, victoria and
00:15:36.025 --> 00:15:37.993
Up in the northeast. several years ago, victoria and i were headed to an important
00:15:38.060 --> 00:15:39.528
Several years ago, victoria and i were headed to an important meeting that started at 7:30.
00:15:39.595 --> 00:15:42.097
I were headed to an important meeting that started at 7:30. we got delayed at home and were
00:15:42.164 --> 00:15:44.733
Meeting that started at 7:30. we got delayed at home and were running a little late but i knew
00:15:44.800 --> 00:15:47.169
We got delayed at home and were running a little late but i knew we could still make it on time
00:15:47.236 --> 00:15:48.971
Running a little late but i knew we could still make it on time if i caught all the lights just
00:15:49.038 --> 00:15:50.372
We could still make it on time if i caught all the lights just right and didn't run into any
00:15:50.439 --> 00:15:51.907
If i caught all the lights just right and didn't run into any traffic. everything was going
00:15:51.974 --> 00:15:53.575
Right and didn't run into any traffic. everything was going great. we were making good time
00:15:53.642 --> 00:15:55.778
Traffic. everything was going great. we were making good time until i saw these flashing red
00:15:55.844 --> 00:15:58.414
Great. we were making good time until i saw these flashing red lights at the railroad tracks.
00:15:58.480 --> 00:16:00.983
Until i saw these flashing red lights at the railroad tracks. a train was coming by.
00:16:01.050 --> 00:16:02.885
Lights at the railroad tracks. a train was coming by. we had never seen a train there
00:16:02.951 --> 00:16:04.953
A train was coming by. we had never seen a train there at that particular time of day.
00:16:05.020 --> 00:16:07.523
We had never seen a train there at that particular time of day. i was convinced this was the
00:16:07.589 --> 00:16:08.624
At that particular time of day. i was convinced this was the enemy trying to delay me.
00:16:08.690 --> 00:16:10.826
I was convinced this was the enemy trying to delay me. i prayed. i rebuked.
00:16:10.893 --> 00:16:12.261
Enemy trying to delay me. i prayed. i rebuked. i confessed.
00:16:12.327 --> 00:16:13.595
I prayed. i rebuked. i confessed. it seemed like the more i prayed
00:16:13.662 --> 00:16:14.763
I confessed. it seemed like the more i prayed the slower the train went.
00:16:14.830 --> 00:16:16.832
It seemed like the more i prayed the slower the train went. it got slower and slower.
00:16:16.899 --> 00:16:18.500
The slower the train went. it got slower and slower. it finally stopped and started
00:16:18.567 --> 00:16:20.069
It got slower and slower. it finally stopped and started backing up. (laughter)
00:16:20.135 --> 00:16:22.471
It finally stopped and started backing up. (laughter) about 10 minutes later it had
00:16:22.538 --> 00:16:23.872
Backing up. (laughter) about 10 minutes later it had changed direction and was just
00:16:23.939 --> 00:16:25.174
About 10 minutes later it had changed direction and was just about to clear the road so we
00:16:25.240 --> 00:16:26.575
Changed direction and was just about to clear the road so we could go. i heard this loud
00:16:26.642 --> 00:16:28.143
About to clear the road so we could go. i heard this loud train horn. i thought, "that's
00:16:28.210 --> 00:16:30.679
Could go. i heard this loud train horn. i thought, "that's strange. they don't sound the
00:16:30.746 --> 00:16:31.814
Train horn. i thought, "that's strange. they don't sound the horn at the end of the train."
00:16:31.880 --> 00:16:33.849
Strange. they don't sound the horn at the end of the train." i looked up and another train
00:16:33.916 --> 00:16:35.551
Horn at the end of the train." i looked up and another train was coming on the second set
00:16:35.617 --> 00:16:37.386
I looked up and another train was coming on the second set of tracks. i didn't even know
00:16:37.453 --> 00:16:39.121
Was coming on the second set of tracks. i didn't even know there were two sets of tracks.
00:16:39.188 --> 00:16:40.956
Of tracks. i didn't even know there were two sets of tracks. i finally got the message and
00:16:41.023 --> 00:16:43.358
There were two sets of tracks. i finally got the message and said, "you know what? i'm just
00:16:43.425 --> 00:16:44.827
I finally got the message and said, "you know what? i'm just going to relax. god is still in
00:16:44.893 --> 00:16:46.228
Said, "you know what? i'm just going to relax. god is still in control. life is too short to
00:16:46.295 --> 00:16:48.297
Going to relax. god is still in control. life is too short to let this stress me out."
00:16:48.363 --> 00:16:49.932
Control. life is too short to let this stress me out." (applause)
00:16:49.998 --> 00:16:51.233
Let this stress me out." (applause) you know what that train was?
00:16:51.300 --> 00:16:52.701
(applause) you know what that train was? a catfish. god allowed it to be
00:16:52.768 --> 00:16:55.704
You know what that train was? a catfish. god allowed it to be there not to just delay me, not
00:16:55.771 --> 00:16:58.107
A catfish. god allowed it to be there not to just delay me, not to just make my life miserable,
00:16:58.173 --> 00:17:00.209
There not to just delay me, not to just make my life miserable, but to refine me, to make me
00:17:00.275 --> 00:17:01.777
To just make my life miserable, but to refine me, to make me better.
00:17:01.844 --> 00:17:03.412
But to refine me, to make me better. for years i thought that was
00:17:03.479 --> 00:17:04.813
Better. for years i thought that was the enemy attacking me.
00:17:04.880 --> 00:17:07.015
For years i thought that was the enemy attacking me. now i realize that was god
00:17:07.082 --> 00:17:08.851
The enemy attacking me. now i realize that was god attacking my impatience.
00:17:08.917 --> 00:17:12.154
Now i realize that was god attacking my impatience. i've learned to stay on the
00:17:12.221 --> 00:17:13.555
Attacking my impatience. i've learned to stay on the potter's wheel.
00:17:13.622 --> 00:17:14.790
I've learned to stay on the potter's wheel. my attitude is, "god, you can
00:17:14.857 --> 00:17:16.191
Potter's wheel. my attitude is, "god, you can have it your way. it doesn't
00:17:16.258 --> 00:17:17.659
My attitude is, "god, you can have it your way. it doesn't have to change. i'll change.
00:17:17.726 --> 00:17:20.262
Have it your way. it doesn't have to change. i'll change. the scripture says there in
00:17:20.329 --> 00:17:21.497
Have to change. i'll change. the scripture says there in first peter, "our faith is tried
00:17:21.563 --> 00:17:23.999
The scripture says there in first peter, "our faith is tried in the fire of affliction as
00:17:24.066 --> 00:17:26.502
First peter, "our faith is tried in the fire of affliction as fire purifies gold,"
00:17:26.568 --> 00:17:30.139
In the fire of affliction as fire purifies gold," you don't really know what's
00:17:30.205 --> 00:17:31.306
Fire purifies gold," you don't really know what's in you until you're put under
00:17:31.373 --> 00:17:33.208
You don't really know what's in you until you're put under pressure. the pressure brings
00:17:33.275 --> 00:17:34.810
In you until you're put under pressure. the pressure brings to light what we need to deal
00:17:34.877 --> 00:17:36.345
Pressure. the pressure brings to light what we need to deal with.
00:17:36.411 --> 00:17:37.646
To light what we need to deal with. peter said, "jesus, i'll never
00:17:37.713 --> 00:17:39.014
With. peter said, "jesus, i'll never deny you. i'm your biggest
00:17:39.081 --> 00:17:40.282
Peter said, "jesus, i'll never deny you. i'm your biggest follower." but a few days later
00:17:40.349 --> 00:17:42.784
Deny you. i'm your biggest follower." but a few days later when peter was under pressure
00:17:42.851 --> 00:17:44.887
Follower." but a few days later when peter was under pressure he denied that he knew jesus
00:17:44.953 --> 00:17:46.755
When peter was under pressure he denied that he knew jesus three times. when you find
00:17:46.822 --> 00:17:48.824
He denied that he knew jesus three times. when you find yourself in an uncomfortable
00:17:48.891 --> 00:17:50.926
Three times. when you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation where you feel like
00:17:50.993 --> 00:17:52.861
Yourself in an uncomfortable situation where you feel like being impatient, you feel like
00:17:52.928 --> 00:17:54.663
Situation where you feel like being impatient, you feel like telling somebody off, you're
00:17:54.730 --> 00:17:56.465
Being impatient, you feel like telling somebody off, you're tempted to be upset, offended.
00:17:56.532 --> 00:17:58.667
Telling somebody off, you're tempted to be upset, offended. that's when you have to
00:17:58.734 --> 00:18:00.269
Tempted to be upset, offended. that's when you have to recognize, "this is a test. i'm
00:18:00.335 --> 00:18:03.105
That's when you have to recognize, "this is a test. i'm here for a reason. i'm not
00:18:03.172 --> 00:18:05.207
Recognize, "this is a test. i'm here for a reason. i'm not going go around this same
00:18:05.274 --> 00:18:08.544
Here for a reason. i'm not going go around this same mountain, responding the same
00:18:08.610 --> 00:18:09.611
Going go around this same mountain, responding the same way. i'm going to come up
00:18:09.678 --> 00:18:10.579
Mountain, responding the same way. i'm going to come up higher. i'm going to keep my
00:18:10.646 --> 00:18:11.480
Way. i'm going to come up higher. i'm going to keep my cool. i'm going to forgive even
00:18:11.547 --> 00:18:12.714
Higher. i'm going to keep my cool. i'm going to forgive even though they did me wrong.
00:18:12.781 --> 00:18:14.349
Cool. i'm going to forgive even though they did me wrong. i'm going to stay in peace."
00:18:14.416 --> 00:18:15.918
Though they did me wrong. i'm going to stay in peace." if you'll stay on that potter's
00:18:15.984 --> 00:18:16.985
I'm going to stay in peace." if you'll stay on that potter's wheel and let god keep refining
00:18:17.052 --> 00:18:19.488
If you'll stay on that potter's wheel and let god keep refining you, you are headed toward
00:18:19.555 --> 00:18:22.391
Wheel and let god keep refining you, you are headed toward that vessel of gold. that's
00:18:22.457 --> 00:18:24.760
You, you are headed toward that vessel of gold. that's when god can release some of
00:18:24.826 --> 00:18:26.695
That vessel of gold. that's when god can release some of the amazing things he has in
00:18:26.762 --> 00:18:28.697
When god can release some of the amazing things he has in your future. but it all depends
00:18:28.764 --> 00:18:31.066
The amazing things he has in your future. but it all depends on the quality of our
00:18:31.133 --> 00:18:32.768
Your future. but it all depends on the quality of our character. you can have gifts.
00:18:32.834 --> 00:18:35.103
On the quality of our character. you can have gifts. you can have talents. but your
00:18:35.170 --> 00:18:36.972
Character. you can have gifts. you can have talents. but your character is what matters.
00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:39.474
You can have talents. but your character is what matters. can god trust you with more
00:18:39.541 --> 00:18:41.109
Character is what matters. can god trust you with more responsibility, with greater
00:18:41.176 --> 00:18:42.844
Can god trust you with more responsibility, with greater influence, with new levels?
00:18:42.911 --> 00:18:45.647
Responsibility, with greater influence, with new levels? if you'll see these catfish, so
00:18:45.714 --> 00:18:47.916
Influence, with new levels? if you'll see these catfish, so to speak, in the right way,
00:18:47.983 --> 00:18:49.851
If you'll see these catfish, so to speak, in the right way, recognize each one is a test and
00:18:49.918 --> 00:18:52.387
To speak, in the right way, recognize each one is a test and respond properly, you'll see
00:18:52.454 --> 00:18:54.957
Recognize each one is a test and respond properly, you'll see god take you places that you've
00:18:55.023 --> 00:18:56.258
Respond properly, you'll see god take you places that you've never imagined.
00:18:56.325 --> 00:18:58.160
God take you places that you've never imagined. years ago, the government of
00:18:58.227 --> 00:19:00.062
Never imagined. years ago, the government of thailand wanted to build a new
00:19:00.128 --> 00:19:01.897
Years ago, the government of thailand wanted to build a new highway but right in the middle
00:19:01.964 --> 00:19:04.299
Thailand wanted to build a new highway but right in the middle of their path was a huge
00:19:04.366 --> 00:19:06.201
Highway but right in the middle of their path was a huge religious statue that had been
00:19:06.268 --> 00:19:08.136
Of their path was a huge religious statue that had been there for decades. it stood
00:19:08.203 --> 00:19:10.772
Religious statue that had been there for decades. it stood over 40 feet tall and was made
00:19:10.839 --> 00:19:12.774
There for decades. it stood over 40 feet tall and was made out of clay. this statue was
00:19:12.841 --> 00:19:15.310
Over 40 feet tall and was made out of clay. this statue was greatly revered by the people.
00:19:15.377 --> 00:19:17.646
Out of clay. this statue was greatly revered by the people. they knew they had to move it
00:19:17.713 --> 00:19:19.314
Greatly revered by the people. they knew they had to move it with extreme caution. they got
00:19:19.381 --> 00:19:21.250
They knew they had to move it with extreme caution. they got their cranes, very delicately
00:19:21.316 --> 00:19:23.418
With extreme caution. they got their cranes, very delicately and carefully started to lift
00:19:23.485 --> 00:19:25.387
Their cranes, very delicately and carefully started to lift the statue. but even as hard as
00:19:25.454 --> 00:19:27.589
And carefully started to lift the statue. but even as hard as they tried some of the clay
00:19:27.656 --> 00:19:29.191
The statue. but even as hard as they tried some of the clay began to crack. they stopped
00:19:29.258 --> 00:19:31.026
They tried some of the clay began to crack. they stopped and readjusted, tried to do it
00:19:31.093 --> 00:19:33.495
Began to crack. they stopped and readjusted, tried to do it more carefully, but again, the
00:19:33.562 --> 00:19:35.297
And readjusted, tried to do it more carefully, but again, the clay continued to break off.
00:19:35.364 --> 00:19:38.066
More carefully, but again, the clay continued to break off. they were very distressed that
00:19:38.133 --> 00:19:39.568
Clay continued to break off. they were very distressed that they were damaging this
00:19:39.635 --> 00:19:41.370
They were very distressed that they were damaging this important religious statue.
00:19:41.436 --> 00:19:43.805
They were damaging this important religious statue. they finally got it to its new
00:19:43.872 --> 00:19:45.274
Important religious statue. they finally got it to its new destination but as they were
00:19:45.340 --> 00:19:47.042
They finally got it to its new destination but as they were lifting it off the truck with
00:19:47.109 --> 00:19:48.810
Destination but as they were lifting it off the truck with the crane, a huge piece of clay
00:19:48.877 --> 00:19:51.480
Lifting it off the truck with the crane, a huge piece of clay fell off. one of the men
00:19:51.546 --> 00:19:53.915
The crane, a huge piece of clay fell off. one of the men noticed something shiny
00:19:53.982 --> 00:19:55.350
Fell off. one of the men noticed something shiny underneath the clay.
00:19:55.417 --> 00:19:57.619
Noticed something shiny underneath the clay. he went over to examine it.
00:19:57.686 --> 00:19:59.588
Underneath the clay. he went over to examine it. much to their amazement
00:19:59.655 --> 00:20:01.223
He went over to examine it. much to their amazement underneath the clay the whole
00:20:01.290 --> 00:20:03.191
Much to their amazement underneath the clay the whole statue was made out of solid
00:20:03.258 --> 00:20:05.360
Underneath the clay the whole statue was made out of solid gold. the clay was never
00:20:05.427 --> 00:20:07.863
Statue was made out of solid gold. the clay was never supposed to be permanent.
00:20:07.929 --> 00:20:09.564
Gold. the clay was never supposed to be permanent. it was just a facade to protect
00:20:09.631 --> 00:20:11.700
Supposed to be permanent. it was just a facade to protect the gold, yet it'd been there
00:20:11.767 --> 00:20:13.302
It was just a facade to protect the gold, yet it'd been there for hundreds of years.
00:20:13.368 --> 00:20:15.604
The gold, yet it'd been there for hundreds of years. in the same way, we all start
00:20:15.671 --> 00:20:17.873
For hundreds of years. in the same way, we all start off as vessels of clay.
00:20:17.939 --> 00:20:20.575
In the same way, we all start off as vessels of clay. we have flaws and weaknesses:
00:20:20.642 --> 00:20:22.544
Off as vessels of clay. we have flaws and weaknesses: impatience, selfishness, pride.
00:20:22.611 --> 00:20:25.514
We have flaws and weaknesses: impatience, selfishness, pride. all we can see is the clay. but
00:20:25.580 --> 00:20:28.016
Impatience, selfishness, pride. all we can see is the clay. but underneath that clay is a
00:20:28.083 --> 00:20:30.319
All we can see is the clay. but underneath that clay is a vessel of gold. god made you
00:20:30.385 --> 00:20:32.821
Underneath that clay is a vessel of gold. god made you to shine. as you grow and you
00:20:32.888 --> 00:20:35.557
Vessel of gold. god made you to shine. as you grow and you let him keep refining you,
00:20:35.624 --> 00:20:37.859
To shine. as you grow and you let him keep refining you, little by little, that clay is
00:20:37.926 --> 00:20:39.561
Let him keep refining you, little by little, that clay is going to come off. maybe you
00:20:39.628 --> 00:20:41.697
Little by little, that clay is going to come off. maybe you used to get offended by that
00:20:41.763 --> 00:20:43.165
Going to come off. maybe you used to get offended by that coworker that said hurtful
00:20:43.231 --> 00:20:44.933
Used to get offended by that coworker that said hurtful things. it ruined your day.
00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:47.402
Coworker that said hurtful things. it ruined your day. you tried to pay them back but
00:20:47.469 --> 00:20:49.404
Things. it ruined your day. you tried to pay them back but then you started overlooking it,
00:20:49.471 --> 00:20:51.740
You tried to pay them back but then you started overlooking it, staying in peace, taking the
00:20:51.807 --> 00:20:53.041
Then you started overlooking it, staying in peace, taking the high road, letting god fight
00:20:53.108 --> 00:20:54.643
Staying in peace, taking the high road, letting god fight your battles. now, it doesn't
00:20:54.710 --> 00:20:56.345
High road, letting god fight your battles. now, it doesn't bother you anymore.
00:20:56.411 --> 00:20:58.513
Your battles. now, it doesn't bother you anymore. what's happening? the clay is
00:20:58.580 --> 00:21:00.215
Bother you anymore. what's happening? the clay is coming off. the gold is
00:21:00.282 --> 00:21:02.150
What's happening? the clay is coming off. the gold is starting to shine through.
00:21:02.217 --> 00:21:04.186
Coming off. the gold is starting to shine through. maybe like me you used to be
00:21:04.252 --> 00:21:06.188
Starting to shine through. maybe like me you used to be impatient in traffic, stressed
00:21:06.254 --> 00:21:07.422
Maybe like me you used to be impatient in traffic, stressed when your plans didn't work
00:21:07.489 --> 00:21:08.790
Impatient in traffic, stressed when your plans didn't work out, but now you've learned to
00:21:08.857 --> 00:21:10.926
When your plans didn't work out, but now you've learned to go with the flow knowing that
00:21:10.992 --> 00:21:12.327
Out, but now you've learned to go with the flow knowing that god is in control. it's no big
00:21:12.394 --> 00:21:13.729
Go with the flow knowing that god is in control. it's no big deal. what's happening?
00:21:13.795 --> 00:21:15.364
God is in control. it's no big deal. what's happening? more and more of that clay is
00:21:15.430 --> 00:21:16.498
Deal. what's happening? more and more of that clay is coming off. your gold is
00:21:16.565 --> 00:21:18.266
More and more of that clay is coming off. your gold is getting brighter and brighter.
00:21:18.333 --> 00:21:21.002
Coming off. your gold is getting brighter and brighter. or perhaps you used to rely on
00:21:21.069 --> 00:21:23.271
Getting brighter and brighter. or perhaps you used to rely on compliments, people's approval,
00:21:23.338 --> 00:21:25.974
Or perhaps you used to rely on compliments, people's approval, to feel good about yourself.
00:21:26.041 --> 00:21:27.843
Compliments, people's approval, to feel good about yourself. that's how you gained your
00:21:27.909 --> 00:21:28.643
To feel good about yourself. that's how you gained your value, your self-worth, but now
00:21:28.710 --> 00:21:30.846
That's how you gained your value, your self-worth, but now you know that god approves you,
00:21:30.912 --> 00:21:33.915
Value, your self-worth, but now you know that god approves you, that he has made you valuable,
00:21:33.982 --> 00:21:35.417
You know that god approves you, that he has made you valuable, that you're a masterpiece.
00:21:35.484 --> 00:21:37.252
That he has made you valuable, that you're a masterpiece. so you put your shoulders back.
00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:38.754
That you're a masterpiece. so you put your shoulders back. you live with confidence knowing
00:21:38.820 --> 00:21:40.021
So you put your shoulders back. you live with confidence knowing that you are one-of-a-kind.
00:21:40.088 --> 00:21:42.090
You live with confidence knowing that you are one-of-a-kind. what's happening? the low
00:21:42.157 --> 00:21:43.325
That you are one-of-a-kind. what's happening? the low self-esteem, the insecurity,
00:21:43.392 --> 00:21:45.260
What's happening? the low self-esteem, the insecurity, is breaking off and your gold
00:21:45.327 --> 00:21:47.529
Self-esteem, the insecurity, is breaking off and your gold is starting to shine forth.
00:21:47.596 --> 00:21:50.932
Is breaking off and your gold is starting to shine forth. we all have areas where we
00:21:50.999 --> 00:21:52.167
Is starting to shine forth. we all have areas where we can come up higher. all of us
00:21:52.234 --> 00:21:53.602
We all have areas where we can come up higher. all of us still have some clay, some dirt
00:21:53.668 --> 00:21:55.404
Can come up higher. all of us still have some clay, some dirt left on us, but don't get
00:21:55.470 --> 00:21:56.738
Still have some clay, some dirt left on us, but don't get discouraged.
00:21:56.805 --> 00:21:58.607
Left on us, but don't get discouraged. the scripture says, "he that
00:21:58.673 --> 00:22:00.108
Discouraged. the scripture says, "he that began a good work in you will
00:22:00.175 --> 00:22:02.711
The scripture says, "he that began a good work in you will continue to perform it until
00:22:02.778 --> 00:22:04.913
Began a good work in you will continue to perform it until it's complete."
00:22:04.980 --> 00:22:06.548
Continue to perform it until it's complete." the good news is you're not a
00:22:06.615 --> 00:22:08.650
It's complete." the good news is you're not a finished product. (applause)
00:22:08.717 --> 00:22:10.385
The good news is you're not a finished product. (applause) god is still working on you.
00:22:10.452 --> 00:22:12.320
Finished product. (applause) god is still working on you. don't beat yourself up because
00:22:12.387 --> 00:22:14.623
God is still working on you. don't beat yourself up because you're still dealing with some
00:22:14.689 --> 00:22:16.124
Don't beat yourself up because you're still dealing with some weaknesses. just stay on the
00:22:16.191 --> 00:22:17.592
You're still dealing with some weaknesses. just stay on the potter's wheel. just keep
00:22:17.659 --> 00:22:19.327
Weaknesses. just stay on the potter's wheel. just keep improving. every person fails
00:22:19.394 --> 00:22:22.164
Potter's wheel. just keep improving. every person fails from time to time.
00:22:22.230 --> 00:22:23.799
Improving. every person fails from time to time. the key is to get back up again.
00:22:23.865 --> 00:22:26.635
From time to time. the key is to get back up again. don't you dare settle for the
00:22:26.701 --> 00:22:28.236
The key is to get back up again. don't you dare settle for the clay. you have gold in you.
00:22:28.303 --> 00:22:31.473
Don't you dare settle for the clay. you have gold in you. you were made in the image
00:22:31.540 --> 00:22:33.108
Clay. you have gold in you. you were made in the image of almighty god. he created you
00:22:33.175 --> 00:22:35.377
You were made in the image of almighty god. he created you to shine, to live free, happy,
00:22:35.444 --> 00:22:38.914
Of almighty god. he created you to shine, to live free, happy, secure, peaceful, confident,
00:22:38.980 --> 00:22:41.516
To shine, to live free, happy, secure, peaceful, confident, calm. that's what's on the
00:22:41.583 --> 00:22:42.818
Secure, peaceful, confident, calm. that's what's on the inside. i'm asking you to work
00:22:42.884 --> 00:22:46.288
Calm. that's what's on the inside. i'm asking you to work with god to bring it out.
00:22:46.354 --> 00:22:48.857
Inside. i'm asking you to work with god to bring it out. don't try to pray away every
00:22:48.924 --> 00:22:50.425
With god to bring it out. don't try to pray away every uncomfortable situation.
00:22:50.492 --> 00:22:52.360
Don't try to pray away every uncomfortable situation. recognize that's an opportunity
00:22:52.427 --> 00:22:55.197
Uncomfortable situation. recognize that's an opportunity for more clay to come off.
00:22:55.263 --> 00:22:57.532
Recognize that's an opportunity for more clay to come off. don't complain about the
00:22:57.599 --> 00:22:58.433
For more clay to come off. don't complain about the catfish. god put it there.
00:22:58.500 --> 00:23:00.802
Don't complain about the catfish. god put it there. it's not there to defeat you.
00:23:00.869 --> 00:23:02.804
Catfish. god put it there. it's not there to defeat you. it's there to make you better.
00:23:02.871 --> 00:23:04.773
It's not there to defeat you. it's there to make you better. if you will make this decision
00:23:04.840 --> 00:23:06.441
It's there to make you better. if you will make this decision that you're going to stay on the
00:23:06.508 --> 00:23:07.275
If you will make this decision that you're going to stay on the potter's wheel, let god refine
00:23:07.342 --> 00:23:09.578
That you're going to stay on the potter's wheel, let god refine you, see these as opportunities
00:23:09.644 --> 00:23:11.980
Potter's wheel, let god refine you, see these as opportunities to grow, then you will not stay
00:23:12.047 --> 00:23:14.015
You, see these as opportunities to grow, then you will not stay a vessel of clay, a vessel of
00:23:14.082 --> 00:23:15.851
To grow, then you will not stay a vessel of clay, a vessel of wood, nor a vessel of silver.
00:23:15.917 --> 00:23:18.987
A vessel of clay, a vessel of wood, nor a vessel of silver. but i believe and declare you
00:23:19.054 --> 00:23:20.822
Wood, nor a vessel of silver. but i believe and declare you will become a vessel of gold,
00:23:20.889 --> 00:23:23.725
But i believe and declare you will become a vessel of gold, used for his highest purposes.
00:23:23.792 --> 00:23:25.894
Will become a vessel of gold, used for his highest purposes. you will not only enjoy your
00:23:25.961 --> 00:23:27.195
Used for his highest purposes. you will not only enjoy your life more but you will see his
00:23:27.262 --> 00:23:29.164
You will not only enjoy your life more but you will see his favor in amazing ways and
00:23:29.231 --> 00:23:31.233
Life more but you will see his favor in amazing ways and become everything god has
00:23:31.299 --> 00:23:33.401
Favor in amazing ways and become everything god has created you to be. i declare
00:23:33.468 --> 00:23:34.870
Become everything god has created you to be. i declare it in jesus' name.
00:23:34.936 --> 00:23:36.638
Created you to be. i declare it in jesus' name. if you receive it can you say,
00:23:36.705 --> 00:23:37.772
It in jesus' name. if you receive it can you say, "amen" today? (applause)
00:23:37.839 --> 00:23:41.109
If you receive it can you say, "amen" today? (applause) we never like to close our
00:23:41.176 --> 00:23:42.110
"amen" today? (applause) we never like to close our broadcasts without giving you
00:23:42.177 --> 00:23:43.778
We never like to close our broadcasts without giving you an opportunity to make jesus
00:23:43.845 --> 00:23:45.413
Broadcasts without giving you an opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life. would
00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:47.182
An opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life. would you pray with me? just say,
00:23:47.249 --> 00:23:48.984
The lord of your life. would you pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my
00:23:49.050 --> 00:23:52.020
You pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins. come into my heart.
00:23:52.087 --> 00:23:54.890
"lord jesus, i repent of my sins. come into my heart. i make you my lord and savior."
00:23:54.956 --> 00:23:58.960
Sins. come into my heart. i make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that
00:23:59.027 --> 00:24:00.462
I make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you
00:24:00.529 --> 00:24:01.763
Friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good
00:24:01.830 --> 00:24:03.632
Simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good bible-based church. keep god
00:24:03.698 --> 00:24:05.433
Got born again. get in a good bible-based church. keep god first place. he's going to take
00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:07.202
Bible-based church. keep god first place. he's going to take you places that you've never
00:24:07.269 --> 00:24:08.770
First place. he's going to take you places that you've never dreamed.
00:24:08.837 --> 00:24:10.005
Life throws so much at us.
00:24:10.405 --> 00:24:12.340
Life throws so much at us. disappointments,
00:24:12.407 --> 00:24:13.441
Disappointments, failures, challenges.
00:24:13.508 --> 00:24:15.477
Failures, challenges. we can feel so out of touch
00:24:15.544 --> 00:24:17.412
We can feel so out of touch that we no longer
00:24:17.479 --> 00:24:18.380
That we no longer recognize ourselves.
00:24:18.446 --> 00:24:20.348
Recognize ourselves. life has a way of changing us.
00:24:20.448 --> 00:24:22.350
Life has a way of changing us. at one time
00:24:22.417 --> 00:24:22.951
At one time we were outgoing
00:24:23.018 --> 00:24:23.985
We were outgoing and excited about our dreams.
00:24:24.052 --> 00:24:25.987
And excited about our dreams. but when we go
00:24:26.054 --> 00:24:26.521
But when we go through disappointments
00:24:26.588 --> 00:24:27.689
Through disappointments and people do us
00:24:27.756 --> 00:24:28.456
And people do us wrong, it's easy
00:24:28.523 --> 00:24:29.791
Wrong, it's easy to lose that positive,
00:24:29.858 --> 00:24:31.226
To lose that positive, passionate person
00:24:31.293 --> 00:24:32.327
Passionate person that we used to be.
00:24:32.394 --> 00:24:33.828
In my new book,
00:24:33.929 --> 00:24:34.729
In my new book, rediscovering the forgotten
00:24:34.796 --> 00:24:36.431
Rediscovering the forgotten you, i'll help you
00:24:36.498 --> 00:24:37.632
You, i'll help you get back to who you really are.
00:24:37.699 --> 00:24:39.467
Get back to who you really are. the joyful you,
00:24:39.534 --> 00:24:40.502
The joyful you, the confident you,
00:24:40.569 --> 00:24:41.570
The confident you, the talented you.
00:24:41.636 --> 00:24:43.071
The talented you. it's not too late.
00:24:43.138 --> 00:24:44.339
It's not too late. you haven't been
00:24:44.406 --> 00:24:44.973
You haven't been through too much.
00:24:45.040 --> 00:24:46.174
Through too much. you may have lost
00:24:46.241 --> 00:24:46.942
You may have lost part of yourself,
00:24:47.008 --> 00:24:47.876
Part of yourself, but you can find yourself.
00:24:47.943 --> 00:24:49.878
But you can find yourself. god is in the business
00:24:49.945 --> 00:24:51.079
God is in the business of restoring what was lost.
00:24:51.146 --> 00:24:53.014
Of restoring what was lost. healing what was broken.
00:24:53.081 --> 00:24:54.516
Healing what was broken. you haven't seen the
00:24:54.583 --> 00:24:55.483
You haven't seen the best version of you yet.
00:24:55.550 --> 00:24:57.452
Best version of you yet. it's still in front of you.
00:24:57.519 --> 00:24:59.521
It's still in front of you. as our way of saying thank you
00:24:59.621 --> 00:25:01.156
As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount,
00:25:01.222 --> 00:25:02.891
For your gift of any amount, we would like to send you
00:25:02.958 --> 00:25:04.092
We would like to send you a copy of joel's
00:25:04.159 --> 00:25:05.126
A copy of joel's brand new book,
00:25:05.193 --> 00:25:06.328
Brand new book, rediscovering
00:25:06.394 --> 00:25:07.329
Rediscovering the forgotten you.
00:25:07.395 --> 00:25:08.797
The forgotten you. take back your passion,
00:25:08.863 --> 00:25:10.231
Take back your passion, reignite your dreams,
00:25:10.298 --> 00:25:11.733
Reignite your dreams, and embrace the life
00:25:11.800 --> 00:25:13.001
And embrace the life you were created to live.
00:25:13.068 --> 00:25:14.869
You were created to live. this book shares
00:25:14.936 --> 00:25:16.004
This book shares uplifting scripture
00:25:16.071 --> 00:25:17.305
And personal stories
00:25:17.405 --> 00:25:18.573
And personal stories that will help you
00:25:18.640 --> 00:25:19.307
That will help you release bitterness, silence,
00:25:19.374 --> 00:25:21.142
Release bitterness, silence, self-defeating
00:25:21.209 --> 00:25:21.910
Self-defeating thoughts, and embrace
00:25:21.977 --> 00:25:23.411
Thoughts, and embrace by faith
00:25:23.478 --> 00:25:24.279
By faith the vision of the life
00:25:24.346 --> 00:25:25.480
The vision of the life god designed for you.
00:25:25.547 --> 00:25:27.148
God designed for you. life's challenges
00:25:27.215 --> 00:25:28.283
Life's challenges might have distorted
00:25:28.350 --> 00:25:29.250
Might have distorted the true you,
00:25:29.317 --> 00:25:30.251
The true you, but now you can reclaim,
00:25:30.318 --> 00:25:31.920
But now you can reclaim, revitalize and restore
00:25:31.987 --> 00:25:33.755
Revitalize and restore the version of yourself
00:25:33.822 --> 00:25:35.056
The version of yourself that you once knew,
00:25:35.123 --> 00:25:36.458
That you once knew, or the version that you know
00:25:36.524 --> 00:25:37.859
Or the version that you know god has made you to be:
00:25:37.926 --> 00:25:39.761
God has made you to be: filled with hopes and dreams,
00:25:39.828 --> 00:25:41.596
Filled with hopes and dreams, optimism and confidence.
00:25:41.663 --> 00:25:43.431
Optimism and confidence. request your copy today
00:25:43.498 --> 00:25:45.100
Request your copy today and discover
00:25:45.166 --> 00:25:45.767
And discover the best version of you yet.
00:25:45.834 --> 00:25:48.203
God is about to breathe
00:25:48.303 --> 00:25:49.437
God is about to breathe new life, new passion,
00:25:49.504 --> 00:25:51.406
New life, new passion, new dreams into your heart.
00:25:51.473 --> 00:25:53.208
New dreams into your heart. what he started,
00:25:53.274 --> 00:25:54.142
What he started, he's going to finish.
00:25:54.209 --> 00:25:55.744
He's going to finish. thanks so much
00:25:55.810 --> 00:25:56.344
Thanks so much for being with us today.
00:25:56.411 --> 00:25:57.779
For being with us today. victoria and i are praying
00:25:57.846 --> 00:25:59.014
Victoria and i are praying for you and your family,
00:25:59.080 --> 00:26:00.248
For you and your family, for god's very best.
00:26:00.315 --> 00:26:02.050
For god's very best. thank you so much
00:26:02.117 --> 00:26:02.917
Thank you so much for your prayer and support.
00:26:02.984 --> 00:26:04.886
For your prayer and support. your generosity
00:26:04.953 --> 00:26:05.854
Your generosity helps people
00:26:05.920 --> 00:26:06.521
Helps people all over the world.
00:26:06.588 --> 00:26:08.023
All over the world. a special
00:26:08.089 --> 00:26:08.556
A special thank you to our champion
00:26:08.623 --> 00:26:09.824
Thank you to our champion of hope partners
00:26:09.891 --> 00:26:10.959
Of hope partners for all you do
00:26:11.026 --> 00:26:11.926
For all you do to make the ministry possible.
00:26:12.027 --> 00:26:13.762
To make the ministry possible. if you're not a partner,
00:26:13.828 --> 00:26:14.696
If you're not a partner, i hope you'll
00:26:14.763 --> 00:26:15.196
I hope you'll consider becoming one.
00:26:15.263 --> 00:26:16.965
Consider becoming one. until we meet again,
00:26:17.032 --> 00:26:18.166
Until we meet again, may the lord bless
00:26:18.233 --> 00:26:19.134
May the lord bless you and keep you.
00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:21.169
You and keep you. be sure to request your copy
00:26:21.236 --> 00:26:22.937
Be sure to request your copy of rediscovering
00:26:23.004 --> 00:26:23.905
Of rediscovering the forgotten you,
00:26:23.972 --> 00:26:25.073
The forgotten you, available this month
00:26:25.140 --> 00:26:26.441
Available this month by simply visiting us
00:26:26.508 --> 00:26:27.742
By simply visiting us at joelosteen.com
00:26:27.809 --> 00:26:29.511
At joelosteen.com or call 888-567-joel.
00:26:29.577 --> 00:26:32.947
Or call 888-567-joel. you can also receive the god's
00:26:33.048 --> 00:26:34.816
You can also receive the god's got you rediscovery duo.
00:26:34.883 --> 00:26:36.951
Got you rediscovery duo. you will receive rediscovering
00:26:37.052 --> 00:26:38.787
You will receive rediscovering the forgotten
00:26:38.853 --> 00:26:39.421
The forgotten you and god's got you:
00:26:39.487 --> 00:26:41.489
You and god's got you: promises for overcoming fear.
00:26:41.556 --> 00:26:43.825
Promises for overcoming fear. it's the perfect combination
00:26:43.892 --> 00:26:45.427
It's the perfect combination to help you rekindle
00:26:45.493 --> 00:26:46.695
Your purpose
00:26:46.795 --> 00:26:47.862
While standing firm
00:26:47.962 --> 00:26:49.164
While standing firm in god's promises.
00:26:49.230 --> 00:26:50.532
In god's promises. in addition
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In addition to these two inspiration books,
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To these two inspiration books, you can also receive
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You can also receive the beautifully crafted
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The beautifully crafted csb thin line study bible
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Csb thin line study bible in camel suede soft
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In camel suede soft leather touch,
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Leather touch, an elegant bible
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An elegant bible that offers a rich, immersive
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That offers a rich, immersive study experience
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Study experience and brings
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And brings god's word
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God's word beautifully into your
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Beautifully into your everyday life.
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Everyday life. this collection
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This collection is more than encouragement.
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Is more than encouragement. it is a foundation
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It is a foundation for lasting renewal
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For lasting renewal rooted in god's word,
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Rooted in god's word, strengthened by faith,
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Strengthened by faith, and anchored in his promises.
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And anchored in his promises. you can request
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You can request for inspiring resources
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For inspiring resources by calling 888-567-joel
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By calling 888-567-joel or logging on to joelosteen.com
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Or logging on to joelosteen.com today.
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Joel Osteen - Stay On The Potter's Wheel

April 23, 2026 | 27:29

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