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Joel Osteen | Joel Osteen - You Are Not Damaged Goods | December 4, 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. thank
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- Feel right at home. but thanks so much for tuning in. thank you again for coming out.
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- So much for tuning in. thank you again for coming out. i like to start with something
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- You again for coming out. i like to start with something funny. i heard about this group
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- I like to start with something funny. i heard about this group of school children. they were
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- Funny. i heard about this group of school children. they were in the cafeteria line at their
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- Of school children. they were in the cafeteria line at their catholic elementary school.
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- In the cafeteria line at their catholic elementary school. at the first of the line there
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- Catholic elementary school. at the first of the line there was a big bowl of apples. a nun
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- At the first of the line there was a big bowl of apples. a nun had written a note, "take only
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- Was a big bowl of apples. a nun had written a note, "take only one. god is watching."
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- Had written a note, "take only one. god is watching." (laughter) at the end of the
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- One. god is watching." (laughter) at the end of the line there was a big bowl of
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- (laughter) at the end of the line there was a big bowl of chocolate chip cookies. one
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- Line there was a big bowl of chocolate chip cookies. one of the children had written a
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- Chocolate chip cookies. one of the children had written a note, "take all you want. god
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- Of the children had written a note, "take all you want. god is watching the apples."
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- Note, "take all you want. god is watching the apples." (laughter/applause)
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- Is watching the apples." (laughter/applause) hold up your bible and say it
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- (laughter/applause) hold up your bible and say it like you mean it.
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- Hold up your bible and say it like you mean it. this is my bible.
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- Like 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 how you are not damaged
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- I want to talk to you today about how you are not damaged goods.
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- About how you are not damaged goods. i was in a grocery store and
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- Goods. i was in a grocery store and down one of aisles there was a
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- I was in a grocery store and down one of aisles there was a whole section called damaged
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- Down one of aisles there was a whole section called damaged goods. it was mostly canned
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- Whole section called damaged goods. it was mostly canned products that had been marked
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- Goods. it was mostly canned products that had been marked down because of some kind of
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- Products that had been marked down because of some kind of flaw. the can was dented. the
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- Down because of some kind of flaw. the can was dented. the label was torn. the color was
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- Flaw. the can was dented. the label was torn. the color was off. the store couldn't sell it
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- Label was torn. the color was off. the store couldn't sell it for the full price because they
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- Off. the store couldn't sell it for the full price because they had an imperfection. they were
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- For the full price because they had an imperfection. they were considered less valuable,
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- Had an imperfection. they were considered less valuable, inferior, damaged goods. what's
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- Considered less valuable, inferior, damaged goods. what's interesting is if you bought
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- Inferior, damaged goods. what's interesting is if you bought one of those cans, you opened
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- Interesting is if you bought one of those cans, you opened it up, can of corn, can of
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- One of those cans, you opened it up, can of corn, can of peas, can of peaches, you would
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- It up, can of corn, can of peas, can of peaches, you would find there's nothing wrong with
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- Peas, can of peaches, you would find there's nothing wrong with the inside. the can may have
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- Find there's nothing wrong with the inside. the can may have been dented but it didn't
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- The inside. the can may have been dented but it didn't affect the contents. the label
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- Been dented but it didn't affect the contents. the label may have been torn. on the
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- Affect the contents. the label may have been torn. on the outside it wasn't perfect but
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- May have been torn. on the outside it wasn't perfect but on the inside where it matters
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- Outside it wasn't perfect but on the inside where it matters there was no difference. the
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- On the inside where it matters there was no difference. the damaged goods peaches that
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- There was no difference. the damaged goods peaches that were sold for half price tasted
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- Damaged goods peaches that were sold for half price tasted just as good as the peaches that
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- Were sold for half price tasted just as good as the peaches that were sold for full price. the
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- Just as good as the peaches that were sold for full price. the corn, the peas, may have been
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- Were sold for full price. the corn, the peas, may have been labeled inferior, less than,
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- Corn, the peas, may have been labeled inferior, less than, but that's all it was; just a
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- Labeled inferior, less than, but that's all it was; just a label.
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- But that's all it was; just a label. it's the same principle in life.
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- Label. it's the same principle in life. all of us in some way have been
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- It's the same principle in life. all of us in some way have been damaged. you can't live very
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- All of us in some way have been damaged. you can't live very long without making a mistake,
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- Damaged. you can't live very long without making a mistake, being hurt by someone, going
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- Long without making a mistake, being hurt by someone, going through a breakup, damaged by
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- Being hurt by someone, going through a breakup, damaged by a divorce, damaged by an
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- Through a breakup, damaged by a divorce, damaged by an unhealthy childhood, damaged
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- A divorce, damaged by an unhealthy childhood, damaged by an addiction.
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- Unhealthy childhood, damaged by an addiction. too many people go around
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- By an addiction. too many people go around wearing the damaged goods label,
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- Too many people go around wearing the damaged goods label, feeling washed up, less than,
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- Wearing the damaged goods label, feeling washed up, less than, focused on their mistakes,
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- Feeling washed up, less than, focused on their mistakes, focused on what they've been
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- Focused on their mistakes, focused on what they've been through. no you've got to get
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- Focused on what they've been through. no you've got to get out of that section. that's not
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- Through. no you've got to get out of that section. that's not where you belong. you may have
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- Out of that section. that's not where you belong. you may have been dented on the outside, but
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- Where you belong. you may have been dented on the outside, but like those cans, there's
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- Been dented on the outside, but like those cans, there's nothing wrong with the
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- Like those cans, there's nothing wrong with the inside. that setback did not
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- Nothing wrong with the inside. that setback did not affect your dna. that loss,
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- Inside. that setback did not affect your dna. that loss, that disappointment, didn't
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- Affect your dna. that loss, that disappointment, didn't change who you are. that
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- That disappointment, didn't change who you are. that mistake, the failure, the
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- Change who you are. that mistake, the failure, the weakness, didn't stop your
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- Mistake, the failure, the weakness, didn't stop your destiny. you may have been
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- Weakness, didn't stop your destiny. you may have been bruised on the outside but on
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- Destiny. you may have been bruised on the outside but on the inside you still have the
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- Bruised on the outside but on the inside you still have the blood of a winner. you still
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- The inside you still have the blood of a winner. you still have the dna of almighty god.
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- Blood of a winner. you still have the dna of almighty god. you've been crowned with favor.
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- Have the dna of almighty god. you've been crowned with favor. you are full of potential,
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- You've been crowned with favor. you are full of potential, talent, creativity, wisdom.
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- You are full of potential, talent, creativity, wisdom. there is nothing wrong with
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- Talent, creativity, wisdom. there is nothing wrong with your contents. listen, people
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- There is nothing wrong with your contents. listen, people can't keep you from your
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- Your contents. listen, people can't keep you from your destiny. bad breaks can't stop
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- Can't keep you from your destiny. bad breaks can't stop you. weaknesses can't stop you.
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- Destiny. bad breaks can't stop you. weaknesses can't stop you. the only thing that can really
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- You. weaknesses can't stop you. the only thing that can really stop you is you. if you wear
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- The only thing that can really stop you is you. if you wear the damaged goods label it can
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- Stop you is you. if you wear the damaged goods label it can keep you from becoming all god
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- The damaged goods label it can keep you from becoming all god has created you to be. i don't
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- Keep you from becoming all god has created you to be. i don't believe in giving anyone the
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- Has created you to be. i don't believe in giving anyone the rights to feel sorry for
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- Believe in giving anyone the rights to feel sorry for themselves. life happens to us
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- Rights to feel sorry for themselves. life happens to us all.
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- Themselves. life happens to us all. if you get knocked down get back
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- All. if you get knocked down get back up and go again. if you have a
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- If you get knocked down get back up and go again. if you have a bad break don't sit around in
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- Up and go again. if you have a bad break don't sit around in self-pity. (applause)
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- Bad break don't sit around in self-pity. (applause) shake it off and move forward.
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- Self-pity. (applause) shake it off and move forward. if you make a mistake don't go
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- Shake it off and move forward. if you make a mistake don't go through life beating yourself
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- If you make a mistake don't go through life beating yourself up. receive god's mercy and do
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- Through life beating yourself up. receive god's mercy and do better next time. you may have
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- Up. receive god's mercy and do better next time. you may have failed but you're not a
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- Better next time. you may have failed but you're not a failure. you may have lost but
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- Failed but you're not a failure. you may have lost but you're not a loser.
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- Failure. you may have lost but you're not a loser. you may have had unfair things
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- You're not a loser. you may have had unfair things happen but you're not a victim.
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- You may have had unfair things happen but you're not a victim. you're a victor. (applause)
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- Happen but you're not a victim. you're a victor. (applause) now do yourself a favor.
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- You're a victor. (applause) now do yourself a favor. take off the damaged goods
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- Now do yourself a favor. take off the damaged goods label. quit thinking about your
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- Take off the damaged goods label. quit thinking about your mistakes, who hurt you, what
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- Label. quit thinking about your mistakes, who hurt you, what didn't work out. god knows
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- Mistakes, who hurt you, what didn't work out. god knows every person that has done you
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- Didn't work out. god knows every person that has done you wrong, every disappointment,
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- Every person that has done you wrong, every disappointment, every struggle, every bad break
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- Wrong, every disappointment, every struggle, every bad break and he has promised if you will
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- Every struggle, every bad break and he has promised if you will stay in faith he will pay you
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- And he has promised if you will stay in faith he will pay you back double for the unfair
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- Stay in faith he will pay you back double for the unfair things that have happened.
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- Back double for the unfair things that have happened. i've heard it said god can bring
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- Things that have happened. i've heard it said god can bring greatness out of a great mess.
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- I've heard it said god can bring greatness out of a great mess. sometimes we focus on the mess,
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- Greatness out of a great mess. sometimes we focus on the mess, the dysfunction, the broken
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- Sometimes we focus on the mess, the dysfunction, the broken dream, the weakness but in all
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- The dysfunction, the broken dream, the weakness but in all the mess god sees greatness.
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- Dream, the weakness but in all the mess god sees greatness. he knows how to take your
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- The mess god sees greatness. he knows how to take your troubles and turn them into
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- He knows how to take your troubles and turn them into trophies, how to take the test
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- Troubles and turn them into trophies, how to take the test and make it your testimony.
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- Trophies, how to take the test and make it your testimony. this is what happened to a young
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- And make it your testimony. this is what happened to a young boy named ishmael. he was the
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- This is what happened to a young boy named ishmael. he was the child that abraham had out of
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- Boy named ishmael. he was the child that abraham had out of wedlock with sarah's maid
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- Child that abraham had out of wedlock with sarah's maid hagar. ishmael wasn't the
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- Wedlock with sarah's maid hagar. ishmael wasn't the promised child. he was born out
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- Hagar. ishmael wasn't the promised child. he was born out of abraham and sarah's
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- Promised child. he was born out of abraham and sarah's impatience. they got tired of
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- Of abraham and sarah's impatience. they got tired of waiting year after year.
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- Impatience. they got tired of waiting year after year. they knew they had a promise
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- Waiting year after year. they knew they had a promise but it wasn't happening as fast
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- They knew they had a promise but it wasn't happening as fast as they would like. so sarah
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- But it wasn't happening as fast as they would like. so sarah talked her husband abraham
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- As they would like. so sarah talked her husband abraham into sleeping with her maid
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- Talked her husband abraham into sleeping with her maid hagar and they had this little
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- Into sleeping with her maid hagar and they had this little baby boy named ishmael.
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- Hagar and they had this little baby boy named ishmael. ishmael was born into a
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- Baby boy named ishmael. ishmael was born into a dysfunctional home. he was born
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- Ishmael was born into a dysfunctional home. he was born into distrust, confusion,
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- Dysfunctional home. he was born into distrust, confusion, chaos. he would have been
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- Into distrust, confusion, chaos. he would have been considered damaged goods, a
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- Chaos. he would have been considered damaged goods, a mistake, not the right one.
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- Considered damaged goods, a mistake, not the right one. the funny thing is it was
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- Mistake, not the right one. the funny thing is it was sarah's idea but she got mad
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- The funny thing is it was sarah's idea but she got mad at abraham for having a baby
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- Sarah's idea but she got mad at abraham for having a baby with another women. sarah
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- At abraham for having a baby with another women. sarah turned on hagar, her once
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- With another women. sarah turned on hagar, her once trusted maid and now she
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- Turned on hagar, her once trusted maid and now she can't stand the woman.
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- Trusted maid and now she can't stand the woman. she told abraham, "you better
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- Can't stand the woman. she told abraham, "you better get your mistress and her son
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- She told abraham, "you better get your mistress and her son out of my life really, really
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- Get your mistress and her son out of my life really, really fast."
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- Out of my life really, really fast." you talking about a messed up
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- Fast." you talking about a messed up situation. they were in a love
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- You talking about a messed up situation. they were in a love triangle and they were all
- 00:06:33.449 --> 00:06:35.551
- Situation. they were in a love triangle and they were all living in the same house. you
- 00:06:35.618 --> 00:06:37.820
- Triangle and they were all living in the same house. you think there's drama in your
- 00:06:37.887 --> 00:06:39.155
- Living in the same house. you think there's drama in your home? you should have been in
- 00:06:39.222 --> 00:06:40.690
- Think there's drama in your home? you should have been in abraham's home. (laughter)
- 00:06:40.756 --> 00:06:42.258
- Home? you should have been in abraham's home. (laughter) and he is called the father of
- 00:06:42.325 --> 00:06:44.360
- Abraham's home. (laughter) and he is called the father of our faith. (laughter) that
- 00:06:44.427 --> 00:06:47.129
- And he is called the father of our faith. (laughter) that gives me hope for my own
- 00:06:47.196 --> 00:06:47.930
- Our faith. (laughter) that gives me hope for my own family. (laughter)
- 00:06:47.997 --> 00:06:50.466
- Gives me hope for my own family. (laughter) it got so bad that sarah gave
- 00:06:50.533 --> 00:06:53.302
- Family. (laughter) it got so bad that sarah gave abraham an ultimatum, "either
- 00:06:53.369 --> 00:06:55.238
- It got so bad that sarah gave abraham an ultimatum, "either your mistress and her son leaves
- 00:06:55.304 --> 00:06:57.974
- Abraham an ultimatum, "either your mistress and her son leaves or i'm out of here." abraham
- 00:06:58.040 --> 00:07:00.710
- Your mistress and her son leaves or i'm out of here." abraham ended up sending hagar and his
- 00:07:00.776 --> 00:07:02.512
- Or i'm out of here." abraham ended up sending hagar and his son ishmael out into the
- 00:07:02.578 --> 00:07:04.046
- Desert.
- 00:07:04.380 --> 00:07:05.648
- Now think about ishmael. he is
- 00:07:05.648 --> 00:07:07.517
- The innocent one in this whole
- 00:07:07.583 --> 00:07:09.619
- The innocent one in this whole ordeal. he didn't get to choose
- 00:07:09.685 --> 00:07:11.888
- The innocent one in this whole ordeal. he didn't get to choose who his parents would be. he
- 00:07:11.954 --> 00:07:13.523
- Ordeal. he didn't get to choose who his parents would be. he didn't choose what family he
- 00:07:13.589 --> 00:07:15.258
- Who his parents would be. he didn't choose what family he would be born into. he didn't
- 00:07:15.324 --> 00:07:17.093
- Didn't choose what family he would be born into. he didn't do anything wrong. he just
- 00:07:17.159 --> 00:07:18.661
- Would be born into. he didn't do anything wrong. he just showed up and life threw him
- 00:07:18.728 --> 00:07:20.329
- Do anything wrong. he just showed up and life threw him out into the cold. he could
- 00:07:20.396 --> 00:07:22.565
- Showed up and life threw him out into the cold. he could have had a chip on his
- 00:07:22.632 --> 00:07:23.833
- Out into the cold. he could have had a chip on his shoulder, thought, "god, this is
- 00:07:23.900 --> 00:07:24.967
- Have had a chip on his shoulder, thought, "god, this is not fair. why was i born into
- 00:07:25.034 --> 00:07:26.903
- Shoulder, thought, "god, this is not fair. why was i born into this mess? why is my mother a
- 00:07:26.969 --> 00:07:29.906
- Not fair. why was i born into this mess? why is my mother a mistress? why couldn't i be
- 00:07:29.972 --> 00:07:31.774
- This mess? why is my mother a mistress? why couldn't i be isaac, the promised child and
- 00:07:31.841 --> 00:07:34.076
- Mistress? why couldn't i be isaac, the promised child and stay here with my family?" he
- 00:07:34.143 --> 00:07:36.279
- Isaac, the promised child and stay here with my family?" he had all these disadvantages.
- 00:07:36.345 --> 00:07:38.881
- Stay here with my family?" he had all these disadvantages. he could have seen himself as
- 00:07:38.948 --> 00:07:40.750
- Had all these disadvantages. he could have seen himself as damaged goods and just faded
- 00:07:40.816 --> 00:07:42.585
- He could have seen himself as damaged goods and just faded off into the sunset. but here
- 00:07:42.652 --> 00:07:45.154
- Damaged goods and just faded off into the sunset. but here is the mercy of god. god said
- 00:07:45.221 --> 00:07:48.157
- Off into the sunset. but here is the mercy of god. god said in genesis 21, "i will bring
- 00:07:48.224 --> 00:07:50.359
- Is the mercy of god. god said in genesis 21, "i will bring out of ishmael a great nation."
- 00:07:50.426 --> 00:07:54.730
- In genesis 21, "i will bring out of ishmael a great nation." we know god did great things
- 00:07:54.797 --> 00:07:56.465
- Out of ishmael a great nation." we know god did great things with isaac but we don't always
- 00:07:56.532 --> 00:07:58.100
- We know god did great things with isaac but we don't always realize god did something great
- 00:07:58.167 --> 00:08:00.736
- With isaac but we don't always realize god did something great with ishmael. god was saying,
- 00:08:00.803 --> 00:08:02.772
- Realize god did something great with ishmael. god was saying, "this child that's been born
- 00:08:02.838 --> 00:08:05.341
- With ishmael. god was saying, "this child that's been born into dysfunction, this child
- 00:08:05.408 --> 00:08:07.643
- "this child that's been born into dysfunction, this child that's had bad breaks, been put
- 00:08:07.710 --> 00:08:09.712
- Into dysfunction, this child that's had bad breaks, been put at a disadvantage, seen as
- 00:08:09.779 --> 00:08:11.814
- That's had bad breaks, been put at a disadvantage, seen as damaged goods, i haven't
- 00:08:11.881 --> 00:08:14.317
- At a disadvantage, seen as damaged goods, i haven't written him off. he is not a
- 00:08:14.383 --> 00:08:15.785
- Damaged goods, i haven't written him off. he is not a mistake. i still have a plan.
- 00:08:15.851 --> 00:08:18.554
- Written him off. he is not a mistake. i still have a plan. i'm going to bring greatness
- 00:08:18.621 --> 00:08:19.989
- Mistake. i still have a plan. i'm going to bring greatness out of this great mess."
- 00:08:20.056 --> 00:08:22.391
- I'm going to bring greatness out of this great mess." you may be in a situation now
- 00:08:22.458 --> 00:08:24.393
- Out of this great mess." you may be in a situation now that feels dysfunctional, seems
- 00:08:24.460 --> 00:08:26.629
- You may be in a situation now that feels dysfunctional, seems like a mess, in your family,
- 00:08:26.696 --> 00:08:29.131
- That feels dysfunctional, seems like a mess, in your family, your health, your finances, your
- 00:08:29.198 --> 00:08:30.900
- Like a mess, in your family, your health, your finances, your career. you don't see how any
- 00:08:30.967 --> 00:08:32.702
- Your health, your finances, your career. you don't see how any good could ever come out of it.
- 00:08:32.768 --> 00:08:35.137
- Career. you don't see how any good could ever come out of it. but if ishmael were standing
- 00:08:35.204 --> 00:08:37.006
- Good could ever come out of it. but if ishmael were standing here today he would say, "hey,
- 00:08:37.073 --> 00:08:38.574
- But if ishmael were standing here today he would say, "hey, let me tell you first hand.
- 00:08:38.641 --> 00:08:39.976
- Here today he would say, "hey, let me tell you first hand. god still has a plan.
- 00:08:40.042 --> 00:08:41.744
- Let me tell you first hand. god still has a plan. it doesn't matter how you were
- 00:08:41.811 --> 00:08:42.845
- God still has a plan. it doesn't matter how you were raised, how many bad breaks
- 00:08:42.912 --> 00:08:44.447
- It doesn't matter how you were raised, how many bad breaks you've had, how insignificant
- 00:08:44.513 --> 00:08:46.449
- Raised, how many bad breaks you've had, how insignificant you may feel, no dysfunction, no
- 00:08:46.515 --> 00:08:49.185
- You've had, how insignificant you may feel, no dysfunction, no injustice, no disappointment can
- 00:08:49.251 --> 00:08:51.921
- You may feel, no dysfunction, no injustice, no disappointment can keep you from your destiny."
- 00:08:51.988 --> 00:08:54.256
- Injustice, no disappointment can keep you from your destiny." god can bring greatness out of a
- 00:08:54.323 --> 00:08:55.758
- Keep you from your destiny." god can bring greatness out of a great mess.
- 00:08:55.825 --> 00:08:58.361
- God can bring greatness out of a great mess. most of the time we see ishmael
- 00:08:58.427 --> 00:09:00.396
- Great mess. most of the time we see ishmael as a mistake, an accident.
- 00:09:00.463 --> 00:09:02.798
- Most of the time we see ishmael as a mistake, an accident. sarah and abraham didn't wait
- 00:09:02.865 --> 00:09:04.400
- As a mistake, an accident. sarah and abraham didn't wait for the promised child. but the
- 00:09:04.467 --> 00:09:06.636
- Sarah and abraham didn't wait for the promised child. but the truth is no baby is a mistake.
- 00:09:06.702 --> 00:09:09.805
- For the promised child. but the truth is no baby is a mistake. a child cannot be born without
- 00:09:09.872 --> 00:09:12.441
- Truth is no baby is a mistake. a child cannot be born without god breathing life into their
- 00:09:12.508 --> 00:09:14.210
- A child cannot be born without god breathing life into their lungs. we hear parents say, "we
- 00:09:14.276 --> 00:09:16.445
- God breathing life into their lungs. we hear parents say, "we weren't expecting this baby.
- 00:09:16.512 --> 00:09:18.414
- Lungs. we hear parents say, "we weren't expecting this baby. they were a surprise."
- 00:09:18.481 --> 00:09:20.449
- Weren't expecting this baby. they were a surprise." and yes, they may have been a
- 00:09:20.516 --> 00:09:21.717
- They were a surprise." and yes, they may have been a surprise to you but they were
- 00:09:21.784 --> 00:09:23.452
- And yes, they may have been a surprise to you but they were not a surprise to the giver of
- 00:09:23.519 --> 00:09:25.121
- Surprise to you but they were not a surprise to the giver of life. (applause)
- 00:09:25.187 --> 00:09:27.356
- Not a surprise to the giver of life. (applause) in god's eyes, there is no such
- 00:09:27.423 --> 00:09:29.025
- Life. (applause) in god's eyes, there is no such thing as an unwanted pregnancy.
- 00:09:29.091 --> 00:09:32.328
- In god's eyes, there is no such thing as an unwanted pregnancy. you didn't just happen to show
- 00:09:32.395 --> 00:09:33.629
- Thing as an unwanted pregnancy. you didn't just happen to show up on planet earth. god had a
- 00:09:33.696 --> 00:09:36.132
- You didn't just happen to show up on planet earth. god had a plan for you long before you
- 00:09:36.198 --> 00:09:38.134
- Up on planet earth. god had a plan for you long before you arrived. god told jeremiah,
- 00:09:38.200 --> 00:09:41.070
- Plan for you long before you arrived. god told jeremiah, "before you were formed in your
- 00:09:41.137 --> 00:09:42.938
- Arrived. god told jeremiah, "before you were formed in your mother's womb i knew you and
- 00:09:43.005 --> 00:09:45.474
- "before you were formed in your mother's womb i knew you and called you to be a prophet to
- 00:09:45.541 --> 00:09:47.777
- Mother's womb i knew you and called you to be a prophet to the nations."
- 00:09:47.843 --> 00:09:49.278
- Called you to be a prophet to the nations." god already had an assignment
- 00:09:49.345 --> 00:09:51.213
- The nations." god already had an assignment for him before he got here.
- 00:09:51.280 --> 00:09:53.449
- God already had an assignment for him before he got here. god was saying, "jeremiah, you
- 00:09:53.516 --> 00:09:55.217
- For him before he got here. god was saying, "jeremiah, you didn't start when your mother
- 00:09:55.284 --> 00:09:57.553
- God was saying, "jeremiah, you didn't start when your mother gave birth to you. before you
- 00:09:57.620 --> 00:09:59.522
- Didn't start when your mother gave birth to you. before you were formed you were with me."
- 00:09:59.588 --> 00:10:02.958
- Gave birth to you. before you were formed you were with me." in other words, our past didn't
- 00:10:03.025 --> 00:10:05.127
- Were formed you were with me." in other words, our past didn't start with our family. it
- 00:10:05.194 --> 00:10:07.129
- In other words, our past didn't start with our family. it started with our god. i didn't
- 00:10:07.196 --> 00:10:09.665
- Start with our family. it started with our god. i didn't come from my mother. and i love
- 00:10:09.732 --> 00:10:12.134
- Started with our god. i didn't come from my mother. and i love and honor my mother. but i
- 00:10:12.201 --> 00:10:13.836
- Come from my mother. and i love and honor my mother. but i didn't come from her. i came
- 00:10:13.903 --> 00:10:15.571
- And honor my mother. but i didn't come from her. i came through her. i came from
- 00:10:15.638 --> 00:10:17.573
- Didn't come from her. i came through her. i came from almighty god. (applause)
- 00:10:17.640 --> 00:10:20.476
- Through her. i came from almighty god. (applause) that means your destiny, your
- 00:10:20.543 --> 00:10:22.011
- Almighty god. (applause) that means your destiny, your assignment, your purpose, cannot
- 00:10:22.078 --> 00:10:25.481
- That means your destiny, your assignment, your purpose, cannot be messed up by who you came
- 00:10:25.548 --> 00:10:28.217
- Assignment, your purpose, cannot be messed up by who you came through. you came from the most
- 00:10:28.284 --> 00:10:30.619
- Be messed up by who you came through. you came from the most high god. he has the ultimate
- 00:10:30.686 --> 00:10:32.488
- Through. you came from the most high god. he has the ultimate say. (applause)
- 00:10:32.555 --> 00:10:34.890
- High god. he has the ultimate say. (applause) in 1943, a teenager here in
- 00:10:34.957 --> 00:10:36.992
- Say. (applause) in 1943, a teenager here in houston became pregnant from
- 00:10:37.059 --> 00:10:38.994
- In 1943, a teenager here in houston became pregnant from a forced violent act. the young
- 00:10:39.061 --> 00:10:41.831
- Houston became pregnant from a forced violent act. the young lady was distraught and
- 00:10:41.897 --> 00:10:43.499
- A forced violent act. the young lady was distraught and confused. she planned on
- 00:10:43.566 --> 00:10:45.267
- Lady was distraught and confused. she planned on aborting the child but some
- 00:10:45.334 --> 00:10:47.136
- Confused. she planned on aborting the child but some friends talked her into having
- 00:10:47.203 --> 00:10:48.838
- Aborting the child but some friends talked her into having the baby and putting it up for
- 00:10:48.904 --> 00:10:50.573
- Friends talked her into having the baby and putting it up for adoption. the little boy was
- 00:10:50.639 --> 00:10:52.875
- The baby and putting it up for adoption. the little boy was born at the charity ward at
- 00:10:52.942 --> 00:10:54.577
- Adoption. the little boy was born at the charity ward at saint joseph's hospital. he
- 00:10:54.643 --> 00:10:56.679
- Born at the charity ward at saint joseph's hospital. he grew up in extreme poverty.
- 00:10:56.746 --> 00:10:59.014
- Saint joseph's hospital. he grew up in extreme poverty. his father was an alcoholic.
- 00:10:59.081 --> 00:11:00.883
- Grew up in extreme poverty. his father was an alcoholic. more than once he threatened
- 00:11:00.950 --> 00:11:02.518
- His father was an alcoholic. more than once he threatened to kill his mother. like
- 00:11:02.585 --> 00:11:04.487
- More than once he threatened to kill his mother. like ishmael, this little boy could
- 00:11:04.553 --> 00:11:07.089
- To kill his mother. like ishmael, this little boy could have been seen as damaged
- 00:11:07.156 --> 00:11:08.891
- Ishmael, this little boy could have been seen as damaged goods, a mistake, no future to
- 00:11:08.958 --> 00:11:10.960
- Have been seen as damaged goods, a mistake, no future to speak of.
- 00:11:11.026 --> 00:11:12.928
- Goods, a mistake, no future to speak of. but god doesn't give life to
- 00:11:12.995 --> 00:11:14.330
- Speak of. but god doesn't give life to someone without giving them a
- 00:11:14.396 --> 00:11:16.098
- But god doesn't give life to someone without giving them a divine destiny. with the help
- 00:11:16.165 --> 00:11:18.601
- Someone without giving them a divine destiny. with the help of some loving foster parents
- 00:11:18.667 --> 00:11:21.337
- Divine destiny. with the help of some loving foster parents this little boy grew up to
- 00:11:21.403 --> 00:11:23.239
- Of some loving foster parents this little boy grew up to become one of the greatest
- 00:11:23.305 --> 00:11:24.874
- This little boy grew up to become one of the greatest ministers of our time. today,
- 00:11:24.940 --> 00:11:26.776
- Become one of the greatest ministers of our time. today, over 70 years later, our
- 00:11:26.842 --> 00:11:29.245
- Ministers of our time. today, over 70 years later, our friend, james robison has made
- 00:11:29.311 --> 00:11:31.881
- Over 70 years later, our friend, james robison has made a difference in people's lives
- 00:11:31.947 --> 00:11:33.783
- Friend, james robison has made a difference in people's lives around the world. (applause)
- 00:11:33.849 --> 00:11:37.019
- A difference in people's lives around the world. (applause) what am i saying? (applause)
- 00:11:37.086 --> 00:11:38.687
- Around the world. (applause) what am i saying? (applause) what looked like a mistake was
- 00:11:38.754 --> 00:11:40.089
- What am i saying? (applause) what looked like a mistake was not a mistake at all. if you're
- 00:11:40.156 --> 00:11:42.424
- What looked like a mistake was not a mistake at all. if you're breathing today, if you're
- 00:11:42.491 --> 00:11:44.026
- Not a mistake at all. if you're breathing today, if you're alive and i believe you are,
- 00:11:44.093 --> 00:11:46.362
- Breathing today, if you're alive and i believe you are, you are not an accident. no
- 00:11:46.428 --> 00:11:48.964
- Alive and i believe you are, you are not an accident. no matter how functional or
- 00:11:49.031 --> 00:11:50.399
- You are not an accident. no matter how functional or dysfunctional your situation is,
- 00:11:50.466 --> 00:11:53.202
- Matter how functional or dysfunctional your situation is, god has a destiny for you to
- 00:11:53.269 --> 00:11:55.237
- Dysfunctional your situation is, god has a destiny for you to fulfill. you may have had a
- 00:11:55.304 --> 00:11:57.039
- God has a destiny for you to fulfill. you may have had a negative past but you don't
- 00:11:57.106 --> 00:11:58.541
- Fulfill. you may have had a negative past but you don't have to have a negative future.
- 00:11:58.607 --> 00:12:00.676
- Negative past but you don't have to have a negative future. this is a new day. and if you
- 00:12:00.743 --> 00:12:02.378
- Have to have a negative future. this is a new day. and if you will take off the damaged goods
- 00:12:02.444 --> 00:12:05.147
- This is a new day. and if you will take off the damaged goods label...(applause) ...get rid
- 00:12:05.214 --> 00:12:06.649
- Will take off the damaged goods label...(applause) ...get rid of the victim mentality and
- 00:12:06.715 --> 00:12:08.651
- Label...(applause) ...get rid of the victim mentality and have a victor mentality, god
- 00:12:08.717 --> 00:12:10.886
- Of the victim mentality and have a victor mentality, god will take what's meant for harm
- 00:12:10.953 --> 00:12:13.222
- Have a victor mentality, god will take what's meant for harm and he will use it for your
- 00:12:13.289 --> 00:12:14.623
- Will take what's meant for harm and he will use it for your good.
- 00:12:14.690 --> 00:12:16.258
- And he will use it for your good. i love the fact that with
- 00:12:16.325 --> 00:12:17.359
- Good. i love the fact that with ishmael god brought something
- 00:12:17.426 --> 00:12:19.361
- I love the fact that with ishmael god brought something significant out of a child that
- 00:12:19.428 --> 00:12:21.564
- Ishmael god brought something significant out of a child that was considered insignificant.
- 00:12:21.630 --> 00:12:24.767
- Significant out of a child that was considered insignificant. that tells me you don't have to
- 00:12:24.834 --> 00:12:26.435
- Was considered insignificant. that tells me you don't have to come from the most influential
- 00:12:26.502 --> 00:12:28.170
- That tells me you don't have to come from the most influential family. you don't have to have
- 00:12:28.237 --> 00:12:30.072
- Come from the most influential family. you don't have to have a perfect upbringing.
- 00:12:30.139 --> 00:12:32.174
- Family. you don't have to have a perfect upbringing. the truth is there is
- 00:12:32.241 --> 00:12:33.576
- A perfect upbringing. the truth is there is dysfunction in every family.
- 00:12:33.642 --> 00:12:36.579
- The truth is there is dysfunction in every family. i would love to tell you that
- 00:12:36.645 --> 00:12:37.613
- Dysfunction in every family. i would love to tell you that our family is perfect but then
- 00:12:37.680 --> 00:12:39.181
- I would love to tell you that our family is perfect but then my brother paul came along.
- 00:12:39.248 --> 00:12:42.518
- Our family is perfect but then my brother paul came along. (laughter) i heard somebody
- 00:12:42.585 --> 00:12:44.720
- My brother paul came along. (laughter) i heard somebody say, "our family put the func
- 00:12:44.787 --> 00:12:46.455
- (laughter) i heard somebody say, "our family put the func in dysfunction." (laughter)
- 00:12:46.522 --> 00:12:49.124
- Say, "our family put the func in dysfunction." (laughter) but here's the key, seriously.
- 00:12:49.191 --> 00:12:50.459
- In dysfunction." (laughter) but here's the key, seriously. don't let your heredity stop
- 00:12:50.526 --> 00:12:52.962
- But here's the key, seriously. don't let your heredity stop your destiny. don't let how you
- 00:12:53.028 --> 00:12:55.397
- Don't let your heredity stop your destiny. don't let how you were raised. what your parents
- 00:12:55.464 --> 00:12:56.632
- Your destiny. don't let how you were raised. what your parents did or didn't give you, how
- 00:12:56.699 --> 00:12:58.234
- Were raised. what your parents did or didn't give you, how somebody treated you set the
- 00:12:58.300 --> 00:12:59.869
- Did or didn't give you, how somebody treated you set the limits for your life. they may
- 00:12:59.935 --> 00:13:02.137
- Somebody treated you set the limits for your life. they may have put you at a disadvantage
- 00:13:02.204 --> 00:13:04.907
- Limits for your life. they may have put you at a disadvantage but you don't have to stay at a
- 00:13:04.974 --> 00:13:06.308
- Have put you at a disadvantage but you don't have to stay at a disadvantage. i know people
- 00:13:06.375 --> 00:13:08.544
- But you don't have to stay at a disadvantage. i know people 60 years old still talking
- 00:13:08.611 --> 00:13:10.579
- Disadvantage. i know people 60 years old still talking about what momma didn't give
- 00:13:10.646 --> 00:13:11.947
- 60 years old still talking about what momma didn't give them and how daddy wasn't
- 00:13:12.014 --> 00:13:13.382
- About what momma didn't give them and how daddy wasn't there. i'm not making light of
- 00:13:13.449 --> 00:13:15.451
- Them and how daddy wasn't there. i'm not making light of that because those can be real
- 00:13:15.517 --> 00:13:16.819
- There. i'm not making light of that because those can be real hurts but talking about it is
- 00:13:16.886 --> 00:13:19.021
- That because those can be real hurts but talking about it is not going to make it any
- 00:13:19.088 --> 00:13:20.122
- Hurts but talking about it is not going to make it any better. having a "poor old me"
- 00:13:20.189 --> 00:13:21.957
- Not going to make it any better. having a "poor old me" damaged goods mentality is
- 00:13:22.024 --> 00:13:23.659
- Better. having a "poor old me" damaged goods mentality is not going to help. you've got
- 00:13:23.726 --> 00:13:26.528
- Damaged goods mentality is not going to help. you've got to take the hand you've been
- 00:13:26.595 --> 00:13:27.630
- Not going to help. you've got to take the hand you've been dealt and make the most of it.
- 00:13:27.696 --> 00:13:29.198
- To take the hand you've been dealt and make the most of it. (applause)
- 00:13:29.265 --> 00:13:30.132
- Dealt and make the most of it. (applause) you situation most likely is
- 00:13:30.199 --> 00:13:31.800
- (applause) you situation most likely is no worse than ishmael's.
- 00:13:31.867 --> 00:13:36.105
- You situation most likely is no worse than ishmael's. he had all kinds of
- 00:13:36.171 --> 00:13:37.072
- No worse than ishmael's. he had all kinds of disadvantages - kicked out of
- 00:13:37.139 --> 00:13:38.307
- He had all kinds of disadvantages - kicked out of his home, seen as a mistake -
- 00:13:38.374 --> 00:13:40.242
- Disadvantages - kicked out of his home, seen as a mistake - yet god brought a great nation
- 00:13:40.309 --> 00:13:42.378
- His home, seen as a mistake - yet god brought a great nation out of him.
- 00:13:42.444 --> 00:13:44.113
- Yet god brought a great nation out of him. if you will remove the damaged
- 00:13:44.179 --> 00:13:45.381
- Out of him. if you will remove the damaged goods label, shake off the
- 00:13:45.447 --> 00:13:47.383
- If you will remove the damaged goods label, shake off the self-pity, move forward in
- 00:13:47.449 --> 00:13:49.151
- Goods label, shake off the self-pity, move forward in faith, god will make something
- 00:13:49.218 --> 00:13:51.487
- Self-pity, move forward in faith, god will make something significant out of your life.
- 00:13:51.553 --> 00:13:53.722
- Faith, god will make something significant out of your life. you will leave your mark on this
- 00:13:53.789 --> 00:13:54.857
- Significant out of your life. you will leave your mark on this generation.
- 00:13:54.924 --> 00:13:57.059
- You will leave your mark on this generation. i read about a young lady. she
- 00:13:57.126 --> 00:13:58.327
- Generation. i read about a young lady. she was born into a dysfunctional
- 00:13:58.394 --> 00:14:00.195
- I read about a young lady. she was born into a dysfunctional home. she was neglected,
- 00:14:00.262 --> 00:14:02.231
- Was born into a dysfunctional home. she was neglected, abused, never had any kind of
- 00:14:02.298 --> 00:14:04.633
- Home. she was neglected, abused, never had any kind of stability. it got so bad, as a
- 00:14:04.700 --> 00:14:06.602
- Abused, never had any kind of stability. it got so bad, as a little girl, she asked the
- 00:14:06.669 --> 00:14:08.637
- Stability. it got so bad, as a little girl, she asked the authorities at school to be
- 00:14:08.704 --> 00:14:10.439
- Little girl, she asked the authorities at school to be removed from her home. the
- 00:14:10.506 --> 00:14:12.274
- Authorities at school to be removed from her home. the judge placed her in foster
- 00:14:12.341 --> 00:14:13.909
- Removed from her home. the judge placed her in foster care. several months later she
- 00:14:13.976 --> 00:14:15.778
- Judge placed her in foster care. several months later she was adopted by a single parent
- 00:14:15.844 --> 00:14:17.880
- Care. several months later she was adopted by a single parent mother living in a small
- 00:14:17.947 --> 00:14:20.649
- Was adopted by a single parent mother living in a small community dedicated to helping
- 00:14:20.716 --> 00:14:23.018
- Mother living in a small community dedicated to helping foster care children. she began
- 00:14:23.085 --> 00:14:25.421
- Community dedicated to helping foster care children. she began to thrive in school, became an
- 00:14:25.487 --> 00:14:27.589
- Foster care children. she began to thrive in school, became an honor student, someone that
- 00:14:27.656 --> 00:14:29.458
- To thrive in school, became an honor student, someone that the other young ladies looked
- 00:14:29.525 --> 00:14:31.126
- Honor student, someone that the other young ladies looked up to. one day she was invited
- 00:14:31.193 --> 00:14:33.128
- The other young ladies looked up to. one day she was invited along with the other people
- 00:14:33.195 --> 00:14:35.130
- Up to. one day she was invited along with the other people that ran the foster care
- 00:14:35.197 --> 00:14:36.398
- Along with the other people that ran the foster care community to be a guest on a
- 00:14:36.465 --> 00:14:38.600
- That ran the foster care community to be a guest on a national television talk show.
- 00:14:38.667 --> 00:14:41.170
- Community to be a guest on a national television talk show. the host asked the young ladies
- 00:14:41.236 --> 00:14:43.105
- National television talk show. the host asked the young ladies what their hopes and dreams
- 00:14:43.172 --> 00:14:44.440
- The host asked the young ladies what their hopes and dreams were. she said, "my dream is to
- 00:14:44.506 --> 00:14:47.076
- What their hopes and dreams were. she said, "my dream is to one day go to harvard
- 00:14:47.142 --> 00:14:48.978
- Were. she said, "my dream is to one day go to harvard university, get a good
- 00:14:49.044 --> 00:14:50.346
- One day go to harvard university, get a good education, so i can help other
- 00:14:50.412 --> 00:14:52.181
- University, get a good education, so i can help other people like those that have
- 00:14:52.247 --> 00:14:53.983
- Education, so i can help other people like those that have helped me."
- 00:14:54.049 --> 00:14:56.151
- People like those that have helped me." a few days later she received a
- 00:14:56.218 --> 00:14:57.286
- Helped me." a few days later she received a phone call from out of state.
- 00:14:57.353 --> 00:14:59.488
- A few days later she received a phone call from out of state. the lady said, "i saw you on the
- 00:14:59.555 --> 00:15:00.923
- Phone call from out of state. the lady said, "i saw you on the talk show. i have a question
- 00:15:00.990 --> 00:15:02.658
- The lady said, "i saw you on the talk show. i have a question for you. would you consider a
- 00:15:02.725 --> 00:15:04.727
- Talk show. i have a question for you. would you consider a scholarship to yale university
- 00:15:04.793 --> 00:15:07.162
- For you. would you consider a scholarship to yale university instead of harvard?" she said,
- 00:15:07.229 --> 00:15:09.331
- Scholarship to yale university instead of harvard?" she said, "i think i would." (laughter)
- 00:15:09.398 --> 00:15:12.468
- Instead of harvard?" she said, "i think i would." (laughter) she went on to graduate from
- 00:15:12.534 --> 00:15:13.469
- "i think i would." (laughter) she went on to graduate from yale and today is doing great
- 00:15:13.535 --> 00:15:15.337
- She went on to graduate from yale and today is doing great things.
- 00:15:15.404 --> 00:15:16.805
- Yale and today is doing great things. don't let your heredity stop
- 00:15:16.872 --> 00:15:18.707
- Things. don't let your heredity stop your destiny. god can bring
- 00:15:18.774 --> 00:15:20.542
- Don't let your heredity stop your destiny. god can bring greatness out of a great mess.
- 00:15:20.609 --> 00:15:23.812
- Your destiny. god can bring greatness out of a great mess. i wonder how many of us would
- 00:15:23.879 --> 00:15:25.514
- Greatness out of a great mess. i wonder how many of us would rise to a new level if we would
- 00:15:25.581 --> 00:15:29.218
- I wonder how many of us would rise to a new level if we would quit blaming the past, how we
- 00:15:29.284 --> 00:15:30.019
- Rise to a new level if we would quit blaming the past, how we were raised, what somebody said,
- 00:15:30.085 --> 00:15:31.220
- Quit blaming the past, how we were raised, what somebody said, if we would take off the damaged
- 00:15:31.286 --> 00:15:33.489
- Were raised, what somebody said, if we would take off the damaged goods label we would see god's
- 00:15:33.555 --> 00:15:35.391
- If we would take off the damaged goods label we would see god's favor in a new way. i've found
- 00:15:35.457 --> 00:15:38.694
- Goods label we would see god's favor in a new way. i've found there's always something to try
- 00:15:38.761 --> 00:15:40.529
- Favor in a new way. i've found there's always something to try to make us feel badly about
- 00:15:40.596 --> 00:15:43.832
- There's always something to try to make us feel badly about ourselves. it's because the
- 00:15:43.899 --> 00:15:45.634
- To make us feel badly about ourselves. it's because the enemy is called the accuser of
- 00:15:45.701 --> 00:15:47.603
- Ourselves. it's because the enemy is called the accuser of the brethren. he will remind
- 00:15:47.669 --> 00:15:48.604
- Enemy is called the accuser of the brethren. he will remind you of every mistake you've
- 00:15:48.670 --> 00:15:49.872
- The brethren. he will remind you of every mistake you've made, every unfair situation,
- 00:15:49.938 --> 00:15:52.241
- You of every mistake you've made, every unfair situation, every negative comment about
- 00:15:52.307 --> 00:15:53.942
- Made, every unfair situation, every negative comment about you. he would love for you to
- 00:15:54.009 --> 00:15:56.078
- Every negative comment about you. he would love for you to go through life feeling
- 00:15:56.145 --> 00:15:58.013
- You. he would love for you to go through life feeling damaged, guilty, less than.
- 00:15:58.080 --> 00:16:00.282
- Go through life feeling damaged, guilty, less than. you've got to put your foot
- 00:16:00.349 --> 00:16:01.316
- Damaged, guilty, less than. you've got to put your foot down and say, "no, i'm not
- 00:16:01.383 --> 00:16:02.484
- You've got to put your foot down and say, "no, i'm not falling into that trap. i'm not
- 00:16:02.551 --> 00:16:04.453
- Down and say, "no, i'm not falling into that trap. i'm not bitter because of what
- 00:16:04.520 --> 00:16:05.687
- Falling into that trap. i'm not bitter because of what happened. i'm not dwelling on
- 00:16:05.754 --> 00:16:07.256
- Bitter because of what happened. i'm not dwelling on their negative comments.
- 00:16:07.322 --> 00:16:09.124
- Happened. i'm not dwelling on their negative comments. i'm not beating myself up over
- 00:16:09.191 --> 00:16:10.692
- Their negative comments. i'm not beating myself up over past mistakes. i'm going to
- 00:16:10.759 --> 00:16:12.294
- I'm not beating myself up over past mistakes. i'm going to keep that label off and move
- 00:16:12.361 --> 00:16:13.896
- Past mistakes. i'm going to keep that label off and move forward with my life."
- 00:16:13.962 --> 00:16:15.664
- Keep that label off and move forward with my life." (applause)
- 00:16:15.731 --> 00:16:17.199
- Forward with my life." (applause) when i was growing up i played
- 00:16:17.266 --> 00:16:18.233
- (applause) when i was growing up i played baseball all through little
- 00:16:18.300 --> 00:16:19.601
- When i was growing up i played baseball all through little league and junior high. i was a
- 00:16:19.668 --> 00:16:21.470
- Baseball all through little league and junior high. i was a second baseman. i was pretty
- 00:16:21.537 --> 00:16:23.205
- League and junior high. i was a second baseman. i was pretty good. i always made the all
- 00:16:23.272 --> 00:16:24.406
- Second baseman. i was pretty good. i always made the all star team. like most little
- 00:16:24.473 --> 00:16:26.475
- Good. i always made the all star team. like most little leaguers my dream was to one
- 00:16:26.542 --> 00:16:28.744
- Star team. like most little leaguers my dream was to one day play professional baseball.
- 00:16:28.811 --> 00:16:31.713
- Leaguers my dream was to one day play professional baseball. but when i got in high school it
- 00:16:31.780 --> 00:16:33.215
- Day play professional baseball. but when i got in high school it was a whole new level of talent.
- 00:16:33.282 --> 00:16:35.584
- But when i got in high school it was a whole new level of talent. i was very small. i grew six
- 00:16:35.651 --> 00:16:37.619
- Was a whole new level of talent. i was very small. i grew six inches after high school.
- 00:16:37.686 --> 00:16:40.055
- I was very small. i grew six inches after high school. i tried out for the baseball
- 00:16:40.122 --> 00:16:41.490
- Inches after high school. i tried out for the baseball team along with 150 other young
- 00:16:41.557 --> 00:16:43.759
- I tried out for the baseball team along with 150 other young men for less than 20 spots.
- 00:16:43.826 --> 00:16:46.495
- Team along with 150 other young men for less than 20 spots. i gave it my best. the coach
- 00:16:46.562 --> 00:16:47.863
- Men for less than 20 spots. i gave it my best. the coach called us all into the gym to
- 00:16:47.930 --> 00:16:50.432
- I gave it my best. the coach called us all into the gym to announce who made the team.
- 00:16:50.499 --> 00:16:52.367
- Called us all into the gym to announce who made the team. my name wasn't called. i was so
- 00:16:52.434 --> 00:16:53.969
- Announce who made the team. my name wasn't called. i was so disappointed. the coach told me
- 00:16:54.036 --> 00:16:55.838
- My name wasn't called. i was so disappointed. the coach told me afterwards, "joel, i'd love to
- 00:16:55.904 --> 00:16:57.272
- Disappointed. the coach told me afterwards, "joel, i'd love to have you on the team. you're
- 00:16:57.339 --> 00:16:59.274
- Afterwards, "joel, i'd love to have you on the team. you're just too little." and he didn't
- 00:16:59.341 --> 00:17:01.543
- Have you on the team. you're just too little." and he didn't mean anything by it because
- 00:17:01.610 --> 00:17:03.312
- Just too little." and he didn't mean anything by it because i was small but i took it the
- 00:17:03.378 --> 00:17:04.746
- Mean anything by it because i was small but i took it the wrong way. week after week,
- 00:17:04.813 --> 00:17:06.748
- I was small but i took it the wrong way. week after week, month after month, that phrase
- 00:17:06.815 --> 00:17:08.417
- Wrong way. week after week, month after month, that phrase would play in my mind,
- 00:17:08.484 --> 00:17:09.885
- Month after month, that phrase would play in my mind, "you heard the coach, joel.
- 00:17:09.952 --> 00:17:11.053
- Would play in my mind, "you heard the coach, joel. you're too small. you don't
- 00:17:11.120 --> 00:17:11.620
- "you heard the coach, joel. you're too small. you don't measure up. you're not good
- 00:17:11.687 --> 00:17:13.155
- You're too small. you don't measure up. you're not good enough. there's something wrong
- 00:17:13.222 --> 00:17:13.889
- Measure up. you're not good enough. there's something wrong with you."
- 00:17:13.956 --> 00:17:15.257
- First peter 2 says, "you have
- 00:17:15.424 --> 00:17:16.892
- First peter 2 says, "you have been chosen by god himself."
- 00:17:16.959 --> 00:17:20.162
- First peter 2 says, "you have been chosen by god himself." one translation says, "he has
- 00:17:20.229 --> 00:17:22.931
- Been chosen by god himself." one translation says, "he has hand-picked you."
- 00:17:22.998 --> 00:17:25.167
- One translation says, "he has hand-picked you." that means you weren't randomly
- 00:17:25.234 --> 00:17:27.002
- Hand-picked you." that means you weren't randomly selected. god on purpose said,
- 00:17:27.069 --> 00:17:29.538
- That means you weren't randomly selected. god on purpose said, "i choose him. i choose her.
- 00:17:29.605 --> 00:17:32.407
- Selected. god on purpose said, "i choose him. i choose her. that's who i want to be on my
- 00:17:32.474 --> 00:17:33.575
- "i choose him. i choose her. that's who i want to be on my team."
- 00:17:33.642 --> 00:17:35.043
- That's who i want to be on my team." people may tell you you don't
- 00:17:35.110 --> 00:17:36.311
- Team." people may tell you you don't measure up. you're not tall
- 00:17:36.378 --> 00:17:37.713
- People may tell you you don't measure up. you're not tall enough, smart enough, talented
- 00:17:37.779 --> 00:17:39.781
- Measure up. you're not tall enough, smart enough, talented enough, creative enough. let it
- 00:17:39.848 --> 00:17:41.383
- Enough, smart enough, talented enough, creative enough. let it go in one ear and out the
- 00:17:41.450 --> 00:17:43.385
- Enough, creative enough. let it go in one ear and out the other. you are not who people
- 00:17:43.452 --> 00:17:45.420
- Go in one ear and out the other. you are not who people say you are. you are who god
- 00:17:45.487 --> 00:17:47.789
- Other. you are not who people say you are. you are who god says you are. god says you're
- 00:17:47.856 --> 00:17:49.758
- Say you are. you are who god says you are. god says you're just the right size. (applause)
- 00:17:49.825 --> 00:17:52.694
- Says you are. god says you're just the right size. (applause) you're one of a kind, equipped,
- 00:17:52.761 --> 00:17:54.496
- Just the right size. (applause) you're one of a kind, equipped, empowered, valuable. our
- 00:17:54.563 --> 00:17:57.065
- You're one of a kind, equipped, empowered, valuable. our attitude should be, "i may not
- 00:17:57.132 --> 00:17:59.434
- Empowered, valuable. our attitude should be, "i may not have been chosen by the coach,
- 00:17:59.501 --> 00:18:00.936
- Attitude should be, "i may not have been chosen by the coach, the teacher, the friend, the
- 00:18:01.003 --> 00:18:02.538
- Have been chosen by the coach, the teacher, the friend, the supervisor, the boss. but
- 00:18:02.604 --> 00:18:03.772
- The teacher, the friend, the supervisor, the boss. but that's okay. i know the one who
- 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:05.841
- Supervisor, the boss. but that's okay. i know the one who matters most, the one who
- 00:18:05.908 --> 00:18:07.643
- That's okay. i know the one who matters most, the one who controls the universe, the one
- 00:18:07.709 --> 00:18:09.845
- Matters most, the one who controls the universe, the one who spoke worlds into existence
- 00:18:09.912 --> 00:18:12.881
- Controls the universe, the one who spoke worlds into existence has hand-picked me. i've been
- 00:18:12.948 --> 00:18:16.051
- Who spoke worlds into existence has hand-picked me. i've been chosen by the most high god."
- 00:18:16.118 --> 00:18:17.019
- Has hand-picked me. i've been chosen by the most high god." (applause)
- 00:18:17.085 --> 00:18:18.253
- Chosen by the most high god." (applause) friends, god has the final say.
- 00:18:18.320 --> 00:18:20.556
- (applause) friends, god has the final say. if you will stay in faith he
- 00:18:20.622 --> 00:18:21.957
- Friends, god has the final say. if you will stay in faith he will get you to where he wants
- 00:18:22.024 --> 00:18:23.825
- If you will stay in faith he will get you to where he wants you to be.
- 00:18:23.892 --> 00:18:24.993
- Will get you to where he wants you to be. my dream of playing professional
- 00:18:25.060 --> 00:18:26.061
- You to be. my dream of playing professional baseball may not have worked out
- 00:18:26.128 --> 00:18:27.462
- My dream of playing professional baseball may not have worked out but do you know some 30 years
- 00:18:27.529 --> 00:18:29.097
- Baseball may not have worked out but do you know some 30 years later i stood at second base at
- 00:18:29.164 --> 00:18:32.100
- But do you know some 30 years later i stood at second base at yankee stadium. it wasn't
- 00:18:32.167 --> 00:18:34.369
- Later i stood at second base at yankee stadium. it wasn't playing baseball. we were
- 00:18:34.436 --> 00:18:36.305
- Yankee stadium. it wasn't playing baseball. we were having a night of hope but i
- 00:18:36.371 --> 00:18:37.573
- Playing baseball. we were having a night of hope but i still like that too. (applause)
- 00:18:37.639 --> 00:18:40.842
- Having a night of hope but i still like that too. (applause) it would have never happened
- 00:18:40.909 --> 00:18:42.110
- Still like that too. (applause) it would have never happened if i would have worn the
- 00:18:42.177 --> 00:18:43.078
- It would have never happened if i would have worn the damaged goods label.
- 00:18:43.145 --> 00:18:44.680
- If i would have worn the damaged goods label. as long as we feel less than,
- 00:18:44.746 --> 00:18:46.715
- Damaged goods label. as long as we feel less than, inferior, washed up, it will
- 00:18:46.782 --> 00:18:47.649
- As long as we feel less than, inferior, washed up, it will keep you from the amazing things
- 00:18:47.716 --> 00:18:49.651
- Inferior, washed up, it will keep you from the amazing things god has in store. and sometimes
- 00:18:49.718 --> 00:18:52.054
- Keep you from the amazing things god has in store. and sometimes we feel damaged, not because
- 00:18:52.120 --> 00:18:53.922
- God has in store. and sometimes we feel damaged, not because how we were raised or what
- 00:18:53.989 --> 00:18:55.224
- We feel damaged, not because how we were raised or what somebody said but because of
- 00:18:55.290 --> 00:18:57.025
- How we were raised or what somebody said but because of our own mistakes, our own
- 00:18:57.092 --> 00:18:58.927
- Somebody said but because of our own mistakes, our own weaknesses, our shortcomings.
- 00:18:58.994 --> 00:19:01.263
- Our own mistakes, our own weaknesses, our shortcomings. we think, "oh, joel. i can't
- 00:19:01.330 --> 00:19:02.464
- Weaknesses, our shortcomings. we think, "oh, joel. i can't expect anything good. god would
- 00:19:02.531 --> 00:19:04.299
- We think, "oh, joel. i can't expect anything good. god would never use me. you don't know
- 00:19:04.366 --> 00:19:06.201
- Expect anything good. god would never use me. you don't know what i've done." but if that
- 00:19:06.268 --> 00:19:07.869
- Never use me. you don't know what i've done." but if that were the case, if god could
- 00:19:07.936 --> 00:19:10.372
- What i've done." but if that were the case, if god could only use you if you didn't have
- 00:19:10.439 --> 00:19:12.040
- Were the case, if god could only use you if you didn't have any negative baggage then none
- 00:19:12.107 --> 00:19:13.976
- Only use you if you didn't have any negative baggage then none of us would have had a chance.
- 00:19:14.042 --> 00:19:15.844
- Any negative baggage then none of us would have had a chance. think about peter, one of the
- 00:19:15.911 --> 00:19:17.446
- Of us would have had a chance. think about peter, one of the disciples. he was hot tempered.
- 00:19:17.512 --> 00:19:19.414
- Think about peter, one of the disciples. he was hot tempered. he used bad language. he denied
- 00:19:19.481 --> 00:19:21.850
- Disciples. he was hot tempered. he used bad language. he denied he knew christ three times.
- 00:19:21.917 --> 00:19:24.519
- He used bad language. he denied he knew christ three times. when jesus needed him the most,
- 00:19:24.586 --> 00:19:26.188
- He knew christ three times. when jesus needed him the most, he turned his back and said,
- 00:19:26.255 --> 00:19:27.389
- When jesus needed him the most, he turned his back and said, "no, i don't even know the man."
- 00:19:27.456 --> 00:19:29.191
- He turned his back and said, "no, i don't even know the man." surely jesus would say, "fine,
- 00:19:29.258 --> 00:19:30.993
- "no, i don't even know the man." surely jesus would say, "fine, peter. if you turn your back on
- 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:32.794
- Surely jesus would say, "fine, peter. if you turn your back on me then i'm done with you. you
- 00:19:32.861 --> 00:19:34.863
- Peter. if you turn your back on me then i'm done with you. you had your chance. you're damaged
- 00:19:34.930 --> 00:19:36.598
- Me then i'm done with you. you had your chance. you're damaged goods." no, god never writes
- 00:19:36.665 --> 00:19:38.333
- Had your chance. you're damaged goods." no, god never writes anybody off. and jesus, when he
- 00:19:38.400 --> 00:19:40.669
- Goods." no, god never writes anybody off. and jesus, when he arose from the grave, an angel
- 00:19:40.736 --> 00:19:42.804
- Anybody off. and jesus, when he arose from the grave, an angel appeared to mary at the tomb
- 00:19:42.871 --> 00:19:44.940
- Arose from the grave, an angel appeared to mary at the tomb and said, "mary, jesus has
- 00:19:45.007 --> 00:19:47.075
- Appeared to mary at the tomb and said, "mary, jesus has risen. now go tell his
- 00:19:47.142 --> 00:19:48.610
- And said, "mary, jesus has risen. now go tell his disciples. and mary, make sure
- 00:19:48.677 --> 00:19:51.513
- Risen. now go tell his disciples. and mary, make sure that you tell peter." the only
- 00:19:51.580 --> 00:19:54.082
- Disciples. and mary, make sure that you tell peter." the only one god specifically called out
- 00:19:54.149 --> 00:19:57.286
- That you tell peter." the only one god specifically called out at that historic time was
- 00:19:57.352 --> 00:19:59.021
- One god specifically called out at that historic time was peter. why? god knew the
- 00:19:59.087 --> 00:20:01.823
- At that historic time was peter. why? god knew the accuser would work overtime
- 00:20:01.890 --> 00:20:03.558
- Peter. why? god knew the accuser would work overtime trying to stick that damaged
- 00:20:03.625 --> 00:20:05.427
- Accuser would work overtime trying to stick that damaged goods label on peter. if he'd
- 00:20:05.494 --> 00:20:07.829
- Trying to stick that damaged goods label on peter. if he'd worn it, he would have never
- 00:20:07.896 --> 00:20:09.264
- Goods label on peter. if he'd worn it, he would have never fulfilled his destiny. so god
- 00:20:09.331 --> 00:20:10.799
- Worn it, he would have never fulfilled his destiny. so god specifically called his name.
- 00:20:10.866 --> 00:20:13.602
- Fulfilled his destiny. so god specifically called his name. like peter, you may have made
- 00:20:13.669 --> 00:20:15.370
- Specifically called his name. like peter, you may have made mistakes. blown it. failed.
- 00:20:15.437 --> 00:20:17.673
- Like peter, you may have made mistakes. blown it. failed. you're not expecting anything
- 00:20:17.739 --> 00:20:19.341
- Mistakes. blown it. failed. you're not expecting anything good. imagine right now god is
- 00:20:19.408 --> 00:20:21.576
- You're not expecting anything good. imagine right now god is specifically calling your name.
- 00:20:21.643 --> 00:20:24.713
- Good. imagine right now god is specifically calling your name. saying, "tell james. tell
- 00:20:24.780 --> 00:20:25.947
- Specifically calling your name. saying, "tell james. tell susan. tell maria. i've already
- 00:20:26.014 --> 00:20:27.883
- Saying, "tell james. tell susan. tell maria. i've already forgiven you. my mercy is
- 00:20:27.949 --> 00:20:30.552
- Susan. tell maria. i've already forgiven you. my mercy is bigger than that mistake. i've
- 00:20:30.619 --> 00:20:32.220
- Forgiven you. my mercy is bigger than that mistake. i've got a destiny for you to
- 00:20:32.287 --> 00:20:34.089
- Bigger than that mistake. i've got a destiny for you to fulfill." now you've got to
- 00:20:34.156 --> 00:20:35.857
- Got a destiny for you to fulfill." now you've got to shake off the guilt. quit
- 00:20:35.924 --> 00:20:37.259
- Fulfill." now you've got to shake off the guilt. quit living condemned. take off the
- 00:20:37.326 --> 00:20:39.227
- Shake off the guilt. quit living condemned. take off the damaged goods label. you
- 00:20:39.294 --> 00:20:41.897
- Living condemned. take off the damaged goods label. you wouldn't be alive unless god
- 00:20:41.963 --> 00:20:43.231
- Damaged goods label. you wouldn't be alive unless god had something amazing in your
- 00:20:43.298 --> 00:20:44.533
- Wouldn't be alive unless god had something amazing in your future. if you were truly
- 00:20:44.599 --> 00:20:46.268
- Had something amazing in your future. if you were truly damaged goods, unusable, god
- 00:20:46.335 --> 00:20:48.737
- Future. if you were truly damaged goods, unusable, god would have taken you on home.
- 00:20:48.804 --> 00:20:51.206
- Damaged goods, unusable, god would have taken you on home. god has a purpose for you.
- 00:20:51.273 --> 00:20:53.475
- Would have taken you on home. god has a purpose for you. you're assignment is too
- 00:20:53.542 --> 00:20:54.810
- God has a purpose for you. you're assignment is too important. your destiny too
- 00:20:54.876 --> 00:20:56.411
- You're assignment is too important. your destiny too great. your time too valuable
- 00:20:56.478 --> 00:20:59.414
- Important. your destiny too great. your time too valuable to live another moment thinking
- 00:20:59.481 --> 00:21:02.050
- Great. your time too valuable to live another moment thinking that you're damaged goods.
- 00:21:02.117 --> 00:21:03.685
- To live another moment thinking that you're damaged goods. shake it off and move forward
- 00:21:03.752 --> 00:21:05.120
- That you're damaged goods. shake it off and move forward into the bright future god has
- 00:21:05.187 --> 00:21:06.388
- Shake it off and move forward into the bright future god has in store.
- 00:21:06.455 --> 00:21:08.824
- Into the bright future god has in store. this is what my father had to
- 00:21:08.890 --> 00:21:09.891
- In store. this is what my father had to do. daddy was married at a very
- 00:21:09.958 --> 00:21:12.027
- This is what my father had to do. daddy was married at a very early age. it wasn't a good
- 00:21:12.094 --> 00:21:14.396
- Do. daddy was married at a very early age. it wasn't a good choice. the marriage didn't
- 00:21:14.463 --> 00:21:16.298
- Early age. it wasn't a good choice. the marriage didn't last. he was devastated. he
- 00:21:16.365 --> 00:21:18.900
- Choice. the marriage didn't last. he was devastated. he thought his ministry was over.
- 00:21:18.967 --> 00:21:21.570
- Last. he was devastated. he thought his ministry was over. he didn't think he'd ever have a
- 00:21:21.636 --> 00:21:23.372
- Thought his ministry was over. he didn't think he'd ever have a family. and unfortunately, some
- 00:21:23.438 --> 00:21:25.640
- He didn't think he'd ever have a family. and unfortunately, some of the people in his life
- 00:21:25.707 --> 00:21:27.209
- Family. and unfortunately, some of the people in his life weren't very merciful. they
- 00:21:27.275 --> 00:21:28.643
- Of the people in his life weren't very merciful. they told him, "you're not welcome
- 00:21:28.710 --> 00:21:30.278
- Weren't very merciful. they told him, "you're not welcome in our church. you had your
- 00:21:30.345 --> 00:21:32.447
- Told him, "you're not welcome in our church. you had your chance but you blew it." they
- 00:21:32.514 --> 00:21:34.282
- In our church. you had your chance but you blew it." they stuck the damaged goods label
- 00:21:34.349 --> 00:21:36.318
- Chance but you blew it." they stuck the damaged goods label on my father. washed up.
- 00:21:36.385 --> 00:21:38.487
- Stuck the damaged goods label on my father. washed up. unusable. daddy didn't know any
- 00:21:38.553 --> 00:21:40.288
- On my father. washed up. unusable. daddy didn't know any better. he ended up resigning
- 00:21:40.355 --> 00:21:41.790
- Unusable. daddy didn't know any better. he ended up resigning from the church and started
- 00:21:41.857 --> 00:21:43.725
- Better. he ended up resigning from the church and started selling insurance.
- 00:21:43.792 --> 00:21:46.027
- From the church and started selling insurance. and sometimes, your own thoughts
- 00:21:46.094 --> 00:21:47.596
- Selling insurance. and sometimes, your own thoughts will accuse you. other times,
- 00:21:47.662 --> 00:21:49.998
- And sometimes, your own thoughts will accuse you. other times, the enemy will use people to
- 00:21:50.065 --> 00:21:52.033
- Will accuse you. other times, the enemy will use people to accuse you. they'll tell you
- 00:21:52.100 --> 00:21:54.469
- The enemy will use people to accuse you. they'll tell you all the reasons you could never
- 00:21:54.536 --> 00:21:56.138
- Accuse you. they'll tell you all the reasons you could never become what you were created to
- 00:21:56.204 --> 00:21:57.973
- All the reasons you could never become what you were created to be. don't believe those lies.
- 00:21:58.039 --> 00:22:00.208
- Become what you were created to be. don't believe those lies. god knew every mistake you'd
- 00:22:00.275 --> 00:22:01.843
- Be. don't believe those lies. god knew every mistake you'd ever make. and he's already
- 00:22:01.910 --> 00:22:03.612
- God knew every mistake you'd ever make. and he's already arranged a comeback. and when
- 00:22:03.678 --> 00:22:06.648
- Ever make. and he's already arranged a comeback. and when you're tempted, and we all are,
- 00:22:06.715 --> 00:22:09.017
- Arranged a comeback. and when you're tempted, and we all are, to look down on people, find
- 00:22:09.084 --> 00:22:10.252
- You're tempted, and we all are, to look down on people, find fault, be critical, you need to
- 00:22:10.318 --> 00:22:11.686
- To look down on people, find fault, be critical, you need to realize where that's coming
- 00:22:11.753 --> 00:22:13.522
- Fault, be critical, you need to realize where that's coming from. that's the accuser's
- 00:22:13.588 --> 00:22:15.157
- Realize where that's coming from. that's the accuser's influence. jesus always lifted
- 00:22:15.223 --> 00:22:17.959
- From. that's the accuser's influence. jesus always lifted the fallen, restored the
- 00:22:18.026 --> 00:22:19.961
- Influence. jesus always lifted the fallen, restored the broken, showed mercy to those
- 00:22:20.028 --> 00:22:21.496
- The fallen, restored the broken, showed mercy to those that had failed. for several
- 00:22:21.563 --> 00:22:24.232
- Broken, showed mercy to those that had failed. for several years, my father lived
- 00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:25.367
- That had failed. for several years, my father lived depressed, defeated, no
- 00:22:25.434 --> 00:22:26.835
- Years, my father lived depressed, defeated, no passion. one day, he realized
- 00:22:26.902 --> 00:22:29.738
- Depressed, defeated, no passion. one day, he realized what i'm telling you. you don't
- 00:22:29.805 --> 00:22:31.373
- Passion. one day, he realized what i'm telling you. you don't have to wear the damaged goods
- 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:33.175
- What i'm telling you. you don't have to wear the damaged goods label. you may have made poor
- 00:22:33.241 --> 00:22:34.776
- Have to wear the damaged goods label. you may have made poor choices, gone through failures.
- 00:22:34.843 --> 00:22:36.545
- Label. you may have made poor choices, gone through failures. but our god is the god of
- 00:22:36.611 --> 00:22:38.480
- Choices, gone through failures. but our god is the god of another chance. his mercy is
- 00:22:38.547 --> 00:22:41.650
- But our god is the god of another chance. his mercy is from everlasting to
- 00:22:41.716 --> 00:22:43.318
- Another chance. his mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. his calling will
- 00:22:43.385 --> 00:22:45.220
- From everlasting to everlasting. his calling will never leave your life. now,
- 00:22:45.287 --> 00:22:47.756
- Everlasting. his calling will never leave your life. now, quit listening to the accusing
- 00:22:47.823 --> 00:22:49.491
- Never leave your life. now, quit listening to the accusing voices. quit letting people
- 00:22:49.558 --> 00:22:51.126
- Quit listening to the accusing voices. quit letting people make you feel washed up.
- 00:22:51.193 --> 00:22:53.595
- Voices. quit letting people make you feel washed up. they don't determine your
- 00:22:53.662 --> 00:22:54.529
- Make you feel washed up. they don't determine your destiny, god does.
- 00:22:54.596 --> 00:22:56.798
- They don't determine your destiny, god does. my father got back in the
- 00:22:56.865 --> 00:22:57.899
- Destiny, god does. my father got back in the ministry. he went on to pastor
- 00:22:57.966 --> 00:22:59.534
- My father got back in the ministry. he went on to pastor churches for over 50 years.
- 00:22:59.601 --> 00:23:01.703
- Ministry. he went on to pastor churches for over 50 years. he was married to my mother for
- 00:23:01.770 --> 00:23:03.338
- Churches for over 50 years. he was married to my mother for over 44 years. he saw god
- 00:23:03.405 --> 00:23:05.373
- He was married to my mother for over 44 years. he saw god restore him and do amazing
- 00:23:05.440 --> 00:23:06.975
- Over 44 years. he saw god restore him and do amazing things. god can do the same
- 00:23:07.042 --> 00:23:08.743
- Restore him and do amazing things. god can do the same thing for each one of us.
- 00:23:08.810 --> 00:23:10.779
- Things. god can do the same thing for each one of us. now do your
- 00:23:10.846 --> 00:23:11.513
- Thing for each one of us. now do your part, shake off the guilt, quit
- 00:23:11.580 --> 00:23:13.648
- Now do your part, shake off the guilt, quit listening to the accusing
- 00:23:13.715 --> 00:23:15.984
- Part, shake off the guilt, quit listening to the accusing voices and move forward with
- 00:23:16.051 --> 00:23:17.252
- Listening to the accusing voices and move forward with your life. if you do this, i
- 00:23:17.319 --> 00:23:19.087
- Voices and move forward with your life. if you do this, i believe and declare god will
- 00:23:19.154 --> 00:23:21.056
- Your life. if you do this, i believe and declare god will bring greatness out of a great
- 00:23:21.122 --> 00:23:24.125
- Believe and declare god will bring greatness out of a great mess. like ishmael, he will
- 00:23:24.192 --> 00:23:26.027
- Bring greatness out of a great mess. like ishmael, he will make something significant out
- 00:23:26.094 --> 00:23:27.796
- Mess. like ishmael, he will make something significant out of your life. like with my
- 00:23:27.863 --> 00:23:29.798
- Make something significant out of your life. like with my father, god will not only
- 00:23:29.865 --> 00:23:31.233
- Of your life. like with my father, god will not only restore you but he'll bring you
- 00:23:31.299 --> 00:23:33.535
- Father, god will not only restore you but he'll bring you out better off than you were
- 00:23:33.602 --> 00:23:34.703
- Restore you but he'll bring you out better off than you were before. in jesus' name.
- 00:23:34.769 --> 00:23:36.304
- Out better off than you were before. in jesus' name. if you receive it, can you say,
- 00:23:36.371 --> 00:23:37.539
- Before. in jesus' name. if you receive it, can you say, "amen" today? (amen)
- 00:23:37.606 --> 00:23:40.008
- If you receive it, can you say, "amen" today? (amen) (applause)
- 00:23:40.075 --> 00:23:41.510
- "amen" today? (amen) (applause) we never like to close our
- 00:23:41.576 --> 00:23:42.577
- (applause) we never like to close our broadcast without giving you an
- 00:23:42.644 --> 00:23:43.578
- We never like to close our broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make jesus the
- 00:23:43.645 --> 00:23:45.380
- Broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life. would you
- 00:23:45.447 --> 00:23:47.449
- Opportunity to make jesus the lord of your life. would you pray with me? just say, "lord
- 00:23:47.516 --> 00:23:49.518
- Lord of your life. would you pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins.
- 00:23:49.584 --> 00:23:53.054
- Pray with me? just say, "lord jesus, i repent of my sins. come in to my heart.
- 00:23:53.121 --> 00:23:55.357
- Jesus, i repent of my sins. come in to my heart. i make you my lord and savior."
- 00:23:55.423 --> 00:23:58.760
- Come in to my heart. i make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that
- 00:23:58.827 --> 00:24:00.562
- I make you my lord and savior." friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you got
- 00:24:00.629 --> 00:24:02.197
- Friends, if you prayed that simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good
- 00:24:02.264 --> 00:24:04.032
- Simple prayer we believe you got born again. get in a good bible-based church. keep god
- 00:24:04.099 --> 00:24:05.834
- Born again. get in a good bible-based church. keep god first place. he'll take you
- 00:24:05.901 --> 00:24:07.869
- Bible-based church. keep god first place. he'll take you places that you've never
- 00:24:07.936 --> 00:24:08.870
- First place. he'll take you places that you've never dreamed of.
- 00:24:08.937 --> 00:24:09.471
- What if every plan you set,
- 00:24:10.372 --> 00:24:13.141
- What if every plan you set, every habit you formed,
- 00:24:13.208 --> 00:24:14.976
- Every habit you formed, and every decision you made
- 00:24:15.043 --> 00:24:17.078
- And every decision you made became a pathway
- 00:24:17.145 --> 00:24:18.280
- Became a pathway to see god move in your life?
- 00:24:18.346 --> 00:24:21.383
- To see god move in your life? we all have hopes and dreams;
- 00:24:21.449 --> 00:24:23.151
- We all have hopes and dreams; things we're believing for.
- 00:24:23.218 --> 00:24:24.819
- Things we're believing for. when you start the year
- 00:24:24.886 --> 00:24:25.887
- When you start the year in faith,
- 00:24:25.954 --> 00:24:26.721
- In faith, expecting god's goodness,
- 00:24:26.788 --> 00:24:28.356
- Expecting god's goodness, you are setting the tone
- 00:24:28.423 --> 00:24:29.591
- You are setting the tone for a blessed new year.
- 00:24:29.658 --> 00:24:31.459
- We'd love to send you our 2026
- 00:24:31.593 --> 00:24:33.728
- We'd love to send you our 2026 faith for today planner.
- 00:24:33.795 --> 00:24:35.564
- Faith for today planner. you can write down your dreams
- 00:24:35.664 --> 00:24:36.932
- You can write down your dreams and goals,
- 00:24:36.998 --> 00:24:37.799
- And goals, plus use it for your everyday
- 00:24:37.866 --> 00:24:39.234
- Plus use it for your everyday activities and reminders.
- 00:24:39.301 --> 00:24:41.136
- Activities and reminders. it's important
- 00:24:41.202 --> 00:24:41.903
- It's important to feed your faith
- 00:24:41.970 --> 00:24:42.938
- To feed your faith on a daily basis.
- 00:24:43.004 --> 00:24:44.472
- On a daily basis. this planner, it's
- 00:24:44.539 --> 00:24:45.440
- This planner, it's not just a calendar,
- 00:24:45.507 --> 00:24:46.708
- Not just a calendar, it's filled with scriptures
- 00:24:46.775 --> 00:24:47.976
- It's filled with scriptures and inspiration
- 00:24:48.043 --> 00:24:49.010
- And inspiration to help you stay encouraged
- 00:24:49.077 --> 00:24:50.478
- To help you stay encouraged and keep believing
- 00:24:50.545 --> 00:24:51.713
- And keep believing for what god
- 00:24:51.780 --> 00:24:52.447
- For what god has put in your heart.
- 00:24:52.514 --> 00:24:53.481
- Has put in your heart. 2026 is your year
- 00:24:53.548 --> 00:24:55.150
- 2026 is your year to see the goodness of god
- 00:24:55.216 --> 00:24:56.451
- To see the goodness of god in greater ways.
- 00:24:56.518 --> 00:24:57.852
- In greater ways. let go of what
- 00:24:57.919 --> 00:24:58.520
- Let go of what didn't work out and get ready
- 00:24:58.587 --> 00:25:00.088
- Didn't work out and get ready for the new things
- 00:25:00.155 --> 00:25:01.122
- For the new things god has in store.
- 00:25:01.189 --> 00:25:02.624
- God has in store. as our way of saying thank you
- 00:25:02.724 --> 00:25:04.359
- As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount
- 00:25:04.426 --> 00:25:05.894
- For your gift of any amount this month,
- 00:25:05.961 --> 00:25:06.628
- This month, we would like to send you
- 00:25:06.695 --> 00:25:07.896
- We would like to send you a copy of the 2026
- 00:25:07.963 --> 00:25:09.931
- A copy of the 2026 faith for today planner.
- 00:25:09.998 --> 00:25:11.499
- Faith for today planner. each month features
- 00:25:11.566 --> 00:25:13.001
- Each month features a fresh theme of encouragement,
- 00:25:13.068 --> 00:25:15.103
- A fresh theme of encouragement, a guiding scripture
- 00:25:15.170 --> 00:25:16.237
- A guiding scripture to stand on.
- 00:25:16.304 --> 00:25:17.339
- To stand on. room to write your goals,
- 00:25:17.405 --> 00:25:18.873
- Room to write your goals, prayers, and vision.
- 00:25:18.940 --> 00:25:20.375
- Prayers, and vision. space for faith steps,
- 00:25:20.442 --> 00:25:22.110
- Space for faith steps, because faith isn't passive,
- 00:25:22.177 --> 00:25:24.079
- Because faith isn't passive, it's active.
- 00:25:24.145 --> 00:25:25.146
- It's active. a monthly qr code
- 00:25:25.213 --> 00:25:26.748
- A monthly qr code linking to a message or video
- 00:25:26.815 --> 00:25:28.683
- Linking to a message or video to keep your spirit lifted.
- 00:25:28.750 --> 00:25:30.619
- To keep your spirit lifted. with the 2026
- 00:25:30.685 --> 00:25:32.153
- With the 2026 faith for today planner,
- 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:33.622
- Faith for today planner, you'll be reminded
- 00:25:33.688 --> 00:25:34.723
- You'll be reminded that living by faith
- 00:25:34.789 --> 00:25:36.224
- That living by faith makes room for god to do
- 00:25:36.291 --> 00:25:38.126
- Makes room for god to do what only he can do.
- 00:25:38.193 --> 00:25:40.228
- What only he can do. breakthrough in your business.
- 00:25:40.328 --> 00:25:41.963
- Breakthrough in your business. god's healing touch.
- 00:25:42.030 --> 00:25:43.798
- God's healing touch. loved ones returning to faith.
- 00:25:43.898 --> 00:25:46.101
- Loved ones returning to faith. request your copy of the planner
- 00:25:46.167 --> 00:25:48.169
- Request your copy of the planner and step into the new year
- 00:25:48.236 --> 00:25:49.671
- And step into the new year with bold faith, fresh hope,
- 00:25:49.738 --> 00:25:52.040
- With bold faith, fresh hope, and daily encouragement
- 00:25:52.107 --> 00:25:53.475
- And daily encouragement to strengthen your spirit
- 00:25:53.541 --> 00:25:54.943
- To strengthen your spirit and face every challenge
- 00:25:55.010 --> 00:25:56.511
- And face every challenge with confidence.
- 00:25:56.578 --> 00:25:58.046
- With confidence. no matter what's happening
- 00:25:58.113 --> 00:25:59.114
- No matter what's happening around you,
- 00:25:59.180 --> 00:25:59.981
- Around you, faith can rise up in you.
- 00:26:00.048 --> 00:26:01.916
- Faith can rise up in you. keep believing
- 00:26:01.983 --> 00:26:02.751
- Keep believing and expecting a blessed 2026.
- 00:26:02.817 --> 00:26:05.720
- And expecting a blessed 2026. victoria and i pray for
- 00:26:05.787 --> 00:26:06.888
- Victoria and i pray for you and your family every day.
- 00:26:06.988 --> 00:26:08.923
- You and your family every day. thank you so much
- 00:26:08.990 --> 00:26:09.791
- Thank you so much for your prayer and support.
- 00:26:09.858 --> 00:26:11.660
- For your prayer and support. your generosity
- 00:26:11.726 --> 00:26:12.594
- Your generosity is helping people
- 00:26:12.661 --> 00:26:13.461
- Is helping people around the world.
- 00:26:13.528 --> 00:26:14.963
- Around the world. as we finish this year,
- 00:26:15.030 --> 00:26:16.431
- As we finish this year, i hope you'll consider
- 00:26:16.498 --> 00:26:17.465
- I hope you'll consider making a special year-end gift
- 00:26:17.565 --> 00:26:19.567
- Making a special year-end gift to help
- 00:26:19.634 --> 00:26:20.001
- To help keep the ministry strong.
- 00:26:20.068 --> 00:26:21.903
- Keep the ministry strong. we so appreciate
- 00:26:21.970 --> 00:26:22.804
- We so appreciate all the champion
- 00:26:22.871 --> 00:26:23.571
- All the champion of hope partners
- 00:26:23.638 --> 00:26:24.439
- Of hope partners for your monthly support.
- 00:26:24.506 --> 00:26:26.241
- For your monthly support. we wish you and your family
- 00:26:26.307 --> 00:26:27.575
- We wish you and your family a very merry christmas.
- 00:26:27.642 --> 00:26:29.511
- A very merry christmas. till we see you next time,
- 00:26:29.577 --> 00:26:30.845
- Till we see you next time, may the lord bless
- 00:26:30.912 --> 00:26:31.713
- May the lord bless you and keep you.
- 00:26:31.780 --> 00:26:33.615
- You and keep you. be sure to request
- 00:26:33.682 --> 00:26:34.683
- Be sure to request your copy of the 2026
- 00:26:34.749 --> 00:26:36.651
- Your copy of the 2026 faith for today planner.
- 00:26:36.718 --> 00:26:38.319
- Faith for today planner. visit joelosteen.com
- 00:26:38.386 --> 00:26:40.221
- Visit joelosteen.com or call 888-567-joel.
- 00:26:40.288 --> 00:26:43.792
- Or call 888-567-joel. we are also offering the
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- We are also offering the faith to share bundle.
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- Faith to share bundle. keep one. give one.
- 00:26:47.228 --> 00:26:48.930
- Keep one. give one. give the gift of faith,
- 00:26:48.997 --> 00:26:50.532
- Give the gift of faith, focus, and fresh hope
- 00:26:50.598 --> 00:26:52.467
- Focus, and fresh hope for someone
- 00:26:52.534 --> 00:26:53.201
- For someone special in your life.
- 00:26:53.268 --> 00:26:55.070
- Special in your life. you can also request the god's
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- You can also request the god's word work study collection.
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- Word work study collection. this empowering collection
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- This empowering collection includes the niv
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- Includes the niv the message parallel bible,
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- The message parallel bible, a beautifully crafted
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- A beautifully crafted leather bookmark and pen,
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- Leather bookmark and pen, and how to read your bible
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- And how to read your bible and enjoy it,
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- And enjoy it, along with two planners.
- 00:27:09.684 --> 00:27:11.419
- Along with two planners. for a special year-end gift
- 00:27:11.486 --> 00:27:13.121
- For a special year-end gift this month,
- 00:27:13.188 --> 00:27:13.855
- This month, you can request these
- 00:27:13.922 --> 00:27:14.956
- You can request these inspiring resources
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- Inspiring resources by calling 888-567-joel
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- By calling 888-567-joel or logging on to
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- Or logging on to joelosteen.com today.
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- Joelosteen.com today. call or click anytime,
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- Call or click anytime, 24 hours a day.
- 00:27:24.833 --> 00:27:26.801