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 - Strategically Ordered Steps | November 20, 2025
- (applause)
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- (applause) well, god bless you. it's
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- (applause) well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your
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- Well, god bless you. it's always a joy to come into your homes and if you're ever in our
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- Always a joy to come into your homes and if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a
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- Homes and if you're ever in our area please stop by and be a part of one of our services.
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- Area please stop by and be a part of one of our services. i promise you we'll make you
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- Part of one of our services. i promise you we'll make you feel right at home. but thanks
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- I promise you we'll make you feel right at home. but thanks so much for tuning in and thank
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- Feel right at home. but thanks so much for tuning in and thank you again for coming out today.
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- So much for tuning in and thank you again for coming out today. i like to start with something
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- You again for coming out today. i like to start with something funny. i heard about this
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- I like to start with something funny. i heard about this elderly minister. he was dying.
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- Funny. i heard about this elderly minister. he was dying. he sent for two of his members,
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- Elderly minister. he was dying. he sent for two of his members, an irs agent and a lawyer to
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- He sent for two of his members, an irs agent and a lawyer to come to his house. when they
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- An irs agent and a lawyer to come to his house. when they arrived he motioned for both of
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- Come to his house. when they arrived he motioned for both of them to sit on each side of the
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- Arrived he motioned for both of them to sit on each side of the bed. they were very moved to be
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- Them to sit on each side of the bed. they were very moved to be with the minister in his final
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- Bed. they were very moved to be with the minister in his final moments. at one point the
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- With the minister in his final moments. at one point the lawyer said very sincerely,
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- Moments. at one point the lawyer said very sincerely, "sir, why did you choose both
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- Lawyer said very sincerely, "sir, why did you choose both of us?" the minister mustered
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- "sir, why did you choose both of us?" the minister mustered up some strength and said,
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- Of us?" the minister mustered up some strength and said, "jesus died between two
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- Up some strength and said, "jesus died between two sinners. that's how i want to
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- "jesus died between two sinners. that's how i want to go." (laughter)
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- Sinners. that's how i want to go." (laughter) hold up your bible. say it like
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- Go." (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
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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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- The word 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 strategically ordered
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- I want to talk to you today about strategically ordered steps. god is not a random god.
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- About strategically ordered steps. god is not a random god. he is not vague, approximate,
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- Steps. god is not a random god. he is not vague, approximate, "maybe i'll do this. maybe i'll
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- He is not vague, approximate, "maybe i'll do this. maybe i'll do that." god is precise,
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- "maybe i'll do this. maybe i'll do that." god is precise, exact. he has already laid out
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- Do that." god is precise, exact. he has already laid out the plan for your life down to
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- Exact. he has already laid out the plan for your life down to the smallest details. just as
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- The plan for your life down to the smallest details. just as god will strategically bring
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- The smallest details. just as god will strategically bring good breaks, promotion, the
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- God will strategically bring good breaks, promotion, the right people, god will also use
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- Good breaks, promotion, the right people, god will also use adversities, disappointments,
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- Right people, god will also use adversities, disappointments, closed doors to move us toward
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- Adversities, disappointments, closed doors to move us toward our destiny. at the time we may
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- Closed doors to move us toward our destiny. at the time we may not understand it. we think,
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- Our destiny. at the time we may not understand it. we think, "this couldn't be god. i lost
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- Not understand it. we think, "this couldn't be god. i lost my biggest client. i'm in a
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- "this couldn't be god. i lost my biggest client. i'm in a legal battle. my friend turned
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- My biggest client. i'm in a legal battle. my friend turned on me." no, god wouldn't have
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- Legal battle. my friend turned on me." no, god wouldn't have allowed it unless he had a
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- On me." no, god wouldn't have allowed it unless he had a purpose for it. god doesn't
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- Allowed it unless he had a purpose for it. god doesn't just randomly say, "let me give
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- Purpose for it. god doesn't just randomly say, "let me give them some heartache, a bad
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- Just randomly say, "let me give them some heartache, a bad break, let this person reject
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- Them some heartache, a bad break, let this person reject them." no, god is strategic.
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- Break, let this person reject them." no, god is strategic. he may not have sent it but if
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- Them." no, god is strategic. he may not have sent it but if he allowed it he can use it to
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- He may not have sent it but if he allowed it he can use it to your advantage. god sees the
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- He allowed it he can use it to your advantage. god sees the big picture for our life.
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- Your advantage. god sees the big picture for our life. he knows what we're going to
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- Big picture for our life. he knows what we're going to need in a month, in a year and
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- He knows what we're going to need in a month, in a year and in 20 years.
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- Need in a month, in a year and in 20 years. in the scripture, sampson
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- In 20 years. in the scripture, sampson wanted to marry a young lady
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- In the scripture, sampson wanted to marry a young lady from another tribe. his parents
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- Wanted to marry a young lady from another tribe. his parents didn't want him to do it. god
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- From another tribe. his parents didn't want him to do it. god had instructed them to not get
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- Didn't want him to do it. god had instructed them to not get involved with foreigners, to
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- Had instructed them to not get involved with foreigners, to stay with their own clan. but
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- Involved with foreigners, to stay with their own clan. but the scripture says, "his
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- Stay with their own clan. but the scripture says, "his parents didn't realize the lord
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- The scripture says, "his parents didn't realize the lord was at work in this creating an
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- Parents didn't realize the lord was at work in this creating an opportunity to disrupt the
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- Was at work in this creating an opportunity to disrupt the philistines who ruled israel at
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- Opportunity to disrupt the philistines who ruled israel at that time." this is a situation
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- Philistines who ruled israel at that time." this is a situation that doesn't necessarily fit
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- That time." this is a situation that doesn't necessarily fit into our theology. god told
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- That doesn't necessarily fit into our theology. god told them not to marry foreigners
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- Into our theology. god told them not to marry foreigners yet god was the one that led
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- Them not to marry foreigners yet god was the one that led sampson to do it. god knew
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- Yet god was the one that led sampson to do it. god knew years down the road he needed
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- Sampson to do it. god knew years down the road he needed an insider in the philistine's
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- Years down the road he needed an insider in the philistine's camp to carry out his plan.
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- An insider in the philistine's camp to carry out his plan. here's my point. we're not
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- Camp to carry out his plan. here's my point. we're not always going to understand why
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- Here's my point. we're not always going to understand why something happens. true faith
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- Always going to understand why something happens. true faith is trusting god when it doesn't
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- Something happens. true faith is trusting god when it doesn't make sense, believing that he
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- Is trusting god when it doesn't make sense, believing that he is strategic, that he knows
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- Make sense, believing that he is strategic, that he knows what he is doing. it may be
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- Is strategic, that he knows what he is doing. it may be uncomfortable, we don't
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- What he is doing. it may be uncomfortable, we don't understand it, but deep down we
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- Uncomfortable, we don't understand it, but deep down we have to know that if god
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- Understand it, but deep down we have to know that if god allowed it that somehow it's
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- Have to know that if god allowed it that somehow it's going to further us ultimately
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- Allowed it that somehow it's going to further us ultimately toward our divine destiny.
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- Going to further us ultimately toward our divine destiny. and we all want to go to
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- Toward our divine destiny. and we all want to go to a higher level. we all want to
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- And we all want to go to a higher level. we all want to see more of god's favor but
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- A higher level. we all want to see more of god's favor but sometimes you have to come off
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- See more of god's favor but sometimes you have to come off the mountain that you're on and
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- Sometimes you have to come off the mountain that you're on and go down into the valley, not to
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- The mountain that you're on and go down into the valley, not to stay, not to live, but so you
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- Go down into the valley, not to stay, not to live, but so you can go up to a higher mountain.
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- Stay, not to live, but so you can go up to a higher mountain. god has something better,
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- Can go up to a higher mountain. god has something better, something bigger. you haven't
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- God has something better, something bigger. you haven't seen, heard or imagined what
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- Something bigger. you haven't seen, heard or imagined what god has in store. but too often
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- Seen, heard or imagined what god has in store. but too often we think, "god, i'm going
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- God has in store. but too often we think, "god, i'm going backwards. you said 'higher'
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- We think, "god, i'm going backwards. you said 'higher' and i'm going lower. you said
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- Backwards. you said 'higher' and i'm going lower. you said 'rain.' i'm seeing drought."
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- And i'm going lower. you said 'rain.' i'm seeing drought." no, don't get discouraged.
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- 'rain.' i'm seeing drought." no, don't get discouraged. god is simply bringing you down
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- No, don't get discouraged. god is simply bringing you down that one mountain so you can go
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- God is simply bringing you down that one mountain so you can go up to a higher mountain. he is
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- That one mountain so you can go up to a higher mountain. he is strategically positioning you
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- Up to a higher mountain. he is strategically positioning you to see more of his goodness.
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- Strategically positioning you to see more of his goodness. (applause)
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- To see more of his goodness. (applause) if you will stay in faith one
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- (applause) if you will stay in faith one day you will look back and say,
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- If you will stay in faith one day you will look back and say, "it was good that i got pushed
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- Day you will look back and say, "it was good that i got pushed out of that job or i would have
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- "it was good that i got pushed out of that job or i would have been stuck in a limited
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- Out of that job or i would have been stuck in a limited environment."
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- Been stuck in a limited environment." "it was good that person left me
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- Environment." "it was good that person left me or i would have never met the
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- "it was good that person left me or i would have never met the love of my life."
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- Or i would have never met the love of my life." "it was good i went through the
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- Love of my life." "it was good i went through the difficulty. it not only made me
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- "it was good i went through the difficulty. it not only made me stronger, it not only developed
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- Difficulty. it not only made me stronger, it not only developed a greater confidence in god,
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- Stronger, it not only developed a greater confidence in god, but in the opposition god was
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- A greater confidence in god, but in the opposition god was creating opportunity. he was
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- But in the opposition god was creating opportunity. he was putting me in position for
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- Creating opportunity. he was putting me in position for something bigger, something
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- Putting me in position for something bigger, something better, something greater."
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- Something bigger, something better, something greater." (applause)
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- Better, something greater." (applause) we see this principle in the
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- (applause) we see this principle in the life of joseph. god knew there
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- We see this principle in the life of joseph. god knew there was going to be a famine in the
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- Life of joseph. god knew there was going to be a famine in the land. the israelites couldn't
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- Was going to be a famine in the land. the israelites couldn't survive without food from the
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- Land. the israelites couldn't survive without food from the egyptians. so years earlier god
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- Survive without food from the egyptians. so years earlier god put a dream in the heart of a
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- Egyptians. so years earlier god put a dream in the heart of a young man named joseph that he
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- Put a dream in the heart of a young man named joseph that he would rule a nation. as a
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- Young man named joseph that he would rule a nation. as a teenager, he had the promise
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- Would rule a nation. as a teenager, he had the promise from god. his goal was in front
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- Teenager, he had the promise from god. his goal was in front of him. he started out great.
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- From god. his goal was in front of him. he started out great. he was his father's favorite
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- Of him. he started out great. he was his father's favorite child, wearing his coat of many
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- He was his father's favorite child, wearing his coat of many colors, headed toward his
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- Child, wearing his coat of many colors, headed toward his destiny. but his brothers were
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- Colors, headed toward his destiny. but his brothers were very jealous of him. they threw
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- Destiny. but his brothers were very jealous of him. they threw him into a pit and eventually
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- Very jealous of him. they threw him into a pit and eventually sold him into slavery. i'm sure
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- Him into a pit and eventually sold him into slavery. i'm sure joseph thought, "god, where are
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- Sold him into slavery. i'm sure joseph thought, "god, where are you? you said i would lead a
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- Joseph thought, "god, where are you? you said i would lead a nation but now i'm a slave.
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- You? you said i would lead a nation but now i'm a slave. this doesn't make sense."
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- Nation but now i'm a slave. this doesn't make sense." the truth is he was in god's
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- This doesn't make sense." the truth is he was in god's perfect will. he was just on
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- The truth is he was in god's perfect will. he was just on one of those stones facing the
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- Perfect will. he was just on one of those stones facing the opposite direction.
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- One of those stones facing the opposite direction. here's the key. those stones
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- Opposite direction. here's the key. those stones are temporary. that's not where
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- Here's the key. those stones are temporary. that's not where you're permanently headed.
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- Are temporary. that's not where you're permanently headed. don't stay focused on where you
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- You're permanently headed. don't stay focused on where you are. if you isolate one stone,
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- Don't stay focused on where you are. if you isolate one stone, one bad break, one
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- Are. if you isolate one stone, one bad break, one disappointment, one dry season,
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- One bad break, one disappointment, one dry season, you'll get bitter, sour. that
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- Disappointment, one dry season, you'll get bitter, sour. that stone is simply one step in the
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- You'll get bitter, sour. that stone is simply one step in the plan god has for your life. it
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- Stone is simply one step in the plan god has for your life. it is not the final piece. god
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- Plan god has for your life. it is not the final piece. god says his plans for you are for
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- Is not the final piece. god says his plans for you are for good and not evil. the end of
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- Says his plans for you are for good and not evil. the end of your path is victory, dreams
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- Good and not evil. the end of your path is victory, dreams fulfilled, promises coming to
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- Your path is victory, dreams fulfilled, promises coming to pass.
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- Fulfilled, promises coming to pass. now don't judge your future by
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- Pass. now don't judge your future by one negative stepping stone.
- 00:06:45.492 --> 00:06:47.894
- Now don't judge your future by one negative stepping stone. joseph kept being his best, kept
- 00:06:47.961 --> 00:06:49.629
- One negative stepping stone. joseph kept being his best, kept honoring god, even though things
- 00:06:49.696 --> 00:06:51.464
- Joseph kept being his best, kept honoring god, even though things weren't going his way. he ended
- 00:06:51.531 --> 00:06:53.266
- Honoring god, even though things weren't going his way. he ended up second in command of all of
- 00:06:53.333 --> 00:06:56.302
- Weren't going his way. he ended up second in command of all of egypt. the dream came to pass.
- 00:06:56.369 --> 00:06:58.972
- Up second in command of all of egypt. the dream came to pass. here's how strategic god is.
- 00:06:59.038 --> 00:07:02.141
- Egypt. the dream came to pass. here's how strategic god is. there was a great famine in the
- 00:07:02.208 --> 00:07:03.409
- Here's how strategic god is. there was a great famine in the land. jacob, joseph's father,
- 00:07:03.476 --> 00:07:07.146
- There was a great famine in the land. jacob, joseph's father, thought that joseph was dead.
- 00:07:07.213 --> 00:07:09.716
- Land. jacob, joseph's father, thought that joseph was dead. hadn't seen him in many years.
- 00:07:09.782 --> 00:07:11.784
- Thought that joseph was dead. hadn't seen him in many years. jacob told his other sons to go
- 00:07:11.851 --> 00:07:13.953
- Hadn't seen him in many years. jacob told his other sons to go to egypt and see if there is any
- 00:07:14.020 --> 00:07:16.556
- Jacob told his other sons to go to egypt and see if there is any way they could possibly buy
- 00:07:16.623 --> 00:07:18.258
- To egypt and see if there is any way they could possibly buy food. they were about to starve
- 00:07:18.324 --> 00:07:20.193
- Way they could possibly buy food. they were about to starve to death. god used the famine
- 00:07:20.260 --> 00:07:23.096
- Food. they were about to starve to death. god used the famine to send them to egypt. they
- 00:07:23.162 --> 00:07:25.298
- To death. god used the famine to send them to egypt. they would have never gone that way
- 00:07:25.365 --> 00:07:27.133
- To send them to egypt. they would have never gone that way without the adversity.
- 00:07:27.200 --> 00:07:29.202
- Would have never gone that way without the adversity. in the same way, god will use
- 00:07:29.269 --> 00:07:31.371
- Without the adversity. in the same way, god will use dry seasons, disappointments,
- 00:07:31.437 --> 00:07:34.207
- In the same way, god will use dry seasons, disappointments, closed doors, to reposition us
- 00:07:34.274 --> 00:07:36.776
- Dry seasons, disappointments, closed doors, to reposition us to get us where he wants us to
- 00:07:36.843 --> 00:07:38.878
- Closed doors, to reposition us to get us where he wants us to be. god knows what's best for
- 00:07:38.945 --> 00:07:41.080
- To get us where he wants us to be. god knows what's best for us. the brothers showed up at
- 00:07:41.147 --> 00:07:44.117
- Be. god knows what's best for us. the brothers showed up at the palace and there was joseph
- 00:07:44.183 --> 00:07:45.718
- Us. the brothers showed up at the palace and there was joseph in charge of the food supply,
- 00:07:45.785 --> 00:07:48.855
- The palace and there was joseph in charge of the food supply, running the whole nation.
- 00:07:48.922 --> 00:07:52.225
- In charge of the food supply, running the whole nation. some 20 years earlier god
- 00:07:52.292 --> 00:07:52.992
- Running the whole nation. some 20 years earlier god strategically orchestrated
- 00:07:53.059 --> 00:07:55.328
- Some 20 years earlier god strategically orchestrated joseph to be inside a foreign
- 00:07:55.395 --> 00:07:57.463
- Strategically orchestrated joseph to be inside a foreign country not only so his dream
- 00:07:57.530 --> 00:08:00.199
- Joseph to be inside a foreign country not only so his dream could come to pass but so that
- 00:08:00.266 --> 00:08:02.268
- Country not only so his dream could come to pass but so that god's people could flourish in a
- 00:08:02.335 --> 00:08:04.003
- Could come to pass but so that god's people could flourish in a time of famine. that's how
- 00:08:04.070 --> 00:08:06.005
- God's people could flourish in a time of famine. that's how precise god is. he is looking
- 00:08:06.072 --> 00:08:09.008
- Time of famine. that's how precise god is. he is looking years down the road. we can see
- 00:08:09.075 --> 00:08:11.210
- Precise god is. he is looking years down the road. we can see a little way but god knows what
- 00:08:11.277 --> 00:08:13.279
- Years down the road. we can see a little way but god knows what you're going to need 30 years
- 00:08:13.346 --> 00:08:14.881
- A little way but god knows what you're going to need 30 years from now. the good news is god
- 00:08:14.948 --> 00:08:16.916
- You're going to need 30 years from now. the good news is god is lining up people today that
- 00:08:16.983 --> 00:08:19.519
- From now. the good news is god is lining up people today that years later will be
- 00:08:19.586 --> 00:08:21.654
- Is lining up people today that years later will be instrumental in you fulfilling
- 00:08:21.721 --> 00:08:23.856
- Years later will be instrumental in you fulfilling your destiny. nothing randomly
- 00:08:23.923 --> 00:08:25.792
- Instrumental in you fulfilling your destiny. nothing randomly happens.
- 00:08:25.858 --> 00:08:28.194
- Your destiny. nothing randomly happens. if joseph's brothers hadn't
- 00:08:28.261 --> 00:08:29.596
- Happens. if joseph's brothers hadn't rejected him he would have never
- 00:08:29.662 --> 00:08:31.664
- If joseph's brothers hadn't rejected him he would have never made it to the throne. now quit
- 00:08:31.731 --> 00:08:33.733
- Rejected him he would have never made it to the throne. now quit losing sleep over people that
- 00:08:33.800 --> 00:08:36.135
- Made it to the throne. now quit losing sleep over people that don't accept you, people that
- 00:08:36.202 --> 00:08:37.837
- Losing sleep over people that don't accept you, people that try to make you look small,
- 00:08:37.904 --> 00:08:39.772
- Don't accept you, people that try to make you look small, disrespect you, dismiss you.
- 00:08:39.839 --> 00:08:42.475
- Try to make you look small, disrespect you, dismiss you. listen, if they weren't in your
- 00:08:42.542 --> 00:08:44.711
- Disrespect you, dismiss you. listen, if they weren't in your life you couldn't make it to
- 00:08:44.777 --> 00:08:46.245
- Listen, if they weren't in your life you couldn't make it to your throne.
- 00:08:46.312 --> 00:08:47.647
- Life you couldn't make it to your throne. god ordained them not to hold
- 00:08:47.714 --> 00:08:50.550
- Your throne. god ordained them not to hold you back but to move you
- 00:08:50.617 --> 00:08:52.185
- God ordained them not to hold you back but to move you forward. they may think they're
- 00:08:52.251 --> 00:08:54.387
- You back but to move you forward. they may think they're pushing you down. really,
- 00:08:54.454 --> 00:08:55.855
- Forward. they may think they're pushing you down. really, they're pushing you up. you may
- 00:08:55.922 --> 00:08:57.757
- Pushing you down. really, they're pushing you up. you may be on one of those stepping
- 00:08:57.824 --> 00:08:59.792
- They're pushing you up. you may be on one of those stepping stones facing the wrong
- 00:08:59.859 --> 00:09:01.694
- Be on one of those stepping stones facing the wrong direction. it may set you back
- 00:09:01.761 --> 00:09:04.564
- Stones facing the wrong direction. it may set you back for a season but don't worry.
- 00:09:04.631 --> 00:09:07.033
- Direction. it may set you back for a season but don't worry. a u-turn is coming. at some
- 00:09:07.100 --> 00:09:09.969
- For a season but don't worry. a u-turn is coming. at some point you're going to step past
- 00:09:10.036 --> 00:09:12.005
- A u-turn is coming. at some point you're going to step past the stone of being rejected and
- 00:09:12.071 --> 00:09:13.806
- Point you're going to step past the stone of being rejected and lied about. you'll step past
- 00:09:13.873 --> 00:09:15.408
- The stone of being rejected and lied about. you'll step past the stone of a bad break, a
- 00:09:15.475 --> 00:09:18.211
- Lied about. you'll step past the stone of a bad break, a disappointment, a closed door
- 00:09:18.277 --> 00:09:20.747
- The stone of a bad break, a disappointment, a closed door and like joseph, you will step
- 00:09:20.813 --> 00:09:22.682
- Disappointment, a closed door and like joseph, you will step into promotion, into abundance,
- 00:09:22.749 --> 00:09:25.585
- And like joseph, you will step into promotion, into abundance, into new levels, into the
- 00:09:25.652 --> 00:09:27.453
- Into promotion, into abundance, into new levels, into the fullness of your destiny.
- 00:09:27.520 --> 00:09:29.555
- Into new levels, into the fullness of your destiny. now, my challenge; don't get
- 00:09:29.622 --> 00:09:32.058
- Fullness of your destiny. now, my challenge; don't get stuck on one of those negative
- 00:09:32.125 --> 00:09:34.027
- Now, my challenge; don't get stuck on one of those negative stepping stones. people say,
- 00:09:34.093 --> 00:09:36.329
- Stuck on one of those negative stepping stones. people say, "well, joel. if god is so good
- 00:09:36.396 --> 00:09:37.930
- Stepping stones. people say, "well, joel. if god is so good why did i have the bad break in
- 00:09:37.997 --> 00:09:39.432
- "well, joel. if god is so good why did i have the bad break in the first place?" "why did my
- 00:09:39.499 --> 00:09:41.167
- Why did i have the bad break in the first place?" "why did my child get off course?" "why am
- 00:09:41.234 --> 00:09:43.102
- The first place?" "why did my child get off course?" "why am i still struggling at work?"
- 00:09:43.169 --> 00:09:45.038
- Child get off course?" "why am i still struggling at work?" listen, that adversity, that
- 00:09:45.104 --> 00:09:46.673
- I still struggling at work?" listen, that adversity, that difficulty is simply a test.
- 00:09:46.739 --> 00:09:50.510
- Listen, that adversity, that difficulty is simply a test. god strategically placed you
- 00:09:50.576 --> 00:09:52.445
- Difficulty is simply a test. god strategically placed you there. he would have never
- 00:09:52.512 --> 00:09:53.946
- God strategically placed you there. he would have never allowed it if you couldn't
- 00:09:54.013 --> 00:09:55.782
- There. he would have never allowed it if you couldn't handle it. it may be a big
- 00:09:55.848 --> 00:09:57.817
- Allowed it if you couldn't handle it. it may be a big challenge but it is no match
- 00:09:57.884 --> 00:09:59.619
- Handle it. it may be a big challenge but it is no match for you. you are a child of the
- 00:09:59.686 --> 00:10:01.587
- Challenge but it is no match for you. you are a child of the most high god. you have been
- 00:10:01.654 --> 00:10:04.057
- For you. you are a child of the most high god. you have been armed with strength for every
- 00:10:04.123 --> 00:10:05.625
- Most high god. you have been armed with strength for every battle. you have the most
- 00:10:05.692 --> 00:10:07.493
- Armed with strength for every battle. you have the most powerful force in the universe
- 00:10:07.560 --> 00:10:10.897
- Battle. you have the most powerful force in the universe breathing in your direction.
- 00:10:10.963 --> 00:10:12.765
- Powerful force in the universe breathing in your direction. now don't complain about the
- 00:10:12.832 --> 00:10:15.401
- Breathing in your direction. now don't complain about the difficulty. dig your heels in.
- 00:10:15.468 --> 00:10:16.969
- Now don't complain about the difficulty. dig your heels in. have the attitude, "i am in it
- 00:10:17.036 --> 00:10:19.272
- Difficulty. dig your heels in. have the attitude, "i am in it to win it. i am not going to
- 00:10:19.338 --> 00:10:20.940
- Have the attitude, "i am in it to win it. i am not going to let what somebody said about
- 00:10:21.007 --> 00:10:22.442
- To win it. i am not going to let what somebody said about me, this rejection, this
- 00:10:22.508 --> 00:10:24.410
- Let what somebody said about me, this rejection, this breakup, this closed door, this
- 00:10:24.477 --> 00:10:27.613
- Me, this rejection, this breakup, this closed door, this disappointment, this sickness
- 00:10:27.680 --> 00:10:29.315
- Breakup, this closed door, this disappointment, this sickness cause me to get sour. i know
- 00:10:29.382 --> 00:10:31.551
- Disappointment, this sickness cause me to get sour. i know it's a part of god's plan. he
- 00:10:31.617 --> 00:10:33.786
- Cause me to get sour. i know it's a part of god's plan. he strategically placed me here.
- 00:10:33.853 --> 00:10:36.255
- It's a part of god's plan. he strategically placed me here. when it's all said and done it's
- 00:10:36.322 --> 00:10:37.557
- Strategically placed me here. when it's all said and done it's not going to work against me.
- 00:10:37.623 --> 00:10:39.992
- When it's all said and done it's not going to work against me. it's going to work for me."
- 00:10:40.059 --> 00:10:41.461
- Not going to work against me. it's going to work for me." if you have that kind of
- 00:10:41.527 --> 00:10:42.495
- It's going to work for me." if you have that kind of attitude. you better get ready.
- 00:10:42.562 --> 00:10:44.564
- If you have that kind of attitude. you better get ready. like joseph, you're not going to
- 00:10:44.630 --> 00:10:46.499
- Attitude. you better get ready. like joseph, you're not going to stay in the pit, in defeat, in
- 00:10:46.566 --> 00:10:49.168
- Like joseph, you're not going to stay in the pit, in defeat, in depression, in lack. you're
- 00:10:49.235 --> 00:10:51.304
- Stay in the pit, in defeat, in depression, in lack. you're headed to the throne. you're
- 00:10:51.370 --> 00:10:53.272
- Depression, in lack. you're headed to the throne. you're headed to victory. you're
- 00:10:53.339 --> 00:10:55.174
- Headed to the throne. you're headed to victory. you're headed to the fullness of your
- 00:10:55.241 --> 00:10:56.409
- Headed to victory. you're headed to the fullness of your destiny.
- 00:10:56.476 --> 00:10:57.810
- Headed to the fullness of your destiny. listen, people can't stop it.
- 00:10:57.877 --> 00:10:59.345
- Destiny. listen, people can't stop it. bad breaks can't stop it.
- 00:10:59.412 --> 00:11:01.314
- Listen, people can't stop it. bad breaks can't stop it. disappointments can't stop it.
- 00:11:01.380 --> 00:11:03.149
- Bad breaks can't stop it. disappointments can't stop it. all the forces of darkness
- 00:11:03.216 --> 00:11:04.751
- Disappointments can't stop it. all the forces of darkness cannot stop what god has
- 00:11:04.817 --> 00:11:06.552
- All the forces of darkness cannot stop what god has strategically ordained for your
- 00:11:06.619 --> 00:11:08.354
- Cannot stop what god has strategically ordained for your life.
- 00:11:08.421 --> 00:11:11.290
- Strategically ordained for your life. think about some of the stepping
- 00:11:11.357 --> 00:11:12.425
- Life. think about some of the stepping stones in joseph's life. he had
- 00:11:12.492 --> 00:11:14.660
- Think about some of the stepping stones in joseph's life. he had the promise, the dream that he
- 00:11:14.727 --> 00:11:16.329
- Stones in joseph's life. he had the promise, the dream that he would rule a nation - a stone
- 00:11:16.395 --> 00:11:18.865
- The promise, the dream that he would rule a nation - a stone in the right direction. then he
- 00:11:18.931 --> 00:11:20.700
- Would rule a nation - a stone in the right direction. then he was thrown into a pit - a stone
- 00:11:20.767 --> 00:11:22.969
- In the right direction. then he was thrown into a pit - a stone the opposite way. still part of
- 00:11:23.035 --> 00:11:24.771
- Was thrown into a pit - a stone the opposite way. still part of god's plan.
- 00:11:24.837 --> 00:11:25.471
- The opposite way. still part of god's plan. no god is
- 00:11:25.538 --> 00:11:26.873
- God's plan. no god is directing our steps not just
- 00:11:26.939 --> 00:11:28.975
- No god is directing our steps not just when things are going our way.
- 00:11:29.041 --> 00:11:31.043
- Directing our steps not just when things are going our way. not just when the doors open,
- 00:11:31.110 --> 00:11:32.879
- When things are going our way. not just when the doors open, we're promoted, people are good
- 00:11:32.945 --> 00:11:34.247
- Not just when the doors open, we're promoted, people are good to us. but even when the doors
- 00:11:34.313 --> 00:11:36.949
- We're promoted, people are good to us. but even when the doors close, people aren't good to
- 00:11:37.016 --> 00:11:38.785
- To us. but even when the doors close, people aren't good to us, the report wasn't good.
- 00:11:38.851 --> 00:11:41.187
- Close, people aren't good to us, the report wasn't good. those stones going in the wrong
- 00:11:41.254 --> 00:11:42.688
- Us, the report wasn't good. those stones going in the wrong direction are still the hand of
- 00:11:42.755 --> 00:11:44.824
- Those stones going in the wrong direction are still the hand of god. my question is will you
- 00:11:44.891 --> 00:11:47.860
- Direction are still the hand of god. my question is will you trust him even when you don't
- 00:11:47.927 --> 00:11:50.329
- God. my question is will you trust him even when you don't understand it? will you keep a
- 00:11:50.396 --> 00:11:52.598
- Trust him even when you don't understand it? will you keep a good attitude knowing that it's
- 00:11:52.665 --> 00:11:54.734
- Understand it? will you keep a good attitude knowing that it's going to turn to your
- 00:11:54.801 --> 00:11:56.702
- Good attitude knowing that it's going to turn to your advantage? just like with
- 00:11:56.769 --> 00:11:58.571
- Going to turn to your advantage? just like with joseph, you will come into your
- 00:11:58.638 --> 00:12:00.540
- Advantage? just like with joseph, you will come into your u-turn. the same god that
- 00:12:00.606 --> 00:12:02.875
- Joseph, you will come into your u-turn. the same god that orchestrated him being
- 00:12:02.942 --> 00:12:04.877
- U-turn. the same god that orchestrated him being betrayed, lied about, thrown
- 00:12:04.944 --> 00:12:06.479
- Orchestrated him being betrayed, lied about, thrown into a pit, orchestrated him
- 00:12:06.546 --> 00:12:09.148
- Betrayed, lied about, thrown into a pit, orchestrated him being promoted, vindicated,
- 00:12:09.215 --> 00:12:11.784
- Into a pit, orchestrated him being promoted, vindicated, taking the throne. fulfilling
- 00:12:11.851 --> 00:12:13.653
- Being promoted, vindicated, taking the throne. fulfilling his dream.
- 00:12:13.719 --> 00:12:15.488
- Taking the throne. fulfilling his dream. listen; don't be discouraged by
- 00:12:15.555 --> 00:12:17.023
- His dream. listen; don't be discouraged by what you're going through.
- 00:12:17.089 --> 00:12:19.258
- Listen; don't be discouraged by what you're going through. your time is coming. where you
- 00:12:19.325 --> 00:12:21.861
- What you're going through. your time is coming. where you are is not where you're
- 00:12:21.928 --> 00:12:23.529
- Your time is coming. where you are is not where you're staying. you may be in the
- 00:12:23.596 --> 00:12:25.498
- Are is not where you're staying. you may be in the valley. god allowed you to go
- 00:12:25.565 --> 00:12:27.934
- Staying. you may be in the valley. god allowed you to go there not to stay but so you
- 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:30.403
- Valley. god allowed you to go there not to stay but so you could come up to a higher
- 00:12:30.469 --> 00:12:31.871
- There not to stay but so you could come up to a higher mountain. god has new levels in
- 00:12:31.938 --> 00:12:33.606
- Could come up to a higher mountain. god has new levels in store for you. (applause)
- 00:12:33.673 --> 00:12:36.409
- Mountain. god has new levels in store for you. (applause) in genesis chapter fifteen, god
- 00:12:36.475 --> 00:12:37.844
- Store for you. (applause) in genesis chapter fifteen, god told the israelites that he was
- 00:12:37.910 --> 00:12:40.246
- In genesis chapter fifteen, god told the israelites that he was taking them into a foreign land.
- 00:12:40.313 --> 00:12:43.616
- Told the israelites that he was taking them into a foreign land. they would be mistreated and
- 00:12:43.683 --> 00:12:44.951
- Taking them into a foreign land. they would be mistreated and suffer hardships. he was
- 00:12:45.017 --> 00:12:46.819
- They would be mistreated and suffer hardships. he was saying, "there will be negative
- 00:12:46.886 --> 00:12:48.554
- Suffer hardships. he was saying, "there will be negative stepping stones, going in the
- 00:12:48.621 --> 00:12:50.623
- Saying, "there will be negative stepping stones, going in the wrong direction. you'll be
- 00:12:50.690 --> 00:12:52.892
- Stepping stones, going in the wrong direction. you'll be tempted to think it will never
- 00:12:52.959 --> 00:12:53.926
- Wrong direction. you'll be tempted to think it will never work out." but god gave them
- 00:12:53.993 --> 00:12:55.895
- Tempted to think it will never work out." but god gave them the promise, "you'll go through
- 00:12:55.962 --> 00:12:57.530
- Work out." but god gave them the promise, "you'll go through difficulties but afterwards you
- 00:12:57.597 --> 00:13:00.900
- The promise, "you'll go through difficulties but afterwards you will come out with great
- 00:13:00.967 --> 00:13:02.635
- Difficulties but afterwards you will come out with great abundance."
- 00:13:02.702 --> 00:13:04.470
- Will come out with great abundance." friends, there will always be an
- 00:13:04.537 --> 00:13:06.339
- Abundance." friends, there will always be an afterwards. every person goes
- 00:13:06.405 --> 00:13:09.308
- Friends, there will always be an afterwards. every person goes through unfair situations,
- 00:13:09.375 --> 00:13:11.611
- Afterwards. every person goes through unfair situations, uncomfortable times. we don't
- 00:13:11.677 --> 00:13:13.079
- Through unfair situations, uncomfortable times. we don't like it but it's a part of
- 00:13:13.145 --> 00:13:14.313
- Uncomfortable times. we don't like it but it's a part of god's plan. if you will keep
- 00:13:14.380 --> 00:13:16.282
- Like it but it's a part of god's plan. if you will keep passing the test, doing the
- 00:13:16.349 --> 00:13:18.150
- God's plan. if you will keep passing the test, doing the right thing when the wrong
- 00:13:18.217 --> 00:13:19.919
- Passing the test, doing the right thing when the wrong thing is happening, afterwards
- 00:13:19.986 --> 00:13:22.154
- Right thing when the wrong thing is happening, afterwards you will come out promoted,
- 00:13:22.221 --> 00:13:24.523
- Thing is happening, afterwards you will come out promoted, increased, stronger, healthier,
- 00:13:24.590 --> 00:13:27.193
- You will come out promoted, increased, stronger, healthier, happier, blessed, with great
- 00:13:27.260 --> 00:13:29.028
- Increased, stronger, healthier, happier, blessed, with great abundance. now, don't get
- 00:13:29.095 --> 00:13:30.897
- Happier, blessed, with great abundance. now, don't get discouraged by the problem.
- 00:13:30.963 --> 00:13:33.933
- Abundance. now, don't get discouraged by the problem. it's all a part of the process
- 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:36.836
- Discouraged by the problem. it's all a part of the process that god uses to bring about the
- 00:13:36.903 --> 00:13:38.871
- It's all a part of the process that god uses to bring about the promise. god is not just going
- 00:13:38.938 --> 00:13:40.840
- That god uses to bring about the promise. god is not just going to bring you out, he's going to
- 00:13:40.907 --> 00:13:42.308
- Promise. god is not just going to bring you out, he's going to bring you out better. he is
- 00:13:42.375 --> 00:13:43.943
- To bring you out, he's going to bring you out better. he is directing your steps. he is
- 00:13:44.010 --> 00:13:45.645
- Bring you out better. he is directing your steps. he is still in control of your life.
- 00:13:45.711 --> 00:13:48.314
- Directing your steps. he is still in control of your life. nothing that has happened to you
- 00:13:48.381 --> 00:13:49.749
- Still in control of your life. nothing that has happened to you is a surprise to god. he
- 00:13:49.815 --> 00:13:51.751
- Nothing that has happened to you is a surprise to god. he allowed that difficulty not to
- 00:13:51.817 --> 00:13:53.419
- Is a surprise to god. he allowed that difficulty not to defeat you but to promote you.
- 00:13:53.486 --> 00:13:57.290
- Allowed that difficulty not to defeat you but to promote you. god is saying to us what he said
- 00:13:57.356 --> 00:13:59.926
- Defeat you but to promote you. god is saying to us what he said to the israelites. "if you will
- 00:13:59.992 --> 00:14:02.028
- God is saying to us what he said to the israelites. "if you will keep moving forward, after the
- 00:14:02.094 --> 00:14:04.063
- To the israelites. "if you will keep moving forward, after the hardship, after the breakup,
- 00:14:04.130 --> 00:14:07.733
- Keep moving forward, after the hardship, after the breakup, after the disappointment, there
- 00:14:07.800 --> 00:14:09.635
- Hardship, after the breakup, after the disappointment, there will be great joy, great
- 00:14:09.702 --> 00:14:12.071
- After the disappointment, there will be great joy, great opportunities, great health,
- 00:14:12.138 --> 00:14:14.774
- Will be great joy, great opportunities, great health, great relationships, great
- 00:14:14.840 --> 00:14:16.342
- Opportunities, great health, great relationships, great abundance coming your way."
- 00:14:16.409 --> 00:14:18.544
- Great relationships, great abundance coming your way." (applause)
- 00:14:18.611 --> 00:14:20.346
- Abundance coming your way." (applause) a few years after victoria and
- 00:14:20.413 --> 00:14:21.514
- (applause) a few years after victoria and i were married we received an
- 00:14:21.580 --> 00:14:23.316
- A few years after victoria and i were married we received an unexpected tax bill in the mail.
- 00:14:23.382 --> 00:14:27.520
- I were married we received an unexpected tax bill in the mail. the person we hired to do our
- 00:14:27.586 --> 00:14:28.587
- Unexpected tax bill in the mail. the person we hired to do our tax returns lived in another
- 00:14:28.654 --> 00:14:30.122
- The person we hired to do our tax returns lived in another state. he was unfamiliar with a
- 00:14:30.189 --> 00:14:32.024
- Tax returns lived in another state. he was unfamiliar with a certain tax law in texas. now
- 00:14:32.091 --> 00:14:34.493
- State. he was unfamiliar with a certain tax law in texas. now we owed thousands of dollars.
- 00:14:34.560 --> 00:14:36.896
- Certain tax law in texas. now we owed thousands of dollars. we were a young couple saving up
- 00:14:36.963 --> 00:14:39.131
- We owed thousands of dollars. we were a young couple saving up for a down payment for a home
- 00:14:39.198 --> 00:14:40.833
- We were a young couple saving up for a down payment for a home and this was going to take all
- 00:14:40.900 --> 00:14:42.101
- For a down payment for a home and this was going to take all of our funds. to make matters
- 00:14:42.168 --> 00:14:44.236
- And this was going to take all of our funds. to make matters worse more than half of what we
- 00:14:44.303 --> 00:14:46.439
- Of our funds. to make matters worse more than half of what we owed was because of penalties.
- 00:14:46.505 --> 00:14:49.475
- Worse more than half of what we owed was because of penalties. i thought, "god, this is not
- 00:14:49.542 --> 00:14:50.843
- Owed was because of penalties. i thought, "god, this is not fair. i hired a professional.
- 00:14:50.910 --> 00:14:52.945
- I thought, "god, this is not fair. i hired a professional. he made a mess and now i'm
- 00:14:53.012 --> 00:14:54.680
- Fair. i hired a professional. he made a mess and now i'm having to pay for his mistakes."
- 00:14:54.747 --> 00:14:57.049
- He made a mess and now i'm having to pay for his mistakes." this all happened around
- 00:14:57.116 --> 00:14:58.551
- Having to pay for his mistakes." this all happened around christmas of that year.
- 00:14:58.617 --> 00:15:00.186
- This all happened around christmas of that year. we did our best to have a joyful
- 00:15:00.252 --> 00:15:02.088
- Christmas of that year. we did our best to have a joyful spirit but in the back of our
- 00:15:02.154 --> 00:15:04.123
- We did our best to have a joyful spirit but in the back of our minds we could always feel the
- 00:15:04.190 --> 00:15:05.825
- Spirit but in the back of our minds we could always feel the weight of this problem. we
- 00:15:05.891 --> 00:15:08.094
- Minds we could always feel the weight of this problem. we ended up finding a man to help
- 00:15:08.160 --> 00:15:10.296
- Weight of this problem. we ended up finding a man to help us get it straightened out. he
- 00:15:10.363 --> 00:15:12.298
- Ended up finding a man to help us get it straightened out. he was a tax attorney. for a
- 00:15:12.365 --> 00:15:13.833
- Us get it straightened out. he was a tax attorney. for a couple of weeks he was at our
- 00:15:13.899 --> 00:15:15.901
- Was a tax attorney. for a couple of weeks he was at our house every night, going over
- 00:15:15.968 --> 00:15:17.536
- Couple of weeks he was at our house every night, going over documents, filling out new
- 00:15:17.603 --> 00:15:19.405
- House every night, going over documents, filling out new forms. we would eat together,
- 00:15:19.472 --> 00:15:21.774
- Documents, filling out new forms. we would eat together, run errands together. we ended
- 00:15:21.841 --> 00:15:23.509
- Forms. we would eat together, run errands together. we ended up becoming good friends.
- 00:15:23.576 --> 00:15:25.678
- Run errands together. we ended up becoming good friends. ten years later, i was working
- 00:15:25.745 --> 00:15:27.713
- Up becoming good friends. ten years later, i was working here at the church, at lakewood,
- 00:15:27.780 --> 00:15:30.216
- Ten years later, i was working here at the church, at lakewood, in the television ministry. my
- 00:15:30.282 --> 00:15:32.051
- Here at the church, at lakewood, in the television ministry. my parents were the pastors. after
- 00:15:32.118 --> 00:15:33.919
- In the television ministry. my parents were the pastors. after one service a man came up,
- 00:15:33.986 --> 00:15:35.654
- Parents were the pastors. after one service a man came up, said, "joel, my cousin has a
- 00:15:35.721 --> 00:15:37.523
- One service a man came up, said, "joel, my cousin has a construction permit for the last
- 00:15:37.590 --> 00:15:40.092
- Said, "joel, my cousin has a construction permit for the last full power commercial television
- 00:15:40.159 --> 00:15:43.696
- Construction permit for the last full power commercial television station in houston. he would
- 00:15:43.763 --> 00:15:45.564
- Full power commercial television station in houston. he would like you to be a part of it."
- 00:15:45.631 --> 00:15:47.767
- Station in houston. he would like you to be a part of it." well, a tv station in a major
- 00:15:47.833 --> 00:15:49.235
- Like you to be a part of it." well, a tv station in a major market like houston is extremely
- 00:15:49.301 --> 00:15:50.903
- Well, a tv station in a major market like houston is extremely valuable. i was young. i didn't
- 00:15:50.970 --> 00:15:53.239
- Market like houston is extremely valuable. i was young. i didn't know anything about negotiating
- 00:15:53.305 --> 00:15:54.907
- Valuable. i was young. i didn't know anything about negotiating a contract for a television
- 00:15:54.974 --> 00:15:56.909
- Know anything about negotiating a contract for a television station. then i thought, "i'll
- 00:15:56.976 --> 00:15:59.278
- A contract for a television station. then i thought, "i'll call my attorney friend, the
- 00:15:59.345 --> 00:16:01.247
- Station. then i thought, "i'll call my attorney friend, the one i met during the tax
- 00:16:01.313 --> 00:16:02.581
- Call my attorney friend, the one i met during the tax issue." three months later we
- 00:16:02.648 --> 00:16:04.784
- One i met during the tax issue." three months later we had a contract. we put the
- 00:16:04.850 --> 00:16:06.652
- Issue." three months later we had a contract. we put the station on the air. my father
- 00:16:06.719 --> 00:16:08.821
- Had a contract. we put the station on the air. my father went to be with the lord.
- 00:16:08.888 --> 00:16:10.489
- Station on the air. my father went to be with the lord. i became the pastor. four years
- 00:16:10.556 --> 00:16:12.291
- Went to be with the lord. i became the pastor. four years later we acquired this place,
- 00:16:12.358 --> 00:16:14.493
- I became the pastor. four years later we acquired this place, the former compaq center.
- 00:16:14.560 --> 00:16:16.162
- Later we acquired this place, the former compaq center. it was going to cost about $100
- 00:16:16.228 --> 00:16:17.530
- The former compaq center. it was going to cost about $100 million dollars to renovate.
- 00:16:17.596 --> 00:16:19.231
- It was going to cost about $100 million dollars to renovate. we decided to sell the station.
- 00:16:19.298 --> 00:16:22.234
- Million dollars to renovate. we decided to sell the station. we sold it for a huge profit.
- 00:16:22.301 --> 00:16:24.804
- We decided to sell the station. we sold it for a huge profit. those funds were instrumental in
- 00:16:24.870 --> 00:16:27.807
- We sold it for a huge profit. those funds were instrumental in us being able to renovate this
- 00:16:27.873 --> 00:16:28.741
- Those funds were instrumental in us being able to renovate this facility. but it all started
- 00:16:28.808 --> 00:16:30.910
- Us being able to renovate this facility. but it all started with that tax issue. what i
- 00:16:30.976 --> 00:16:33.312
- Facility. but it all started with that tax issue. what i thought was a setback was
- 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:35.981
- With that tax issue. what i thought was a setback was really a setup for god to do
- 00:16:36.048 --> 00:16:38.050
- Thought was a setback was really a setup for god to do something greater. (applause)
- 00:16:38.117 --> 00:16:40.786
- Really a setup for god to do something greater. (applause) for a season i was going the
- 00:16:40.853 --> 00:16:43.222
- Something greater. (applause) for a season i was going the opposite direction but if i had
- 00:16:43.289 --> 00:16:45.558
- For a season i was going the opposite direction but if i had not had that problem i would
- 00:16:45.624 --> 00:16:47.526
- Opposite direction but if i had not had that problem i would have never met the tax attorney.
- 00:16:47.593 --> 00:16:49.895
- Not had that problem i would have never met the tax attorney. without my attorney friend i
- 00:16:49.962 --> 00:16:51.564
- Have never met the tax attorney. without my attorney friend i would have never pursued the
- 00:16:51.630 --> 00:16:52.998
- Without my attorney friend i would have never pursued the television station. without the
- 00:16:53.065 --> 00:16:54.800
- Would have never pursued the television station. without the station we may not have had the
- 00:16:54.867 --> 00:16:56.802
- Television station. without the station we may not have had the funds to move into this
- 00:16:56.869 --> 00:16:58.270
- Station we may not have had the funds to move into this facility. that difficulty was
- 00:16:58.337 --> 00:17:01.273
- Funds to move into this facility. that difficulty was strategically orchestrated by
- 00:17:01.340 --> 00:17:03.109
- Facility. that difficulty was strategically orchestrated by god. at the time i didn't
- 00:17:03.175 --> 00:17:05.177
- Strategically orchestrated by god. at the time i didn't understand it. i thought, "god,
- 00:17:05.244 --> 00:17:06.879
- God. at the time i didn't understand it. i thought, "god, this is ruining our christmas.
- 00:17:06.946 --> 00:17:08.714
- Understand it. i thought, "god, this is ruining our christmas. this is not right." i could
- 00:17:08.781 --> 00:17:10.015
- This is ruining our christmas. this is not right." i could hear god whispering, "joel,
- 00:17:10.082 --> 00:17:11.951
- This is not right." i could hear god whispering, "joel, trust me. i know what i'm
- 00:17:12.017 --> 00:17:14.053
- Hear god whispering, "joel, trust me. i know what i'm doing. it may be uncomfortable.
- 00:17:14.120 --> 00:17:17.289
- Trust me. i know what i'm doing. it may be uncomfortable. you may not like it but it's
- 00:17:17.356 --> 00:17:18.290
- Doing. it may be uncomfortable. you may not like it but it's ultimately going to work to your
- 00:17:18.357 --> 00:17:19.892
- You may not like it but it's ultimately going to work to your advantage." (applause)
- 00:17:19.959 --> 00:17:22.261
- Ultimately going to work to your advantage." (applause) the longer i live the more i
- 00:17:22.328 --> 00:17:23.696
- Advantage." (applause) the longer i live the more i realize everything is working
- 00:17:23.762 --> 00:17:27.766
- The longer i live the more i realize everything is working for our good. we don't like the
- 00:17:27.833 --> 00:17:29.869
- Realize everything is working for our good. we don't like the disappointments, we don't like
- 00:17:29.935 --> 00:17:31.270
- For our good. we don't like the disappointments, we don't like when a friend betrays us, we
- 00:17:31.337 --> 00:17:33.038
- Disappointments, we don't like when a friend betrays us, we don't like a closed door, but if
- 00:17:33.105 --> 00:17:34.473
- When a friend betrays us, we don't like a closed door, but if it didn't happen you wouldn't
- 00:17:34.540 --> 00:17:36.308
- Don't like a closed door, but if it didn't happen you wouldn't make it into the fullness of
- 00:17:36.375 --> 00:17:37.743
- It didn't happen you wouldn't make it into the fullness of your destiny.
- 00:17:37.810 --> 00:17:39.345
- Make it into the fullness of your destiny. i know a gentleman. he's in his
- 00:17:39.411 --> 00:17:40.980
- Your destiny. i know a gentleman. he's in his late 70's. he was in his
- 00:17:41.046 --> 00:17:42.882
- I know a gentleman. he's in his late 70's. he was in his bedroom on a ladder taking a
- 00:17:42.948 --> 00:17:45.084
- Late 70's. he was in his bedroom on a ladder taking a heavy mirror off the wall. he
- 00:17:45.151 --> 00:17:48.220
- Bedroom on a ladder taking a heavy mirror off the wall. he got the mirror off but when he
- 00:17:48.287 --> 00:17:49.655
- Heavy mirror off the wall. he got the mirror off but when he did he lost his balance and
- 00:17:49.722 --> 00:17:51.090
- Got the mirror off but when he did he lost his balance and began to fall backwards. he
- 00:17:51.157 --> 00:17:53.626
- Did he lost his balance and began to fall backwards. he threw the mirror over but when
- 00:17:53.692 --> 00:17:55.728
- Began to fall backwards. he threw the mirror over but when he fell he hit the dresser and
- 00:17:55.794 --> 00:17:57.730
- Threw the mirror over but when he fell he hit the dresser and he broke a bunch of his ribs.
- 00:17:57.796 --> 00:18:00.366
- He fell he hit the dresser and he broke a bunch of his ribs. they took him to the hospital.
- 00:18:00.432 --> 00:18:01.967
- He broke a bunch of his ribs. they took him to the hospital. the doctor just so happened to
- 00:18:02.034 --> 00:18:03.736
- They took him to the hospital. the doctor just so happened to notice the main artery in his
- 00:18:03.802 --> 00:18:05.905
- The doctor just so happened to notice the main artery in his neck was 98% blocked. any
- 00:18:05.971 --> 00:18:09.074
- Notice the main artery in his neck was 98% blocked. any moment he could have a major
- 00:18:09.141 --> 00:18:10.709
- Neck was 98% blocked. any moment he could have a major stroke and probably not survive.
- 00:18:10.776 --> 00:18:13.779
- Moment he could have a major stroke and probably not survive. the cardiologist told him,
- 00:18:13.846 --> 00:18:15.314
- Stroke and probably not survive. the cardiologist told him, "you're a walking time bomb.
- 00:18:15.381 --> 00:18:16.916
- The cardiologist told him, "you're a walking time bomb. we've got to do a procedure
- 00:18:16.982 --> 00:18:18.250
- "you're a walking time bomb. we've got to do a procedure right now." they did the
- 00:18:18.317 --> 00:18:19.818
- We've got to do a procedure right now." they did the procedure. everything went
- 00:18:19.885 --> 00:18:20.953
- Right now." they did the procedure. everything went well. my point is, if he had
- 00:18:21.020 --> 00:18:23.255
- Procedure. everything went well. my point is, if he had not had the fall, without that
- 00:18:23.322 --> 00:18:25.424
- Well. my point is, if he had not had the fall, without that difficulty he wouldn't have
- 00:18:25.491 --> 00:18:27.226
- Not had the fall, without that difficulty he wouldn't have known that he was in great
- 00:18:27.293 --> 00:18:29.161
- Difficulty he wouldn't have known that he was in great danger.
- 00:18:29.228 --> 00:18:31.363
- Known that he was in great danger. see, every setback is not the
- 00:18:31.430 --> 00:18:33.032
- Danger. see, every setback is not the enemy. we don't like the
- 00:18:33.098 --> 00:18:35.267
- See, every setback is not the enemy. we don't like the disappointments, the
- 00:18:35.334 --> 00:18:37.002
- Enemy. we don't like the disappointments, the uncomfortable times but when you
- 00:18:37.069 --> 00:18:39.071
- Disappointments, the uncomfortable times but when you realize god is strategically
- 00:18:39.138 --> 00:18:41.140
- Uncomfortable times but when you realize god is strategically directing your steps, nothing
- 00:18:41.207 --> 00:18:43.142
- Realize god is strategically directing your steps, nothing can happen without god's
- 00:18:43.209 --> 00:18:44.743
- Directing your steps, nothing can happen without god's permission. then you will not
- 00:18:44.810 --> 00:18:46.378
- Can happen without god's permission. then you will not be frustrated. friends, the
- 00:18:46.445 --> 00:18:48.781
- Permission. then you will not be frustrated. friends, the enemy is not in control of your
- 00:18:48.847 --> 00:18:51.183
- Be frustrated. friends, the enemy is not in control of your life. god is in control of your
- 00:18:51.250 --> 00:18:53.018
- Enemy is not in control of your life. god is in control of your life. (applause)
- 00:18:53.085 --> 00:18:54.553
- Life. god is in control of your life. (applause) and yes, there are forces of
- 00:18:54.620 --> 00:18:56.488
- Life. (applause) and yes, there are forces of darkness that come against us,
- 00:18:56.555 --> 00:18:58.691
- And yes, there are forces of darkness that come against us, but like with job, satan had to
- 00:18:58.757 --> 00:19:00.893
- Darkness that come against us, but like with job, satan had to ask permission to even test job.
- 00:19:00.960 --> 00:19:04.496
- But like with job, satan had to ask permission to even test job. if that disappointment, that bad
- 00:19:04.563 --> 00:19:06.398
- Ask permission to even test job. if that disappointment, that bad break was going to serve no
- 00:19:06.465 --> 00:19:08.000
- If that disappointment, that bad break was going to serve no purpose, god would have never
- 00:19:08.067 --> 00:19:09.602
- Break was going to serve no purpose, god would have never allowed it. quit fighting
- 00:19:09.668 --> 00:19:12.004
- Purpose, god would have never allowed it. quit fighting everything that doesn't go your
- 00:19:12.071 --> 00:19:13.339
- Allowed it. quit fighting everything that doesn't go your way. god has you in the palm of
- 00:19:13.405 --> 00:19:16.041
- Everything that doesn't go your way. god has you in the palm of his hand. nothing can snatch
- 00:19:16.108 --> 00:19:18.677
- Way. god has you in the palm of his hand. nothing can snatch you away. you may not like what
- 00:19:18.744 --> 00:19:21.180
- His hand. nothing can snatch you away. you may not like what you've gone through but every
- 00:19:21.247 --> 00:19:23.515
- You away. you may not like what you've gone through but every difficulty has deposited
- 00:19:23.582 --> 00:19:25.651
- You've gone through but every difficulty has deposited something on the inside.
- 00:19:25.718 --> 00:19:27.553
- Difficulty has deposited something on the inside. you wouldn't be who you are
- 00:19:27.620 --> 00:19:28.854
- Something on the inside. you wouldn't be who you are today or where you are today
- 00:19:28.921 --> 00:19:30.990
- You wouldn't be who you are today or where you are today without the difficult times.
- 00:19:31.056 --> 00:19:33.459
- Today or where you are today without the difficult times. in that opposition god was
- 00:19:33.525 --> 00:19:35.327
- Without the difficult times. in that opposition god was creating opportunity.
- 00:19:35.394 --> 00:19:37.529
- In that opposition god was creating opportunity. he was developing you,
- 00:19:37.596 --> 00:19:39.398
- Creating opportunity. he was developing you, repositioning you, getting you
- 00:19:39.465 --> 00:19:41.333
- He was developing you, repositioning you, getting you prepared for greater abundance.
- 00:19:41.400 --> 00:19:44.570
- Repositioning you, getting you prepared for greater abundance. a while back victoria lost a
- 00:19:44.637 --> 00:19:46.272
- Prepared for greater abundance. a while back victoria lost a ring that her mother had given
- 00:19:46.338 --> 00:19:48.440
- A while back victoria lost a ring that her mother had given her. it was a diamond band that
- 00:19:48.507 --> 00:19:51.076
- Ring that her mother had given her. it was a diamond band that had been in the family for
- 00:19:51.143 --> 00:19:52.711
- Her. it was a diamond band that had been in the family for several generations. sometimes
- 00:19:52.778 --> 00:19:54.280
- Had been in the family for several generations. sometimes when we would travel victoria
- 00:19:54.346 --> 00:19:56.448
- Several generations. sometimes when we would travel victoria would hide the ring in
- 00:19:56.515 --> 00:19:58.250
- When we would travel victoria would hide the ring in different places in the house.
- 00:19:58.317 --> 00:20:00.586
- Would hide the ring in different places in the house. so for months and months we
- 00:20:00.653 --> 00:20:02.121
- Different places in the house. so for months and months we searched everywhere.
- 00:20:02.187 --> 00:20:04.857
- So for months and months we searched everywhere. we looked in every drawer, every
- 00:20:04.923 --> 00:20:06.125
- Searched everywhere. we looked in every drawer, every cabinet, every pocket. i took
- 00:20:06.191 --> 00:20:09.128
- We looked in every drawer, every cabinet, every pocket. i took out every seat cushion, looked
- 00:20:09.194 --> 00:20:10.963
- Cabinet, every pocket. i took out every seat cushion, looked in the seat, in the couch,
- 00:20:11.030 --> 00:20:12.631
- Out every seat cushion, looked in the seat, in the couch, under the couch, under the bed.
- 00:20:12.698 --> 00:20:13.999
- In the seat, in the couch, under the couch, under the bed. the ring was nowhere to be
- 00:20:14.066 --> 00:20:15.801
- Under the couch, under the bed. the ring was nowhere to be found.
- 00:20:15.868 --> 00:20:17.469
- The ring was nowhere to be found. at one point victoria's mom
- 00:20:17.536 --> 00:20:18.704
- Found. at one point victoria's mom noticed that she hadn't been
- 00:20:18.771 --> 00:20:20.072
- At one point victoria's mom noticed that she hadn't been wearing the ring and asked about
- 00:20:20.139 --> 00:20:21.407
- Noticed that she hadn't been wearing the ring and asked about it. victoria said, "oh, mom.
- 00:20:21.473 --> 00:20:23.242
- Wearing the ring and asked about it. victoria said, "oh, mom. i've got it put away in a real
- 00:20:23.309 --> 00:20:24.877
- It. victoria said, "oh, mom. i've got it put away in a real safe place." (laughter)
- 00:20:24.943 --> 00:20:27.446
- I've got it put away in a real safe place." (laughter) i thought, "yeah, so safe we
- 00:20:27.513 --> 00:20:28.414
- Safe place." (laughter) i thought, "yeah, so safe we can't even find it." (laughter)
- 00:20:28.480 --> 00:20:31.150
- I thought, "yeah, so safe we can't even find it." (laughter) about three years later, we
- 00:20:31.216 --> 00:20:33.452
- Can't even find it." (laughter) about three years later, we were driving home late one night
- 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:35.054
- About three years later, we were driving home late one night from victoria, texas. it was
- 00:20:35.120 --> 00:20:37.256
- Were driving home late one night from victoria, texas. it was after midnight. i was very
- 00:20:37.323 --> 00:20:39.124
- From victoria, texas. it was after midnight. i was very tired, ready to get home.
- 00:20:39.191 --> 00:20:41.527
- After midnight. i was very tired, ready to get home. victoria kept saying, "joel, you
- 00:20:41.593 --> 00:20:43.128
- Tired, ready to get home. victoria kept saying, "joel, you better slow down. you're going
- 00:20:43.195 --> 00:20:44.630
- Victoria kept saying, "joel, you better slow down. you're going to get a ticket." i said, "i am
- 00:20:44.697 --> 00:20:46.732
- Better slow down. you're going to get a ticket." i said, "i am not going to get a ticket."
- 00:20:46.799 --> 00:20:48.367
- To get a ticket." i said, "i am not going to get a ticket." i was just barely going over 70.
- 00:20:48.434 --> 00:20:50.436
- Not going to get a ticket." i was just barely going over 70. the speed limit was 65. i was
- 00:20:50.502 --> 00:20:52.504
- I was just barely going over 70. the speed limit was 65. i was out in the middle of the
- 00:20:52.571 --> 00:20:53.672
- The speed limit was 65. i was out in the middle of the country in the middle of the
- 00:20:53.739 --> 00:20:55.274
- Out in the middle of the country in the middle of the night. there wasn't a car on
- 00:20:55.341 --> 00:20:56.675
- Country in the middle of the night. there wasn't a car on the road. all of the sudden i
- 00:20:56.742 --> 00:20:59.511
- Night. there wasn't a car on the road. all of the sudden i look in my rearview mirror and
- 00:20:59.578 --> 00:21:00.979
- The road. all of the sudden i look in my rearview mirror and here's these red lights
- 00:21:01.046 --> 00:21:01.914
- Look in my rearview mirror and here's these red lights flashing. i looked at victoria
- 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:03.449
- Here's these red lights flashing. i looked at victoria and said, "you made me get this
- 00:21:03.515 --> 00:21:04.450
- Flashing. i looked at victoria and said, "you made me get this ticket." (laughter) she called
- 00:21:04.516 --> 00:21:06.452
- And said, "you made me get this ticket." (laughter) she called it into existence. (laughter)
- 00:21:06.518 --> 00:21:08.454
- Ticket." (laughter) she called it into existence. (laughter) the officer came up and i
- 00:21:08.520 --> 00:21:10.889
- It into existence. (laughter) the officer came up and i handed him my driver's license.
- 00:21:10.956 --> 00:21:12.725
- The officer came up and i handed him my driver's license. he said, "i need to see your
- 00:21:12.791 --> 00:21:14.360
- Handed him my driver's license. he said, "i need to see your proof of insurance." victoria
- 00:21:14.426 --> 00:21:16.095
- He said, "i need to see your proof of insurance." victoria opened the glove compartment
- 00:21:16.161 --> 00:21:17.796
- Proof of insurance." victoria opened the glove compartment and started looking. we could
- 00:21:17.863 --> 00:21:19.398
- Opened the glove compartment and started looking. we could find every document except our
- 00:21:19.465 --> 00:21:21.467
- And started looking. we could find every document except our current insurance. she finally
- 00:21:21.533 --> 00:21:23.669
- Find every document except our current insurance. she finally pulled everything out of the
- 00:21:23.736 --> 00:21:25.404
- Current insurance. she finally pulled everything out of the glove compartment. started
- 00:21:25.471 --> 00:21:26.905
- Pulled everything out of the glove compartment. started digging around back in there
- 00:21:26.972 --> 00:21:28.841
- Glove compartment. started digging around back in there and we've got the officer
- 00:21:28.907 --> 00:21:30.142
- Digging around back in there and we've got the officer standing right there, very nerve
- 00:21:30.209 --> 00:21:31.577
- And we've got the officer standing right there, very nerve wracking. the middle of the
- 00:21:31.643 --> 00:21:32.778
- Standing right there, very nerve wracking. the middle of the night. you couldn't see
- 00:21:32.845 --> 00:21:33.979
- Wracking. the middle of the night. you couldn't see anything. she was maneuvering
- 00:21:34.046 --> 00:21:35.614
- Night. you couldn't see anything. she was maneuvering her hand back and forth. at one
- 00:21:35.681 --> 00:21:37.383
- Anything. she was maneuvering her hand back and forth. at one point she felt something sharp
- 00:21:37.449 --> 00:21:39.585
- Her hand back and forth. at one point she felt something sharp way down in a crack. she
- 00:21:39.651 --> 00:21:41.720
- Point she felt something sharp way down in a crack. she thought, "what is this?" and
- 00:21:41.787 --> 00:21:43.255
- Way down in a crack. she thought, "what is this?" and she struggled and struggled.
- 00:21:43.322 --> 00:21:44.323
- Thought, "what is this?" and she struggled and struggled. finally got it out. it was the
- 00:21:44.390 --> 00:21:45.691
- She struggled and struggled. finally got it out. it was the ring she had been looking for
- 00:21:45.758 --> 00:21:46.792
- Finally got it out. it was the ring she had been looking for for three and a half years.
- 00:21:46.859 --> 00:21:49.762
- Ring she had been looking for for three and a half years. now i still don't understand why
- 00:21:49.828 --> 00:21:51.029
- For three and a half years. now i still don't understand why god used my pain to find her
- 00:21:51.096 --> 00:21:53.532
- Now i still don't understand why god used my pain to find her ring. (laughter) that doesn't
- 00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:56.435
- God used my pain to find her ring. (laughter) that doesn't make sense. (applause)
- 00:21:56.502 --> 00:21:59.238
- Ring. (laughter) that doesn't make sense. (applause) victoria was so excited she
- 00:21:59.304 --> 00:22:00.973
- Make sense. (applause) victoria was so excited she forgot all about the insurance
- 00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:02.541
- Victoria was so excited she forgot all about the insurance card. she was over there
- 00:22:02.608 --> 00:22:05.277
- Forgot all about the insurance card. she was over there rejoicing and here i was about
- 00:22:05.344 --> 00:22:07.012
- Card. she was over there rejoicing and here i was about to go to jail. (laughter)
- 00:22:07.079 --> 00:22:10.382
- Rejoicing and here i was about to go to jail. (laughter) she ended up finding the
- 00:22:10.449 --> 00:22:11.617
- To go to jail. (laughter) she ended up finding the current insurance card that we
- 00:22:11.683 --> 00:22:13.519
- She ended up finding the current insurance card that we needed on the very top of the
- 00:22:13.585 --> 00:22:15.220
- Current insurance card that we needed on the very top of the stack. it was one of the first
- 00:22:15.287 --> 00:22:17.689
- Needed on the very top of the stack. it was one of the first things she looked at. it was
- 00:22:17.756 --> 00:22:19.458
- Stack. it was one of the first things she looked at. it was almost like god caused her to
- 00:22:19.525 --> 00:22:21.059
- Things she looked at. it was almost like god caused her to overlook it.
- 00:22:21.126 --> 00:22:23.162
- Almost like god caused her to overlook it. i handed it to the officer. he
- 00:22:23.228 --> 00:22:24.596
- Overlook it. i handed it to the officer. he said, "are you that minister?"
- 00:22:24.663 --> 00:22:26.598
- I handed it to the officer. he said, "are you that minister?" i said, "i am." he said, "if i
- 00:22:26.665 --> 00:22:28.834
- Said, "are you that minister?" i said, "i am." he said, "if i come to houston will you save
- 00:22:28.901 --> 00:22:30.869
- I said, "i am." he said, "if i come to houston will you save me a seat in your church?" i
- 00:22:30.936 --> 00:22:32.671
- Come to houston will you save me a seat in your church?" i said, "i'll save you a whole
- 00:22:32.738 --> 00:22:34.139
- Me a seat in your church?" i said, "i'll save you a whole section." (laughter) he handed
- 00:22:34.206 --> 00:22:38.310
- Said, "i'll save you a whole section." (laughter) he handed it back. said, "good night. be
- 00:22:38.377 --> 00:22:39.778
- Section." (laughter) he handed it back. said, "good night. be careful. you can go."
- 00:22:39.845 --> 00:22:41.547
- It back. said, "good night. be careful. you can go." (applause)
- 00:22:41.613 --> 00:22:43.048
- Careful. you can go." (applause) but sometimes sometimes what we
- 00:22:43.115 --> 00:22:44.783
- (applause) but sometimes sometimes what we think is a setback is really a
- 00:22:44.850 --> 00:22:46.852
- But sometimes sometimes what we think is a setback is really a setup for god to do something
- 00:22:46.919 --> 00:22:48.687
- Think is a setback is really a setup for god to do something great. god knew we would never
- 00:22:48.754 --> 00:22:50.556
- Setup for god to do something great. god knew we would never dig way back in that glove box
- 00:22:50.622 --> 00:22:53.492
- Great. god knew we would never dig way back in that glove box unless there was a police
- 00:22:53.559 --> 00:22:54.760
- Dig way back in that glove box unless there was a police officer standing there in the
- 00:22:54.827 --> 00:22:56.595
- Unless there was a police officer standing there in the middle of the night. god works
- 00:22:56.662 --> 00:22:58.363
- Officer standing there in the middle of the night. god works in mysterious ways. everything
- 00:22:58.430 --> 00:23:00.365
- Middle of the night. god works in mysterious ways. everything about your life has been
- 00:23:00.432 --> 00:23:01.667
- In mysterious ways. everything about your life has been strategically ordained. you may
- 00:23:01.733 --> 00:23:03.869
- About your life has been strategically ordained. you may not understand it. it may not
- 00:23:03.936 --> 00:23:05.471
- Strategically ordained. you may not understand it. it may not make sense. that's what faith
- 00:23:05.537 --> 00:23:07.039
- Not understand it. it may not make sense. that's what faith is all about. some of you are
- 00:23:07.105 --> 00:23:08.941
- Make sense. that's what faith is all about. some of you are living frustrated, upset
- 00:23:09.007 --> 00:23:10.409
- Is all about. some of you are living frustrated, upset because of what somebody said,
- 00:23:10.476 --> 00:23:12.344
- Living frustrated, upset because of what somebody said, what didn't work out. come back
- 00:23:12.411 --> 00:23:14.179
- Because of what somebody said, what didn't work out. come back to that place of peace. it's
- 00:23:14.246 --> 00:23:16.148
- What didn't work out. come back to that place of peace. it's not going to work against you.
- 00:23:16.215 --> 00:23:17.850
- To that place of peace. it's not going to work against you. it's going to work for you.
- 00:23:17.916 --> 00:23:20.052
- Not going to work against you. it's going to work for you. like god promised the
- 00:23:20.118 --> 00:23:21.487
- It's going to work for you. like god promised the israelites, i believe and
- 00:23:21.553 --> 00:23:22.721
- Like god promised the israelites, i believe and declare you're coming into an
- 00:23:22.788 --> 00:23:24.490
- Israelites, i believe and declare you're coming into an afterwards. after the storm,
- 00:23:24.556 --> 00:23:25.858
- Declare you're coming into an afterwards. after the storm, after the difficulty, there
- 00:23:25.924 --> 00:23:28.994
- Afterwards. after the storm, after the difficulty, there will be great joy, great
- 00:23:29.061 --> 00:23:30.929
- After the difficulty, there will be great joy, great health, great relationships,
- 00:23:30.996 --> 00:23:33.232
- Will be great joy, great health, great relationships, great opportunities, great
- 00:23:33.298 --> 00:23:35.000
- Health, great relationships, great opportunities, great abundance coming your way.
- 00:23:35.067 --> 00:23:36.835
- Great opportunities, great abundance coming your way. in jesus' name. if you receive
- 00:23:36.902 --> 00:23:38.504
- Abundance coming your way. in jesus' name. if you receive it can you say, "amen" today?
- 00:23:38.570 --> 00:23:40.572
- In jesus' name. if you receive it can you say, "amen" today? (applause)
- 00:23:40.639 --> 00:23:42.841
- It can you say, "amen" today? (applause) well we never like to close our
- 00:23:42.908 --> 00:23:43.675
- (applause) well we never like to close our broadcast without giving you an
- 00:23:43.742 --> 00:23:45.210
- Well we never like to close our broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make jesus the
- 00:23:45.277 --> 00:23:47.179
- Broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life. would you
- 00:23:47.246 --> 00:23:48.580
- Opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life. would you pray with me? just say, "lord
- 00:23:48.647 --> 00:23:50.082
- Lord of your life. would you pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins.
- 00:23:50.148 --> 00:23:53.685
- Pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins. come into my heart.
- 00:23:53.752 --> 00:23:56.288
- Jesus, i repent of my sins. come into my heart. i make you my lord and savior."
- 00:23:56.355 --> 00:23:58.891
- Come into my heart. i make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that
- 00:23:58.957 --> 00:24:00.826
- I make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you got
- 00:24:00.893 --> 00:24:02.394
- Friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good
- 00:24:02.461 --> 00:24:04.029
- Simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good bible-based church. keep god
- 00:24:04.096 --> 00:24:05.764
- Born again. get in a good bible-based church. keep god first place. he'll take you
- 00:24:05.831 --> 00:24:07.432
- Bible-based church. keep god first place. he'll take you places that you've never
- 00:24:07.499 --> 00:24:08.834
- Your destiny is too great,
- 00:24:09.635 --> 00:24:11.737
- Your destiny is too great, your calling too important,
- 00:24:11.803 --> 00:24:13.839
- Your calling too important, and your future too bright
- 00:24:13.906 --> 00:24:15.607
- And your future too bright to live in fear.
- 00:24:15.674 --> 00:24:17.309
- To live in fear. fear may knock,
- 00:24:17.376 --> 00:24:18.610
- Fear may knock, but you don't have
- 00:24:18.677 --> 00:24:19.545
- But you don't have to let it in.
- 00:24:19.611 --> 00:24:20.746
- To let it in. it's time to let faith answer.
- 00:24:20.846 --> 00:24:23.815
- It's time to let faith answer. fear is a powerful force,
- 00:24:23.882 --> 00:24:25.417
- Fear is a powerful force, but so is faith.
- 00:24:25.484 --> 00:24:26.752
- But so is faith. what we focus on shapes
- 00:24:26.818 --> 00:24:28.253
- What we focus on shapes our reality.
- 00:24:28.320 --> 00:24:29.388
- In my new book, no more fear:
- 00:24:29.488 --> 00:24:31.456
- In my new book, no more fear: you have the mind of christ,
- 00:24:31.523 --> 00:24:33.225
- You have the mind of christ, i'll show you how
- 00:24:33.292 --> 00:24:33.892
- I'll show you how to silence fear and live boldly
- 00:24:33.959 --> 00:24:36.094
- To silence fear and live boldly in faith and confidence.
- 00:24:36.161 --> 00:24:38.063
- In faith and confidence. just like david said, "though
- 00:24:38.130 --> 00:24:39.798
- Just like david said, "though i walk through the valley,
- 00:24:39.865 --> 00:24:41.099
- I walk through the valley, i will not fear,"
- 00:24:41.166 --> 00:24:42.668
- I will not fear," you too can walk through
- 00:24:42.734 --> 00:24:43.936
- You too can walk through life's challenges
- 00:24:44.002 --> 00:24:45.070
- Life's challenges without being paralyzed
- 00:24:45.137 --> 00:24:46.338
- Without being paralyzed by fear.
- 00:24:46.405 --> 00:24:47.439
- By fear. i can't promise you
- 00:24:47.506 --> 00:24:48.440
- I can't promise you you'll never feel fear,
- 00:24:48.507 --> 00:24:50.075
- You'll never feel fear, but i can teach you
- 00:24:50.142 --> 00:24:51.076
- But i can teach you how to rise above it
- 00:24:51.143 --> 00:24:52.477
- How to rise above it by dwelling on what god says,
- 00:24:52.544 --> 00:24:54.580
- By dwelling on what god says, learning to replace
- 00:24:54.646 --> 00:24:55.714
- Learning to replace the anxious thoughts
- 00:24:55.781 --> 00:24:56.949
- The anxious thoughts with faith-filled ones.
- 00:24:57.015 --> 00:24:58.684
- With faith-filled ones. you can live
- 00:24:58.750 --> 00:24:59.484
- You can live from a place of peace,
- 00:24:59.551 --> 00:25:00.852
- From a place of peace, power, and purpose.
- 00:25:00.919 --> 00:25:02.888
- Power, and purpose. as our way of saying thank you
- 00:25:02.988 --> 00:25:04.690
- As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount
- 00:25:04.756 --> 00:25:06.191
- For your gift of any amount this month,
- 00:25:06.258 --> 00:25:06.959
- This month, we would like to send you
- 00:25:07.025 --> 00:25:08.193
- We would like to send you a copy of joel's book,
- 00:25:08.260 --> 00:25:09.761
- A copy of joel's book, no more fear:
- 00:25:09.828 --> 00:25:11.096
- No more fear: you have the mind of christ.
- 00:25:11.163 --> 00:25:13.265
- You have the mind of christ. the bible proclaims,
- 00:25:13.332 --> 00:25:14.633
- The bible proclaims, "the lord is my light
- 00:25:14.700 --> 00:25:16.068
- "the lord is my light and my salvation;
- 00:25:16.134 --> 00:25:17.502
- And my salvation; whom shall i fear?"
- 00:25:17.569 --> 00:25:19.171
- Whom shall i fear?" this powerful
- 00:25:19.237 --> 00:25:20.072
- This powerful and practical book
- 00:25:20.138 --> 00:25:21.239
- And practical book will help you silence doubt,
- 00:25:21.306 --> 00:25:23.075
- Will help you silence doubt, overcome anxiety,
- 00:25:23.141 --> 00:25:24.610
- Overcome anxiety, and step boldly into god's
- 00:25:24.676 --> 00:25:26.478
- And step boldly into god's overcoming power.
- 00:25:26.545 --> 00:25:28.046
- Overcoming power. when fear whispers,
- 00:25:28.113 --> 00:25:29.348
- When fear whispers, "you can't,"
- 00:25:29.414 --> 00:25:30.282
- "you can't," this devotional will stir
- 00:25:30.349 --> 00:25:31.783
- This devotional will stir your faith
- 00:25:31.850 --> 00:25:32.417
- Your faith to declare, "god will."
- 00:25:32.484 --> 00:25:34.586
- To declare, "god will." each page
- 00:25:34.653 --> 00:25:35.420
- Each page reminds you
- 00:25:35.487 --> 00:25:36.154
- Reminds you that you weren't
- 00:25:36.221 --> 00:25:36.922
- That you weren't created to live in fear
- 00:25:36.989 --> 00:25:38.523
- Created to live in fear or despair.
- 00:25:38.590 --> 00:25:39.725
- Or despair. you were created to live
- 00:25:39.791 --> 00:25:41.326
- You were created to live with passion,
- 00:25:41.393 --> 00:25:42.394
- With passion, purpose, and confidence
- 00:25:42.461 --> 00:25:44.096
- Purpose, and confidence in god's plans for your life.
- 00:25:44.162 --> 00:25:46.465
- In god's plans for your life. let god's word
- 00:25:46.531 --> 00:25:47.499
- Let god's word equip you to rise above fear
- 00:25:47.566 --> 00:25:49.801
- Equip you to rise above fear and walk in victory.
- 00:25:49.868 --> 00:25:52.437
- And walk in victory. fear doesn't have
- 00:25:52.504 --> 00:25:53.271
- Fear doesn't have the final say, god does.
- 00:25:53.338 --> 00:25:55.273
- The final say, god does. be bold,
- 00:25:55.340 --> 00:25:56.008
- Be bold, be strong, and step up to who
- 00:25:56.074 --> 00:25:58.076
- Be strong, and step up to who he made you to be.
- 00:25:58.143 --> 00:25:59.745
- He made you to be. victoria and i want you to know
- 00:25:59.811 --> 00:26:01.013
- Victoria and i want you to know we're praying for
- 00:26:01.079 --> 00:26:01.780
- We're praying for you and your family,
- 00:26:01.847 --> 00:26:03.248
- You and your family, believing for god's very best.
- 00:26:03.348 --> 00:26:05.417
- Believing for god's very best. thank you so much
- 00:26:05.484 --> 00:26:06.318
- Thank you so much for your prayer and support.
- 00:26:06.385 --> 00:26:08.086
- For your prayer and support. your generosity
- 00:26:08.153 --> 00:26:09.154
- Your generosity is helping people
- 00:26:09.221 --> 00:26:10.055
- Is helping people around the world.
- 00:26:10.122 --> 00:26:11.657
- Around the world. as we finish this year,
- 00:26:11.723 --> 00:26:13.058
- As we finish this year, i hope you'll consider
- 00:26:13.125 --> 00:26:14.126
- I hope you'll consider making a special year-end
- 00:26:14.192 --> 00:26:15.694
- Making a special year-end gift; helps
- 00:26:15.761 --> 00:26:16.628
- Gift; helps to keep the ministries strong.
- 00:26:16.728 --> 00:26:18.730
- To keep the ministries strong. i always want to thank our
- 00:26:18.797 --> 00:26:19.898
- I always want to thank our champion of hope partners
- 00:26:19.965 --> 00:26:21.199
- Champion of hope partners for your monthly gifts.
- 00:26:21.266 --> 00:26:22.834
- For your monthly gifts. if you're not a partner,
- 00:26:22.901 --> 00:26:23.935
- If you're not a partner, i hope you'll
- 00:26:24.002 --> 00:26:24.469
- I hope you'll consider becoming one.
- 00:26:24.536 --> 00:26:26.204
- Consider becoming one. and until we see you next time,
- 00:26:26.271 --> 00:26:27.639
- And until we see you next time, may the lord bless you
- 00:26:27.706 --> 00:26:28.940
- May the lord bless you and keep you.
- 00:26:29.007 --> 00:26:30.642
- And keep you. be sure to request
- 00:26:30.709 --> 00:26:31.777
- Be sure to request your copy of joel's new book,
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