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!