1 00:00:00,530 --> 00:00:02,730 Speaker 1: It's another great day to be alive, and we are 2 00:00:02,770 --> 00:00:05,400 Speaker 1: so blessed to be here with you today. Victoria, my 3 00:00:05,440 --> 00:00:08,020 Speaker 1: beautiful wife, and we're just praying for you guys to 4 00:00:08,060 --> 00:00:11,159 Speaker 1: have a blessed summer. I sure hope you enjoy the podcast. 5 00:00:11,300 --> 00:00:14,580 Speaker 1: I know I always enjoy these messages. They're so uplifting 6 00:00:14,620 --> 00:00:17,849 Speaker 1: and encouraging and inspiring. So we hope you enjoy the 7 00:00:17,910 --> 00:00:21,770 Speaker 1: message today. Well, God bless you. It's always a joy 8 00:00:21,790 --> 00:00:24,290 Speaker 1: to come into your homes. We love you, and we 9 00:00:24,329 --> 00:00:27,590 Speaker 1: know God rewards the people that seek after Him. That's you, 10 00:00:27,640 --> 00:00:29,120 Speaker 1: or you wouldn't have tuned in, or you wouldn't have 11 00:00:29,140 --> 00:00:31,360 Speaker 1: come out today. So Thank you so much. If you're 12 00:00:31,400 --> 00:00:33,600 Speaker 1: ever in our area, stop by and be a part 13 00:00:33,620 --> 00:00:36,040 Speaker 1: of one of our services. I promise you it will 14 00:00:36,080 --> 00:00:38,400 Speaker 1: make you feel right at home. But again, thank you 15 00:00:38,440 --> 00:00:40,720 Speaker 1: all for coming out today. And I like to start 16 00:00:40,740 --> 00:00:43,040 Speaker 1: with something funny each week. And I heard about this 17 00:00:43,120 --> 00:00:46,280 Speaker 1: cat and mouse that died on the same day and 18 00:00:46,320 --> 00:00:49,500 Speaker 1: went to heaven. After a couple of weeks, St. Peter 19 00:00:49,680 --> 00:00:51,820 Speaker 1: saw the mouse and said, hey, how do you like 20 00:00:51,860 --> 00:00:54,900 Speaker 1: it so far? The mouse said, it's great, but it's 21 00:00:54,960 --> 00:00:57,360 Speaker 1: so big, I'd love to have a pair of roller skates. 22 00:00:57,960 --> 00:01:00,530 Speaker 1: Peter said, no problem, got him the skates. A few 23 00:01:00,570 --> 00:01:03,370 Speaker 1: weeks later, Peter saw the cat and asked him how 24 00:01:03,410 --> 00:01:06,929 Speaker 1: he liked it. The cat said, Peter, it's fantastic. And 25 00:01:06,970 --> 00:01:09,149 Speaker 1: just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I 26 00:01:09,190 --> 00:01:15,190 Speaker 1: discovered the meals on wheels. All right, hold up your Bible. 27 00:01:15,209 --> 00:01:17,910 Speaker 1: Say it like you mean it. This is my Bible. 28 00:01:18,370 --> 00:01:20,750 Speaker 1: I am what it says I am. I have what 29 00:01:20,770 --> 00:01:23,110 Speaker 1: it says I have. I can do what it says 30 00:01:23,209 --> 00:01:25,890 Speaker 1: I can do. Today, I will be taught the word 31 00:01:25,930 --> 00:01:30,220 Speaker 1: of God. I boldly confess my mind is alert. My 32 00:01:30,280 --> 00:01:34,660 Speaker 1: heart is receptive. I will never be the same. In Jesus' name, 33 00:01:34,920 --> 00:01:37,960 Speaker 1: God bless you. I want to talk to you today 34 00:01:38,120 --> 00:01:42,949 Speaker 1: about being glad continually. We all have opportunities to lose 35 00:01:43,030 --> 00:01:47,410 Speaker 1: our joy, go around discouraged. But God never intended for 36 00:01:47,510 --> 00:01:51,330 Speaker 1: us to endure life. He created us to enjoy life. 37 00:01:51,990 --> 00:01:55,630 Speaker 1: And we prepare for victory or defeat at the very 38 00:01:55,690 --> 00:01:58,430 Speaker 1: start of the day. When you get up in the morning, 39 00:01:58,650 --> 00:02:01,210 Speaker 1: you have to set your mind in the right direction. 40 00:02:01,950 --> 00:02:05,690 Speaker 1: You may feel discouraged. You may feel the blahs, thinking, 41 00:02:06,030 --> 00:02:08,020 Speaker 1: I don't want to go to work today. I don't 42 00:02:08,060 --> 00:02:11,220 Speaker 1: wanna deal with these children. I've got so many problems. 43 00:02:11,830 --> 00:02:14,550 Speaker 1: If you make the mistake of dwelling on those thoughts, 44 00:02:14,870 --> 00:02:18,070 Speaker 1: then you are preparing for a lousy day. You're using 45 00:02:18,110 --> 00:02:21,190 Speaker 1: your faith in the wrong direction. You need to turn 46 00:02:21,240 --> 00:02:24,260 Speaker 1: it around and say, this is gonna be a great day. 47 00:02:24,840 --> 00:02:28,079 Speaker 1: Something good is gonna happen to me. God has favor 48 00:02:28,180 --> 00:02:32,950 Speaker 1: in my future. And I'm expecting new opportunities, divine connections, 49 00:02:33,310 --> 00:02:37,169 Speaker 1: supernatural breakthroughs. You know what you just did? You prepared 50 00:02:37,250 --> 00:02:42,400 Speaker 1: for victory, prepared for increase, prepared for restoration. God says 51 00:02:42,440 --> 00:02:46,560 Speaker 1: to the angels, did you hear that? They're expecting my goodness. 52 00:02:47,139 --> 00:02:51,080 Speaker 1: They're expecting to prosper in spite of the economy. They're 53 00:02:51,120 --> 00:02:53,989 Speaker 1: expecting to get well in spite of the medical report. 54 00:02:54,680 --> 00:02:58,399 Speaker 1: They're expecting to accomplish their dreams even though they don't 55 00:02:58,440 --> 00:03:01,799 Speaker 1: have the resources right now. When you start the day 56 00:03:01,919 --> 00:03:05,559 Speaker 1: off like that in faith, God tells the angels, go 57 00:03:05,600 --> 00:03:09,320 Speaker 1: to work. Arrange things in their favor. Give them breaks. 58 00:03:09,780 --> 00:03:12,380 Speaker 1: Line up the right people. Open up the right doors. 59 00:03:13,000 --> 00:03:15,900 Speaker 1: That's what allows God to show up and show out 60 00:03:16,000 --> 00:03:19,540 Speaker 1: in unusual ways. Some of you today would see a 61 00:03:19,600 --> 00:03:23,380 Speaker 1: major improvement in your life if you'd make this minor adjustment. 62 00:03:24,070 --> 00:03:27,790 Speaker 1: you'd not only have more energy, a better attitude, be 63 00:03:27,830 --> 00:03:32,130 Speaker 1: more productive, but you would see new doors open. You'd 64 00:03:32,160 --> 00:03:35,580 Speaker 1: meet new friends. You'd get some of those breakthroughs you've 65 00:03:35,600 --> 00:03:38,060 Speaker 1: been praying for if you just get up in the 66 00:03:38,100 --> 00:03:42,560 Speaker 1: morning and instead of preparing for defeat, prepare for victory, 67 00:03:42,980 --> 00:03:47,280 Speaker 1: prepare for increase, prepare for God's favor. You have to 68 00:03:47,370 --> 00:03:50,050 Speaker 1: set the tone at the very start of the day. 69 00:03:50,710 --> 00:03:53,500 Speaker 1: If you leave your mind in neutral today, then just 70 00:03:53,540 --> 00:03:57,320 Speaker 1: by default, the negative thoughts will start to come. Have 71 00:03:57,340 --> 00:03:59,980 Speaker 1: you ever been laying in bed in the morning and 72 00:04:00,060 --> 00:04:03,360 Speaker 1: out of nowhere, you're reminded of all the mistakes you 73 00:04:03,400 --> 00:04:06,820 Speaker 1: made yesterday and all the problems you have in your future? 74 00:04:07,310 --> 00:04:11,390 Speaker 1: That's the enemy trying to set your mind for a negative, defeated, 75 00:04:11,670 --> 00:04:15,630 Speaker 1: lousy day. Don't fall into that trap. The scripture says, 76 00:04:16,010 --> 00:04:19,950 Speaker 1: set your mind and keep it set on the higher things. 77 00:04:20,850 --> 00:04:24,770 Speaker 1: You've got to be proactive. Be on the offensive. When 78 00:04:24,810 --> 00:04:27,190 Speaker 1: you get up in the morning, say it with David. 79 00:04:27,589 --> 00:04:30,850 Speaker 1: This is another day the Lord has made. No matter 80 00:04:30,910 --> 00:04:34,130 Speaker 1: how I feel, no matter what the economy looks like, 81 00:04:34,550 --> 00:04:37,909 Speaker 1: no matter what the medical report says, I am choosing 82 00:04:37,990 --> 00:04:41,110 Speaker 1: to rejoice. I'm going to choose to live this day happy. 83 00:04:42,010 --> 00:04:44,250 Speaker 1: You know what you're really saying? I'm not going to 84 00:04:44,270 --> 00:04:47,570 Speaker 1: let other people steal my joy today. I'm not gonna 85 00:04:47,589 --> 00:04:52,020 Speaker 1: let disappointments and setbacks discourage me. I'm not gonna focus 86 00:04:52,060 --> 00:04:55,520 Speaker 1: on my problems and my mistakes. I'm making up my 87 00:04:55,580 --> 00:04:59,479 Speaker 1: mind to enjoy this day. Something I've learned to do 88 00:04:59,600 --> 00:05:03,270 Speaker 1: every morning is I say, Father, thank you that today 89 00:05:03,730 --> 00:05:07,070 Speaker 1: is going to be a blessing day and a receiving day. 90 00:05:07,710 --> 00:05:10,730 Speaker 1: A day where I'll be a blessing to someone and 91 00:05:10,790 --> 00:05:13,960 Speaker 1: a day where I'll receive your goodness in a greater way. 92 00:05:14,990 --> 00:05:17,250 Speaker 1: What am I doing? I'm setting the tone for the 93 00:05:17,310 --> 00:05:21,229 Speaker 1: new day. I go out each morning looking for somebody 94 00:05:21,390 --> 00:05:24,190 Speaker 1: I can bless. I'm on the lookout for somebody I 95 00:05:24,210 --> 00:05:27,700 Speaker 1: can be good to, somebody I can encourage, somebody I 96 00:05:27,740 --> 00:05:31,460 Speaker 1: can uplift. I'm expecting it, number one, to be a 97 00:05:31,500 --> 00:05:35,159 Speaker 1: blessing day, and number two, I'm expecting it to be 98 00:05:35,200 --> 00:05:38,940 Speaker 1: a receiving day. That means a day where I'm gonna 99 00:05:39,000 --> 00:05:43,230 Speaker 1: receive God's goodness in a greater way. I'm expecting God 100 00:05:43,290 --> 00:05:46,330 Speaker 1: to show up and show out in my life today. 101 00:05:46,839 --> 00:05:50,539 Speaker 1: I'm expecting to get supernatural breakthroughs. It's not going to 102 00:05:50,600 --> 00:05:53,900 Speaker 1: just be a blessing day where I reach out to others, 103 00:05:54,660 --> 00:05:57,540 Speaker 1: but I know when I help somebody else, God will 104 00:05:57,620 --> 00:06:01,240 Speaker 1: always help me. When I make someone else's day, God 105 00:06:01,279 --> 00:06:04,320 Speaker 1: will make my own day, so I'm getting in position. 106 00:06:04,620 --> 00:06:08,400 Speaker 1: I'm getting my mind prepared to receive God's goodness in 107 00:06:08,440 --> 00:06:12,540 Speaker 1: a greater way. I heard a story about this 92-year-old 108 00:06:12,600 --> 00:06:16,250 Speaker 1: man He was just as sharp as could be. Every 109 00:06:16,290 --> 00:06:19,250 Speaker 1: morning by eight o'clock, he was up and fully dressed. 110 00:06:19,710 --> 00:06:24,390 Speaker 1: He always looked impeccable, hair perfectly combed, face neatly shaven. 111 00:06:24,930 --> 00:06:29,050 Speaker 1: And although he could see images somewhat, he was legally blind. 112 00:06:29,710 --> 00:06:32,610 Speaker 1: His wife of nearly 70 years had just gone to 113 00:06:32,650 --> 00:06:35,340 Speaker 1: be with the Lord. Now he was moving into a 114 00:06:35,420 --> 00:06:39,060 Speaker 1: senior's home. And after waiting in the lobby patiently for 115 00:06:39,100 --> 00:06:42,220 Speaker 1: several hours, a young lady came to show him to 116 00:06:42,260 --> 00:06:46,219 Speaker 1: his new room. As he maneuvered his walker through the hallways, 117 00:06:46,800 --> 00:06:49,919 Speaker 1: she began to describe this new room in great detail. 118 00:06:50,580 --> 00:06:53,350 Speaker 1: She told how it had a beautiful window and a 119 00:06:53,430 --> 00:06:56,930 Speaker 1: nice couch and a desk area. Right in the middle, 120 00:06:57,390 --> 00:07:00,729 Speaker 1: he interrupted her and said, I love it. I love it. 121 00:07:00,930 --> 00:07:03,300 Speaker 1: I love it. She kind of laughed and said, sir, 122 00:07:03,360 --> 00:07:06,000 Speaker 1: we're not there yet. You haven't seen it. Hold on 123 00:07:06,060 --> 00:07:08,770 Speaker 1: just a minute and I'll show it to you. He said, no, 124 00:07:09,270 --> 00:07:12,470 Speaker 1: that doesn't have anything to do with it. Happiness is 125 00:07:12,530 --> 00:07:16,250 Speaker 1: something you decide ahead of time. Whether I like my 126 00:07:16,330 --> 00:07:20,090 Speaker 1: room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged. 127 00:07:20,450 --> 00:07:23,920 Speaker 1: It depends on how my mind is arranged. I like 128 00:07:23,940 --> 00:07:28,760 Speaker 1: that attitude. That's the way we need to be. We've 129 00:07:28,800 --> 00:07:32,180 Speaker 1: already made up our mind to enjoy this day. We've 130 00:07:32,200 --> 00:07:35,280 Speaker 1: already made up our mind to have a blessed, prosperous, 131 00:07:35,460 --> 00:07:39,800 Speaker 1: supernatural year. We may have some setbacks. That may change 132 00:07:39,860 --> 00:07:42,480 Speaker 1: our circumstances, but it's not going to change our mind. 133 00:07:43,300 --> 00:07:46,320 Speaker 1: The economy may affect my business, but it's not going 134 00:07:46,340 --> 00:07:48,680 Speaker 1: to affect my mind. I know God is still going 135 00:07:48,700 --> 00:07:52,280 Speaker 1: to prosper me. This illness may change how I feel, 136 00:07:52,380 --> 00:07:54,610 Speaker 1: but it's not going to change my mind. I've already 137 00:07:54,640 --> 00:07:58,210 Speaker 1: decided I'm going to live this day happy. Friends, it's 138 00:07:58,270 --> 00:08:01,010 Speaker 1: not what happens to us or what we do or 139 00:08:01,050 --> 00:08:04,810 Speaker 1: don't have. It's how our mind is arranged. And I'm 140 00:08:04,890 --> 00:08:08,310 Speaker 1: asking you today to make up your mind that you're 141 00:08:08,330 --> 00:08:10,290 Speaker 1: going to stay full of joy, that you're going to 142 00:08:10,330 --> 00:08:14,410 Speaker 1: get up every day and prepare for victory. I walked 143 00:08:14,470 --> 00:08:17,040 Speaker 1: out of the house early the other morning and I 144 00:08:17,080 --> 00:08:22,440 Speaker 1: heard all these birds singing and singing so loud, so cheerful, 145 00:08:22,980 --> 00:08:27,300 Speaker 1: little birds chirping and chirping, big birds making all this melody. 146 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:30,180 Speaker 1: It's like they were having a big party. And I 147 00:08:30,220 --> 00:08:32,840 Speaker 1: wanted to say to them, hey birds, have you read 148 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:37,160 Speaker 1: the newspapers lately? Did you see the stock market last year? 149 00:08:37,790 --> 00:08:41,390 Speaker 1: You're not supposed to be singing, happy, enjoying life. What's 150 00:08:41,429 --> 00:08:44,469 Speaker 1: wrong with you? You're acting like everything is going to 151 00:08:44,510 --> 00:08:47,969 Speaker 1: be all right. What was it with those birds? They 152 00:08:48,030 --> 00:08:52,390 Speaker 1: know a secret. They know their heavenly father is in control. 153 00:08:52,820 --> 00:08:55,120 Speaker 1: They know God has promised to take care of them. 154 00:08:55,559 --> 00:08:59,719 Speaker 1: So they go through the day singing, enjoying life, regardless 155 00:08:59,760 --> 00:09:03,120 Speaker 1: of the circumstances. That's how we need to start off 156 00:09:03,260 --> 00:09:06,209 Speaker 1: each day. Get up in the morning and have a 157 00:09:06,270 --> 00:09:09,250 Speaker 1: song of praise in your heart. Put a smile on 158 00:09:09,290 --> 00:09:13,390 Speaker 1: your face. Go out during the day. Be determined to enjoy. 159 00:09:13,590 --> 00:09:24,959 Speaker 1: That's what it says in 1 Thessalonians 5, 16. Be 160 00:09:25,100 --> 00:09:32,689 Speaker 1: happy in your faith, glad-hearted continually and always. Notice how 161 00:09:32,730 --> 00:09:36,290 Speaker 1: long we're supposed to be glad-hearted. How long are we 162 00:09:36,330 --> 00:09:39,210 Speaker 1: supposed to have a smile on our face? As long 163 00:09:39,330 --> 00:09:42,890 Speaker 1: as people treat us right? As long as we feel okay? 164 00:09:43,250 --> 00:09:46,290 Speaker 1: As long as the economy is up? No, it says 165 00:09:46,850 --> 00:09:52,990 Speaker 1: be glad-hearted continually and always. That means in the good 166 00:09:53,050 --> 00:09:57,270 Speaker 1: times and in the tough times. When it's sunny and 167 00:09:57,309 --> 00:10:01,110 Speaker 1: when it's rainy. When those dark clouds are over your head, 168 00:10:01,770 --> 00:10:06,080 Speaker 1: you feel like life is kind of depressing, kind of gloomy. 169 00:10:06,790 --> 00:10:11,620 Speaker 1: Always remember right above those dark clouds, the sun is shining. 170 00:10:12,460 --> 00:10:14,700 Speaker 1: You may not be able to see the sun in 171 00:10:14,720 --> 00:10:17,719 Speaker 1: your life right now, but that doesn't mean it's not 172 00:10:17,800 --> 00:10:21,290 Speaker 1: up there. It's just being blocked by the dark clouds. 173 00:10:21,850 --> 00:10:25,890 Speaker 1: The good news is the clouds are temporary. The clouds 174 00:10:25,929 --> 00:10:28,710 Speaker 1: are not going to last forever. The sun is going 175 00:10:28,730 --> 00:10:31,990 Speaker 1: to shine in your life once again. In the meantime, 176 00:10:32,350 --> 00:10:37,830 Speaker 1: keep your joy. Be glad-hearted continually. Don't let a few 177 00:10:37,929 --> 00:10:42,390 Speaker 1: clouds sour your life. The rain falls on the just 178 00:10:42,830 --> 00:10:50,900 Speaker 1: and the unjust. That means we all face disappointments, unfair situations, tests, trials, temptation. 179 00:10:51,480 --> 00:10:55,800 Speaker 1: But know this, right past the test is promotion. On 180 00:10:55,850 --> 00:10:59,510 Speaker 1: the other side of every difficulty is increase. And if 181 00:10:59,550 --> 00:11:02,690 Speaker 1: you'll go through the adversity with a smile on your face, 182 00:11:02,790 --> 00:11:05,670 Speaker 1: a song in your heart, then on the other side, 183 00:11:05,910 --> 00:11:09,410 Speaker 1: there'll be a reward. But so often in the tough times, 184 00:11:09,429 --> 00:11:12,330 Speaker 1: we get kind of discouraged. Well, Joel, I'm down today 185 00:11:12,350 --> 00:11:15,089 Speaker 1: because business is slow. I'm upset because I got a 186 00:11:15,130 --> 00:11:19,130 Speaker 1: bad medical report or I'm worried about this legal situation. 187 00:11:19,840 --> 00:11:23,520 Speaker 1: Human nature tends to get negative in the difficult times. 188 00:11:24,160 --> 00:11:26,939 Speaker 1: But the scripture tells us to do just the opposite. 189 00:11:27,600 --> 00:11:30,740 Speaker 1: It says in James 1 verse 2, count it all 190 00:11:30,900 --> 00:11:34,690 Speaker 1: joy when you fall into trials. That doesn't seem to 191 00:11:34,730 --> 00:11:38,000 Speaker 1: make sense. You mean we're supposed to be joyful and 192 00:11:38,059 --> 00:11:42,240 Speaker 1: glad-hearted in the middle of tough times? Yes, that's right. 193 00:11:42,480 --> 00:11:46,489 Speaker 1: It's because when you lose your joy, you lose your strength. 194 00:11:47,160 --> 00:11:49,970 Speaker 1: And in the difficult times, more than ever, that's when 195 00:11:49,990 --> 00:11:52,949 Speaker 1: you need your strength. When you have a child that's 196 00:11:52,990 --> 00:11:55,569 Speaker 1: hard to raise, that takes a lot of energy. You 197 00:11:55,630 --> 00:11:59,540 Speaker 1: need your strength, and your strength is connected to your joy. 198 00:12:00,460 --> 00:12:04,440 Speaker 1: when you're facing a financial crisis, dealing with an illness, 199 00:12:04,480 --> 00:12:07,940 Speaker 1: going through a breakup in a relationship, these things are 200 00:12:08,000 --> 00:12:12,160 Speaker 1: very draining. If you go through it negative, bitter, discouraged, 201 00:12:12,500 --> 00:12:14,820 Speaker 1: you're not going to have the strength you need to 202 00:12:14,900 --> 00:12:18,140 Speaker 1: stand strong and fight the good fight of faith. The 203 00:12:18,179 --> 00:12:20,870 Speaker 1: way you can keep your joy is to know that 204 00:12:20,990 --> 00:12:24,829 Speaker 1: on the other side of that test is promotion. On 205 00:12:24,870 --> 00:12:29,210 Speaker 1: the other side of every setback is new opportunity. The 206 00:12:29,250 --> 00:12:32,710 Speaker 1: other side of every offense is new growth. If you'll 207 00:12:32,730 --> 00:12:36,520 Speaker 1: just keep reminding yourself, even though this is hard, even 208 00:12:36,540 --> 00:12:38,920 Speaker 1: though I don't understand it, even though it's not fair, 209 00:12:39,460 --> 00:12:41,980 Speaker 1: I'm going to keep a good attitude and stay full 210 00:12:42,020 --> 00:12:45,620 Speaker 1: of joy knowing that this is not setting me back, 211 00:12:46,120 --> 00:12:48,460 Speaker 1: it is setting me up for God to bring me 212 00:12:48,559 --> 00:12:54,579 Speaker 1: out better. The whole key... is how you handle the adversity. 213 00:12:55,460 --> 00:12:59,020 Speaker 1: If you complain, you will remain. You'll stay right there. 214 00:12:59,710 --> 00:13:02,510 Speaker 1: If you get negative and soured on life, you won't 215 00:13:02,550 --> 00:13:07,390 Speaker 1: pass the test. There was promotion available. There was opportunity 216 00:13:07,429 --> 00:13:10,890 Speaker 1: for new growth, but because you didn't count it all joy, 217 00:13:11,170 --> 00:13:14,340 Speaker 1: you missed out. The good news is God will give 218 00:13:14,380 --> 00:13:17,480 Speaker 1: you another opportunity. He can still get you to where 219 00:13:17,500 --> 00:13:21,090 Speaker 1: you need to be. For instance, when somebody offends us, 220 00:13:21,550 --> 00:13:24,770 Speaker 1: our attitude should be, I'm not going to get upset. 221 00:13:25,170 --> 00:13:27,550 Speaker 1: I'm going to count it all joy. I know this 222 00:13:27,630 --> 00:13:30,550 Speaker 1: is simply a test. And on the other side of 223 00:13:30,600 --> 00:13:34,720 Speaker 1: this offense, I'm going to be promoted. When business is slow, 224 00:13:35,300 --> 00:13:38,620 Speaker 1: instead of complaining, you count it all joy. This too 225 00:13:38,660 --> 00:13:41,600 Speaker 1: shall pass. I know God is supplying all of my needs. 226 00:13:42,340 --> 00:13:45,800 Speaker 1: Or when you face a disappointment, Your emotions will tell 227 00:13:45,820 --> 00:13:49,960 Speaker 1: you to get down and discouraged. You'll feel self-pity trying 228 00:13:50,000 --> 00:13:53,290 Speaker 1: to set in. But instead of getting on board with 229 00:13:53,330 --> 00:13:57,970 Speaker 1: your emotions, you start talking to yourself. Self, get up. Self, 230 00:13:58,030 --> 00:14:01,250 Speaker 1: be strong. There are good days up ahead. That's how 231 00:14:01,290 --> 00:14:04,450 Speaker 1: you pass the test. That's how you count it all joy. 232 00:14:05,070 --> 00:14:07,709 Speaker 1: And in the tough times, don't be surprised if you 233 00:14:07,750 --> 00:14:12,530 Speaker 1: feel that spirit of heaviness try to overtake you. Don't 234 00:14:12,570 --> 00:14:15,630 Speaker 1: be surprised if you hear those thoughts telling you it's 235 00:14:15,740 --> 00:14:18,460 Speaker 1: never going to work out. You're never going to get well. 236 00:14:18,580 --> 00:14:22,580 Speaker 1: It's over. It's done. Don't believe those lies. You don't 237 00:14:22,640 --> 00:14:25,540 Speaker 1: have to get on board with your emotions. They're not 238 00:14:25,580 --> 00:14:29,300 Speaker 1: in charge. You're in charge. And instead of letting yourself 239 00:14:29,400 --> 00:14:32,610 Speaker 1: talk to you, you need to start talking to yourself. 240 00:14:33,350 --> 00:14:35,390 Speaker 1: In other words, when you wake up in the morning 241 00:14:35,790 --> 00:14:38,230 Speaker 1: and that thought comes to your mind saying it's going 242 00:14:38,250 --> 00:14:41,280 Speaker 1: to be a lousy day, Don't just agree and say, yeah, 243 00:14:41,300 --> 00:14:43,820 Speaker 1: it's going to be a lousy day. Well, you got 244 00:14:43,860 --> 00:14:46,940 Speaker 1: so many problems. You'll probably never get well. Yeah, I 245 00:14:46,960 --> 00:14:49,760 Speaker 1: don't think I'll ever get well. No, turn it around 246 00:14:49,920 --> 00:14:53,350 Speaker 1: and talk to yourself. Make a declaration of faith. I 247 00:14:53,450 --> 00:14:57,190 Speaker 1: will get well. God is restoring health unto me. Early 248 00:14:57,230 --> 00:15:00,110 Speaker 1: in the morning when that thought comes saying, you're depressed, 249 00:15:00,790 --> 00:15:04,050 Speaker 1: it's bad, you don't have anything to look forward to. No, 250 00:15:04,120 --> 00:15:06,920 Speaker 1: talk to yourself. This is going to be a great day. 251 00:15:07,280 --> 00:15:10,100 Speaker 1: God has favor in my future. I can't wait to 252 00:15:10,160 --> 00:15:12,300 Speaker 1: see what he's going to do. What are you doing? 253 00:15:12,580 --> 00:15:16,880 Speaker 1: Counting it all joy. This is what David did. That 254 00:15:16,980 --> 00:15:21,320 Speaker 1: spirit of heaviness tried to steal his destiny. He got depressed, 255 00:15:21,880 --> 00:15:24,190 Speaker 1: very discouraged during dark times. You know what he did? 256 00:15:24,590 --> 00:15:28,350 Speaker 1: He started talking to himself. He said, why are you 257 00:15:28,430 --> 00:15:32,250 Speaker 1: cast down? Oh, my soul, put your hope in the Lord. 258 00:15:33,130 --> 00:15:35,870 Speaker 1: He was saying, David, what's wrong with you? Why are 259 00:15:35,890 --> 00:15:38,989 Speaker 1: you discouraged? Why have you lost your joy? God is 260 00:15:39,030 --> 00:15:42,130 Speaker 1: still on the throne. God still has good things in store. 261 00:15:42,570 --> 00:15:45,790 Speaker 1: Put your hope back in the Lord. When that heaviness 262 00:15:45,810 --> 00:15:47,670 Speaker 1: tries to come on us, we need to do the 263 00:15:47,730 --> 00:15:50,110 Speaker 1: same thing. You got to look in the mirror and say, 264 00:15:50,130 --> 00:15:53,480 Speaker 1: listen here, self, cheer up. Put on a new attitude. 265 00:15:53,910 --> 00:15:56,700 Speaker 1: We're not staying down. We're not staying defeated. We're putting 266 00:15:56,780 --> 00:16:01,190 Speaker 1: our hope in the Lord. Today, especially today, There's so 267 00:16:01,230 --> 00:16:05,150 Speaker 1: much doom and gloom in our society. So many negative 268 00:16:05,170 --> 00:16:08,300 Speaker 1: news reports. If we're not careful, we'll let it sink 269 00:16:08,540 --> 00:16:11,820 Speaker 1: in and we'll let that spirit of heaviness kind of 270 00:16:12,020 --> 00:16:15,980 Speaker 1: come on us. You know, no enthusiasm, no joy. Oh, 271 00:16:16,020 --> 00:16:19,660 Speaker 1: it's just so bad. The scripture tells us what to do. 272 00:16:20,300 --> 00:16:24,200 Speaker 1: Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. 273 00:16:24,920 --> 00:16:28,760 Speaker 1: When you feel that heaviness trying to overtake you and 274 00:16:28,800 --> 00:16:31,600 Speaker 1: tell you that there's nothing good in your future, you've 275 00:16:31,640 --> 00:16:35,160 Speaker 1: seen your best days, you feel the blahs, First thing 276 00:16:35,200 --> 00:16:38,120 Speaker 1: you need to do is take off the old coat 277 00:16:38,240 --> 00:16:42,640 Speaker 1: of heaviness, throw away the coat of self-pity, get rid 278 00:16:42,760 --> 00:16:46,070 Speaker 1: of the coat of discouragement and put on a new 279 00:16:46,140 --> 00:16:50,490 Speaker 1: coat of praise. That means begin to thank God for 280 00:16:50,530 --> 00:16:53,430 Speaker 1: what he's already done in your life. Thank him for 281 00:16:53,470 --> 00:16:56,410 Speaker 1: the victories in your past. Thank him for how far 282 00:16:56,450 --> 00:17:00,210 Speaker 1: he's already brought you. And then take it one step 283 00:17:00,270 --> 00:17:04,109 Speaker 1: further and Thank Him in advance for the victories He 284 00:17:04,150 --> 00:17:06,850 Speaker 1: has ahead of you. Thank Him for the new doors 285 00:17:06,890 --> 00:17:10,170 Speaker 1: He's opening. Thank Him for the situations He's turning around. 286 00:17:10,830 --> 00:17:13,730 Speaker 1: Thank Him for the favor that He has in your future. 287 00:17:15,390 --> 00:17:17,850 Speaker 1: You do that and you will feel a new joy 288 00:17:18,010 --> 00:17:21,429 Speaker 1: rising up on the inside. You will feel your faith 289 00:17:21,820 --> 00:17:26,020 Speaker 1: begin to be increased. You won't have that victim mentality. 290 00:17:26,420 --> 00:17:30,020 Speaker 1: You will have a victor mentality. One thing I've learned 291 00:17:30,460 --> 00:17:34,149 Speaker 1: is you cannot praise and stay defeated at the same time. 292 00:17:34,890 --> 00:17:38,310 Speaker 1: You cannot give God thanks and stay down and discouraged. 293 00:17:38,630 --> 00:17:41,750 Speaker 1: When you put on the garment of praise, that spirit 294 00:17:41,790 --> 00:17:45,619 Speaker 1: of heaviness has to go. Sometimes you're not going to 295 00:17:45,640 --> 00:17:48,280 Speaker 1: feel like doing it. You don't feel like having a 296 00:17:48,300 --> 00:17:51,600 Speaker 1: good attitude. You don't feel like being grateful. That's why 297 00:17:51,680 --> 00:17:56,730 Speaker 1: God said to offer up the sacrifice of praise. God 298 00:17:56,820 --> 00:18:00,739 Speaker 1: knew it wasn't always going to be easy. Sometimes you're 299 00:18:00,760 --> 00:18:03,399 Speaker 1: going to have to dig your heels in and say, God, 300 00:18:03,560 --> 00:18:06,080 Speaker 1: I don't feel like doing this. It doesn't look like 301 00:18:06,140 --> 00:18:10,160 Speaker 1: it's ever going to work out. I'm tired, lonely, discouraged, 302 00:18:10,700 --> 00:18:14,300 Speaker 1: but God, I know you're still on the throne. I 303 00:18:14,340 --> 00:18:16,950 Speaker 1: know you are good and you're good all the time. 304 00:18:17,290 --> 00:18:20,330 Speaker 1: So I choose to give you praise. I choose to 305 00:18:20,390 --> 00:18:25,570 Speaker 1: give you thanks anyway. When you offer up that sacrifice 306 00:18:25,630 --> 00:18:29,990 Speaker 1: of praise, that's when supernatural things begin to happen. This 307 00:18:30,050 --> 00:18:33,650 Speaker 1: is what Paul and Silas did. They were in jail 308 00:18:33,869 --> 00:18:38,520 Speaker 1: at midnight. They had been unjustly beaten earlier in the day. 309 00:18:39,150 --> 00:18:43,600 Speaker 1: What were they doing? Complaining, having a pity party. God, 310 00:18:43,660 --> 00:18:47,140 Speaker 1: it's not fair. Where were you today? No, they were 311 00:18:47,260 --> 00:18:51,420 Speaker 1: singing praises and giving thanks to God. They were saying, 312 00:18:51,460 --> 00:18:54,820 Speaker 1: in effect, God, we know you're bigger than our problems. 313 00:18:55,000 --> 00:18:58,379 Speaker 1: We know you're still in control. You're well able to 314 00:18:58,420 --> 00:19:02,440 Speaker 1: get us out of here. Sure enough, at midnight, there 315 00:19:02,480 --> 00:19:06,159 Speaker 1: was a great earthquake. The prison doors flung open. The 316 00:19:06,240 --> 00:19:08,820 Speaker 1: chains fell off their feet. They walked out of there 317 00:19:08,940 --> 00:19:12,540 Speaker 1: as free men. What started it? When they offered up 318 00:19:12,820 --> 00:19:17,420 Speaker 1: the sacrifice of praise. Really, any of us can have 319 00:19:17,460 --> 00:19:21,000 Speaker 1: a good attitude when everything's going our way. We can 320 00:19:21,200 --> 00:19:25,240 Speaker 1: all celebrate and be grateful when we're on the mountaintop, 321 00:19:25,720 --> 00:19:28,700 Speaker 1: but where are the people that will give God praise 322 00:19:28,920 --> 00:19:31,720 Speaker 1: even when the bottom falls out? Where are the people 323 00:19:31,760 --> 00:19:35,420 Speaker 1: that will get up each morning and prepare for victory 324 00:19:35,480 --> 00:19:40,629 Speaker 1: and increase in spite of all the news reports predicting 325 00:19:40,670 --> 00:19:44,010 Speaker 1: doom and gloom? Where are the people that will say, God, 326 00:19:44,590 --> 00:19:48,750 Speaker 1: I still praise you even though the medical report wasn't good. God, 327 00:19:48,830 --> 00:19:51,219 Speaker 1: I still thank you even though it didn't turn out 328 00:19:51,260 --> 00:19:54,960 Speaker 1: my way. I believe I'm looking at those people right now. 329 00:19:55,420 --> 00:20:00,359 Speaker 1: You are men and women of great faith. Your roots 330 00:20:00,980 --> 00:20:05,919 Speaker 1: go down deep. Many of you could be complaining. You 331 00:20:05,960 --> 00:20:08,920 Speaker 1: could be discouraged. You could have a chip on your shoulder, 332 00:20:09,340 --> 00:20:12,429 Speaker 1: but instead you just keep giving God praise. You got 333 00:20:12,470 --> 00:20:15,369 Speaker 1: that smile on your face. You're doing the right thing, 334 00:20:15,450 --> 00:20:18,530 Speaker 1: even though the wrong thing's happening. That's why I can 335 00:20:18,590 --> 00:20:22,330 Speaker 1: tell you with confidence that you are coming in to 336 00:20:22,430 --> 00:20:27,550 Speaker 1: greater victories. You need to enlarge your visions. You need 337 00:20:27,590 --> 00:20:30,650 Speaker 1: to take the limits off of God. You have not 338 00:20:30,790 --> 00:20:34,950 Speaker 1: seen your best days. God has victories in your future 339 00:20:35,210 --> 00:20:37,399 Speaker 1: that are going to amaze you. He is going to 340 00:20:37,480 --> 00:20:41,360 Speaker 1: show up and show out in unusual ways. You may 341 00:20:41,400 --> 00:20:44,120 Speaker 1: be in a tough time right now, but remember this, 342 00:20:44,180 --> 00:20:47,920 Speaker 1: the enemy always fights you the hardest when he knows 343 00:20:48,100 --> 00:20:51,379 Speaker 1: God has something great in store for you. You are 344 00:20:51,400 --> 00:20:56,110 Speaker 1: closest to your victory when it is the darkest. That 345 00:20:56,170 --> 00:21:00,770 Speaker 1: is the enemy's final stand. Don't get discouraged. Don't start complaining. 346 00:21:01,170 --> 00:21:05,330 Speaker 1: Just keep offering up that sacrifice of praise. It says 347 00:21:05,369 --> 00:21:09,860 Speaker 1: in Jeremiah 33 verse 11, when you have the voice 348 00:21:10,200 --> 00:21:14,040 Speaker 1: of gladness, the voice of joy, and you offer up 349 00:21:14,100 --> 00:21:18,780 Speaker 1: the sacrifice of praise, God will cause the captivity of 350 00:21:18,820 --> 00:21:22,379 Speaker 1: the land to be reversed and and the fortunes to 351 00:21:22,420 --> 00:21:27,260 Speaker 1: be restored. Two words I love there, reversed and restored. 352 00:21:27,940 --> 00:21:30,739 Speaker 1: God is saying when you stay full of joy, when 353 00:21:30,760 --> 00:21:33,860 Speaker 1: you learn to offer up the sacrifice of praise, God 354 00:21:33,920 --> 00:21:36,590 Speaker 1: is going to turn things in your favor. He is 355 00:21:36,619 --> 00:21:40,710 Speaker 1: going to reverse negative situations. He's going to restore what's 356 00:21:40,750 --> 00:21:45,810 Speaker 1: been stolen. But notice, it doesn't happen by complaining, by 357 00:21:45,850 --> 00:21:49,370 Speaker 1: being negative, by being sour. It happens when you have 358 00:21:49,410 --> 00:21:53,689 Speaker 1: the voice of gladness, the voice of joy. That means 359 00:21:54,109 --> 00:21:56,290 Speaker 1: you get up in the morning with a song in 360 00:21:56,310 --> 00:21:58,990 Speaker 1: your heart. You go out each day with a smile 361 00:21:59,150 --> 00:22:02,550 Speaker 1: on your face. Things may not always go your way, 362 00:22:03,030 --> 00:22:05,689 Speaker 1: but you don't get discouraged. You shake it off and 363 00:22:05,760 --> 00:22:08,880 Speaker 1: count it all joy. Listen, when you live that way, 364 00:22:09,160 --> 00:22:11,260 Speaker 1: you might as well get ready. God is going to 365 00:22:11,340 --> 00:22:16,139 Speaker 1: reverse and restore. He is going to reverse finances that 366 00:22:16,180 --> 00:22:20,220 Speaker 1: are going down. He's going to reverse a business that's struggling. 367 00:22:20,640 --> 00:22:23,560 Speaker 1: He's going to reverse a legal situation. He's going to 368 00:22:23,600 --> 00:22:26,810 Speaker 1: reverse a health issue. Not only that, God is going 369 00:22:26,850 --> 00:22:30,210 Speaker 1: to restore what should have been yours. He's going to 370 00:22:30,250 --> 00:22:33,350 Speaker 1: restore the years you lost because somebody did you wrong. 371 00:22:34,090 --> 00:22:36,909 Speaker 1: He's going to restore a relationship that's on the rocks. 372 00:22:37,450 --> 00:22:40,310 Speaker 1: It's going to happen because you've got the voice of joy, 373 00:22:40,590 --> 00:22:43,260 Speaker 1: the voice of gladness, and you keep offering up that 374 00:22:43,540 --> 00:22:46,859 Speaker 1: sacrifice of praise. And all through the scripture, it tells 375 00:22:47,020 --> 00:22:51,699 Speaker 1: us to rejoice in the Lord always. It's interesting, the 376 00:22:51,740 --> 00:22:55,700 Speaker 1: word rejoice doesn't just mean to be vocal, to give 377 00:22:55,740 --> 00:22:59,840 Speaker 1: God praise with our words, but rejoice also means to 378 00:22:59,900 --> 00:23:03,419 Speaker 1: brighten up, to spin around, and to leap for joy. 379 00:23:04,290 --> 00:23:07,590 Speaker 1: Do you realize you can rejoice by simply putting a 380 00:23:07,650 --> 00:23:11,820 Speaker 1: smile on your face? When times are tough, things aren't 381 00:23:11,859 --> 00:23:15,300 Speaker 1: going our way. Many people have a long, sour face. 382 00:23:15,420 --> 00:23:18,960 Speaker 1: They're down, discouraged, worried, upset. But when you count it 383 00:23:19,040 --> 00:23:23,740 Speaker 1: all joy, you smile and have a pleasant demeanor, not 384 00:23:23,800 --> 00:23:27,320 Speaker 1: because you necessarily feel like it, not because all your 385 00:23:27,400 --> 00:23:33,030 Speaker 1: circumstances are perfect. You smile by faith. You smile knowing 386 00:23:33,070 --> 00:23:37,050 Speaker 1: that your countenance, your expression is saying to God, I 387 00:23:37,710 --> 00:23:40,869 Speaker 1: trust you. God, I don't feel like doing this, but 388 00:23:40,930 --> 00:23:45,379 Speaker 1: I choose to rejoice. In other words, when you smile 389 00:23:45,520 --> 00:23:49,500 Speaker 1: in the difficult times, you are offering up that sacrifice 390 00:23:49,619 --> 00:23:53,530 Speaker 1: of praise. Sometimes the best thing we can do when 391 00:23:53,570 --> 00:23:56,030 Speaker 1: we're having a tough day is to just put a 392 00:23:56,090 --> 00:23:59,230 Speaker 1: smile on our face. A lot of people, when it 393 00:23:59,270 --> 00:24:03,370 Speaker 1: gets difficult, they've got that long gloomy face. They look 394 00:24:03,410 --> 00:24:06,359 Speaker 1: like they've lost their last friend. They'll come up to me, Joel, 395 00:24:06,420 --> 00:24:09,780 Speaker 1: I'm just rejoicing in the Lord. No, you need to 396 00:24:09,859 --> 00:24:14,320 Speaker 1: notify your face. You need to get your face lined 397 00:24:14,400 --> 00:24:17,400 Speaker 1: up with what you know in your heart. like that 398 00:24:17,440 --> 00:24:21,800 Speaker 1: little bird I heard singing, deep down, you know everything's 399 00:24:21,820 --> 00:24:24,619 Speaker 1: going to be all right. You know God is fighting 400 00:24:24,660 --> 00:24:28,090 Speaker 1: your battles for you. You know nothing can snatch you 401 00:24:28,150 --> 00:24:31,109 Speaker 1: out of his hand. You know God holds victory in 402 00:24:31,170 --> 00:24:34,250 Speaker 1: store for you. You know no weapon formed against you 403 00:24:34,290 --> 00:24:38,300 Speaker 1: is going to prosper. You know what was meant for 404 00:24:38,340 --> 00:24:41,220 Speaker 1: your harm, God's going to use to your advantage. It's 405 00:24:41,280 --> 00:24:43,960 Speaker 1: on the inside. Now you need to let it get 406 00:24:44,000 --> 00:24:47,200 Speaker 1: to the outside. You need to rejoice not only with 407 00:24:47,220 --> 00:24:52,879 Speaker 1: your words, but rejoice with your expression. Rejoice with your countenance. 408 00:24:53,420 --> 00:24:58,040 Speaker 1: Rejoice by smiling. Friends, our joy was never meant to 409 00:24:58,080 --> 00:25:01,889 Speaker 1: be hidden. It was meant to be displayed. You are 410 00:25:01,930 --> 00:25:05,990 Speaker 1: the light of the world. Don't hide your light. Wherever 411 00:25:06,030 --> 00:25:09,889 Speaker 1: you go, let your joy be seen. You say, Joel, 412 00:25:10,290 --> 00:25:12,619 Speaker 1: I don't have any reason to smile today. I've got 413 00:25:12,630 --> 00:25:14,180 Speaker 1: a lot of problems. I've got a lot of things 414 00:25:14,220 --> 00:25:17,340 Speaker 1: coming against me. But really, you need to smile more 415 00:25:17,380 --> 00:25:21,140 Speaker 1: than anybody else. You need to release your faith. When 416 00:25:21,200 --> 00:25:24,940 Speaker 1: somebody offends you, somebody is rude, and you feel like 417 00:25:24,980 --> 00:25:27,720 Speaker 1: giving them a piece of your mind, but instead you 418 00:25:27,740 --> 00:25:30,760 Speaker 1: just smile. You know what you just did? You counted 419 00:25:30,820 --> 00:25:34,179 Speaker 1: it all joy. On the freeway, somebody cuts you off. 420 00:25:34,510 --> 00:25:36,850 Speaker 1: You're just about to blow and tell them what you think, 421 00:25:37,109 --> 00:25:40,840 Speaker 1: but instead you look over and smile. You know what 422 00:25:40,880 --> 00:25:45,290 Speaker 1: you did? You offered up the sacrifice of praise. Sometimes 423 00:25:45,980 --> 00:25:50,330 Speaker 1: it takes everything we've got. Your child comes and says, Mom, 424 00:25:50,490 --> 00:25:55,210 Speaker 1: I just spilled red Kool-Aid on the white carpet. Smile. 425 00:25:56,369 --> 00:26:00,670 Speaker 1: The sacrifice of praise. How about this? That co-worker that 426 00:26:00,750 --> 00:26:03,990 Speaker 1: normally won't give you the time of days, always talking 427 00:26:04,030 --> 00:26:06,530 Speaker 1: behind your back, trying to make you look bad, he 428 00:26:06,590 --> 00:26:09,869 Speaker 1: comes over and says, would you help me with this project? 429 00:26:10,660 --> 00:26:14,390 Speaker 1: Instead of saying, have you totally lost your mind? You 430 00:26:14,430 --> 00:26:18,040 Speaker 1: just smile and say, I'll be glad to. Under your breath, 431 00:26:18,060 --> 00:26:20,780 Speaker 1: you can say, God, this is the biggest sacrifice of 432 00:26:20,820 --> 00:26:24,899 Speaker 1: praise I've ever given you. Victoria and I were at 433 00:26:24,940 --> 00:26:27,389 Speaker 1: the airport the other day and we came to the 434 00:26:27,410 --> 00:26:30,449 Speaker 1: security checkpoint and we put our two bags through the 435 00:26:30,550 --> 00:26:34,109 Speaker 1: x-ray machines and the security officer sent them back and 436 00:26:34,130 --> 00:26:36,310 Speaker 1: said there were liquids that we could not take. And 437 00:26:36,590 --> 00:26:38,449 Speaker 1: Victoria said, oh yeah, Joel, I forgot to get my 438 00:26:38,490 --> 00:26:42,129 Speaker 1: water out. I didn't realize it. He wasn't talking to her. 439 00:26:42,430 --> 00:26:44,609 Speaker 1: He was talking to me. And so I just stood 440 00:26:44,670 --> 00:26:47,429 Speaker 1: there and I didn't open my bag. You would have 441 00:26:47,450 --> 00:26:50,990 Speaker 1: thought I had just committed a major crime. That like 442 00:26:51,090 --> 00:26:54,950 Speaker 1: totally insulted him. He said, sir, what is wrong with you? 443 00:26:55,350 --> 00:26:58,090 Speaker 1: Can you not hear what I'm saying? I said, open 444 00:26:58,130 --> 00:27:02,030 Speaker 1: your bag. And I mean, open it now. And I 445 00:27:02,070 --> 00:27:06,869 Speaker 1: have to admit, I didn't feel like brightening up. I 446 00:27:06,890 --> 00:27:09,409 Speaker 1: didn't feel like rejoicing. I didn't want to hear anything 447 00:27:09,450 --> 00:27:13,919 Speaker 1: about counting it all joy. I just kept reminding myself, joy, 448 00:27:13,980 --> 00:27:18,280 Speaker 1: you are a pastor. Be calm, stay polite. Remember your messages. 449 00:27:20,050 --> 00:27:23,050 Speaker 1: I dug down deep and I mustered up a smile. 450 00:27:23,590 --> 00:27:25,429 Speaker 1: I got to tell you, it was the most fake 451 00:27:25,510 --> 00:27:30,310 Speaker 1: smile I've ever smiled. I was so proud of myself. 452 00:27:30,490 --> 00:27:36,869 Speaker 1: I walked off and said, God, I'm expecting a huge reward. Friends, 453 00:27:37,130 --> 00:27:40,790 Speaker 1: learn to count it all joy. Don't be determined to 454 00:27:40,830 --> 00:27:44,170 Speaker 1: never have problems. Be determined to stay full of joy 455 00:27:44,330 --> 00:27:47,130 Speaker 1: in the midst of your problems. Get up each morning 456 00:27:47,390 --> 00:27:51,800 Speaker 1: and prepare for victory. Arrange your mind in the right direction. 457 00:27:52,080 --> 00:27:54,660 Speaker 1: Make that declaration. This is going to be a blessing 458 00:27:54,700 --> 00:27:57,780 Speaker 1: day and a receiving day. And no matter what comes 459 00:27:57,820 --> 00:28:00,600 Speaker 1: your way, don't lose your joy. Learn to offer up 460 00:28:00,640 --> 00:28:04,179 Speaker 1: that sacrifice of praise. If you will keep the voice 461 00:28:04,220 --> 00:28:08,000 Speaker 1: of gladness, the voice of joy, you cannot stay down 462 00:28:08,060 --> 00:28:11,910 Speaker 1: and defeated. God has promised he's going to reverse and restore. 463 00:28:12,270 --> 00:28:14,810 Speaker 1: Not only that, because you have joy, you're going to 464 00:28:14,850 --> 00:28:17,889 Speaker 1: have the strength you need to outlast every attack, to 465 00:28:17,990 --> 00:28:21,590 Speaker 1: overcome every obstacle, to defeat every enemy. You're going to 466 00:28:21,609 --> 00:28:24,530 Speaker 1: become everything God created you to be, and you're going 467 00:28:24,550 --> 00:28:27,450 Speaker 1: to have everything God intended for you to have. Amen. 468 00:28:27,510 --> 00:28:36,260 Speaker 1: Do you receive it today? I know you do. It's 469 00:28:36,300 --> 00:28:39,080 Speaker 1: amazing what happens when you take a few moments throughout 470 00:28:39,140 --> 00:28:42,100 Speaker 1: the day to connect with God. A moment to thank 471 00:28:42,120 --> 00:28:45,100 Speaker 1: Him for His goodness, a moment to declare His promises, 472 00:28:45,460 --> 00:28:48,330 Speaker 1: a moment to remember that He's working. I'd love to 473 00:28:48,370 --> 00:28:52,450 Speaker 1: send you my new resource, 3-Minute Moments with God. These 474 00:28:52,510 --> 00:28:55,650 Speaker 1: short readings will help you refocus your thoughts, gain a 475 00:28:55,710 --> 00:28:59,430 Speaker 1: fresh perspective, knowing that God is ordering your steps. You 476 00:28:59,450 --> 00:29:02,110 Speaker 1: don't need hours to connect with God. In just a 477 00:29:02,170 --> 00:29:05,150 Speaker 1: few minutes, you can turn your thoughts toward Him and 478 00:29:05,190 --> 00:29:08,540 Speaker 1: be encouraged by His promises. As you make time for Him, 479 00:29:08,780 --> 00:29:11,720 Speaker 1: you'll have greater peace and strength, and you'll step into 480 00:29:11,760 --> 00:29:13,580 Speaker 1: the favor that belongs to you. 481 00:29:14,280 --> 00:29:17,700 Speaker 2: Three Minute Moments with God is a powerful new devotional 482 00:29:17,820 --> 00:29:21,240 Speaker 2: designed to meet you right where you are. Inside, you'll 483 00:29:21,260 --> 00:29:26,620 Speaker 2: find topical readings for whatever you're facing. Whether you need peace, wisdom, healing, 484 00:29:26,880 --> 00:29:30,620 Speaker 2: or hope, Each one is filled with scripture, an encouraging thought, 485 00:29:30,920 --> 00:29:35,190 Speaker 2: a heartfelt prayer, and faith-building declarations. So in just a 486 00:29:35,310 --> 00:29:38,730 Speaker 2: few focused minutes, you can quiet the noise, turn your 487 00:29:38,770 --> 00:29:31,730 Speaker 2: heart toward God. It's yours as a thank you for 488 00:29:31,770 --> 00:29:34,010 Speaker 2: your gift to the ministry today. Be sure to request 489 00:29:34,490 --> 00:29:37,520 Speaker 2: your copy of Three Minute Moments with God, available this 490 00:29:37,580 --> 00:29:40,300 Speaker 2: month by visiting us at joelostein.com or call 888-567-JOEL. 491 00:29:57,630 --> 00:29:59,740 Speaker 1: Know today that God has you in the palm of 492 00:29:59,800 --> 00:30:02,960 Speaker 1: His hand. As you take time to acknowledge Him throughout 493 00:30:03,020 --> 00:30:05,590 Speaker 1: the day, He's going to fight your battles and get 494 00:30:05,630 --> 00:30:08,470 Speaker 1: you to where you're supposed to be. Victoria and I 495 00:30:08,490 --> 00:30:11,730 Speaker 1: are praying for you and your family every day. Thank 496 00:30:11,750 --> 00:30:15,400 Speaker 1: you so much for your prayer and support. Your generosity 497 00:30:15,560 --> 00:30:18,160 Speaker 1: takes this message of hope to people all over the 498 00:30:18,240 --> 00:30:21,660 Speaker 1: world who need their own moment with God. A special 499 00:30:21,700 --> 00:30:24,590 Speaker 1: thank you to our Champion of Hope partners. Your monthly 500 00:30:24,620 --> 00:30:27,790 Speaker 1: support makes a difference every single day. If you're not 501 00:30:27,830 --> 00:30:31,390 Speaker 1: a partner, I hope you'll consider becoming one. Until next time, 502 00:30:31,650 --> 00:30:33,630 Speaker 1: may the Lord bless you and keep you. 503 00:30:34,480 --> 00:30:37,450 Speaker 2: Be sure to request your copy of Three Minute Moments 504 00:30:37,490 --> 00:30:42,050 Speaker 2: with God, available this month by visiting us at joelosteen.com 505 00:30:42,270 --> 00:30:47,730 Speaker 2: or call 888-567-JOEL. With an additional gift, you can also 506 00:30:47,800 --> 00:30:53,420 Speaker 2: receive the Three Minute Promise Power and Authority Collection, featuring abundance, assurance, 507 00:30:53,600 --> 00:30:58,140 Speaker 2: and authority. A rich, empowering study drawn from the Passion Translation. 508 00:30:58,620 --> 00:31:01,600 Speaker 2: It opens up who you already are in Christ, what's 509 00:31:01,720 --> 00:31:05,850 Speaker 2: already yours, and the authority you already carry. Because your 510 00:31:05,940 --> 00:31:10,190 Speaker 2: next moment with God could change everything. Know who you are. 511 00:31:10,690 --> 00:31:14,750 Speaker 2: Walk in what's yours. Step into every moment with confidence. 512 00:31:15,130 --> 00:31:20,969 Speaker 2: You can request these inspiring resources by calling 888-567-JOEL or 513 00:31:21,010 --> 00:31:25,550 Speaker 2: logging on to joelosteen.com today. Call or click anytime, 24 514 00:31:25,550 --> 00:31:25,990 Speaker 2: hours a day.