Tis' The Season

Robert Madu @ Lakewood Church

Then God said, "Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth"; and it was so.

Genesis 1:14‭-‬15 NKJV

Received an invitation to preach to a group of preachers and they even gave in the topic "the art of effective communication".

How you start something is very significant. Even in cinema, they start with car chases, explosions, and etc.

Estimated Relationship Potential

He who starts behind in the great race of life must forever remain behind or run faster than the man in front.

Benjamin E. Mays

God created the world with Word power. God's Word is a transforming agent.

A lot of time it seems like nothing is happening and that's the time to praise God because he can create something out of nothing because when God speaks something it has to come to pass.

Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it  was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.

Genesis 1:3‭-‬5 NKJV

Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He  made  the stars also. God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it  was good. So the evening and the morning were the fourth day.

Genesis 1:16‭-‬19 NKJV

Light was created on the first day but light giving entities didn't show up until the fourth day. What was shining for 3 days? It just had to be God's power.

Life is made up the years that God gives you and we have to find value in each day no matter what season you're in.

Every season has its beauty and its burden and you get to choose what you focus on.

Don't let your season dictate your faith or your worship.

Surrounded by the Most High

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

We always feel like we're surrounded by bad things. 

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh no, my Lord! What shall we do?" the servant asked.  "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."  And Elisha prayed, "Open his eyes, Lord , so that he may see." Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

2 Kings 6:15‭-‬17 NIV

The most high God is surrounding our enemy.

Don't get discouraged by what you see with your physical eye.

I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.  Arise, Lord ! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.  From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Psalm 3:6‭-‬8 NIV

Open your eyes of faith.

The one who controls the fire is with us. 

and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.  Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Certainly, Your Majesty."  He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

Daniel 3:23‭-‬25 NIV

Sometimes God will allow the fire to show you as an example.

Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire,

Daniel 3:26, 28 NIV

God will use the fire to establish you,  give you more credibility, and take you to the next level.

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

Daniel 3:28 NIV

The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

Psalm 34:19 NIV

When the teenagers were in the fire only the cords (the things that were holding them back). They weren't burned and their clothes weren't burned (nothing they needed) 

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

Psalm 34:7 NIV

Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.

Job 13:15 NIV

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Psalm 91:11 NIV

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

Exodus 14:13 NIV

Tauren Wells @ Lakewood Church

Lawson at 18 months does not like to hear the word no and he is just learning to communicate because there is something in the human condition that sees no as a deadend. With God every no is attached to a better yes.

After this, Jesus appeared again to the disciples, this time at the Tiberias Sea (the Sea of Galilee). This is how he did it: Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed "Twin"), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the brothers Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Simon Peter announced, "I'm going fishing." The rest of them replied, "We're going with you." They went out and got in the boat. They caught nothing that night [no]. When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn't recognize him. Jesus spoke to them: "Good morning! Did you catch anything for breakfast?" They answered, "No." He said, "Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens." They did what he said. All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren't strong enough to pull it in.

John 21:3‭-‬6 MSG

A lot of us look at the present problem as the greatest miracle opportunity.

Joshua was up early and on his way from Shittim with all the People of Israel with him. He arrived at the Jordan and camped before crossing over. After three days, leaders went through the camp and gave out orders to the people: "When you see the Covenant-Chest of God , your God, carried by the Levitical priests, start moving. Follow it. Make sure you keep a proper distance between you and it, about half a mile—be sure now to keep your distance!—and you'll see clearly the route to take. You've never been on this road before."

Joshua 3:1‭-‬4 MSG

https://bible.com/bible/97/jos.3.1-4.MSG

Sowing Generously

Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;  then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

Proverbs 3:9‭-‬10 NIV

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:6‭-‬8 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/2co.9.6-8.NIV

Pit Praisers

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

We all have times when we feel like we're in the pits (bad medical report, debt, etc...) Praise turns things around and we need to praise before things turn around.

Joseph's brothers were jealous of him and threw him into a pit planning to fake his death.

People don't have the final say when life takes an unexpected path God is still working.

Judah means praise.

So Judah said to his brothers, "What profit is  there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is  our brother and  our flesh." And his brothers listened. Then Midianite traders passed by; so the  brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt.

Genesis 37:26‭-‬28 NKJV

Praise can get you out of the pit.

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Hebrews 13:15 NKJV

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.

Psalms 40:2 NKJV

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalms 34:1 NKJV

Paul and Silas

They were working for God and got thrown into prison.

But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.

Acts 16:25‭-‬26 NKJV

The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV

When we're in the pits it's easy to have a pity party instead, thank God that he is bringing you out.

Sometimes the pit is on the road to your destiny. God will not mismanage your life, he's planed the beginning to the end but he didn't promise that it would always make sense.

In Joseph's dream his brothers were bowing down to him, but when he ended up in the pit it seemed backwards.

Praise can be an attitude.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 NKJV

Pitstop

In motorsports, a pit stop is where a racing vehicle stops in the pits during a race for refuelling, new tyres, repairs, mechanical adjustments, a driver change, as a penalty, or any combination of the above

The pitstops are not the end. It's a time to refuel and get prepared for the next leg of the race.

This pit is not my final destination.

Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, help me!" But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." And she said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Matthew 15:21‭-‬28 NKJV

God will break protocol and turn your situation around when you praise even if you don't deserve it. 

But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.

Psalms 22:3 WEB

the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who will say: "Praise the Lord of hosts, For the Lord  is good, For His mercy endures forever"— and of those who  will bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord . For I will cause the captives of the land to return as at the first,' says the Lord .

Jeremiah 33:11 NKJV

Walls of Jericho (Joshua 6)

It shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the city wall shall fall down flat, and the people shall go up, every man straight in front of him."

Joshua 6:5 WEB

Do you trust God enough to praise him in front of a wall that's not moving?

Exhortation

I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations.

Psalms 89:1 NKJV

The Trevinos

Affected by generational curse that led them to divorce but remarried his SAME wife after a God coincidence at Lakewood when he ran into his wife again. While allowing God to work on them through faithfulness, getting plugged in, and through classes.

The Villareals

From a rough background but sought God and were able to overcome that. When they first started coming to Lakewood he looked at offering as God wanting to take something from him. The funny thing was that he had nothing to give but God didn't hold that against him. He now has 3 glass companies and is prodpering.

Neither family had Godly examples but they planted themselves at Lakewood and were able to raise their children in a Godly way.

God wants to meet us right where we are and he is not holding anything against me.  His plans for me have not changed.

But this I  say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So  let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

II Corinthians 9:6‭-‬8 NKJV

Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

Luke 6:38 NKJV

We are all supposed to grow in our measure of giving.

Healed Through Humility

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

To reach your highest potential you must humble yourself. 

Peter had been out fishing when Jesus suggested that he fish a certain way. Peter could have relied on his own expertise and disagreed but instead he did what Jesus asked him to do.

When you walk in humilty then you'll get your big haul.

Your flesh will tell you all of the reasons that you should put your boat away.

Even Jesus had to humble himself.

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:8 KJV

Our relationships will be better if

The kitchen sink was convenient but Victoria didn't want Joel to use that sink after he had worked out. He told himself that he shouldn't have to walk all the way to the back so he'd use that sink anyway. He didn't want to walk a few feet after he'd just played 90 minutes of basketball running up and down the basketball court! Pride causes us to make lame excuses.

One way to honor God is to honor the people He has placed in our lives.

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes.

Song of Solomon 2:15 KJV

Just as little negative things can spoil "our vines", little positive things can imptove the vines.

Pride keeps us from rising higher. Humility gives us the power to become obedient.

2 Kings 5 "The Healing Naaman"

A servant from the land that Naaman had just conquered suggested that he go to her homeland for help. He could have considered his station as higher than hers disqualified any suggestion she may have had. He could have considered that a person who didn't look like him or have his background as him didn't have the ability to help him. He went ahead and did it and was told to wash 7 times in his enemy's dirty river. He didn't like that idea.

But his officers [someone lower than him in station] tried to reason with him and said, "Sir, if the prophet had told you to do something very difficult, wouldn't you have done it? So you should certainly obey him when he says simply, 'Go and wash and be cured!'"

2 Kings 5:13 NLT

• Treat everyone with respect and value everyone's opinion. God uses everyone.

• Do what God asks even when it doesn't make sense.

• Without humility we'll make excuses.

Pastor John left a church where he pastored thousands to start Lakewood with 90 people.

The Prodigal Son

"When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, 'At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!  I will go home to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you,  and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant."' "So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.  And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast,

Luke 15:17‭-‬20‭, ‬23 NLT

Don't let pride keep you from God's best. God isn't looking at our performance, he's looking at our heart.

Victoria Osteens Exhortation

She loved to make handmade cards signed with butterflies and flowers at the bottom in yellow words was written "I feel like we're something important and I know that I am".

The voice of God is in us all saying that we are made in His image. The voice is speaking out value and importance but the world tries to drown it out. What we think doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is who God

If life has put some wrinkles in you you haven't lost value. 

When I spend my life well it helps others spend their lives better.

Gideon

And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, you mighty man of valour.  And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.  And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?  And [Gideon] said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.

Judges 6:12‭-‬15 KJV

Such a contrast in God's voice and what Gideon had to say.

Many of you have heard the tale of the mouse who rode the elephant across a bridge.  After getting to the other side, the mouse said, "We really shook that bridge!"     Of course, it's the elephant that shook the bridge, but the mouse rode the power!     

The Two Yous

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

We all have contradicting characters living on the inside of us.  There's a constant battle between the flesh and the spirit.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he  is  a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

II Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

The old man may be dead, but he can be resurrected.

Peter in the Bible

In one instance he defended Jesus and was ready to die but not long after, he denied Christ

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

Romans 8:13 NKJV

It feels good to feed the flesh but you won't like the results. You may not die a physical death but your dreams or relationships will. If you're always saying whatever you feel like and neglecting your responsibilities then you're letting the old man rule.

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11 NKJV

I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.

I Corinthians 15:31 NKJV

The old man is not that strong until you feed him by CHOOSING to do what you know is wrong.

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13 NKJV

Getting your mind going in the right direction is the first step toward victory.

Nabal (1 Samuel 25)

The name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. And she  was a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance; but the man was harsh and evil in his doings. He was  of  the  house  of  Caleb.

I Samuel 25:3 NKJV

Nabal refused to pay David so David decided to destroy Nabal's city. Abigail stepped in and did the right thing. A few days later Nabal died and Abigail married David, the new man.

Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,

Romans 5:20 NKJV

When you dig in and do the right thing you will come into your "10th day". The "old man" would die and not have power over you.

When no one was watching David defeated the Lion and the Bear, his personal enemies, then he was trusted to defeat his spiritual enemies. Personal enemies may not be sins, just a weight; being late for work and etc...

David's real enemy was Saul and it took years to defeat him.

Most of the time God will deliver you little by little.

And Jacob was told, "Look, your son Joseph is coming to you"; and Israel strengthened himself and sat up on the bed.

Genesis 48:2 NKJV

Threshing Floor

thresh·ing floor  ˈTHreSHiNG ˌflô(ə)r/  noun  a hard, level surface on which grain is threshed with a flail.  

they will be like the morning cloud And like dew which soon disappears, Like chaff which is blown away from the threshing floor And like smoke from a chimney.

Hosea 13:3

Sometimes it's uncomfortable to say no to the flesh and stay disciplined but that's what it takes to strengthen our spiritual man. 

Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11 NKJV

Victoria's Exhortation 

Your love never fails, and never gives up It never runs out on me 

God has given us His grace to reflect it on others.

Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:4 NKJV

We should 

Our family should not only be on our to-do list but also on our to-love list and that takes work.

You can't stop being your very best so you can continue to reflect the best onto others, especially our family. 

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

Hebrews 10:24 NKJV

When you don't know what to do turn to love and it can't be put on autopilot.

Cheerleaders have a winning attitude no matter what the score is, in the good times as well as the bad; they are consistent. When the score is down the cheerleaders don't change their tone, they change their chant.

If the team is fumbling, they don't want anyone to point that out.  They obviously know that, they want to be reminded that they can score.

And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.

Luke 6:31 NKJV

Your response sets the tone for what will go on.

Victoria was on a plane sitting across from her daughter when due to a malfunction, the oxygen masks dropped. Victoria screamed and her daughter started to cry, it wasn't a reaction the situation because she didn't know what was going on what she did know was that her mom was panicking.

You Are Fully Loaded

Joel Osteen @ Lakewood Church

When God created me he included everything I'd need. I didn't get short changed I'm fully loaded and equipped for the race that I was designed to run

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalms 139:14 ESV

I'm not faulty. 

When God created me he said that I was very good, he didn't even say that about the solar system.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

He calls me a masterpiece.

If I had the things designed for someone else then it would be a burden not a blessing.

When Pastor Joel stepped up to lead Lakewood, at first he tried to be like his dad and it was a struggle.

For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption,

Acts 13:36 ESV

I'm free to be me. 

It's easy to be me, I don't have to pretend or perform.

When you're who you are you are powerful. You can be small, quiet, and behind the scenes all while being powerful.

When we become envious we can start competing against people who aren't even in our race.

King Saul

Instead of celebrating David he started competing. He got distracted and started wasting time.

And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?" And Saul eyed David from that day on.

1 Samuel 18:8‭-‬9 ESV

Successful people are so focused on their own goals that they don't have time to look around at what other people are doing.

If someone has "passed you up" in a similar process, be inspired not intimidated.

Sometimes we come in at the end of the movie.

Someone else's success isn't interfering with what God is doing in my life.

True friends show up when you succeed and celebrate you. 

Pastor Joel was running and noticed a man ahead of him. He decided to try to pass him. When he finally did,  he realized that he was blocks off of track.

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

John 1:19‭-‬20 ESV

Knowing what you're not will help you stay focused on who you are. 

If you're trying to be something you're not then it will be a struggle.

"For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.  To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away...

Matthew 25:14‭-‬15 ESV

God is sovereign. Before he gave me my "talents", I didn't have anything. I can complain about the distribution but it won't change what the Lord has done...it will just waste time.

You don't have to have a great gift for God to do something great with your life. 

Don't get so caught up celebrating others that you don't recognize that there's something in you to celebrate.

Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name." But His  word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.

Jeremiah 20:9 NKJV

Sarah and Abraham

And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a  mother  of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her."

Genesis 17:16 NKJV

All of their circumstances said that they'd die without heirs mostly because they were old.

I'm pregnant with destiny.

Then God said: "No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him.

Genesis 17:19 NKJV

Victoria Osteen's Exhortation

A lot of people are praying for their assignments but God has already layed that out and he's working them out now. 

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

A lot of time we think good deeds are "good works". Sometimes we think that good deeds are brownie points to get us more love from God but that's not how it works

Don't do good works to get blessings because that's not how it works.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it  is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Ephesians 2:8‭-‬9 NKJV

The good work is working in me because I'm made to do good works. God has already created a way of escape l. God won't give me anything that I can fail at. 

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:2 NKJV

Alexander Graham Bell's telephone was a simple invention that accomplished great things.

I'm already walking into my assignment because the good works that I was created to do are working in me. 

Healing Words

Our words have the power to lift people into their destinies. When you tell someone I'm proud of you, you did a good job, and the like, it's not just a complement those words have healing power

You never know what people are going through and your words can help keep people moving forward. You never know what wounds a person is hiding behind a smile, your words can heal those wounds.

We live in a society filled with a lot negative chatter. People think nothing of being negative and condescending but you have the pwoer to counteract that. Take time to be a healer and a lifter. God has no voice to encourage except yours.

The people in my life need what I have. At the grocery store, the gym, on the road, etc…

A blessing is not a blessing until it’s spoken. Your thoughts don’t bless anyone.

Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.

Proverbs 15:4

When we think of healing we generally think of praying for people but verbalized expressions heal as well.

Wise words are like deep waters;     wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.

Proverbs 18:4

Pastor Joel would play basketball with a group of guys and a loaner would come as well. He didn’t seem very nice so a lot of people ignored him. Joel learned his name and even if he was in another pick up game, he’d go over and say “Hey Bo!”. Bo would say hi and pound his chest…Joel would Pound his chest back (not really knowing what it meant). Years later Joel ran into Bo and shared that no one ever seemed happy to see him and he was always sure to go play basketball because Joel was always happy to see him.

Don’t let a stranger compliment your loved ones more than you do. Call out your loved ones’ seeds of greatness.

You may be small but you have a big heart but you’re going to do great this year.

When you can, speak a blessing in public. 

Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife (husband, friend, neighbor, etc…)

Proverbs 21:19

People respond to praise, encouragement, and honor.

Once a man came outside and a dog was at his front door with his paper. He pet the dog and gave him a treat. The next morning, the dog had brought 8 newspapers to his door.

You can change the atmosphere and bring healing to a relationship with your words. Compliments are the glue that holds relationships together. Most people have enough people being negative you can be the one to lift.

One compliment can have an impact for a lifetime.

Momma Dodie had polio as a kid and it stunted the growth of one of her legs. It caused her to walk with a limp and she had to walk a little slower. This embarrassed her so she’d try to hide her legs. One day a guy was talking to her husband and saw her walking toward them and said, “Look at Dodie, she walks like a princess.” After that she started to walk with more pride and started to show her legs off. That was 40 years ago and she remembers it like it was yesterday. 

One compliment can have an impact for a lifetime.

Beating Bitterness

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

You can't stop life from happening to you but you can choose how you react.

Bitterness poisons your attitude. It can rob you of your joy and keep you away from blessings.

Let it go and trust the Lord to be your vendicator.

When you feel bitterness trying to take root forgive quickly.

looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Hebrews 12:15 NKJV

You can't see a root, it's hidden and under ground, but a bitter root will produce bitter fruit.

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Proverbs 4:23 NKJV

It's easy to let what's on the outside get on the inside but you only have so much emotional energy for the day. It takes discipline to

You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.

II Timothy 4:15 NKJV

You can't see a root but that's where the root gets life. If you have bitter roots, then you're not getting the nourishment that you need. 

Ask God to reveal the root of your bitterness because you can't get rid of the symptoms without knowing the cause.

African village was overtaken with an illness and after research, they learned that the water was contaminated. So they traced the source to a stream and a dead family of pigs had died and become wedged.

You have to get passed closed doors to get to open doors. What's in your future is better than anything in your past.

Naomi lost her husband and sons. Naomi means "my joy" but she changed it to "Mara".

You may have had bad breaks but don't change your name.

I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the Lord has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?"

Ruth 1:21 NKJV

You may have changed your name but God didn't.  We know this because the scripture never refers to her as Mara. Likewise, you may have put some negative labels on but God still calls you victorious.

Naomi turned her focus away from her own problems and started helping Ruth.

But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you."

Mark 16:6-7 NKJV

Don't stay here (in bitterness) because God is waiting for you there!  God has already gone ahead and prepared a place for you!  God is not in your past, He's in your future. Move forward.

When the prodigal son came back,  his brother was upset. 

"But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.

Luke 15:28 NKJV

His brother's bitterness didn't stop the party, it just kept him away from the party.

Sleep On

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

God doesn't move every frustration.

Be still and know that He is God.

Do what you can and let God take care of the rest. If God is not changing know that God is allowing it.

Matthew 26

Disciples fell asleep when asked to pray.

You don't need everyone who you think you need.

Quit swimming across an ocean to help someone who won't cross a puddle to help you.

Don't cast your pearl among swine.

Don't hang around people who want to discount you.

Sometimes good people won't be there for you.

Toddlers cry when parents take away their bottle but the toddler has outgrown that bottle and needs to move on. Sometimes we will be uncomfortable when that thing that gave us comfort is taken away.

Some people are like scaffolding.

Some people's part in my story is over.

The problem with depending on people for comfort is that people will change their minds.

I may be in Gethsemanee but I know a resurrection is coming.

You are either feeding your history or your destiny but you can't feed both.

You can't see the new things on the horizon if you are focused on what's behind you.

If you feed your history long enough it will pull you into depression.

Sometimes what we are frustrated about is God keeping us from an even bigger frustration.

Joel tried to open the emergency exit that he thought was a tray table.

2 properties sold out from under Joel.

When your difficulties don't frustrate you anymore then you know that you're ready to be promoted.

A Surge is Coming

Pastor Joel at Lakewood Church

Before the storm surge, the water recedes. When you go through a storm, you feel like you are being pulled back. But just like that storm surge the more you get pulled back the more you will be propelled forward.

It can look permanent but what you can't see is that the opposition is creating the perfect conditions for springing forward.

Pastor John pastored for 40 years then was suddenly taken away and hadn't raised anyone up to take his place. People predicted that Lakewood would not make it...

Surge Protectors: A surge protector is an appliance or device designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes

Some of us need to get rid of our surge protectors.

Psalm 46:1

Psalm 112:4

Job was a good man but still lost everything.

We don't always see the good because we get bitter and negative.

It is easy to make a judgement based on one season.

Psalm 30:5

When the water receded they didn't make any changes (move the buoys, change the docks, etc...) in fact they warned people not to stay in the area because they knew that those conditions were temporary.

Job 10:12

Job got double and went on to live a long life.

Job 42:16

Commentaries say that Job's struggle lasted less than a year.

Zechariah 9:12

What you are saying in the storm will determine how you come out of the storm. If you have a poor mouth then you'll have a poor life. In the middle of the storm dare. Be careful what you speak because you are prophesying your future.

Psalm 3:1-3

1 Samuel 30 David was anointed to be king but had been living in exile. They wept and that's ok. God collects our tears.

Psalm 84

1 Samuel 30:6

Oh magnify the Lord with me...

A good person may fall...

1 Samuel 30:8

1 Samuel 30:18

Within 3 days David suffered his greatest defeat followed by his greatest triumph.

When you have a big storm get ready for a big surge.

Victoria's Exhortation

Friend had foot surgery. Therapist asked if her foot was hurting she said no but the therapist pointed out that she was still limping. She was still limping because she didn't want to get hurt again.

If you don't stop limping then you won't be able to walk the way you used to.

Don't allow pain to keep you walking with an emotional limp.

She had formed a stronghold, she had started to believe that she would never walk the way that she used to even though physical evidence didn't support that thinking. That feeling was lie.

God never decreases, he always increases.

It takes courage to break those strongholds. We have to check our responses to make sure they aren't from a place of defense.

After a miscarriage, a lady was scared to celebrate.

You can't allow a bad experience to trick you into thinking that you will have a bad life.

Like football, bruises may be part of the game but I'm on the winning team.

Fear is not of God because He has not given you fear. He's given us Power and a sound mind.

Don't limp when you were designed to run!

John Gray's Exhortation

They will know you by how you treat others.

We fight for each other when others can't fight for themselves.

Sometimes people need to see a sermon more than they need to hear a sermon.

Being Vulnerable

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

It's easy to walk around pretending.

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

II Corinthians 12:9 NKJV

God won't bless who you pretend to be. Being vulnerable is a strength.

Society stresses image which creates a lot of pretending. If you can't be honest with yourself then it will keep you from reaching your full potential.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I  do,  forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

Philippians 3:13 NKJV

Paul had the humility to admit his weaknesses.

God cannot fill a vessel that's already full. 

And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!"

Mark 9:22‭-‬24 NKJV

Let the weak say "I am strong".

John Baptized Jesus and experienced this:

When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Matthew 3:16‭-‬17 NKJV

Though he experienced this,  he still had doubts:

And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?" Jesus answered and said to them, "Go and tell John the things which you hear and see:  The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.  And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."

Matthew 11:2‭-‬6 NKJV

You can't overcome a weakness if you won't get it out in the open.

Eventhough John had questions, Jesus said this: "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Matthew 11:11 NKJV

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink."  For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?" Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again,  but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw." Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here."

John 4:7‭-‬16 NKJV

She could have kept her mask on, lied, and walked away. But she chose to be honest and Jesus revealed himself to her. 

The woman answered and said, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You have well said, 'I have no husband,'  for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly." The woman said to Him, "I know that Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things." Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am He. "

John 4:17‭-‬18‭, ‬25‭-‬26 NKJV

God already knows your shortcomings anyway.

Take off your superman outfit, sometimes you just have to be Clark Kent. People will learn more from how you handle your struggles.

When you're vulnerable, you're pliable.

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

II Timothy 2:20‭-‬21 NKJV

There is a peace when you can be ok with being perfect.

Pastor John Osteen walked in on Joel and some other staff who were laughing and joking. Pastor John thought that they were making fun of him and admonished them. Later Joel told him that they were talking about something else and his dad apologized, admitting that he was insecure about other things. He then asked for the other guys' numbers so that he could call and apologize to them.

Jacob did whatever trickery he could to get ahead. But when he got honest this he received a new name: "And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."

Genesis 32:28 NKJV

Victoria Osteen @ Lakewood Church

How we see ourselves 

So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:27 NKJV

Our image is our source of stregth. The image was tainted in the garden but when we said yes to Jesus it was washed clean again.

Some people begin to identify with our circumstances intead of Jesus and His power that lives in us.

The only way I know what I look like is by looking in the mirror. The Word of God is our spiritual mirror.

Sometimes we can allow people to taint our image.

If someone is trying to say bad things about me I should not let it distort the way that I see myself.  I need to know that the person they are descring isn't me because I know what I look like.

You can't get what's rightfully yours if you aren't carrying your identification. Like if you go to the bank to get your money out, they won't give it to you becsuse you don't have proof of your identification.

I'm the bearer of God's image and God is eternal. Everything else is temporary and subject to change.

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

II Corinthians 1:21‭-‬22 NKJV

Pastor Craig

Broken crayons still color.

Champions Club

In March 2008, Lakewood Church launched a new program: Champions Club. Our goal was to develop a program that would meet the developmental needs of our children in three important ways, SPIRITUALLY, INTELLECTUALLY, and PHYSICALLY. Our focus was on spiritual growth through God's Word, ministering to the intellect of each child through their senses and engaging the child physically during spiritual gross motor fun. We enlisted the help of several professionals in the fields of special needs and came up with a plan that would allow each child to be ministered to at their individual level.  Champions Club now not only serves children but adults with special needs! Our ratios in our classrooms remain 1-to-1 to allow the individual to be ministered to at a personal level.  Champions Club has gone on to grow from its beginnings at Lakewood to be incorporated into serving the needs of individuals in congregations and communities around the world.   

https://www.lakewoodchurch.com/Pages/Ministry.aspx?mid=40

It Is Finished

We all have things trying to hold us back but God didn't create me to go through life weighed down. We are created to be free. 

God's mercy is bigger than my mistakes.

Get rid of excuses. As long as you justify your condition, your giving it permission to stay.

When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, "Would you like to get well?"

John 5:6 NLT

Even though he was at the pool where people were getting healed, nothing in his behavior said that he wanted to get well. He gravitated to people like him and got comfortable in dysfunction.

"I can't, sir," the sick man said, "for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me."

John 5:7 NLT

Nothing that's happened in the past has to keep you away from God's purpose.

Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!"

John 5:8 NLT

The crippled man made excuses but God in His mercy healed him.

Sometimes well meaning people will try to talk you out of your destiny. A lot of times the people who have known you the longest will try to keep you in the same old box.

David: 1 Samuel 16

When the prophet came to annoint the next king his dad didn't even bring him in the house.

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."

1 Samuel 16:7 NLT

When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country. He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, "Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?" Then they scoffed, "He's just the carpenter's son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?" And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family."  And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.

Matthew 13:53‭-‬58 NLT

Just because negative things have been passed down, you don't have to take them.

Where you come from is not who you are. You can start a new trend. God doesn't just want you to break a generational curse, he wants you to start a generational blessing.

The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father's family, and go to the land that I will show you.

Genesis 12:1 NLT

You may not need to physically leave your family but you might need to leave negative mindsets.

"Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense!

Isaiah 54:2 NLT

Make room for God to do big things. God is a progressive God and wants every generation to get better. 

2 Samuel 12:16-23

His advisers were amazed. "We don't understand you," they told him. "While the child was still living, you wept and refused to eat. But now that the child is dead, you have stopped your mourning and are eating again." David replied, "I fasted and wept while the child was alive, for I said, 'Perhaps the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live.' But why should I fast when he is dead? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him one day, but he cannot return to me."

2 Samuel 12:21‭-‬23 NLT

David did all that he could but accepted that though he can't change the past, he can hope in the future.

Dr. Paul @ Lakewood Church

God cares about people.

I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'

Matthew 25:36 NLT

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'

Matthew 25:40 NLT

2000 scriptures about caring about the poor.

Lakewood Church

The Secret to Every Marriage

Farrah & Roy: Who's the Boss

(Strength Based Marriage By Jimmy Evans & Allan Kelsey)

Overusing and imposing a strength can make that strength a weakness.

The secret to a happy marriage is to contribute out of roles that engage your strengths, to lend equality in decision-making, and to equally submit to each other in deference

Pastor Lisa

Standing on God's Promises

Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.

Joshua 1:3 NKJV

You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. It shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him." [they did it] And the seventh time it happened, when the priests blew the trumpets, that Joshua said to the people: "Shout, for the Lord has given you the city!

Joshua 6:3‭-‬5‭, ‬16 NKJV

For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you." And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 6:13‭-‬20 NKJV

Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the River Euphrates, even to the Western Sea, shall be your territory.

Deuteronomy 11:24 NKJV

Clayton and Ashlee

Love is a Choice

Charlie and Dottie Duke sought Christ and slowly found a way to love each other. (https://billygraham.org/story/charlie-dukes-meaningful-walk/)

Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.

1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT

John Gray

Common Ground

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,  that whoever believes in Him should not perish but  have eternal life.  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:14‭-‬16 NKJV

Every person I will ever come in contact with is someone who Jesus died for. 

Because of what Jesus did there is no limit to how much I can access God.

We need to take what we receive in the Church house and apply it to the people God loves,  everybody!!!

The buzz word is "Equality"

Freedom is not just natural it's spiritual.

Jesus lifted up every broken person he encountered and that's my commission.

There is a difference between religion and relationship.

No matter who you are Jesus loves you.

and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

Romans 8:17 NKJV

God's Got This

Joel Osteen @ Lakewood Church

• It's easy to live uptight when you don't see anything changing. God can make things happen

• As long as we're trying to force things, God will step back. You may have a good reason to worry, but you should stay in faith and live out of a place of peace and trust.

• A plan was put in place to get rid of Daniel. When you're in difficult situations God has people praying for you who you don't know anything about. 

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.

Philippians 1:21 NLT

Alive, I'm Christ's messenger; dead, I'm his bounty. Life versus even more life! I can't lose.

• You'll praise God whether you live or die.

• God made Daniel unappetizing to the Lions. God knows how to make you unappetizing to the enemy. There's a blood line around me and my family.

When you see wild animals you're advised to carry yourself with a quiet confidence.

...and do not give the devil a foothold.

Ephesians 4:27 NIV

When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?"  Daniel answered, "May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty."  The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

Daniel 6:20‭-‬23 NIV

• Daniel's faith didn't keep him out of the lion's den but it did make him lion-proof.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4 NIV

The Lord will perfect that  which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord , endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.

Psalms 138:8 NKJV

Jonathan and Charlie

The Osteens were worried about Jonathan fitting in after being homeschooled. Victoria met a lady and text Jonathan about finding her son. There were several thousand kids in orientation and Jonathan couldn't figure out how he'd find Charlie but "randomly" sat right next to him.

Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Matthew 10:29‭-‬31 NKJV

• Victories are there to fuel your faith.

• Battles are there to bring attention to God.

The Lord  is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord  is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, In this I will  be confident.

Psalms 27:1‭-‬3 NKJV

• My advantage is that God has placed me out of reach. 

For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

Psalms 27:5 NKJV

Victoria Osteen @ Lakewood Church

Get Even Exposure

Victoria bought solar powered lights and wanted to surprise Joel with them but they weren't working. She was just about to return them she noticed the pull tab hadn't been pulled.

Solar Powered Lights

(https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.festive-lights.com/blog/solar-lights/8-things-to-do-if-your-solar-lights-arent-working/amp/)

Check that there's not a pull tab on the battery

This will apply to newly purchased lights only. Sometimes there is a pull tab on the battery that needs to be removed before the light will function. If your new solar light doesn't work, definitely check on this.

You may need to remove something that's blocking the light.

Some trees don't grow straight because so many things are crowding out the light. It's struggling to grow toward the light.

What's stopping me from being fully exposed to the Son 

Remember what it says: "Today when you hear his voice, don't harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled." And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they heard his voice? Wasn't it the people Moses led out of Egypt? And who made God angry for forty years? Wasn't it the people who sinned, whose corpses lay in the wilderness? And to whom was God speaking when he took an oath that they would never enter his rest? Wasn't it the people who disobeyed him? So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter his rest.

Hebrews 3:15‭-‬19 NLT

Read the word to get exposure to the son.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalms 119:105 NLT

If you read the word God will bring it to life in you.

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."

John 8:12

Handle Worry The Better Way

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 Victoria Osteen @ Lakewood Church  You always have the choice to give your concerns to God or work the worry. Worry is like sitting in a rocking chair.  The Bible says in this world you will have challenges but be encouraged because God has overcome so know that with Jesus you can do all things.   Mary and Martha were set to receive Jesus. Mary was fellowshipping with Jesus and Martha was keeping busy. Jesus wasn't discounting her legitimate concerns but pointing out the way that she was handling her life. There's one way to handle worry and that's to lay them at the feet of Jesus.  Worry: To strangle. Worry chokes the fun out of life...it changes your personality for the worse by adding tension.  Look for scriptures that address your problems. When fear comes sing a new song. Press against the pressure as much as it's pressing against you.  Worry pulls us away from God and worship pulls us toward God.  Every weight is not a sin but it's still slowing you down. (Hebrew 12:1)  Mr. Wizig's Balloon Exercise! Sometimes you have to release a bouquet of balloons