A year to remember...

John Gray @ Lakewood Church

So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: "The  Spirit of the Lord  is  upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to  the  poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to  the  captives And recovery of sight to  the  blind, To  set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord ." Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him.

Luke 4:16‭-‬20 NKJV

Jesus made sure to remain in community.

Can we recognize when we see the thing that we've been reading (prayer journals, prayer notes, scripture, etc...)

2018 was a year of exposure.

God loves me too much to let me linger in a relationship that isn't pushing me forward.

You can't argue with people who are committed to misunderstand you.

Stop showing a filtered version of yourself.

Don't throw out the whole year because you had a few bad days.

And he said to him, "Say now to her, 'Look, you have been concerned for us with all this care. What can  I do for you? Do you want me to speak on your behalf to the king or to the commander of the army?' " She answered, "I dwell among my own people." So he said, "What then is to be done for her?" And Gehazi answered, "Actually, she has no son, and her husband is old." So he said, "Call her." When he had called her, she stood in the doorway. Then he said, "About this time next year you shall embrace a son." And she said, "No, my Lord. Man of God, do not lie to your maidservant!" But the woman conceived, and bore a son when the appointed time had come, of which Elisha had told her.

II Kings 4:13‭-‬17 NKJV

1. What was God trying to teach us?

• You've been putting people on pedestals who don't belong there.

• 

People will judge your entire book based on the chapter they walked in on.

The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.

Proverbs 29:25 NKJV

2. How was God trying to reach us?

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:2‭-‬4 NKJV

Remember vs. Dismember

God had all the pieces to put 2018 together.

God pruned and planted.

Perfect Family

Social media has opened so many windows for society and my favorite is the window into the perfect family. Every holiday I get to see so many of your perfect families that include moms, dads, stepmoms, stepdads, in-laws, ex-inlaws, boyfriends, girlfriends, kids, step-kids, cousins, "cousins", adopted kids, no kids, dogs, cats, bearded dragons, possums, and etc in a rainbow of colors! You all prove the very definition of perfect: having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be. You've decided that everyone who's desired is there and the picture that you give us is as good as it possibly gets... you're perfect.

I myself get to be a part of so many perfect families and even though I missed some of the group pictures this year they all do their best to let me know that my weird self is part of their perfect all year long.

Miracles In Your Mouth

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church 

The spirit of faith is in our words. Thinking positive us great but until you speak it, it may not come into fruition.

And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, "I believed and therefore I spoke," we also believe and therefore speak,

II Corinthians 4:13 NKJV

Beat your plowshares into swords And your pruning hooks into spears; Let the weak say, 'I am strong.' "

Joel 3:10 NKJV

It doesn't say let the weak talk about the weakness and call 5 friends to discuss it. This doesn't mean that you lie, it means that you say the things that God says about you. 

When David faced goliath he understood that the miracle was in his mouth.

Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

I Samuel 17:45‭-‬46 NKJV

"Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

Matthew 18:19 NKJV

There might be times when no one is there to agree with you. That's when you need to get you heart and mouth in agreement.

You don't need people to agree with you. 

We give life to what we speak. Your words can keep you from your destiny.

But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years."... And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time."

Luke 1:13‭, ‬18‭-‬20 NKJV

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23 NKJV

Being directed to "hold fast" implies that something will try to take ot away.

Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, "Let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."

Psalms 35:27 NKJV

Words are seeds.

By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.

Hebrews 11:22 NKJV

There may be no sign of your God given heart desire but you should speak of ot before it happens.

Psalm 91 says "I will say of the Lord , "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."

Psalms 91:2 NKJV

It then goes on to list great things that will happen. But in verse 9  Because you have made the Lord , who  is  my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place,

Psalms 91:9 NKJV

Use words to confirm what you heard not to argue it.

And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus . Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:31‭, ‬38 NKJV

Words are seeds.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21 NKJV

A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, But the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence.

Proverbs 13:2 NKJV

God said let the be light before he created a light source.

(Day 3)

Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.

Genesis 1:3 NKJV

(Day 4)

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

Old Covenant 

So Moses cried out to the Lord , saying, "What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me!" And the Lord said to Moses, "Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. Also take in your hand your rod with which you struck the river, and go. Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink." And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

Exodus 17:4‭-‬6 NKJV

New Covenant

Now there was no water for the congregation; so they gathered together against Moses and Aaron. Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, "Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals." So Moses took the rod from before the Lord as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, "Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?" Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank. Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them."

Numbers 20:2‭, ‬7‭-‬12 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/num.20.2-12.NKJV

Water can flow without too much effort.

Serve Your Way Up

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood

We all want to rise higher but when we're focused on ourselves we'll get stuck.

When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!

Job 42:10 NLT

He did something for others then he rose higher.

Some people are unhappy because they are only thinking about themselves.  Is not healthy to have yourself on your mind all of the time.

Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. "Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.

Isaiah 58:7‭-‬8 NLT

When you make it your business to serve THEN the light will come in. 

But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

Matthew 6:3‭-‬4 NKJV

Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

Matthew 6:4 NLT

God sees everything so don't worry about whether or not you get credit from people.

Sometimes we're not serving because we think it's small and won't make that big of a difference.

Success is not an elevator it's a staircase. God leads you step by step.

David had been annointed king but he was sent back to work in the shepherd's field. His dad also called on him to serve his brothers. On one of those errands was taking his brothers lunch and had he not done something that didn't seem regal he would have never met goliath for whom there was a reward ordered that would bless his entire family.

David was led to his destiny by delivering a sandwich.

So the men of Israel said, "Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel; and it shall be that the man who kills him the king will enrich with great riches, will give him his daughter, and give his father's house exemption from  taxes in Israel."

I Samuel 17:25 NKJV

David didn't deliver the lunches with an agenda. He was just faithfully serving.

Joel used to work behind the scenes faithfully serving his father's vision. Picking out clothes, video recorders, editing video.

You have to be faithful in the wilderness before God will take you into the promised land.

You have to carry a crown before you  can wear one. 

And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?

Luke 16:12 NKJV

Elijah & Elisha

Some six or seven years before the end of Elijah's mortal ministry, the Lord revealed to him that Elisha would be his successor (see 1 Kgs. 19:16). So Elijah went to meet him and found Elisha plowing a field. Elijah approached him and threw his mantle (cloak) over Elisha's shoulders, signifying Elisha's call to be his attendant and disciple. Elisha then kissed his parents good-bye, gave away all he owned, and "arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him" (see 1 Kgs. 19:19–21). Elisha served and matured spiritually under Elijah's direction through several major events.  

Elisha's loyalty to Elijah and his response to the sons of the prophets reminds us of the importance of sustaining our leaders right up to the time they are formally released, even when we know this may be soon.

And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?" Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me." So he said, "You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when  I  am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so. "

II Kings 2:9‭-‬10 NKJV

Joseph

Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, he rose to become vizier, the second most powerful man in Egypt next to Pharaoh, where his presence and office caused Israel to leave Canaan and settle in Egypt. He was able to rise higher because he served faithfully with integrity whether he was a servant or in jail.

Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.

Psalms 100:2 NKJV

https://bible.com/bible/114/psa.100.2.NKJV

The Danger of Dry Places

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

It's easy to lose our passion when things don't turn out the way you thought. When you're dry, you lose the flavor of life.

"When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, seeking rest but finding none.

Matthew 12:43 NLT

It's easy to live on autopilot and think whatever thoughts pop up.  If you fill your mind with positive thoughts then there won't be any room for negative thoughts. 

I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

Acts 26:2 KJV

We were created with natural endorphins that we need to take steps to activate: get some sunlight, eat healthy, exercise, etc...

You can't override natural laws and expect to feel good. 

Find happy positive energetic friends.

"Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.

Isaiah 60:1 NLT

You walked into that dry place so you can walk out of it. 

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and

Psalms 42:5 NLT

God has never abandoned us but we've walked away. The flesh loves to feel sorry for itself.

Like David you may have seen God do amazing things but the discouragement test comes to everyone.

You sent abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary land.

Psalms 68:9 NLT

God knows your circumstances and will send the things you need.

Research shows that most people are their 2nd happiest at 20 and happiest after 70.

Sylvester Turner

"My mom became the CEO of the Turner household. With no high school education, working as a maid at the Rice Hotel a few blocks away, never learning how to drive, she raised nine sons and daughters. She saw to it that they were educated, and when times were rough, she told us that tomorrow would be better than today. Today, it is evident that what my mom said is very true."

But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

Proverbs 4:18 NKJV

Elijah witnessed a great miracle but still felt like his life was in danger and ran into the desert hoping to die.

And there he went into a cave, and spent the night in that place; and behold, the word of the Lord  came to him, and He said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

I Kings 19:9 NKJV

You don't make good decisions when you're hungry, dehydrated, and worn out. 

When you're in a dry place it's easy to think no one is in or has ever been in your situation. But the truth is God has brought many people out of your same situation.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."

Matthew 4:1‭-‬3 NKJV

For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread."

Matthew 4:2‭-‬3 NLT

Put yourself in a position to leave the dry place by thinking positive, keeping yourself nourished, and .keeping yourself in good company

The Rewards of Integrity

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

Integrity is the foundation of a successful life.

A person on Integrity does the right thing when no one is watching.

God is keeping the records even when you think it's not making an impact it is.

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Proverbs 22:1 KJV

Your reputation is the most valuable thing you have

You put yourself at a disadvantage when you steal, cheat, and take shortcuts.

It's better to be truthful and have less because later on God's favor will take you farther.

God knows your heart.

As they approached, Jesus said, "Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity."

John 1:47 NLT

You're the same wherever you are when you have Integrity no matter who you're interacting with.

The little things get us tripped up. 

Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!

Song of Songs 2:15 NLT

People are watching.

Don't do anything you wouldn't want to read about the next day in the newspaper.

It's much better to be open and honest.

Pastor Joel needed a knife and considered stealing one from the restaurant but came to his senses and asked to buy one. The restaurant ended up giving him a set. The restaurant would probably not have even known but God would have know and just by asking he got it for free anyway.

David committed to have integrity at home, where no one could see him. 

I will sing of your love and justice, Lord . I will praise you with songs. I will be careful to live a blameless life— when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.

Psalms 101:1‭-‬5 NLT

If you have to talk yourself into something then it's probably not a good ides.

When you walk in Integrity you gain an advantage with God.

Even if you haven't been this was,  today is a good day to start.

 

Abraham introduced his wife, Sarah, by saying, "She is my sister." So King Abimelech of Gerar sent for Sarah and had her brought to him at his palace. But that night God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, "You are a dead man, for that woman you have taken is already married!" But Abimelech had not slept with her yet, so he said, "Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? Didn't Abraham tell me, 'She is my sister'? And she herself said, 'Yes, he is my brother.' I acted in complete innocence! My hands are clean." In the dream God responded, "Yes, I know you are innocent. That's why I kept you from sinning against me, and why I did not let you touch her.

Genesis 20:2‭-‬6 NLT

Because of his integrity, God spared Abimelech from making a mistake.

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him.

Proverbs 2:7‭-‬8 NLT

Builder cut corners and kept the profit. He watered down the cement for the foundation, used bad lumber, got the cheapest service providers. The house looked great on the outside. The purchaser ended up giving him the house and he thought if he'd known he was building his own house then he would have built it with more Integrity. We're building our own house. What kind of materials are are we putting into it. 

Celebrating the Life of Sylvester Jackson II

Old Testament Reading

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Psalms 23:1‭-‬6 KJV

New Testament Reading

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.   In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.   And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.   And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.  Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:1‭-‬6 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.14.1-6.KJV

Pastor Amos Sowell, Mount Olive Baptist Church

John 11 Lazarus

1. We need to take time to grieve.

We try to convince ourselves that we need to be strong but even Jesus cried.

Holding back tears means that we're scared to express our feelings.

And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.  Jesus wept.  Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

John 11:34‭-‬36 KJV

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Ecclesiastes 3:1‭, ‬4 KJV

Jesus could have resurrected Lazarus immediately but he took time to grieve.

2. Jesus understands our grief.

Though Jesus seems far away in dark times, he's always there. 

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:14‭-‬16 KJV

Jesus knows what it feels like. 

Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.  And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Matthew 27:45‭-‬46 KJV

3. There's always a purpose, even for grief.

When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

John 11:4 KJV

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 KJV

Sylvester Jackson, II
1936-2018
DICKINSON - Mr. Sylvester Jackson, II passed peacefully from this life Thursday morning, November 1, 2018, in Dickinson at his home.
Sylvester was born July 8, 1936 in Smithland, TX to Sylvester and Julia (Tyson) Jackson. From an early age, Sylvester learned the importance of hard work and perseverance. It was these characteristics that helped him succeed personally and professionally throughout his life. He supported his family for over 20 years by working at Lubrizol in Deer Park. He was a quick learner and many times taught himself valuable skills simply by watching others. Sylvester was a wonderful carpenter who could build anything with his hands but when he wasn't hard at work he loved being out on his boat with a pole in the water. As a husband, he instilled love; as a father, he instilled knowledge; and as a believer, he instilled faith…he will be greatly missed. 
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Jean and Lulu.
Survivors include his loving wife of 16 years, Sunshine Jackson; sons, Gregory Jackson, Juan Carlos Jackson and wife, Stephanie; daughter, Andrea Mellette and husband, Danny; stepsons, Arthur "Sunny" Whiteker, Marco Liggan and wife, Mandy; brother, Thomas Jackson and wife, Hazel; sister, Bertha Mae; grandchildren, Krysten Mellette, Isa Jackson, Pierce Ava Liggan; mother of his children, Elba Jackson; numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 10, 2018, at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, with Pastor Amos Sowell officiating. 
A private cremation was conducted under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, TX (409) 925-3501. www.HayesFuneralHome.com
Hayes Funeral Home

My Youth Empowerment Background and Fitness Career Unite!!!

As I embark on Generation Pound Training today, my youth oriented service background meets my fitness career. Since I was a youth myself, I worked with youth. In the 5th grade I helped with the 2nd grade and ESL students in mentoring and educational roles. I've volunteered through many organizations to help students reach their educational goals and to offer mentoring relationships. Generation Pound will help be continue on that path!

GENERATION POUND® is a youth-oriented program that fuses movement and music to improve focus, coordination, physical fitness and teamwork skills. In addition to exercise, kids engage in Activities, kids to learn new ways to explore movement and embrace their creativity. Generation Pound is geared toward kids ages 6-12.

My favorite age group is 10-12 year olds. At that stage in life students are increasingly considering who they are and who they may become. They are more able to think like adults, but they don’t have the experience and judgment needed to act like adults. I believe that Generation Pound can help them recognize that as they ride their roller coaster of emotions armed with 2 Ripstix!

Well, training is getting started. See you on the other side!

Favor Connections

Joel Osteen @ Lakewood Church 

Joel was in relationship with his father so after being pulled over for speeding the officer recognized his name and let him go with a warning.

Am I connected to people who have what I want?

And the Lord said, "I will wipe this human race I have created from the face of the earth. Yes, and I will destroy every living thing—all the people, the large animals, the small animals that scurry along the ground, and even the birds of the sky. I am sorry I ever made them." But Noah found favor with the Lord .

Genesis 6:7‭-‬8 NLT

Since Noah found favor, his family benefited.

Disconnect from people who are hindering your growth.

You need people who are soaring in your life. 

God uses others to enlarge your thinking. When God puts you with a bunch of eagles, don't have a chicken mentality.

You need people who think bigger than you. 

Now do as I tell you—take a bath and put on perfume and dress in your nicest clothes. Then go to the threshing floor, but don't let Boaz see you until he has finished eating and drinking. "The Lord bless you, my daughter!" Boaz exclaimed. "You are showing even more family loyalty now than you did before, for you have not gone after a younger man, whether rich or poor.

Ruth 3:3‭, ‬10 NLT

The annointing you expect is the announting you will get. 

Be inspired and not discouraged. You're only on competition with yourself. Pulling someone else down will never move you any higher.

As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.

Proverbs 27:17 NKJV

Elisha and Elijah

There was favor on Elijah's life even though Elisha was born into an influential family. Elijah offered Elisha an assistant job.

And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?" Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me."

II Kings 2:9 NKJV

You could be one relationship away from a new level.

There are people placed in my life to connect with. 

When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.

Luke 5:4‭-‬7 NKJV

Due to Peter's obedience his blessings overflowed onto his partners.

There are blessings that belong to me connected to people I'm in (or need to be in) relationship with.

Fwd: It's Payback Time

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Jeanicia Elder <jenirojacq@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Oct 14, 2018, 12:39 PM
Subject: It's Payback Time
To: Jeanicia Rochelle Elder <JeniroJacq@gmail.com>

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

We all go through unfair situations and it's easy to get discouraged thinking that we can't do anything about it but our God of justice can and will.

For we know the one who said, "I will take revenge. I will pay them back." He also said, "The Lord will judge his own people."

Hebrews 10:30 NLT

God sees what happened and he'll use it to increase you. 

Honoring God keeps you on His payroll. One touch of his favor will catapult you ahead so keep doing the right thing when the wrong thing is happening.

The Israelites had been in slavery for over 100 years so it was easy for them to think that's  how it will always be. But God said that's enough.

Then the Lord told him, "I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey—the land where the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites now live.

Exodus 3:7‭-‬8 NLT

Don't believe lies about yourself when you know God's truth.

Some of the Payback is from my forefathers...blessings that have been accruing in your family's account.

"The Lord your God will soon bring you into the land he swore to give you when he made a vow to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is a land with large, prosperous cities that you did not build. The houses will be richly stocked with goods you did not produce. You will draw water from cisterns you did not dig, and you will eat from vineyards and olive trees you did not plant. When you have eaten your fill in this land,

Deuteronomy 6:10‭-‬11 NLT

God is keeping the records.

You don't have to live worried. Know that unfair situations qualify you for double.

Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.

Isaiah 61:7 NIV

Laban cheats Jacob 

When God is ready to pay you back unfair situations can't stop you. He isn't limited by the laws of nature.

In fact, if the God of my father had not been on my side—the God of Abraham and the fearsome God of Isaac —you would have sent me away empty-handed. But God has seen your abuse and my hard work. That is why he appeared to you last night and rebuked you!"

Genesis 31:42 NLT

Lot Captured by Enemy

Abram recovered all the goods that had been taken, and he brought back his nephew Lot with his possessions and all the women and other captives.

Genesis 14:16 NLT

LOT wasn't even supposed to be there so Abraham had brought this problem on himself but God still blessed the situation. So even if a problem is my fault God won't forget me. 

Lepers Call Out for Mercy

He looked at them and said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.

Luke 17:14 NLT

Normally the person would only show themselves after that were healed but their healing counted on their obedience.

The Lord says, "I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.

Joel 2:25 NLT

Once again you will have all the food you want, and you will praise the Lord your God, who does these miracles for you. Never again will my people be disgraced.

Joel 2:26 NLT

Woman with a felony lost her voting rights and could only get a job at a bar but someone was always spesking life into her. Now owns a restaurant and was pardoned by the Govenor

God's Supernatural Supply in Your Finances

Lisa "The Bomb" Osteen @ Lakewood Church

I need to elevate my thinking in reference to finances. There are blessings that follow those who believe in and serve God.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Psalms 1:1‭-‬3 KJV

What man is he that feareth the Lord ? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.  His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

Psalms 25:12‭-‬13 KJV

We're meant to own property.

We're blessed to be a blessing.

The Osteen family obeyed God and gave $5000 to a missionary even though they could have really used it...it was shortly returned from someone else.

During a famine you can reap a great harvest when God is your source.

Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him.  And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great:

Genesis 26:12‭-‬13 KJV

Polo's business partner cheated him out of money and ended up owing $100,000. After speaking with an irate IRS representative they prayed her out and ended up settling the matter for $100.

You might need to do something different.

And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.  And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.

Genesis 26:18‭-‬19 KJV

Grace comes with giving.

Tithe • Offering • Alms

There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.  The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Proverbs 11:24‭-‬25 KJV

Speak blessings over our finances. Agree with God's word.

Write my financial vision and pray about it. 

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.

Proverbs 24:4 NLT

God is not limited.

Music Fuels Me!

Totally excited about Zumba Strong Training! Strong By Zumba is a high intensity interval class — think burpees, pushups, and other high-impact moves — synced to specific music. Just like the other class I'm certified to teach, Pound, instead of counting reps or keeping track of the clock your focused is shifted toward the rhythm and volume of the music because music can be a powerful force.

In fact, USA Track & Field, the U.S. governing body for running, barred the use of headphones and portable audio players like iPods at its official races in part to prevent runners from having a competitive edge. Music can energize and increase endurance; there's something about hearing Andy Mineo's voice over a hip hop beat declaring "YOU CAN'T STOP ME!" That's right burpee, you won't keep me down! With music, though you remain fully aware of the tremble in your arms during those last pushups, positive feelings about the intensity of that pushup increase!

Music readies the body for action, makes coordination more efficient, and draws our attention away from the negative aspects of tasks. So training is getting started and my BFF music is calling me!

Pulled Strings

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

Ephesians 1:11 NIV

God is working behind the scenes to control me and my circumstances.

Even closed doors can catapult me forward because I can't see what's coming I may become discouraged  but I shouldn't.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

God has established my end.

Joel had a puppet and he would  put on puppet shows for his sister. She'd get so engrossed in the show that she'd forget Joel was pulling the strings.

This is what happens to us in life. 

with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:12 NIV

Job was doing the right thing honoring God when the bottom fell out.

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

Job 19:25 NIV

It's easy to give God praise in the good times but in the bad times is when you have reactivate your faith.

"I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

Job 42:2 NIV

Those forces that are trying to stop me are controlled by God.

Jonah

God has a string on everything you need...including whales...even when we make mistakes.

How the king rejoices in your strength, O Lord ! He shouts with joy because you give him victory.

Psalms 21:1 NLT

What plan?

Sometimes it feels better to act like you never had a plan than to admit that the plan didn't work out.

Guys. I f̶e̶e̶l̶ ̶l̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶I̶ ̶h̶a̶d̶ ̶s̶o̶ ̶m̶u̶c̶h̶ ̶p̶r̶o̶m̶i̶s̶e̶ have so much promise. My current plan has my head all over the place.

Free Tampons

I was at @target shopping for tampons and I buy always buy @tampax Radiant with no complaints. But I noticed a, dare I say, cute black package of tampons that said 100% cotton which led me to wonder, "Well what are my tampons made of?" Then it led me to Google Cora right there in the Feminine Hygiene aisle...which led to the Male employee asking if he could help me find anything 🤔

LOL Anywho.

I Google the company and learn that Cora product is made with pure, ethically sourced ingredients. Also, For every month's supply of Cora you purchase, they help provide a month's supply of pads and health education to a girl in need. There's also a lot of information about how females worldwide can't go to school because they don't have access to Feminine hygiene products.

Now guys, I liked the idea of knowing what my tampons are made of. I loved the idea of being able to be "mindlessly philanthropic". However, I didn't want to buy a new brand of something that is a necessity. BUT guess what?!? They offer a free trial (pictures above). 

Molly Rose Hayward over at Cora Women said I should share a tampon with a friend so I'm sharing with all of you. I'm not bleeding yet so I haven't tried them but when I do, I'll let you know what I think. LOL .

.

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#TheJRochelle #Photographer #Videographer #GraphicDesigner #PetParent #GroupFitnessInstructor #PoundPro #Wife #Aunt #Daughter #Sister #Cousin #PetParent #Friend #thisismylife #FreeIndeed ##FreeToMoveiAnythingIsPossible #freetrial #womanhood #corawomen #freetampons

Media Producing Fitness Guru

Hey people. I'm walking around in circles right now. No literally. My next appointment is at 2:00 and I don't have anything to do until then. There are things I could do but they all involve sitting and I need to burn some energy. I wish that I had a treadmill workstation for my computer. Is that a thing?

I have 2 degrees, a BA and an MS, in Media Production and Communication. I'm also an nationally certified group fitness instructor through ACE.  As a media specialist and social media manager I spend a lot of time sitting. I usually balance it out with my fitness professional alter ego but things have been slow in both arenas.

I just finished a branding project that involved video editing and graphic design. Next week I'll be certifying for Strong By Zumba and next month I'll be certifying for Generation Pound. I already teach Pound and I'm in the beginning phase of setting up an all-women fitness bootcamp.

Well here I go round and round...

Peace With Your Scars

Pastor Joel @  Lakewood Church 

You can't live very long without injuring your self. There are physical and mental scars. The scar means the wound is healed so don't look at the scar remembering the pain, remember the grace of God.

Scars can be fuel for your faith when seen in the right light. No one receives victories without being wounded; loss,  mistakes, setbacks, etc...

Sure you have a scar but the enemy wasn't able to take you out.

African missionary was in a head on collision and needed a surgery that left a scar across her face and it reminds her that she is lucky to be alive. (When anyone asks about them she has a chance to testify)

Da'Dra had a goiter that was growing and nearing a size that would block her vocal chords. She'd been a worship leader her entire life. She had surgery which left a scar across her neck. She doesn't try to cover it and she doesn't let it remind her of the surgery or the struggle.

Joel tripped after making several mistakes and he couldn't do something he loved.  When he sees the scar now he is thankful that he can still walk and run.

We are forgiven so we shouldn't allow scars to make us feel guilty and focus on trying to hide them

for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.

Romans 11:29 NIV

Our scars prepare us.

Pastor John's first marriage didn't work out and the people who were supposed to pour oil on his wound condemned him and judged him. Told him his pastoral career was over.

Mama Dodie had polio as a child which gave her a limp.

Jacob had a lot of self inflicted wounds (personal mistakes) but still walked away with a limp.

That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak." But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."  The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.

Genesis 32:22‭, ‬24‭-‬24‭, ‬26‭, ‬31 NIV

Jesus was crucified and when he was resurrected, he still had scars.

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus ), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."  A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"  Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."  Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"  Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

John 20:24‭-‬29 NIV

Maybe someone needs to touch your scars so that they will be inspired to believe. God didn't show you mercy just for you but to help others.

Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means "Teacher").  Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' "

John 20:16‭-‬17 NIV

A scar doesn't happen overnight, it takes time to heal. Like Jesus, we might not be ready for anyone to touch us there 

Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk."  At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath,

John 5:8‭-‬9 NIV

That mat was like a scar.

Phil Munsey @ Lakewood Church

(Find Your 60)

Comfort Food

2 Cor 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬4 NIV

Pizza is the #1 Comfort Food in America but God has comfort food for us. 

Your experience becomes comfort food for others. We overcome by the blood of a lamb and come out with a testimony.

So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.

1 Corinthians 11:27‭-‬29 NIV

Christianity isn't just vertical. In addition to a relationship with God we need to have a relationship with each other...community is not an option.

That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.

1 Corinthians 11:30 NIV

Remembering the body means remembering that we're connected. There's a Jesus in me that needs to meet the Jesus in others.

What's on Your Thrown?

Pastor Joel Osteen @ Lakewood Church

We all have setbacks and if we're not careful we'll let that setback consume us constantly taking God off the thrown and putting our problems on the thrown.

The more you dwell on your problem, the more it will discourage you.

When David faced Goliath he never talked about how big he was. 

Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.  This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

1 Samuel 17:45‭-‬46 KJV

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.  My help cometh from the Lord , which made heaven and earth.

Psalms 121:1‭-‬2 KJV

We can't just wish something away. If you allow something to become big in your mind you're giving it permission to happen.

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

Job 3:25 KJV

It's easy to focus on what didn't work out. 

The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts.

Haggai 2:9 KJV

SOVEREIGN 

People can't stop God's plan for your life. 

Joaeph, sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, rose to become vizier, the second most powerful man in Egyptnext to Pharaoh, where his presence and office caused Israel to leave Canaan and settle in Egypt. Joseph went through 13 years of injustice before he received vindication.

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:   And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.

Revelation 2:26‭-‬27 KJV

Don't let worry take God off of the thrown.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.  Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:

Isaiah 26:3‭-‬4 KJV

When you go through disappointment you'll be tempted to put those disappointments on the thrown.

You don't have to make everything happen in your own strength...and you can't. Don't think that you have to do a lot of things perfectly to be successful.

We love people so much that sometimes we climb on the thrown but we can't control people.

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

2 Chronicles 20:12 KJV

Worry is like buffering...our mind is going around in circles because we've lost connection

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Psalms 46:10 KJV

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Psalms 22:3 KJV

Climb and Maintain

Tyler Perry @ Lakewood Church

Anecdote: Tyler Perry was in an airplane when they hit turbulence. He was worried and told the pilot that he needed to land the plane when air traffic control came over the radio and instructed him to climb a certain amount of feet and maintain.

And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.  And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.  And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.  Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.  And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.  And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.  And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?  And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.  And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.  And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.  And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.  And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.  And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.  And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah–jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.

Genesis 22:1‭-‬14 KJV

Isaac is led up to a high place by a loced one and he notices that something is missing.

God has already created the pieces that will assemble to create your life...we can't control it and He has already taken care of it. 

Climb (Pray...go yonder) and Maintain (Worship)

"And it came to pass" not to stay.

Abraham told his servants that they'd both be back...that's faith

From Finish to Start

Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Philippians 1:1‭-‬6 NKJV

Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there  is no other; I  am God, and there  is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure,' Calling a bird of prey from the east, The man who executes My counsel, from a far country. Indeed I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it.

Isaiah 46:9‭-‬11 NKJV

This requires that you shift your mindset, you aren't waiting for your destiny, it is already finished.

Sometimes our plans don't work out because things shifted. It looks like life is random because things don't seem to make sense but there isn't one detail in my life that God didn't plan.

I'm not a cosmic accident.

I'm a spirit having a human experience.

God wrote my life backwards so I could live my life forward.

All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Revelation 13:8 NKJV

1. A finishing praise. A praise that acts like it's done even in the middle.

2. A finishing posture. 

3. A finishing perspective.

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:2 NKJV

The best traffic reports come from above because you can see what's causing the problem and where it ends! It gives you hope.

The Lord can resurrect anything that is dead.

When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. Then after this He said to the disciples, "Let us go to Judea again." These things He said, and after that He said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead.  And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him." So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. Jesus wept. Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?"  Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"  And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."

John 11:4‭-‬7‭, ‬11‭, ‬14‭-‬15‭, ‬17‭, ‬35‭-‬35‭, ‬40‭, ‬43‭-‬44 NKJV

Your Father's World

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

Wealthy man had a baby later in life than he expected. At first he was conflicted until he had the baby...then he couldn't wait to give the child his world.

God has lined up good things for me. 

"So don't be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

Luke 12:32 NLT

The great love 

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Isaiah 30:18 NIV

Sometimes God will give to you promises so unusual they seem laughable. You don't see how it could happen.

So she laughed silently to herself and said, "How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master—my husband—is also so old?"

Genesis 18:12 NLT

God is merciful that he doesn't punish us for our disbelief.

Then the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, 'Can an old woman like me have a baby?' Is anything too hard for the Lord ? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son."

Genesis 18:13‭-‬14 NLT

One day we'll be laughing in amazement

And Sarah declared, "God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!"

Genesis 21:6‭-‬7 NLT

He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the home of the wicked will be destroyed."

Job 8:21‭-‬22 NLT

Get ready for some "who would have ever said" blessings.

When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the Lord has done for them." Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!

Psalms 126:1‭-‬3 NLT

Stay in faith.

Joseph went through very unfair situations that put him in a strategic position to bless God's people. God saw the big picture.

When Joseph's brothers arrived for donations they didn't recognize their brother bur Joseph recognize them and was able and willing to show favor to them. We will have similar people in our lives.

Esther was an orphan.

If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"

Esther 4:14 NLT

Samuel went to anoint David as the next king. 

In the same way all seven of Jesse's sons were presented to Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen any of these." Then Samuel asked, "Are these all the sons you have?" "There is still the youngest," Jesse replied. "But he's out in the fields watching the sheep and goats." "Send for him at once," Samuel said. "We will not sit down to eat until he arrives." So Jesse sent for him. He was dark and handsome, with beautiful eyes. And the Lord said, "This is the one; anoint him." So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.

1 Samuel 16:10‭-‬13 NLT

Our father's world is a big world.

Keeping Your Joy

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

There's countless reasons to get upset but we always have a choice.

So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

John 16:22 NIV

Some people are constantly giving away their joy.

Don't let things that you can't control sour your day. We can only control our response.

You have to love some people from a distsnce.

Joseph's brothers were ordained to betray him;  if they never betrayed him then he would have never made it to the palace.

You get  involved in battles that don't matter and then get distracted.

Blessed are the meek,  for they will inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5 NIV

Meeknes is strength under control. You have the strength to fight but you choose not to.

Give these inconsequential things to God and he will vindicate you. 

From there Elisha went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, some boys came out of the town and jeered at him. "Get out of here, baldy!" they said. "Get out of here, baldy!" He turned around, looked at them and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord . Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys. And he went on to Mount Carmel and from there returned to Samaria.

2 Kings 2:23‭-‬25 NIV

That You may grant him [power to calm himself and find] peace in the days of adversity, Until the pit is dug for the wicked and ungodly.

PSALM 94:13 AMP

You may have been trained to respond negatively by your upbringing but you can choose to do something different.

Many people are like garbage trucks. They are full of negstivity that gets piled up and they need to unload it every once in a while. It's nothing personal so we shouldn't take it that way. 

We have enough of our own to deal with. Keep your lid on tight so that any garbage that others throw out way bounces off.

Our time is limited, don't waste it.

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

James 4:14 NIV

Be happy where you are. Make up your mind to enjoy your day.

Pastor Joel left late for a meeting and met several MORE delays but in the big picture those were insignificant.

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,  yet I will rejoice in the Lord , I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Habakkuk 3:17‭-‬18 NIV

Victoria Osteen @ Lakewood Church

Undercurrents

She loved beach days and they'd put up a big red umbrella to mark their spot. One day she'd been out for several hours and made it to the second sandbar then looked back and couldn't see the red umbrella. She panicked.

The undercurrents were slowly taking her down the beach so she wasn't in line with her family's spot so once she got to shore she had to walk miles down the beach until she finally made it back. 

That's how life is. Undercurrents slowly move you away. It's so subtle that you don't realize it's happening.

Undercurrents can be bad attitudes, bad situations, or bad company.

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."

1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

She could have made the necessary adjustments to get back in line. 

Sampson

Life is full of undercurrents. Every once in a while we have to look around and make sure that we are on course and not make excuses.

A lot of things seem small. The way that we speak up others when upset, misusing company time ar work (surfing the internet, etc)

Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.

Song of Songs 2:15 NIV

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians 3:2 NIV

The family's red umbrella is what Victoria should have at her mind on the way that we should set our mind on Jesus.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1‭-‬3 NIV

an underlying feeling or influence, especially one that is contrary to the prevailing atmosphere and is not expressed openly.

a current of water below the surface, moving in a different direction from any surface current.

Under Construction

Pastor Joel @ Lakewood Church

Pastor was building a house but before it was finished there was rain storms so in addition to the house being unfinished it was a mess. They didn't see that and decide not to finish building because that was part of the process.

We can't see anyone's plans so we can't necessarily judge people by their weaknesses.

Your mess does not disqualify you. Some people do not look like they are under construction because the mess is hidden.

Sometimes you can't tell if something is in construction or under destruction.

The most important part of the building is the foundation but when the foundation is under construction, it doesnt look like much is happening. Don't fight the foundation work.

Temporary walls

The builder does things that an untrained eye will see as a mistake.

To the untrained eye construction can look like a disaster but to an architect it looks just right because the project is not finished. God is our architect.

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Sarah and Abraham received a promise from God for a promised child but they came up with their own plan that caused a lot of dysfunction about and Abraham is still called our father of faith.

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,

Romans 4:20 NIV

We all have messy places. We already have enough people and situations against us so we definitely don't need to best ourselves up.

Moses seemed to have been born in the same time.

You can't properly judge a construction project without th r plans.

For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord . "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.

2 Corinthians 2:14 NLT

"I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!

Job 42:2‭, ‬10 NLT

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18 NIV

Blessed are those who mourn,  for they will be comforted.

Matthew 5:4 NIV

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 NIV

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,

Hebrews 6:19 NIV

God has lined up every chapter of my life but God promises that each chapter gets better.

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

https://bible.com/bible/111/pro.3.9-10.NIV