Joel Osteen

Joel Osteen - Your Place of Blessing

May 18, 2026 | 27:29

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

#Blessing #Prosperity #LoveofGod #WalkwithGod #TrustGod #Encouragement #JoelOsteen

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Joel Osteen | Joel Osteen - Your Place of Blessing | May 18, 2026

>joel: god bless you. it's
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>joel: god bless you. it's great to be with you today.
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Great to be with you today. i hope you'll stay connected
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I hope you'll stay connected with us during the week,
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With us during the week, through our daily podcast,
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Through our daily podcast, our youtube channel, social
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Our youtube channel, social media. and you can come
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Media. and you can come visit us in person. we'd
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Visit us in person. we'd love to have you be a part
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Love to have you be a part of one of our services.
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Of one of our services. i like to start with
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I like to start with something funny. i heard
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Something funny. i heard about this senior citizen. he
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About this senior citizen. he was driving down the freeway
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Was driving down the freeway in his brand-new corvette
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In his brand-new corvette with the top down going
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With the top down going 80mph, when he saw flashing
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80mph, when he saw flashing red lights in his rear-view
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Red lights in his rear-view mirror from a state trooper.
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Mirror from a state trooper. without thinking about it, he
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Without thinking about it, he floored it, took it up to
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Floored it, took it up to 100mph. he heard the sirens
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100mph. he heard the sirens behind him and finally came
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Behind him and finally came to his senses and pulled
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To his senses and pulled over. he said, “officer, i'm
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Over. he said, “officer, i'm so sorry. i don't know what i
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So sorry. i don't know what i was thinking.” the trooper
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Was thinking.” the trooper said, “listen it's friday, 4
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Said, “listen it's friday, 4 o'clock, my shift is over in
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O'clock, my shift is over in thirty minutes. if you'll
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Thirty minutes. if you'll tell me a reason you're
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Tell me a reason you're speeding that i've never
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Speeding that i've never heard before, i'll let you
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Heard before, i'll let you go.” the man thought about it
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Go.” the man thought about it and said, “officer, years ago
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And said, “officer, years ago my wife ran off with a state
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My wife ran off with a state trooper, and i thought you
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Trooper, and i thought you were bringing her back.” he
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Were bringing her back.” he said, “have a great weekend.”
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Said, “have a great weekend.” say it like you mean it. this
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Say it like you mean it. this is my bible. i am what it
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Is my bible. i am what it says i am. i have what it
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Says i am. i have what it says i have. i can do what it
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Says i have. i can do what it says i can do. today, i will
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Says i can do. today, i will be taught the word of god. i
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Be taught the word of god. i boldly confess: my mind is
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Boldly confess: my mind is alert. my heart is receptive.
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Alert. my heart is receptive. i will never be the same in
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I will never be the same in jesus' name. god bless you.
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Jesus' name. god bless you. i want to talk to you today
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I want to talk to you today about your place of blessing.
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About your place of blessing. there are specific places
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There are specific places where god has designed for
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Where god has designed for you to be blessed. places
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You to be blessed. places where he has favor,
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Where he has favor, opportunity, provision
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Opportunity, provision waiting for you. your destiny
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Waiting for you. your destiny is connected to certain
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Is connected to certain places. you can have faith,
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Places. you can have faith, you can have a great
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You can have a great attitude, but if you're not
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Attitude, but if you're not in the right place, you can
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In the right place, you can miss what god has in store.
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Miss what god has in store. in the book of acts, jesus
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In the book of acts, jesus told five hundred people to
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Told five hundred people to go to the upper room and wait
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Go to the upper room and wait for the promise of the holy
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For the promise of the holy spirit. but only a hundred
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Spirit. but only a hundred and twenty people showed up.
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And twenty people showed up. when the holy spirit came
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When the holy spirit came like a rushing mighty wind,
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Like a rushing mighty wind, three hundred and eighty
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Three hundred and eighty people missed the blessing,
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People missed the blessing, simply because they weren't
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Simply because they weren't in the right place. you have
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In the right place. you have to be sensitive to what
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To be sensitive to what you're feeling on the inside.
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You're feeling on the inside. listen to what god is saying
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Listen to what god is saying to you, that still small
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To you, that still small voice. that's not random.
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Voice. that's not random. it's not just your idea,
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It's not just your idea, that's god leading you into
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That's god leading you into your place of blessing.
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Your place of blessing. sometimes he'll close a door
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Sometimes he'll close a door and move you out. you don't
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And move you out. you don't understand it. it looks like
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Understand it. it looks like a setback; the truth is it's
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A setback; the truth is it's setting you up. he's moving
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Setting you up. he's moving you to a place of promotion,
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You to a place of promotion, a place where you'll meet
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A place where you'll meet divine connections. people
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Divine connections. people who are instrumental in your
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Who are instrumental in your purpose. other times, god
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Purpose. other times, god this is what happened with
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This is what happened with hagar. she was abraham and
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Hagar. she was abraham and sarah's maid. when they
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Sarah's maid. when they couldn't have a baby, sarah
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Couldn't have a baby, sarah told abraham to sleep with
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Told abraham to sleep with hagar. they had a son named
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Hagar. they had a son named ishmael. you would think
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Ishmael. you would think sarah would be happy. it was
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Sarah would be happy. it was her big idea, but she got
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Her big idea, but she got upset with hagar. she started
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Upset with hagar. she started treating her so badly,
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Treating her so badly, putting her down, making rude
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Putting her down, making rude comments. finally, hagar
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Comments. finally, hagar said, “i'm out of here.” she
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Said, “i'm out of here.” she took her son and went off
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Took her son and went off into the desert. the problem
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Into the desert. the problem was she left her place of
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Was she left her place of blessing. god never told her
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Blessing. god never told her to leave. she was just upset.
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To leave. she was just upset. she had no food, no water, no
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She had no food, no water, no way to live out there. an
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Way to live out there. an angel appeared to her and
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Angel appeared to her and said, “go back to sarah and
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Said, “go back to sarah and continue to serve her.” he
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Continue to serve her.” he was saying, “go back to your
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Was saying, “go back to your place of blessing.”
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Place of blessing.” sometimes you have to stay
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Sometimes you have to stay when it's hard. you have to
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When it's hard. you have to forgive those that did you
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Forgive those that did you wrong, you have to be good to
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Wrong, you have to be good to people that are not good to
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People that are not good to you.
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You. notice how merciful god is.
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Notice how merciful god is. when she left that place, god
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When she left that place, god didn't say, “fine, you blew
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Didn't say, “fine, you blew it. you should have known
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It. you should have known better. i'm done with you.”
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Better. i'm done with you.” no god sent an angel to get
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No god sent an angel to get her back to the right place.
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Her back to the right place. at times we're all going to
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At times we're all going to miss it. leave where we're
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Miss it. leave where we're supposed to stay or stay when
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Supposed to stay or stay when god wants us to leave. the
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God wants us to leave. the good news is god's going to
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Good news is god's going to send that angel. he's not
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Send that angel. he's not going to let you miss your
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Going to let you miss your place of blessing. he's going
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Place of blessing. he's going to keep whispering to you.
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To keep whispering to you. you're going to hear that
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You're going to hear that still small voice, that
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Still small voice, that knowing on the inside telling
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Knowing on the inside telling you what to do. don't ignore
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You what to do. don't ignore it. be sensitive to what
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It. be sensitive to what you're feeling.
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You're feeling. the scripture says, “god is
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The scripture says, “god is ordering your steps.”
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Ordering your steps.” ordering is not an option.
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Ordering is not an option. he's not suggesting. he's not
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He's not suggesting. he's not saying, “if you perform
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Saying, “if you perform perfectly, then i'll guide
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Perfectly, then i'll guide you. if you don't get off
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You. if you don't get off course, then i'll bless you.”
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Course, then i'll bless you.” no, your steps are ordered.
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No, your steps are ordered. he's going to keep leading
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He's going to keep leading you into places of blessing,
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You into places of blessing, places that he's already
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Places that he's already lined up favor, promotion,
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Lined up favor, promotion, opportunity. stay open for
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Opportunity. stay open for change. don't fight the
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Change. don't fight the closed doors. don't get
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Closed doors. don't get discouraged when you get
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Discouraged when you get pushed out. “joel, i don't
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Pushed out. “joel, i don't understand it. i was doing
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Understand it. i was doing the right thing. why didn't
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The right thing. why didn't this work out?” god's leading
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This work out?” god's leading you to a place of greater
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You to a place of greater blessing. i've learned being
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Blessing. i've learned being in the right place is better
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In the right place is better than getting your way. god
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Than getting your way. god knows what's best. you may
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Knows what's best. you may not see it now but later on;
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Not see it now but later on; you're going to see how god
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You're going to see how god was shutting one door to open
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Was shutting one door to open a better door. you would have
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A better door. you would have never reached your potential
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Never reached your potential if he didn't stop one place
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If he didn't stop one place of blessing and move you to a
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Of blessing and move you to a different place.
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Different place. perhaps you feel stuck.
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Perhaps you feel stuck. you're not making any
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You're not making any progress. you're tempted to
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Progress. you're tempted to force a door to open,
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Force a door to open, manipulate things. be still
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Manipulate things. be still and know that he is god. if
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And know that he is god. if the door hasn't opened, then
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The door hasn't opened, then shine where you are. that's
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Shine where you are. that's your place of blessing right
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Your place of blessing right now. you may not be seeing
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Now. you may not be seeing any growth, any favor. you're
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Any growth, any favor. you're in a time of testing. you
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In a time of testing. you have to prove to god who you
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Have to prove to god who you are. that you're not going to
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Are. that you're not going to get bitter, you're not going
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Get bitter, you're not going to start slacking off, you're
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To start slacking off, you're going to do the right thing
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Going to do the right thing when it's hard. that's
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When it's hard. that's passing the test. you keep
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Passing the test. you keep doing that and you're going
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Doing that and you're going to see new levels of your
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To see new levels of your destiny.
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Destiny. in matthew 1, joseph was
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In matthew 1, joseph was engaged to his fiancé, mary.
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Engaged to his fiancé, mary. she became pregnant with
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She became pregnant with jesus. of course, he didn't
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Jesus. of course, he didn't understand. he was going to
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Understand. he was going to quietly break off the
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Quietly break off the engagement when an angel
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Engagement when an angel appeared to him in a dream
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Appeared to him in a dream and told him to go through
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And told him to go through with the marriage. they were
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With the marriage. they were living in nazareth, planning
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Living in nazareth, planning on having the baby there, but
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On having the baby there, but the roman emperor called for
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The roman emperor called for a census. everyone had to
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A census. everyone had to travel back to their original
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Travel back to their original hometown. joseph was from
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Hometown. joseph was from bethlehem, that was a
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Bethlehem, that was a ninety-mile journey. mary was
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Ninety-mile journey. mary was nine months pregnant. i can
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Nine months pregnant. i can imagine telling victoria at
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Imagine telling victoria at nine months pregnant. “hey
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Nine months pregnant. “hey babe, we're going to get on a
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Babe, we're going to get on a donkey and travel for a week.
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Donkey and travel for a week. camp out along the way. it's
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Camp out along the way. it's going to be so fun.” i'd be
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Going to be so fun.” i'd be your former pastor. mary was
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Your former pastor. mary was bouncing up and down, hot
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Bouncing up and down, hot outside. her feet were
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Outside. her feet were swollen, back hurting. she
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Swollen, back hurting. she was uncomfortable. she didn't
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Was uncomfortable. she didn't understand it. but god wasn't
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Understand it. but god wasn't just making them miserable,
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Just making them miserable, having them suffer. he was
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Having them suffer. he was taking them to a place of
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Taking them to a place of blessing. micah prophesied
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Blessing. micah prophesied seven hundred years earlier
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Seven hundred years earlier that the messiah would be
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That the messiah would be born in bethlehem. it wasn't
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Born in bethlehem. it wasn't a coincidence that the
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A coincidence that the emperor called for the census
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Emperor called for the census at this particular time. he
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At this particular time. he could have called for it
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Could have called for it three months later and they
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Three months later and they would have had the baby in
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Would have had the baby in nazareth. it was all a part
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Nazareth. it was all a part of god's plan, strategically
00:07:50.159 --> 00:07:52.194
Of god's plan, strategically moving them to where they
00:07:52.261 --> 00:07:53.729
Moving them to where they needed to be.
00:07:53.796 --> 00:07:55.431
Needed to be. joseph and mary were admiring
00:07:55.498 --> 00:07:57.266
Joseph and mary were admiring their new son when three
00:07:57.333 --> 00:07:59.235
Their new son when three wisemen showed up. they had
00:07:59.302 --> 00:08:01.404
Wisemen showed up. they had traveled a great distance,
00:08:01.470 --> 00:08:03.139
Traveled a great distance, following the eastern star.
00:08:03.205 --> 00:08:05.308
Following the eastern star. when they saw jesus, they
00:08:05.374 --> 00:08:06.809
When they saw jesus, they fell on their knees and began
00:08:06.876 --> 00:08:08.110
Fell on their knees and began to worship him. mary and
00:08:08.177 --> 00:08:10.046
To worship him. mary and joseph were standing there in
00:08:10.112 --> 00:08:11.280
Joseph were standing there in awe. the wisemen opened up
00:08:11.347 --> 00:08:13.616
Awe. the wisemen opened up their treasure chest, these
00:08:13.683 --> 00:08:15.318
Their treasure chest, these boxes filled with gold and
00:08:15.384 --> 00:08:17.019
Boxes filled with gold and jewels. they gave them all
00:08:17.086 --> 00:08:18.521
Jewels. they gave them all these gifts. think about mary
00:08:18.588 --> 00:08:21.057
These gifts. think about mary and joseph traveling to
00:08:21.123 --> 00:08:22.325
And joseph traveling to bethlehem, and at the same
00:08:22.391 --> 00:08:24.393
Bethlehem, and at the same time, god had these wisemen
00:08:24.460 --> 00:08:26.629
Time, god had these wisemen headed that way. they met at
00:08:26.696 --> 00:08:28.965
Headed that way. they met at the place of blessing, where
00:08:29.031 --> 00:08:30.800
The place of blessing, where god designed them to see his
00:08:30.866 --> 00:08:32.668
God designed them to see his favor in a new way. it was
00:08:32.735 --> 00:08:35.171
Favor in a new way. it was difficult for joseph and mary
00:08:35.237 --> 00:08:36.973
Difficult for joseph and mary to get there. it was at an
00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:38.641
To get there. it was at an inconvenient time. they
00:08:38.708 --> 00:08:40.676
Inconvenient time. they didn't understand it, but god
00:08:40.743 --> 00:08:42.778
Didn't understand it, but god was ordering their steps and
00:08:42.845 --> 00:08:44.880
Was ordering their steps and he was ordering the steps of
00:08:44.947 --> 00:08:46.248
He was ordering the steps of the wisemen, the people
00:08:46.315 --> 00:08:48.084
The wisemen, the people bringing the provision. god
00:08:48.150 --> 00:08:50.686
Bringing the provision. god is not only ordering your
00:08:50.753 --> 00:08:52.121
Is not only ordering your steps, but he's ordering
00:08:52.188 --> 00:08:53.689
Steps, but he's ordering other people's steps to meet
00:08:53.756 --> 00:08:55.725
Other people's steps to meet you at your place of
00:08:55.791 --> 00:08:57.126
You at your place of blessing. you may not
00:08:57.193 --> 00:08:58.961
Blessing. you may not understand it, you're
00:08:59.028 --> 00:09:00.496
Understand it, you're uncomfortable, you had to
00:09:00.563 --> 00:09:02.164
Uncomfortable, you had to leave nazareth so to speak,
00:09:02.231 --> 00:09:04.233
Leave nazareth so to speak, but your time is coming.
00:09:04.300 --> 00:09:06.268
But your time is coming. you're going to see what god
00:09:06.335 --> 00:09:07.570
You're going to see what god was up to. the door closing
00:09:07.637 --> 00:09:10.172
Was up to. the door closing wasn't random, the person
00:09:10.239 --> 00:09:12.208
Wasn't random, the person that forced you out, the
00:09:12.274 --> 00:09:13.809
That forced you out, the unexpected change wasn't
00:09:13.876 --> 00:09:15.277
Unexpected change wasn't happenstance. it was
00:09:15.344 --> 00:09:16.846
Happenstance. it was strategic. it was the hand of
00:09:16.912 --> 00:09:19.081
Strategic. it was the hand of god moving you to a place of
00:09:19.148 --> 00:09:21.317
God moving you to a place of greater blessing, greater
00:09:21.384 --> 00:09:22.918
Greater blessing, greater favor, greater fulfillment.
00:09:22.985 --> 00:09:25.855
Favor, greater fulfillment. king herod heard about this
00:09:25.921 --> 00:09:27.657
King herod heard about this baby jesus that he might be
00:09:27.723 --> 00:09:29.325
Baby jesus that he might be the messiah. he was afraid he
00:09:29.392 --> 00:09:31.761
The messiah. he was afraid he was going to lose control. he
00:09:31.827 --> 00:09:33.696
Was going to lose control. he wanted to get rid of jesus.
00:09:33.763 --> 00:09:34.930
Wanted to get rid of jesus. he couldn't find him, so he
00:09:34.997 --> 00:09:36.966
He couldn't find him, so he had all the male hebrew
00:09:37.033 --> 00:09:39.035
Had all the male hebrew babies killed. an angel came
00:09:39.101 --> 00:09:41.737
Babies killed. an angel came to joseph in a dream and told
00:09:41.804 --> 00:09:43.773
To joseph in a dream and told him to flee to egypt with his
00:09:43.839 --> 00:09:45.441
Him to flee to egypt with his family. in the middle of the
00:09:45.508 --> 00:09:47.243
Family. in the middle of the night, they took off. jesus
00:09:47.309 --> 00:09:49.512
Night, they took off. jesus was just a few weeks old.
00:09:49.578 --> 00:09:51.414
Was just a few weeks old. mary was still getting over
00:09:51.480 --> 00:09:52.682
Mary was still getting over the birth. they wanted to
00:09:52.748 --> 00:09:54.350
The birth. they wanted to enjoy their new baby, but
00:09:54.417 --> 00:09:56.152
Enjoy their new baby, but they were on the run to a
00:09:56.218 --> 00:09:57.386
They were on the run to a foreign country. this wasn't
00:09:57.453 --> 00:09:59.855
Foreign country. this wasn't just another bad break,
00:09:59.922 --> 00:10:01.657
Just another bad break, another inconvenience. this
00:10:01.724 --> 00:10:03.693
Another inconvenience. this was prophecy being fulfilled.
00:10:03.759 --> 00:10:06.162
Was prophecy being fulfilled. it was prophesied, “i have
00:10:06.228 --> 00:10:07.897
It was prophesied, “i have called my son out of egypt.”
00:10:07.963 --> 00:10:10.833
Called my son out of egypt.” herod died and they moved
00:10:10.900 --> 00:10:12.568
Herod died and they moved back to nazareth. another
00:10:12.635 --> 00:10:14.470
Back to nazareth. another prophesy fulfilled, that
00:10:14.537 --> 00:10:16.172
Prophesy fulfilled, that jesus would be a nazarene.
00:10:16.238 --> 00:10:18.874
Jesus would be a nazarene. there was an old man named
00:10:18.941 --> 00:10:20.076
There was an old man named simeon. it was prophesied
00:10:20.142 --> 00:10:22.244
Simeon. it was prophesied that he would not die until
00:10:22.311 --> 00:10:23.713
That he would not die until he saw the messiah. mary and
00:10:23.779 --> 00:10:26.215
He saw the messiah. mary and joseph took baby jesus to the
00:10:26.282 --> 00:10:28.284
Joseph took baby jesus to the temple to be dedicated. it
00:10:28.350 --> 00:10:30.319
Temple to be dedicated. it just so happened; simeon was
00:10:30.386 --> 00:10:32.188
Just so happened; simeon was there. he took the baby in
00:10:32.254 --> 00:10:34.256
There. he took the baby in his hands and said, “now i
00:10:34.323 --> 00:10:35.591
His hands and said, “now i can die in peace. i have seen
00:10:35.658 --> 00:10:38.494
Can die in peace. i have seen the savior.”
00:10:38.561 --> 00:10:40.362
The savior.” you look at all these
00:10:40.429 --> 00:10:41.363
You look at all these different locations, forced
00:10:41.430 --> 00:10:43.199
Different locations, forced to leave nazareth, to
00:10:43.265 --> 00:10:44.800
To leave nazareth, to bethlehem, flee to egypt,
00:10:44.867 --> 00:10:47.136
Bethlehem, flee to egypt, back to nazareth, to the
00:10:47.203 --> 00:10:48.404
Back to nazareth, to the temple. they weren't random.
00:10:48.471 --> 00:10:51.006
Temple. they weren't random. they were strategically
00:10:51.073 --> 00:10:52.374
They were strategically orchestrated. each step was
00:10:52.441 --> 00:10:55.111
Orchestrated. each step was their place of blessing,
00:10:55.177 --> 00:10:56.812
Their place of blessing, place of provision, place of
00:10:56.879 --> 00:10:58.547
Place of provision, place of protection. it wasn't the
00:10:58.614 --> 00:11:00.750
Protection. it wasn't the enemy dictating their life,
00:11:00.816 --> 00:11:02.685
Enemy dictating their life, it was the hand of god,
00:11:02.752 --> 00:11:04.086
It was the hand of god, ordering their steps. like
00:11:04.153 --> 00:11:06.689
Ordering their steps. like with them, there are
00:11:06.756 --> 00:11:07.890
With them, there are prophesies spoken over your
00:11:07.957 --> 00:11:09.725
Prophesies spoken over your life. things that god has
00:11:09.792 --> 00:11:11.560
Life. things that god has already ordained for you.
00:11:11.627 --> 00:11:13.596
Already ordained for you. favor he's already lined up,
00:11:13.662 --> 00:11:15.798
Favor he's already lined up, wisemen he's already
00:11:15.865 --> 00:11:17.099
Wisemen he's already scheduled, doors opening he's
00:11:17.166 --> 00:11:19.135
Scheduled, doors opening he's already arranged. but it may
00:11:19.201 --> 00:11:21.470
Already arranged. but it may not all happen at the same
00:11:21.537 --> 00:11:23.205
Not all happen at the same place. there will be twists
00:11:23.272 --> 00:11:25.608
Place. there will be twists and turns, unexpected moves,
00:11:25.674 --> 00:11:28.778
And turns, unexpected moves, people that walk away, things
00:11:28.844 --> 00:11:30.646
People that walk away, things that weren't fair. instead of
00:11:30.713 --> 00:11:32.848
That weren't fair. instead of fighting change, learn to
00:11:32.915 --> 00:11:34.683
Fighting change, learn to embrace change. recognize
00:11:34.750 --> 00:11:37.686
Embrace change. recognize that's god ordering your
00:11:37.753 --> 00:11:38.988
That's god ordering your steps. he wouldn't be
00:11:39.054 --> 00:11:40.723
Steps. he wouldn't be changing things if he wasn't
00:11:40.790 --> 00:11:42.525
Changing things if he wasn't leading you to a place of
00:11:42.591 --> 00:11:44.160
Leading you to a place of greater blessing. you may not
00:11:44.226 --> 00:11:46.562
Greater blessing. you may not see it right away. there are
00:11:46.629 --> 00:11:48.364
See it right away. there are things that don't make sense.
00:11:48.430 --> 00:11:49.765
Things that don't make sense. it seems like a setback. you
00:11:49.832 --> 00:11:51.967
It seems like a setback. you have to go to bethlehem. you
00:11:52.034 --> 00:11:54.003
Have to go to bethlehem. you were comfortable in nazareth.
00:11:54.069 --> 00:11:56.205
Were comfortable in nazareth. plus, you're pregnant. it's
00:11:56.272 --> 00:11:57.573
Plus, you're pregnant. it's the worst time. then herod
00:11:57.640 --> 00:11:59.575
The worst time. then herod starts making threats. people
00:11:59.642 --> 00:12:01.110
Starts making threats. people start coming against you.
00:12:01.177 --> 00:12:03.045
Start coming against you. they cannot stop your
00:12:03.112 --> 00:12:04.413
They cannot stop your destiny. god is using them
00:12:04.480 --> 00:12:06.816
Destiny. god is using them like pawns to move you to
00:12:06.882 --> 00:12:08.751
Like pawns to move you to where he wants you to be. you
00:12:08.818 --> 00:12:10.719
Where he wants you to be. you may not understand
00:12:10.786 --> 00:12:11.720
May not understand everything, but you can trust
00:12:11.787 --> 00:12:13.489
Everything, but you can trust that god knows what he's
00:12:13.556 --> 00:12:14.523
That god knows what he's doing. he'll have the wisemen
00:12:14.590 --> 00:12:16.659
Doing. he'll have the wisemen show up, the unexpected
00:12:16.725 --> 00:12:18.561
Show up, the unexpected favor, promotion you didn't
00:12:18.627 --> 00:12:20.396
Favor, promotion you didn't see coming. it won't happen
00:12:20.462 --> 00:12:22.565
See coming. it won't happen anywhere; it will happen at
00:12:22.631 --> 00:12:24.200
Anywhere; it will happen at the place where god has
00:12:24.266 --> 00:12:25.601
The place where god has ordained you to be blessed.
00:12:25.668 --> 00:12:28.204
Ordained you to be blessed. i worked seventeen years
00:12:28.270 --> 00:12:29.405
I worked seventeen years behind the scenes here at
00:12:29.471 --> 00:12:30.739
Behind the scenes here at lakewood. at one point, i had
00:12:30.806 --> 00:12:32.608
Lakewood. at one point, i had all these radio stations
00:12:32.675 --> 00:12:33.976
All these radio stations lined up to carry my father's
00:12:34.043 --> 00:12:35.845
Lined up to carry my father's weekly message. i had
00:12:35.911 --> 00:12:37.479
Weekly message. i had arranged everything, got all
00:12:37.546 --> 00:12:39.481
Arranged everything, got all the times and stations
00:12:39.548 --> 00:12:40.850
The times and stations cleared. i asked my father if
00:12:40.916 --> 00:12:43.118
Cleared. i asked my father if he would come down once a
00:12:43.185 --> 00:12:44.286
He would come down once a month and we'd make all the
00:12:44.353 --> 00:12:45.955
Month and we'd make all the openings and closings. it
00:12:46.021 --> 00:12:47.189
Openings and closings. it would just take about an
00:12:47.256 --> 00:12:48.123
Would just take about an hour, no big deal. my father
00:12:48.190 --> 00:12:50.559
Hour, no big deal. my father said, “joel i'm seventy-five
00:12:50.626 --> 00:12:52.127
Said, “joel i'm seventy-five years old. i'm not looking
00:12:52.194 --> 00:12:53.929
Years old. i'm not looking for more work. i just want to
00:12:53.996 --> 00:12:55.564
For more work. i just want to relax and pastor the church.”
00:12:55.631 --> 00:12:58.200
Relax and pastor the church.” i was so disappointed. i
00:12:58.267 --> 00:13:00.002
I was so disappointed. i thought, “god you've put big
00:13:00.069 --> 00:13:01.203
Thought, “god you've put big things in me. i'm young. i
00:13:01.270 --> 00:13:03.205
Things in me. i'm young. i don't want to do less. i want
00:13:03.272 --> 00:13:04.440
Don't want to do less. i want to do more.” i thought maybe
00:13:04.506 --> 00:13:06.508
To do more.” i thought maybe it was time to move on and do
00:13:06.575 --> 00:13:08.277
It was time to move on and do something else. i had an
00:13:08.344 --> 00:13:10.212
Something else. i had an opportunity from one of the
00:13:10.279 --> 00:13:11.680
Opportunity from one of the largest ministries to come
00:13:11.747 --> 00:13:13.115
Largest ministries to come work for them. a big sports
00:13:13.182 --> 00:13:15.251
Work for them. a big sports network offered me something.
00:13:15.317 --> 00:13:17.686
Network offered me something. but, when i got quiet, when i
00:13:17.753 --> 00:13:19.788
But, when i got quiet, when i searched my heart, i could
00:13:19.855 --> 00:13:21.557
Searched my heart, i could hear that still small voice
00:13:21.624 --> 00:13:23.192
Hear that still small voice saying, “no, joel, stay where
00:13:23.259 --> 00:13:24.894
Saying, “no, joel, stay where you are. this is your
00:13:24.960 --> 00:13:26.495
You are. this is your father's ministry. this is
00:13:26.562 --> 00:13:28.330
Father's ministry. this is his vision. don't leave
00:13:28.397 --> 00:13:30.132
His vision. don't leave because you're not getting
00:13:30.199 --> 00:13:31.133
Because you're not getting your way. honor what he wants
00:13:31.200 --> 00:13:33.269
Your way. honor what he wants to do.” i made a decision,
00:13:33.335 --> 00:13:36.205
To do.” i made a decision, that i was not only going to
00:13:36.272 --> 00:13:37.273
That i was not only going to stay, but i was going to stay
00:13:37.339 --> 00:13:39.241
Stay, but i was going to stay with a good attitude. i
00:13:39.308 --> 00:13:41.043
With a good attitude. i wasn't going to get bitter,
00:13:41.110 --> 00:13:42.611
Wasn't going to get bitter, slack off, be disgruntled. i
00:13:42.678 --> 00:13:45.281
Slack off, be disgruntled. i kept being my best, doing
00:13:45.347 --> 00:13:47.283
Kept being my best, doing what i could to make my
00:13:47.349 --> 00:13:48.517
What i could to make my father shine. i never dreamed
00:13:48.584 --> 00:13:51.253
Father shine. i never dreamed that two years later, my
00:13:51.320 --> 00:13:52.721
That two years later, my father would pass and
00:13:52.788 --> 00:13:54.189
Father would pass and suddenly i would become the
00:13:54.256 --> 00:13:55.691
Suddenly i would become the pastor. that big vision god
00:13:55.758 --> 00:13:58.360
Pastor. that big vision god put in me, it was still going
00:13:58.427 --> 00:13:59.962
Put in me, it was still going to happen, it just wasn't the
00:14:00.029 --> 00:14:01.563
To happen, it just wasn't the right time. had i not honored
00:14:01.630 --> 00:14:04.233
Right time. had i not honored my father and stayed in my
00:14:04.300 --> 00:14:06.201
My father and stayed in my place of blessing, i wouldn't
00:14:06.268 --> 00:14:07.870
Place of blessing, i wouldn't be here today.
00:14:07.937 --> 00:14:09.738
Be here today. your place of blessing
00:14:09.805 --> 00:14:11.173
Your place of blessing doesn't mean that everything
00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:12.274
Doesn't mean that everything is going your way, everyone
00:14:12.341 --> 00:14:14.376
Is going your way, everyone will celebrate you, all these
00:14:14.443 --> 00:14:16.045
Will celebrate you, all these doors are opening. it may
00:14:16.111 --> 00:14:18.113
Doors are opening. it may mean that you're serving
00:14:18.180 --> 00:14:19.281
Mean that you're serving another person's vision. you
00:14:19.348 --> 00:14:21.417
Another person's vision. you don't feel like you're using
00:14:21.483 --> 00:14:22.685
Don't feel like you're using everything you have. you're
00:14:22.751 --> 00:14:24.520
Everything you have. you're being overlooked, not getting
00:14:24.586 --> 00:14:26.488
Being overlooked, not getting opportunities to share your
00:14:26.555 --> 00:14:27.923
Opportunities to share your gifts. many times, those are
00:14:27.990 --> 00:14:30.326
Gifts. many times, those are tests. god is seeing will you
00:14:30.392 --> 00:14:33.162
Tests. god is seeing will you be faithful when you're not
00:14:33.228 --> 00:14:34.697
Be faithful when you're not getting your way. will you
00:14:34.763 --> 00:14:36.332
Getting your way. will you have a good attitude when
00:14:36.398 --> 00:14:37.833
Have a good attitude when they don't take your
00:14:37.900 --> 00:14:38.734
They don't take your suggestions, they don't give
00:14:38.801 --> 00:14:40.602
Suggestions, they don't give you the credit. it's easy to
00:14:40.669 --> 00:14:42.638
You the credit. it's easy to leave, “forget it. i'm out of
00:14:42.705 --> 00:14:44.440
Leave, “forget it. i'm out of here.” you have to search
00:14:44.506 --> 00:14:46.208
Here.” you have to search your heart. if you don't feel
00:14:46.275 --> 00:14:48.043
Your heart. if you don't feel that release to leave, you
00:14:48.110 --> 00:14:49.845
That release to leave, you need to stay. because you're
00:14:49.912 --> 00:14:51.680
Need to stay. because you're not going to be blessed
00:14:51.747 --> 00:14:52.848
Not going to be blessed anywhere. your blessing is
00:14:52.915 --> 00:14:54.683
Anywhere. your blessing is connected to the place god
00:14:54.750 --> 00:14:56.819
Connected to the place god called you to be.
00:14:56.885 --> 00:14:58.554
Called you to be. think about david. he was out
00:14:58.620 --> 00:14:59.922
Think about david. he was out in the shepherd's fields
00:14:59.989 --> 00:15:00.856
In the shepherd's fields taking care of his father's
00:15:00.923 --> 00:15:02.257
Taking care of his father's sheep. he knew he had big
00:15:02.324 --> 00:15:04.360
Sheep. he knew he had big things in him but he didn't
00:15:04.426 --> 00:15:06.362
Things in him but he didn't try to force doors to open.
00:15:06.428 --> 00:15:08.697
Try to force doors to open. he didn't get bitter because
00:15:08.764 --> 00:15:09.965
He didn't get bitter because his father left him out. he
00:15:10.032 --> 00:15:11.967
His father left him out. he didn't slack off because he
00:15:12.034 --> 00:15:13.602
Didn't slack off because he was doing something less than
00:15:13.669 --> 00:15:15.571
Was doing something less than he knew was in him. his
00:15:15.637 --> 00:15:17.806
He knew was in him. his father asked him to take
00:15:17.873 --> 00:15:19.008
Father asked him to take lunch to his brothers who
00:15:19.074 --> 00:15:20.776
Lunch to his brothers who were in another city, to do a
00:15:20.843 --> 00:15:22.644
Were in another city, to do a menial task. david could have
00:15:22.711 --> 00:15:24.747
Menial task. david could have said, “sorry dad, i'm not an
00:15:24.813 --> 00:15:26.281
Said, “sorry dad, i'm not an errand boy. i have more in
00:15:26.348 --> 00:15:28.283
Errand boy. i have more in me. you'll have to find
00:15:28.350 --> 00:15:29.284
Me. you'll have to find someone else.” no, david was
00:15:29.351 --> 00:15:31.920
Someone else.” no, david was faithful in the small things,
00:15:31.987 --> 00:15:34.323
Faithful in the small things, when he wasn't getting his
00:15:34.390 --> 00:15:35.357
When he wasn't getting his way, when doors weren't
00:15:35.424 --> 00:15:37.059
Way, when doors weren't opening. while he was taking
00:15:37.126 --> 00:15:39.161
Opening. while he was taking his brother's lunch,
00:15:39.228 --> 00:15:40.729
His brother's lunch, something that seemed
00:15:40.796 --> 00:15:41.897
Something that seemed insignificant, that's where
00:15:41.964 --> 00:15:43.766
Insignificant, that's where he heard goliath taunting the
00:15:43.832 --> 00:15:45.601
He heard goliath taunting the israelites. had he not been
00:15:45.667 --> 00:15:47.936
Israelites. had he not been faithful in the small he
00:15:48.003 --> 00:15:49.738
Faithful in the small he would have never defeated
00:15:49.805 --> 00:15:50.839
Would have never defeated goliath. don't think your
00:15:50.906 --> 00:15:53.042
Goliath. don't think your place of blessing has to be
00:15:53.108 --> 00:15:54.643
Place of blessing has to be something super exciting,
00:15:54.710 --> 00:15:56.445
Something super exciting, super important, where
00:15:56.512 --> 00:15:57.713
Super important, where everyone sees. many times,
00:15:57.780 --> 00:16:00.215
Everyone sees. many times, your place of blessing is
00:16:00.282 --> 00:16:00.883
Your place of blessing is being faithful with things
00:16:00.949 --> 00:16:03.852
Being faithful with things that no one pays attention to.
00:16:03.919 --> 00:16:06.321
That no one pays attention to. david didn't go to the
00:16:06.388 --> 00:16:07.456
David didn't go to the throne. he went back to the
00:16:07.523 --> 00:16:08.857
Throne. he went back to the shepherd's fields. king saul
00:16:08.924 --> 00:16:11.293
Shepherd's fields. king saul suffered with depression. he
00:16:11.360 --> 00:16:13.162
Suffered with depression. he needed someone to play music
00:16:13.228 --> 00:16:14.563
Needed someone to play music for him. they asked david to
00:16:14.630 --> 00:16:16.565
For him. they asked david to come to the palace. not to be
00:16:16.632 --> 00:16:18.767
Come to the palace. not to be the king, not to be a trusted
00:16:18.834 --> 00:16:20.602
The king, not to be a trusted advisor but to be a part time
00:16:20.669 --> 00:16:23.005
Advisor but to be a part time musician. “play the harp when
00:16:23.072 --> 00:16:25.441
Musician. “play the harp when we call you, otherwise we
00:16:25.507 --> 00:16:26.975
We call you, otherwise we don't need you.” you have to
00:16:27.042 --> 00:16:29.178
Don't need you.” you have to recognize you're not working
00:16:29.244 --> 00:16:30.913
Recognize you're not working unto people, you're working
00:16:30.979 --> 00:16:32.347
Unto people, you're working unto god. he's keeping the
00:16:32.414 --> 00:16:34.283
Unto god. he's keeping the records. the scripture says
00:16:34.349 --> 00:16:36.151
Records. the scripture says he's taking you from glory to
00:16:36.218 --> 00:16:38.320
He's taking you from glory to glory. sometimes you're in
00:16:38.387 --> 00:16:40.789
Glory. sometimes you're in between one glory and another
00:16:40.856 --> 00:16:42.524
Between one glory and another glory. you could think,
00:16:42.591 --> 00:16:44.126
Glory. you could think, “joel, this is not my place
00:16:44.193 --> 00:16:45.360
“joel, this is not my place of blessing, nobody
00:16:45.427 --> 00:16:46.762
Of blessing, nobody appreciates me. i'm
00:16:46.829 --> 00:16:48.297
Appreciates me. i'm overlooked, undervalued. i
00:16:48.363 --> 00:16:50.999
Overlooked, undervalued. i know i'm called to be in
00:16:51.066 --> 00:16:52.134
Know i'm called to be in leadership, but all i'm doing
00:16:52.201 --> 00:16:54.203
Leadership, but all i'm doing is playing this harp.” here's
00:16:54.269 --> 00:16:56.371
Is playing this harp.” here's how strategic god is. david
00:16:56.438 --> 00:16:58.674
How strategic god is. david had been in the shepherd's
00:16:58.740 --> 00:16:59.675
Had been in the shepherd's fields his whole life. all
00:16:59.741 --> 00:17:01.577
Fields his whole life. all he'd known was taking care of
00:17:01.643 --> 00:17:03.112
He'd known was taking care of sheep. now he's in the palace
00:17:03.178 --> 00:17:05.814
Sheep. now he's in the palace in the presence of king saul.
00:17:05.881 --> 00:17:08.517
In the presence of king saul. god is showing him what it's
00:17:08.584 --> 00:17:10.285
God is showing him what it's like to be a king. he's
00:17:10.352 --> 00:17:12.321
Like to be a king. he's getting him familiar with the
00:17:12.387 --> 00:17:13.689
Getting him familiar with the palace, how a king operates,
00:17:13.755 --> 00:17:16.558
Palace, how a king operates, protocol, the staff that
00:17:16.625 --> 00:17:18.360
Protocol, the staff that serves him. he doesn't
00:17:18.427 --> 00:17:20.295
Serves him. he doesn't realize but this task of
00:17:20.362 --> 00:17:22.030
Realize but this task of playing the harp is divinely
00:17:22.097 --> 00:17:23.999
Playing the harp is divinely orchestrated. god put him
00:17:24.066 --> 00:17:26.201
Orchestrated. god put him there to get him prepared for
00:17:26.268 --> 00:17:28.270
There to get him prepared for where he was going.
00:17:28.337 --> 00:17:30.272
Where he was going. all those years that i worked
00:17:30.339 --> 00:17:31.840
All those years that i worked behind the scenes at
00:17:31.907 --> 00:17:33.275
Behind the scenes at lakewood, i had to edit my
00:17:33.342 --> 00:17:35.244
Lakewood, i had to edit my father's sermons. he would
00:17:35.310 --> 00:17:37.179
Father's sermons. he would speak forty minutes; i would
00:17:37.246 --> 00:17:39.214
Speak forty minutes; i would have to cut them down to
00:17:39.281 --> 00:17:40.215
Have to cut them down to twenty-five for the
00:17:40.282 --> 00:17:41.483
Twenty-five for the television program. i'd
00:17:41.550 --> 00:17:43.418
Television program. i'd listen to each message four
00:17:43.485 --> 00:17:44.953
Listen to each message four or five times trying to get
00:17:45.020 --> 00:17:46.855
Or five times trying to get his train of thought, all the
00:17:46.922 --> 00:17:48.991
His train of thought, all the stories, the scriptures, the
00:17:49.057 --> 00:17:50.926
Stories, the scriptures, the examples. i didn't realize
00:17:50.993 --> 00:17:51.960
Examples. i didn't realize god was getting me prepared
00:17:52.027 --> 00:17:56.698
God was getting me prepared for what i'm doing now. i
00:17:56.765 --> 00:17:58.634
For what i'm doing now. i couldn't see it at the time
00:17:58.700 --> 00:17:59.868
Couldn't see it at the time but that was my place of
00:17:59.935 --> 00:18:01.537
But that was my place of blessing. it was a place
00:18:01.603 --> 00:18:03.338
Blessing. it was a place strategically orchestrated to
00:18:03.405 --> 00:18:05.641
Strategically orchestrated to get me prepared for the
00:18:05.707 --> 00:18:07.242
Get me prepared for the fullness of my destiny. what
00:18:07.309 --> 00:18:09.411
Fullness of my destiny. what am i saying, don't despise
00:18:09.478 --> 00:18:11.713
Am i saying, don't despise where you are right now. you
00:18:11.780 --> 00:18:13.916
Where you are right now. you don't know what god is up to.
00:18:13.982 --> 00:18:15.284
Don't know what god is up to. you can't see how he's making
00:18:15.350 --> 00:18:17.653
You can't see how he's making you and molding you, getting
00:18:17.719 --> 00:18:19.454
You and molding you, getting you ready for greater
00:18:19.521 --> 00:18:20.722
You ready for greater responsibility, greater
00:18:20.789 --> 00:18:22.457
Responsibility, greater resources, greater favor.
00:18:22.524 --> 00:18:24.259
Resources, greater favor. in 1 kings 17, the prophet
00:18:24.326 --> 00:18:27.963
In 1 kings 17, the prophet elijah told king ahab that
00:18:28.030 --> 00:18:30.832
Elijah told king ahab that because the people had turned
00:18:30.899 --> 00:18:32.267
Because the people had turned away from jehovah and because
00:18:32.334 --> 00:18:34.169
Away from jehovah and because they were worshipping idols,
00:18:34.236 --> 00:18:35.971
They were worshipping idols, there was going to be a
00:18:36.038 --> 00:18:36.805
There was going to be a drought in the land for three
00:18:36.872 --> 00:18:38.674
Drought in the land for three and a half years. god said to
00:18:38.740 --> 00:18:41.009
And a half years. god said to elijah, “leave here, and go
00:18:41.076 --> 00:18:43.445
Elijah, “leave here, and go down to the brook cherith,
00:18:43.512 --> 00:18:45.414
Down to the brook cherith, for i have commanded the
00:18:45.480 --> 00:18:46.848
For i have commanded the ravens to feed you there.”
00:18:46.915 --> 00:18:49.551
Ravens to feed you there.” notice there's a place where
00:18:49.618 --> 00:18:51.353
Notice there's a place where god has commanded you to be
00:18:51.420 --> 00:18:52.955
God has commanded you to be blessed. not maybe, hope so,
00:18:53.021 --> 00:18:56.491
Blessed. not maybe, hope so, if the economy gets better.
00:18:56.558 --> 00:18:58.293
If the economy gets better. no, he's commanded the ravens
00:18:58.360 --> 00:18:59.995
No, he's commanded the ravens to feed you. that means he's
00:19:00.062 --> 00:19:01.897
To feed you. that means he's commanded provision,
00:19:01.964 --> 00:19:03.599
Commanded provision, commanded resources,
00:19:03.665 --> 00:19:05.200
Commanded resources, commanded the right people to
00:19:05.267 --> 00:19:06.735
Commanded the right people to be there. but here's the key,
00:19:06.802 --> 00:19:09.271
Be there. but here's the key, the blessing wasn't anywhere,
00:19:09.338 --> 00:19:11.373
The blessing wasn't anywhere, it was at a specific place.
00:19:11.440 --> 00:19:13.675
It was at a specific place. the ravens were waiting for
00:19:13.742 --> 00:19:15.077
The ravens were waiting for him at the brook. elijah
00:19:15.143 --> 00:19:17.646
Him at the brook. elijah could have stayed in samaria
00:19:17.713 --> 00:19:18.680
Could have stayed in samaria and thought, “god is
00:19:18.747 --> 00:19:20.215
And thought, “god is faithful. i'm sure he'll take
00:19:20.282 --> 00:19:22.084
Faithful. i'm sure he'll take care of me here.” but he
00:19:22.150 --> 00:19:23.752
Care of me here.” but he would have missed the
00:19:23.819 --> 00:19:24.486
Would have missed the blessing. when god tells you
00:19:24.553 --> 00:19:26.989
Blessing. when god tells you to do something, don't reason
00:19:27.055 --> 00:19:28.557
To do something, don't reason it out. don't ask four
00:19:28.624 --> 00:19:30.525
It out. don't ask four friends. don't pray about it
00:19:30.592 --> 00:19:32.160
Friends. don't pray about it six months. don't come up
00:19:32.227 --> 00:19:33.595
Six months. don't come up with twelve excuses. just do
00:19:33.662 --> 00:19:35.564
With twelve excuses. just do it. be obedient to what
00:19:35.631 --> 00:19:37.766
It. be obedient to what you're hearing in your
00:19:37.833 --> 00:19:38.734
You're hearing in your spirit. god is leading you to
00:19:38.800 --> 00:19:41.136
Spirit. god is leading you to your place of blessing.
00:19:41.203 --> 00:19:43.605
Your place of blessing. sometimes you have to leave a
00:19:43.672 --> 00:19:45.073
Sometimes you have to leave a friend that's pulling you
00:19:45.140 --> 00:19:46.108
Friend that's pulling you down, leave an environment
00:19:46.174 --> 00:19:48.410
Down, leave an environment where you're being poisoned.
00:19:48.477 --> 00:19:50.045
Where you're being poisoned. or leave a bad attitude,
00:19:50.112 --> 00:19:51.813
Or leave a bad attitude, leave bitterness, leave what
00:19:51.880 --> 00:19:53.649
Leave bitterness, leave what didn't work out and move
00:19:53.715 --> 00:19:55.217
Didn't work out and move forward into the new things
00:19:55.284 --> 00:19:56.885
Forward into the new things god has for you.
00:19:56.952 --> 00:19:58.787
God has for you. elijah went down to the brook
00:19:58.854 --> 00:20:00.289
Elijah went down to the brook and just like clockwork,
00:20:00.355 --> 00:20:02.124
And just like clockwork, every morning the ravens
00:20:02.190 --> 00:20:03.659
Every morning the ravens showed up. he had
00:20:03.725 --> 00:20:05.093
Showed up. he had supernatural provision. i'm
00:20:05.160 --> 00:20:07.396
Supernatural provision. i'm sure he was happy, “god,
00:20:07.462 --> 00:20:09.331
Sure he was happy, “god, you've been good to me. i've
00:20:09.398 --> 00:20:10.732
You've been good to me. i've found my place of blessing.”
00:20:10.799 --> 00:20:12.934
Found my place of blessing.” but one day the ravens quit
00:20:13.001 --> 00:20:14.269
But one day the ravens quit coming. the brook went from a
00:20:14.336 --> 00:20:16.338
Coming. the brook went from a stream to a trickle, to
00:20:16.405 --> 00:20:18.240
Stream to a trickle, to barely flowing, to nothing.
00:20:18.307 --> 00:20:20.976
Barely flowing, to nothing. what do you do when god leads
00:20:21.043 --> 00:20:22.577
What do you do when god leads you to a brook that dries up,
00:20:22.644 --> 00:20:25.113
You to a brook that dries up, when what used to work
00:20:25.180 --> 00:20:26.515
When what used to work doesn't work anymore. god was
00:20:26.581 --> 00:20:28.917
Doesn't work anymore. god was showing us just because it
00:20:28.984 --> 00:20:30.552
Showing us just because it happened one way, doesn't
00:20:30.619 --> 00:20:32.254
Happened one way, doesn't mean it's always going to
00:20:32.321 --> 00:20:33.522
Mean it's always going to happen that way. stay open
00:20:33.588 --> 00:20:35.857
Happen that way. stay open for change. be willing to
00:20:35.924 --> 00:20:37.793
For change. be willing to accept the new thing god is
00:20:37.859 --> 00:20:39.528
Accept the new thing god is doing. if you get set and
00:20:39.594 --> 00:20:41.363
Doing. if you get set and think it's only going to
00:20:41.430 --> 00:20:42.130
Think it's only going to happen one way, then you'll
00:20:42.197 --> 00:20:43.565
Happen one way, then you'll miss out. god told elijah,
00:20:43.632 --> 00:20:46.234
Miss out. god told elijah, “go to the city of zarephath.
00:20:46.301 --> 00:20:48.003
“go to the city of zarephath. for i have commanded a widow
00:20:48.070 --> 00:20:50.772
For i have commanded a widow to feed you there.” notice
00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:52.908
To feed you there.” notice another place where god
00:20:52.974 --> 00:20:54.409
Another place where god commanded him to be blessed,
00:20:54.476 --> 00:20:56.244
Commanded him to be blessed, but a different location.
00:20:56.311 --> 00:20:57.479
But a different location. zarephath is where ahab and
00:20:57.546 --> 00:21:00.082
Zarephath is where ahab and his wife jezebel lived. she
00:21:00.148 --> 00:21:02.651
His wife jezebel lived. she didn't like elijah. she
00:21:02.718 --> 00:21:04.486
Didn't like elijah. she wanted to get rid of him. out
00:21:04.553 --> 00:21:06.521
Wanted to get rid of him. out of all the places god could
00:21:06.588 --> 00:21:08.490
Of all the places god could have told elijah to go, he
00:21:08.557 --> 00:21:10.292
Have told elijah to go, he sent him to the enemy's
00:21:10.359 --> 00:21:11.960
Sent him to the enemy's territory. the way god does
00:21:12.027 --> 00:21:14.763
Territory. the way god does things always requires faith.
00:21:14.830 --> 00:21:17.766
Things always requires faith. he could have sent him to his
00:21:17.833 --> 00:21:18.800
He could have sent him to his friends, his relatives, his
00:21:18.867 --> 00:21:20.469
Friends, his relatives, his supporters. i'm sure elijah
00:21:20.535 --> 00:21:22.738
Supporters. i'm sure elijah thought, “god you know that
00:21:22.804 --> 00:21:24.239
Thought, “god you know that lady is after me. can't you
00:21:24.306 --> 00:21:26.375
Lady is after me. can't you extend my stay at the brook?
00:21:26.441 --> 00:21:28.410
Extend my stay at the brook? can't i get a late checkout?
00:21:28.477 --> 00:21:30.045
Can't i get a late checkout? god, i'm comfortable here.”
00:21:30.112 --> 00:21:31.880
God, i'm comfortable here.” to reach your destiny, you
00:21:31.947 --> 00:21:33.849
To reach your destiny, you have to get out of your
00:21:33.915 --> 00:21:34.750
Have to get out of your comfort zone and take steps
00:21:34.816 --> 00:21:37.452
Comfort zone and take steps of faith. don't get stuck
00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:39.321
Of faith. don't get stuck where the brook has dried up.
00:21:39.388 --> 00:21:40.956
Where the brook has dried up. our god is a moving god, a
00:21:41.022 --> 00:21:43.191
Our god is a moving god, a progressive god. he's taking
00:21:43.258 --> 00:21:45.093
Progressive god. he's taking you on a journey. that place
00:21:45.160 --> 00:21:47.396
You on a journey. that place of blessing is going to move.
00:21:47.462 --> 00:21:49.331
Of blessing is going to move. it may not always be
00:21:49.398 --> 00:21:50.432
It may not always be physical, sometimes it's in
00:21:50.499 --> 00:21:52.000
Physical, sometimes it's in your thinking. you have leave
00:21:52.067 --> 00:21:54.035
Your thinking. you have leave limited mindsets. quit
00:21:54.102 --> 00:21:56.405
Limited mindsets. quit telling yourself you're not
00:21:56.471 --> 00:21:57.439
Telling yourself you're not qualified and take that new
00:21:57.506 --> 00:21:59.374
Qualified and take that new position at work, teach that
00:21:59.441 --> 00:22:01.443
Position at work, teach that class, volunteer at the
00:22:01.510 --> 00:22:03.011
Class, volunteer at the church. quit thinking about
00:22:03.078 --> 00:22:04.880
Church. quit thinking about the brook that dried up, what
00:22:04.946 --> 00:22:06.882
The brook that dried up, what didn't work out, who did you
00:22:06.948 --> 00:22:08.483
Didn't work out, who did you wrong, the relationship that
00:22:08.550 --> 00:22:10.352
Wrong, the relationship that didn't make it. god is still
00:22:10.419 --> 00:22:12.521
Didn't make it. god is still in control. he knew it was
00:22:12.587 --> 00:22:14.589
In control. he knew it was going to dry up. that's why
00:22:14.656 --> 00:22:16.258
Going to dry up. that's why he's commanded another place
00:22:16.324 --> 00:22:18.093
He's commanded another place for you to be blessed.
00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:19.995
For you to be blessed. elijah arrived at zarephath
00:22:20.061 --> 00:22:21.563
Elijah arrived at zarephath and just like promised, the
00:22:21.630 --> 00:22:23.398
And just like promised, the widow was there to took care
00:22:23.465 --> 00:22:25.066
Widow was there to took care of him. she did it until the
00:22:25.133 --> 00:22:26.668
Of him. she did it until the drought was over. how many of
00:22:26.735 --> 00:22:29.371
Drought was over. how many of us are stuck by the brook,
00:22:29.438 --> 00:22:31.706
Us are stuck by the brook, waiting for what used to be,
00:22:31.773 --> 00:22:33.642
Waiting for what used to be, wondering why it's drying up?
00:22:33.708 --> 00:22:35.677
Wondering why it's drying up? you have to leave where god
00:22:35.744 --> 00:22:37.078
You have to leave where god was and go to where god is.
00:22:37.145 --> 00:22:39.247
Was and go to where god is. that's the new place of
00:22:39.314 --> 00:22:41.049
That's the new place of blessing. that's where your
00:22:41.116 --> 00:22:42.317
Blessing. that's where your provision is waiting for you.
00:22:42.384 --> 00:22:45.520
Provision is waiting for you. is there something god is
00:22:45.587 --> 00:22:47.722
Is there something god is asking you to do but you keep
00:22:47.789 --> 00:22:49.558
Asking you to do but you keep putting it off. you're afraid
00:22:49.624 --> 00:22:51.626
Putting it off. you're afraid of the unknown, not sure how
00:22:51.693 --> 00:22:53.562
Of the unknown, not sure how it's going to work out. you
00:22:53.628 --> 00:22:55.163
It's going to work out. you can't play it safe your whole
00:22:55.230 --> 00:22:56.698
Can't play it safe your whole life and become who god's
00:22:56.765 --> 00:22:58.800
Life and become who god's created you to be. maybe god
00:22:58.867 --> 00:23:01.403
Created you to be. maybe god is asking you to stay. you
00:23:01.470 --> 00:23:03.271
Is asking you to stay. you want to leave, like david you
00:23:03.338 --> 00:23:05.440
Want to leave, like david you have more in you; like hagar,
00:23:05.507 --> 00:23:07.442
Have more in you; like hagar, you're not being treated
00:23:07.509 --> 00:23:08.477
You're not being treated right. you're in a test. if
00:23:08.543 --> 00:23:11.246
Right. you're in a test. if you'll do the right thing
00:23:11.313 --> 00:23:12.447
You'll do the right thing when it's hard, you're going
00:23:12.514 --> 00:23:13.815
When it's hard, you're going to see god begin to turn
00:23:13.882 --> 00:23:15.684
To see god begin to turn things in your favor. there
00:23:15.750 --> 00:23:17.953
Things in your favor. there are prophesies he has spoken
00:23:18.019 --> 00:23:19.955
Are prophesies he has spoken over your life, things he's
00:23:20.021 --> 00:23:22.123
Over your life, things he's destined you to accomplish.
00:23:22.190 --> 00:23:24.092
Destined you to accomplish. you have not missed them.
00:23:24.159 --> 00:23:26.161
You have not missed them. keep trusting him, even when
00:23:26.228 --> 00:23:28.196
Keep trusting him, even when you don't understand. don't
00:23:28.263 --> 00:23:30.165
You don't understand. don't fight the things that don't
00:23:30.232 --> 00:23:31.466
Fight the things that don't make sense. your steps are
00:23:31.533 --> 00:23:33.335
Make sense. your steps are being ordered. things are
00:23:33.401 --> 00:23:35.136
Being ordered. things are happening behind the scenes
00:23:35.203 --> 00:23:37.372
Happening behind the scenes that you cannot see. now be
00:23:37.439 --> 00:23:39.207
That you cannot see. now be sensitive to what he's saying
00:23:39.274 --> 00:23:40.976
Sensitive to what he's saying and be quick to obey. if
00:23:41.042 --> 00:23:43.478
And be quick to obey. if you'll do this, i believe and
00:23:43.545 --> 00:23:45.280
You'll do this, i believe and declare, you will live in
00:23:45.347 --> 00:23:47.249
Declare, you will live in your place of blessing. like
00:23:47.315 --> 00:23:49.084
Your place of blessing. like with mary and joseph, the
00:23:49.150 --> 00:23:50.685
With mary and joseph, the wiseman are about to show up.
00:23:50.752 --> 00:23:53.121
Wiseman are about to show up. blessings you didn't see
00:23:53.188 --> 00:23:54.189
Blessings you didn't see coming. like elijah, the
00:23:54.256 --> 00:23:56.324
Coming. like elijah, the ravens will be waiting for
00:23:56.391 --> 00:23:57.726
Ravens will be waiting for you, supernatural provision,
00:23:57.792 --> 00:24:00.161
You, supernatural provision, opportunity, favor, the
00:24:00.228 --> 00:24:02.531
Opportunity, favor, the fullness of your destiny, in
00:24:02.597 --> 00:24:04.866
Fullness of your destiny, in jesus' name. if you receive
00:24:04.933 --> 00:24:07.068
Jesus' name. if you receive it, can you say amen?
00:24:07.135 --> 00:24:09.604
It's easy to feel stuck in life
00:24:11.973 --> 00:24:13.775
It's easy to feel stuck in life wondering why
00:24:13.842 --> 00:24:14.442
Wondering why things aren't
00:24:14.509 --> 00:24:14.943
Things aren't changing and worrying
00:24:15.010 --> 00:24:16.144
Changing and worrying if it will ever happen,
00:24:16.211 --> 00:24:17.546
If it will ever happen, but there's
00:24:17.612 --> 00:24:18.246
But there's a better way to wait.
00:24:18.313 --> 00:24:19.648
I'd love to send you
00:24:19.748 --> 00:24:20.448
I'd love to send you my new resource called
00:24:20.515 --> 00:24:21.783
My new resource called pray it forward.
00:24:21.850 --> 00:24:23.118
Pray it forward. this book is a collection
00:24:23.184 --> 00:24:24.386
This book is a collection of prayers and promises
00:24:24.452 --> 00:24:25.754
Of prayers and promises from the scripture
00:24:25.820 --> 00:24:26.855
From the scripture to help you pray boldly
00:24:26.922 --> 00:24:28.423
To help you pray boldly to strengthen your faith.
00:24:28.490 --> 00:24:30.158
To strengthen your faith. while you're waiting,
00:24:30.225 --> 00:24:31.192
While you're waiting, it's important
00:24:31.259 --> 00:24:31.893
It's important to keep your mind
00:24:31.960 --> 00:24:32.761
To keep your mind filled with hope
00:24:32.827 --> 00:24:33.595
Filled with hope and expectancy.
00:24:33.662 --> 00:24:35.130
And expectancy. when you pray in faith,
00:24:35.196 --> 00:24:36.598
When you pray in faith, believe in what god promised,
00:24:36.665 --> 00:24:38.366
Believe in what god promised, that's what moves
00:24:38.433 --> 00:24:39.134
That's what moves the hands of god.
00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:40.235
The hands of god. and that's when you'll see
00:24:40.302 --> 00:24:41.202
And that's when you'll see doors open and healing
00:24:41.269 --> 00:24:42.804
Doors open and healing begins to come.
00:24:42.871 --> 00:24:43.705
Begins to come. breakthroughs in your family.
00:24:43.772 --> 00:24:45.440
Breakthroughs in your family. don't let doubt hold you back.
00:24:45.540 --> 00:24:47.142
Don't let doubt hold you back. pray it forward.
00:24:47.208 --> 00:24:48.410
Pray it forward. as our way of saying thank you
00:24:48.510 --> 00:24:50.278
As our way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount,
00:24:50.345 --> 00:24:52.047
For your gift of any amount, we'd love to
00:24:52.113 --> 00:24:52.914
We'd love to send you a copy of pray
00:24:52.981 --> 00:24:54.282
Send you a copy of pray it forward: guided prayers
00:24:54.349 --> 00:24:55.984
It forward: guided prayers for faith and breakthrough.
00:24:56.051 --> 00:24:57.686
Inspired by real liferough.
00:24:57.786 --> 00:24:59.387
Inspired by real liferough. answered prayers,
00:24:59.454 --> 00:25:00.488
Answered prayers, pray it forward will help you
00:25:00.555 --> 00:25:02.123
Pray it forward will help you speak god's promises
00:25:02.190 --> 00:25:03.491
Speak god's promises over your life
00:25:03.558 --> 00:25:04.392
Over your life and over the people you love.
00:25:04.459 --> 00:25:06.494
And over the people you love. trusting that when you ask
00:25:06.561 --> 00:25:08.163
Trusting that when you ask in faith,
00:25:08.229 --> 00:25:08.997
In faith, god is already at work
00:25:09.064 --> 00:25:10.732
God is already at work preparing victory ahead of you.
00:25:10.799 --> 00:25:13.034
Preparing victory ahead of you. you can take these prayers
00:25:13.101 --> 00:25:14.302
You can take these prayers and scriptures
00:25:14.369 --> 00:25:15.003
And scriptures and pray them forward.
00:25:15.070 --> 00:25:16.504
And pray them forward. they'll build
00:25:16.571 --> 00:25:17.205
They'll build a momentum of faith
00:25:17.272 --> 00:25:18.607
A momentum of faith that carries you past obstacles
00:25:18.673 --> 00:25:20.542
That carries you past obstacles and into the promises
00:25:20.609 --> 00:25:22.110
And into the promises god has spoken over your life.
00:25:22.210 --> 00:25:24.446
God has spoken over your life. as you meditate
00:25:24.512 --> 00:25:25.547
As you meditate on these truths,
00:25:25.614 --> 00:25:26.748
On these truths, you won't be tossed
00:25:26.815 --> 00:25:27.916
You won't be tossed back and forth
00:25:27.983 --> 00:25:28.750
Back and forth by finances, health challenges,
00:25:28.817 --> 00:25:30.852
By finances, health challenges, or relationship struggles.
00:25:30.919 --> 00:25:32.654
Or relationship struggles. instead,
00:25:32.721 --> 00:25:33.655
Instead, you'll be able to
00:25:33.722 --> 00:25:34.623
You'll be able to boldly pray with faith
00:25:34.689 --> 00:25:36.424
Boldly pray with faith that is immovable and strong,
00:25:36.491 --> 00:25:38.526
That is immovable and strong, and you'll
00:25:38.593 --> 00:25:39.160
And you'll be filled with peace,
00:25:39.227 --> 00:25:40.762
Be filled with peace, assurance, and joy.
00:25:40.829 --> 00:25:42.530
Assurance, and joy. don't let circumstances
00:25:42.597 --> 00:25:44.132
Don't let circumstances control your future.
00:25:44.199 --> 00:25:45.634
Control your future. pray the truth of god's
00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:47.202
Pray the truth of god's word forward in faith
00:25:47.268 --> 00:25:48.803
Word forward in faith and watch the mountains
00:25:48.870 --> 00:25:50.171
And watch the mountains in your life begin to move.
00:25:50.238 --> 00:25:52.540
When you pray the promises,
00:25:52.641 --> 00:25:54.376
When you pray the promises, what god has spoken over
00:25:54.442 --> 00:25:55.710
What god has spoken over your life,
00:25:55.777 --> 00:25:56.311
Your life, those are powerful prayers.
00:25:56.378 --> 00:25:57.879
Those are powerful prayers. and that's when
00:25:57.946 --> 00:25:58.647
And that's when god shows up and does
00:25:58.713 --> 00:25:59.914
God shows up and does what only he can do.
00:25:59.981 --> 00:26:01.616
What only he can do. thanks so much
00:26:01.683 --> 00:26:02.217
Thanks so much for being with us.
00:26:02.283 --> 00:26:03.351
For being with us. victoria and i pray for
00:26:03.418 --> 00:26:04.653
Victoria and i pray for you and your family every day
00:26:04.719 --> 00:26:06.421
You and your family every day and we appreciate your prayer
00:26:06.488 --> 00:26:08.156
And we appreciate your prayer and support.
00:26:08.223 --> 00:26:09.157
And support. your generosity
00:26:09.224 --> 00:26:10.258
Your generosity helps us
00:26:10.325 --> 00:26:10.792
Helps us take this message of hope
00:26:10.859 --> 00:26:12.127
Take this message of hope to people around the world.
00:26:12.193 --> 00:26:14.129
To people around the world. special
00:26:14.195 --> 00:26:14.496
Special thank you to our champion
00:26:14.562 --> 00:26:15.697
Thank you to our champion of hope partners
00:26:15.764 --> 00:26:16.765
Of hope partners for all you do
00:26:16.831 --> 00:26:17.499
For all you do to make the ministry possible.
00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:19.167
To make the ministry possible. if you're not a partner,
00:26:19.234 --> 00:26:20.402
If you're not a partner, i hope you'll
00:26:20.468 --> 00:26:20.969
I hope you'll consider becoming one.
00:26:21.036 --> 00:26:22.337
Consider becoming one. but until we meet again,
00:26:22.404 --> 00:26:23.838
But until we meet again, may the lord bless
00:26:23.905 --> 00:26:24.806
May the lord bless you and keep you.
00:26:24.873 --> 00:26:26.608
You and keep you. be sure to request
00:26:26.675 --> 00:26:27.709
Be sure to request your copy of pray
00:26:27.776 --> 00:26:28.910
Your copy of pray it forward:
00:26:28.977 --> 00:26:29.678
It forward: guided prayers for faith
00:26:29.744 --> 00:26:31.212
Guided prayers for faith and breakthrough,
00:26:31.279 --> 00:26:32.113
And breakthrough, available this month
00:26:32.180 --> 00:26:33.481
Available this month by simply visiting us
00:26:33.548 --> 00:26:34.849
By simply visiting us at joelosteen.com
00:26:34.916 --> 00:26:36.518
At joelosteen.com or call 888-567-joel.
00:26:36.584 --> 00:26:40.188
Or call 888-567-joel. you can also receive the pray
00:26:40.255 --> 00:26:41.990
You can also receive the pray it forward companion prayer
00:26:42.057 --> 00:26:43.591
It forward companion prayer journal, designed
00:26:43.658 --> 00:26:44.726
Journal, designed to help you engage
00:26:44.793 --> 00:26:45.894
To help you engage in scripture,
00:26:45.960 --> 00:26:46.761
In scripture, personalize
00:26:46.828 --> 00:26:47.562
Personalize faith-filled prayers,
00:26:47.629 --> 00:26:48.697
Faith-filled prayers, and put
00:26:48.763 --> 00:26:49.364
And put god's promises into action.
00:26:49.431 --> 00:26:51.399
God's promises into action. with an additional gift,
00:26:51.466 --> 00:26:52.801
With an additional gift, you can receive the pray
00:26:52.867 --> 00:26:54.135
You can receive the pray it forward prayers
00:26:54.202 --> 00:26:55.136
It forward prayers essential collection
00:26:55.203 --> 00:26:56.404
Essential collection that centers around
00:26:56.471 --> 00:26:57.472
A prayer
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Bowl with scripture cards,
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Bowl with scripture cards, designed to help you
00:26:59.808 --> 00:27:00.909
Designed to help you physically release
00:27:00.975 --> 00:27:01.976
Physically release what's been weighing
00:27:02.043 --> 00:27:02.811
What's been weighing on your heart.
00:27:02.877 --> 00:27:03.712
On your heart. this collection
00:27:03.778 --> 00:27:04.646
This collection creates a powerful prayer
00:27:04.713 --> 00:27:06.214
Creates a powerful prayer rhythm for your life, helping
00:27:06.281 --> 00:27:08.116
Rhythm for your life, helping you focus your thoughts,
00:27:08.183 --> 00:27:09.651
You focus your thoughts, speak god's word boldly,
00:27:09.718 --> 00:27:11.519
Speak god's word boldly, and stay anchored in hope.
00:27:11.586 --> 00:27:13.254
And stay anchored in hope. when circumstances try
00:27:13.321 --> 00:27:14.689
When circumstances try to shake you.
00:27:14.756 --> 00:27:15.790
To shake you. you can request
00:27:15.857 --> 00:27:16.691
You can request these inspiring resources
00:27:16.758 --> 00:27:18.326
These inspiring resources by calling 888-567-joel or
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By calling 888-567-joel or logging on to joelosteen.com
00:27:22.230 --> 00:27:24.532
Logging on to joelosteen.com today.
00:27:24.599 --> 00:27:25.266
Today. call or click anytime,
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Call or click anytime, 24 hours a day.
00:27:27.168 --> 00:27:28.803

Joel Osteen - Your Place of Blessing

May 18, 2026 | 27:29

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