1 00:00:00,400 --> 00:00:02,160 Speaker 1: Hi, this is Joeln Victoria. 2 00:00:02,240 --> 00:00:05,279 Speaker 2: Thanks for listening to our podcast and thanks for supporting 3 00:00:05,280 --> 00:00:08,239 Speaker 2: the ministry. If you enjoy today's message, why don't you 4 00:00:08,280 --> 00:00:11,039 Speaker 2: be a blessing and share it with a friend. Reappreciate 5 00:00:11,119 --> 00:00:13,720 Speaker 2: you and pray for God's very best in your life. 6 00:00:13,920 --> 00:00:16,919 Speaker 2: Will God bless you? It is always a joy to 7 00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:19,880 Speaker 2: coming to your homes. We love you and we're praying 8 00:00:19,880 --> 00:00:23,320 Speaker 2: that you're going to have a blessed, prosperous year. If 9 00:00:23,320 --> 00:00:25,160 Speaker 2: you're ever in our area, I hope you'll stop by 10 00:00:25,200 --> 00:00:26,960 Speaker 2: and see us. I promise you it will make you 11 00:00:26,960 --> 00:00:29,280 Speaker 2: feel right at home. But thanks for tuning in, and 12 00:00:29,320 --> 00:00:32,000 Speaker 2: again thanks for coming out today. I'd like to start 13 00:00:32,000 --> 00:00:34,600 Speaker 2: with something funny each week, and you know these are 14 00:00:34,680 --> 00:00:38,279 Speaker 2: just jokes, Please don't be offended by them. I heard 15 00:00:38,280 --> 00:00:41,159 Speaker 2: about this man. He was in a dark restaurant. He 16 00:00:41,280 --> 00:00:43,680 Speaker 2: leaned over to the woman next to him and said, Hey, 17 00:00:43,880 --> 00:00:46,840 Speaker 2: would you like to hear a blonde joke? She said, well, 18 00:00:46,880 --> 00:00:50,000 Speaker 2: before you tell me, you should know that I am blonde, 19 00:00:50,320 --> 00:00:54,040 Speaker 2: six feet tall and a professional bodybuilder, and the lady 20 00:00:54,080 --> 00:00:56,920 Speaker 2: next to me is blonde, six foot two and a 21 00:00:56,960 --> 00:01:01,040 Speaker 2: professional wrestler. And the lady next to her is blonde, 22 00:01:01,480 --> 00:01:04,800 Speaker 2: six foot five and the kickboxing champion. 23 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:05,000 Speaker 1: Of the world. 24 00:01:05,160 --> 00:01:07,080 Speaker 2: Now do you still want to tell me the blonde joke? 25 00:01:07,680 --> 00:01:10,039 Speaker 2: He thought about it a moment, said no, not if 26 00:01:10,080 --> 00:01:14,959 Speaker 2: I'm gonna have to explain it three times. All right, 27 00:01:16,120 --> 00:01:19,520 Speaker 2: I may need a ride home today. Say it like 28 00:01:19,560 --> 00:01:22,399 Speaker 2: you mean it. This is my Bible. I am what 29 00:01:22,520 --> 00:01:25,160 Speaker 2: it says I am. I have what it says I have. 30 00:01:25,760 --> 00:01:28,360 Speaker 2: I can do what it says I can do. Today 31 00:01:28,440 --> 00:01:31,400 Speaker 2: I will be taught the word of God. I boldly 32 00:01:31,480 --> 00:01:35,880 Speaker 2: confess my mind is alert, my heart is receptive. I 33 00:01:35,959 --> 00:01:40,160 Speaker 2: will never be the same. In Jesus' name, God bless you. 34 00:01:40,959 --> 00:01:43,399 Speaker 2: I want to talk to you today about not giving 35 00:01:43,440 --> 00:01:48,080 Speaker 2: away your power. Every day we have opportunities to get upset, 36 00:01:48,560 --> 00:01:52,840 Speaker 2: to be frustrated, to go around offended. Maybe our plans 37 00:01:52,880 --> 00:01:55,680 Speaker 2: didn't work out, or somebody was rude to us at 38 00:01:55,720 --> 00:01:58,680 Speaker 2: the office, or what should have taken an hour ended 39 00:01:58,720 --> 00:01:59,920 Speaker 2: up taking three hours. 40 00:02:00,560 --> 00:02:02,920 Speaker 1: Life is full of inconveniences. 41 00:02:03,160 --> 00:02:06,520 Speaker 2: There will always be interruptions, people that are hard to 42 00:02:06,520 --> 00:02:10,480 Speaker 2: get along with, and we can't control all of our circumstances, 43 00:02:10,840 --> 00:02:14,919 Speaker 2: but we can control our reaction. Now. I heard somebody 44 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:19,320 Speaker 2: say life is ten percent what happens to you and 45 00:02:19,440 --> 00:02:23,120 Speaker 2: ninety percent how you respond. And we should go out 46 00:02:23,160 --> 00:02:28,000 Speaker 2: each day positive, hopeful, expecting God's favor. But at the 47 00:02:28,040 --> 00:02:32,040 Speaker 2: same time we should be realistic, knowing that most days 48 00:02:32,360 --> 00:02:35,360 Speaker 2: are not going to go exactly as we had it planned. 49 00:02:36,040 --> 00:02:39,000 Speaker 2: And if you get stressed because you got off scheduled, 50 00:02:39,520 --> 00:02:43,280 Speaker 2: were upset because your child wouldn't need his breakfast, frustrated 51 00:02:43,320 --> 00:02:47,440 Speaker 2: because somebody offended you, what you're doing is giving away 52 00:02:47,520 --> 00:02:48,120 Speaker 2: your power. 53 00:02:49,000 --> 00:02:50,880 Speaker 1: We were created to be in peace. 54 00:02:51,639 --> 00:02:54,720 Speaker 2: And when you have this calmness on the inside, a 55 00:02:54,880 --> 00:02:58,399 Speaker 2: joy in your spirit, a smile on your face. 56 00:02:58,360 --> 00:03:01,160 Speaker 1: That's a position of power. That's when you're at your 57 00:03:01,280 --> 00:03:01,880 Speaker 1: very best. 58 00:03:02,639 --> 00:03:05,919 Speaker 2: But too many people these days have the wrong approach 59 00:03:06,000 --> 00:03:09,520 Speaker 2: to life. They think they can't be happy unless they 60 00:03:09,560 --> 00:03:14,440 Speaker 2: control all their circumstances, make sure everything goes their way. 61 00:03:14,560 --> 00:03:15,960 Speaker 1: But that's not realistic. 62 00:03:16,639 --> 00:03:18,639 Speaker 2: We have to come to the place where we can 63 00:03:18,680 --> 00:03:22,560 Speaker 2: say I don't have to have my way in order to. 64 00:03:22,480 --> 00:03:23,160 Speaker 1: Have a good day. 65 00:03:24,000 --> 00:03:26,320 Speaker 2: My plans don't have to work out for me to 66 00:03:26,360 --> 00:03:29,920 Speaker 2: be happy. Everybody doesn't have to treat me right for 67 00:03:30,040 --> 00:03:33,240 Speaker 2: me to enjoy my life. I have already made up 68 00:03:33,240 --> 00:03:36,480 Speaker 2: my mind no matter what does or doesn't happen. 69 00:03:36,840 --> 00:03:39,680 Speaker 1: I'm going to stay in peace and enjoy this day. 70 00:03:40,720 --> 00:03:44,360 Speaker 2: And it helped me when I realized that no person 71 00:03:44,560 --> 00:03:48,480 Speaker 2: can take my joy, No circumstance can take our peace, 72 00:03:48,920 --> 00:03:51,360 Speaker 2: no interruption can take our enthusiasm. 73 00:03:51,720 --> 00:03:52,880 Speaker 1: We have to give it away. 74 00:03:53,880 --> 00:03:58,240 Speaker 2: The next time you're tempted to get upset frustrated, ask yourself, 75 00:03:58,920 --> 00:04:03,000 Speaker 2: is this worth giving my power away? This man that's 76 00:04:03,080 --> 00:04:05,400 Speaker 2: rude to me on the phone that I don't even know, 77 00:04:06,040 --> 00:04:09,160 Speaker 2: is it worth giving him my joy? Or this coworker 78 00:04:09,280 --> 00:04:11,560 Speaker 2: that left me out of a meeting? Is it worth 79 00:04:11,840 --> 00:04:15,240 Speaker 2: giving away my peace? And some of you today you 80 00:04:15,280 --> 00:04:18,920 Speaker 2: don't have the victory that you should, not because you can't, 81 00:04:19,240 --> 00:04:22,840 Speaker 2: but because you keep giving it away. Life is too 82 00:04:22,920 --> 00:04:27,039 Speaker 2: short to live upset and offended. If you allow your 83 00:04:27,120 --> 00:04:31,039 Speaker 2: circumstances to control your joy, then there's always going to 84 00:04:31,080 --> 00:04:34,280 Speaker 2: be some reason to be discouraged. Well, hell, Joel, it's 85 00:04:34,320 --> 00:04:37,640 Speaker 2: the economy. It's the stock market. That's why I'm so down. 86 00:04:38,240 --> 00:04:41,400 Speaker 2: No quick giving away your power. God is still on 87 00:04:41,440 --> 00:04:45,320 Speaker 2: the throne. The economy in heaven is doing just fine. 88 00:04:45,440 --> 00:04:48,320 Speaker 1: As long as you're connected to him, everything's going to 89 00:04:48,400 --> 00:04:48,880 Speaker 1: be all right. 90 00:04:49,920 --> 00:04:52,800 Speaker 2: Well, I had to cancel my vacation this year, or 91 00:04:52,880 --> 00:04:56,120 Speaker 2: my boss is sure hard to get along with this neighbor. 92 00:04:56,160 --> 00:04:59,120 Speaker 2: He really gets on my nerves. I've been praying asking 93 00:04:59,120 --> 00:05:02,600 Speaker 2: God to change him. The one thing I've learned is 94 00:05:02,720 --> 00:05:07,240 Speaker 2: never pray for God to change somebody else without first saying, God, 95 00:05:07,360 --> 00:05:11,040 Speaker 2: change me. Even if that neighbor were to move away, 96 00:05:11,760 --> 00:05:15,000 Speaker 2: if you don't learn this principle to not allow other 97 00:05:15,080 --> 00:05:18,240 Speaker 2: people to steal your joy, two more people just like 98 00:05:18,360 --> 00:05:22,680 Speaker 2: him will move back in. We have to change. Jesus 99 00:05:22,760 --> 00:05:26,320 Speaker 2: put it this way, John fourteen twenty seven. Stop allowing 100 00:05:26,400 --> 00:05:29,040 Speaker 2: yourself to be upset and disturbed. 101 00:05:29,520 --> 00:05:31,840 Speaker 1: Notice it's a choice that we have to make. 102 00:05:32,560 --> 00:05:35,520 Speaker 2: He didn't say, I'm going to make sure your circumstances 103 00:05:35,520 --> 00:05:36,080 Speaker 2: are perfect. 104 00:05:36,279 --> 00:05:38,080 Speaker 1: That way you can be happy. 105 00:05:38,160 --> 00:05:41,240 Speaker 2: He said, in effect, the things that are upsetting you 106 00:05:41,360 --> 00:05:44,760 Speaker 2: right now, they don't have to. The people that are 107 00:05:44,800 --> 00:05:48,680 Speaker 2: aggravating you, even if they don't change, they don't have to. 108 00:05:49,640 --> 00:05:53,360 Speaker 2: If you'll make adjustments and change your approach to life, 109 00:05:53,760 --> 00:05:57,360 Speaker 2: you can be happy in spite of those circumstances. I'm 110 00:05:57,400 --> 00:06:03,680 Speaker 2: asking you today to stop allowing people and traffic and disappointments. 111 00:06:02,839 --> 00:06:05,040 Speaker 1: And inconveniences to steal your joy. 112 00:06:05,640 --> 00:06:08,000 Speaker 2: You have to put your foot down and say, this 113 00:06:08,120 --> 00:06:11,040 Speaker 2: child that gets on my nerves, I love him, but 114 00:06:11,040 --> 00:06:12,120 Speaker 2: I'm gonna rise above it. 115 00:06:12,400 --> 00:06:14,880 Speaker 1: I'm not gonna let this control me, or. 116 00:06:14,880 --> 00:06:18,440 Speaker 2: This grumpy boss that jumps down my throat for no reason, 117 00:06:18,880 --> 00:06:21,120 Speaker 2: I'm not letting him ruin any more of my days. 118 00:06:21,320 --> 00:06:23,760 Speaker 2: That's what it means to not give away your power. 119 00:06:24,040 --> 00:06:27,960 Speaker 2: You got to be determined that you're gonna enjoy your life. 120 00:06:28,040 --> 00:06:30,880 Speaker 2: I heard this lady tell how one of her husband's 121 00:06:30,920 --> 00:06:35,679 Speaker 2: relatives was very opinionated. He was always making these cutting, 122 00:06:35,920 --> 00:06:40,200 Speaker 2: demeaning remarks toward her. This couple hadn't been married that long, 123 00:06:40,279 --> 00:06:43,920 Speaker 2: and every time they were at family get togethers, invariably 124 00:06:44,240 --> 00:06:47,200 Speaker 2: he would say something that offended her. She would get 125 00:06:47,240 --> 00:06:50,599 Speaker 2: all upset and it'd ruin the whole trip. She got 126 00:06:50,600 --> 00:06:52,760 Speaker 2: to where she didn't want to even go on these 127 00:06:52,800 --> 00:06:56,880 Speaker 2: family events. Finally, she told her husband, you got to 128 00:06:56,920 --> 00:06:57,640 Speaker 2: do something. 129 00:06:57,400 --> 00:06:59,600 Speaker 1: About that man. He's your relative. 130 00:07:00,400 --> 00:07:03,000 Speaker 2: She was expecting the husband to say, you're right, honey, 131 00:07:03,040 --> 00:07:05,000 Speaker 2: he shouldn't talk to you like that. I'm gonna go 132 00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:08,040 Speaker 2: in there and set him straight, But the husband did 133 00:07:08,160 --> 00:07:11,640 Speaker 2: just the opposite. He said, honey, I loved you, but 134 00:07:11,720 --> 00:07:15,360 Speaker 2: I cannot control him. He has every right to have 135 00:07:15,440 --> 00:07:18,880 Speaker 2: his opinion, he can say what he wants to, but 136 00:07:19,040 --> 00:07:20,480 Speaker 2: you have every. 137 00:07:20,240 --> 00:07:21,800 Speaker 1: Right to not get offended. 138 00:07:22,880 --> 00:07:26,320 Speaker 2: At first, she couldn't understand why her husband wouldn't really 139 00:07:26,480 --> 00:07:27,400 Speaker 2: stick up for her. 140 00:07:28,080 --> 00:07:29,040 Speaker 1: Time and time. 141 00:07:28,840 --> 00:07:31,440 Speaker 2: Again, she would get upset, and if he was in 142 00:07:31,480 --> 00:07:34,320 Speaker 2: one room, she would go to another room. That man 143 00:07:34,440 --> 00:07:37,600 Speaker 2: was outside, she would make sure she stayed insight. Her 144 00:07:37,680 --> 00:07:41,640 Speaker 2: whole focus was centered on avoiding this man. One day, 145 00:07:41,720 --> 00:07:45,120 Speaker 2: it was like a light turned on. She realized she 146 00:07:45,320 --> 00:07:49,080 Speaker 2: was giving away her power. She was allowing one person 147 00:07:49,600 --> 00:07:53,040 Speaker 2: that had issues of his own to keep her from 148 00:07:53,080 --> 00:07:56,480 Speaker 2: becoming who she was meant to be. When you allow 149 00:07:56,560 --> 00:08:00,200 Speaker 2: what someone says or does to upset you, you are 150 00:08:00,240 --> 00:08:03,720 Speaker 2: allowing them to control you. When you say you make 151 00:08:03,800 --> 00:08:07,480 Speaker 2: me so mad, what you're really doing is admitting that 152 00:08:07,520 --> 00:08:11,200 Speaker 2: you're giving away your power. As long as that person 153 00:08:11,280 --> 00:08:14,240 Speaker 2: knows they can push this button and you'll respond this way, 154 00:08:14,680 --> 00:08:16,840 Speaker 2: and they can make this remark, and you'll get upset, 155 00:08:17,240 --> 00:08:19,760 Speaker 2: and they know if they go outside, you'll go inside. 156 00:08:20,400 --> 00:08:21,520 Speaker 1: As long as. 157 00:08:21,400 --> 00:08:24,320 Speaker 2: You keep responding the same way, you are giving them 158 00:08:24,360 --> 00:08:27,760 Speaker 2: exactly what they want. People have a right to say 159 00:08:27,760 --> 00:08:29,680 Speaker 2: what they want, to do what they want as long 160 00:08:29,720 --> 00:08:32,280 Speaker 2: as it's legal. But we have a right to not 161 00:08:32,320 --> 00:08:35,800 Speaker 2: get offended. We have a right to overlook it. But 162 00:08:35,880 --> 00:08:40,280 Speaker 2: when we get upset and go around angry, we change. 163 00:08:40,760 --> 00:08:43,600 Speaker 2: Somebody walks in a room, we get all tense. What's 164 00:08:43,640 --> 00:08:47,000 Speaker 2: happening is we're putting too much importance on what they 165 00:08:47,040 --> 00:08:48,040 Speaker 2: think about us. 166 00:08:48,520 --> 00:08:49,520 Speaker 1: What they say. 167 00:08:49,320 --> 00:08:53,960 Speaker 2: About you does not define who you are. Their opinion 168 00:08:54,000 --> 00:08:57,240 Speaker 2: of you does not determine your self worth. Let that 169 00:08:57,440 --> 00:08:59,960 Speaker 2: bounce off of you like water off of a duck's bat. 170 00:09:00,480 --> 00:09:03,280 Speaker 2: They have every right to have their opinion, and you 171 00:09:03,400 --> 00:09:06,679 Speaker 2: have every right to ignore it. I found that some 172 00:09:06,720 --> 00:09:09,800 Speaker 2: people they feel like it's their calling in life to 173 00:09:09,880 --> 00:09:12,640 Speaker 2: point out what we're doing wrong and where we're missing it. 174 00:09:13,200 --> 00:09:17,600 Speaker 2: They're constantly critical, always finding fault. There's nothing dead love 175 00:09:17,640 --> 00:09:22,120 Speaker 2: anymore than to keep you upset and arguing and always 176 00:09:22,160 --> 00:09:23,840 Speaker 2: trying to prove why you're okay. 177 00:09:24,800 --> 00:09:28,000 Speaker 1: You have got to rise above that. You don't need 178 00:09:28,040 --> 00:09:31,600 Speaker 1: them to agree with you. You don't have to have their approval. 179 00:09:31,920 --> 00:09:34,320 Speaker 1: Let that go and just be who God made you 180 00:09:34,400 --> 00:09:36,719 Speaker 1: to be. One time, even. 181 00:09:36,480 --> 00:09:40,800 Speaker 2: With Moses, his relatives didn't like who he chose to marry. 182 00:09:41,280 --> 00:09:43,320 Speaker 2: They didn't like the fact that they weren't from the 183 00:09:43,360 --> 00:09:46,320 Speaker 2: same nationality, and they criticized Moses. 184 00:09:46,679 --> 00:09:48,040 Speaker 1: They even did it publicly. 185 00:09:48,400 --> 00:09:50,400 Speaker 2: They said, we don't agree with this, we don't give 186 00:09:50,480 --> 00:09:54,400 Speaker 2: him our approval. But down deep, Moses knew he was 187 00:09:54,400 --> 00:09:58,120 Speaker 2: making the right decision. He didn't argue with them, he 188 00:09:58,160 --> 00:10:01,160 Speaker 2: didn't get upset, he didn't criticized them back. 189 00:10:01,440 --> 00:10:02,680 Speaker 1: He just kept his peace. 190 00:10:03,440 --> 00:10:06,560 Speaker 2: Long story short. The person that was giving him the 191 00:10:06,559 --> 00:10:11,079 Speaker 2: most trouble, his most vocal critic. They came down with leprosy, 192 00:10:11,480 --> 00:10:15,040 Speaker 2: couldn't even stay around. What am I saying? You don't 193 00:10:15,120 --> 00:10:18,160 Speaker 2: have to respond to every critic and try to prove 194 00:10:18,280 --> 00:10:20,680 Speaker 2: to people who you are. Just stay on the high 195 00:10:20,800 --> 00:10:24,280 Speaker 2: road and let God fight your battles for you. And 196 00:10:24,400 --> 00:10:29,360 Speaker 2: I've learned some people that come across our path don't. 197 00:10:29,160 --> 00:10:30,880 Speaker 1: Want to be at peace with us. 198 00:10:31,240 --> 00:10:33,840 Speaker 2: No matter what we say or do, it's not going 199 00:10:33,920 --> 00:10:37,319 Speaker 2: to convince them to agree, or like or even accept us. 200 00:10:37,880 --> 00:10:40,680 Speaker 2: Even if you were to change who you are, even 201 00:10:40,679 --> 00:10:43,200 Speaker 2: if you were to meet all their demands, they would 202 00:10:43,280 --> 00:10:46,680 Speaker 2: still find some reason to be critical. You have to 203 00:10:46,760 --> 00:10:49,680 Speaker 2: accept the fact that no matter what you do, some 204 00:10:49,760 --> 00:10:51,760 Speaker 2: people are never going to be at peace with you. 205 00:10:52,960 --> 00:10:56,320 Speaker 2: When Jesus sent his disciples out, when they went into 206 00:10:56,320 --> 00:11:00,000 Speaker 2: certain homes, he told them to speak peace over that home, 207 00:11:00,720 --> 00:11:03,560 Speaker 2: and he said, in effect, if they don't receive it, 208 00:11:04,080 --> 00:11:07,160 Speaker 2: then the piece that you're offering them will come back 209 00:11:07,200 --> 00:11:10,760 Speaker 2: to you. That tells me if you will do your 210 00:11:10,840 --> 00:11:13,800 Speaker 2: best to be at peace with people, even if they 211 00:11:13,840 --> 00:11:16,880 Speaker 2: won't take your piece, the good news is then that 212 00:11:16,920 --> 00:11:19,280 Speaker 2: piece will just come back to you. You'll not only 213 00:11:19,320 --> 00:11:21,480 Speaker 2: get your piece, but you'll get that other share as well. 214 00:11:22,120 --> 00:11:25,040 Speaker 2: When you do the right thing, when the wrong thing's happening, 215 00:11:25,160 --> 00:11:28,280 Speaker 2: God sees it and he rewards it. I heard this 216 00:11:28,360 --> 00:11:30,880 Speaker 2: man tell how he was walking down the street with 217 00:11:30,960 --> 00:11:31,520 Speaker 2: his friend. 218 00:11:32,080 --> 00:11:33,760 Speaker 1: They were going to buy a newspaper. 219 00:11:33,960 --> 00:11:36,480 Speaker 2: They came to the little store on the corner, and 220 00:11:36,520 --> 00:11:41,600 Speaker 2: the clerk inside was very rude, very inconsiderate. The man 221 00:11:41,640 --> 00:11:44,760 Speaker 2: bought his paper. When he got finished, he smiled real 222 00:11:44,840 --> 00:11:46,720 Speaker 2: big and just said as friendly as can be. 223 00:11:47,040 --> 00:11:48,800 Speaker 1: I hope you have a great day to day. 224 00:11:49,760 --> 00:11:53,160 Speaker 2: As they were leaving, his friend said, is that clerk 225 00:11:53,320 --> 00:11:57,480 Speaker 2: always that rude? The man said, every single day? 226 00:11:57,559 --> 00:11:59,520 Speaker 1: He said, well, are you always that nice? 227 00:11:59,840 --> 00:12:03,480 Speaker 2: He said, every single day? His friend was kind of puzzled, 228 00:12:03,679 --> 00:12:07,360 Speaker 2: he said why. The man said, I've made up my mind. 229 00:12:07,720 --> 00:12:11,160 Speaker 2: I'm not gonna let one person ruin by day. What 230 00:12:11,240 --> 00:12:13,600 Speaker 2: he was saying was, I'm not gonna give him my power. 231 00:12:13,960 --> 00:12:18,040 Speaker 2: He has every right to be obnoxious, rude, inconsiderate, but 232 00:12:18,120 --> 00:12:21,280 Speaker 2: I have every right to be happy, kind and friendly. 233 00:12:22,280 --> 00:12:25,800 Speaker 2: When you encounter people that have that poison on the inside, 234 00:12:26,400 --> 00:12:29,520 Speaker 2: it's so important that you don't let that poison rub 235 00:12:29,559 --> 00:12:30,120 Speaker 2: off on you. 236 00:12:30,840 --> 00:12:31,959 Speaker 1: If you sink down to. 237 00:12:31,920 --> 00:12:34,800 Speaker 2: Their level and you're cold and rude back to them, 238 00:12:35,160 --> 00:12:38,439 Speaker 2: what's happened is you've let them contaminate you. You've got 239 00:12:38,480 --> 00:12:41,679 Speaker 2: to rise above that. Be a part of the solution, 240 00:12:41,920 --> 00:12:46,160 Speaker 2: not the problem. You overcome evil with good. If somebody's 241 00:12:46,240 --> 00:12:48,360 Speaker 2: rude to you, just bless them, smile and. 242 00:12:48,360 --> 00:12:49,280 Speaker 1: Keep moving forward. 243 00:12:50,280 --> 00:12:54,160 Speaker 2: Jesus put it this way, Blessed are the meek, they 244 00:12:54,200 --> 00:12:56,079 Speaker 2: will inherit the kingdom of God. 245 00:12:57,000 --> 00:12:59,239 Speaker 1: When we hear that word meek, many. 246 00:12:59,000 --> 00:13:03,560 Speaker 2: Times we think of weak, shy, reserved, just like a 247 00:13:03,559 --> 00:13:07,160 Speaker 2: little fearful person. We can't stand up for ourselves. We 248 00:13:07,240 --> 00:13:10,280 Speaker 2: let everybody run over us. That's not meek at all. 249 00:13:10,920 --> 00:13:16,680 Speaker 2: Meekness is not weakness, it's strength under control. Meekness is 250 00:13:16,800 --> 00:13:20,439 Speaker 2: like a wild horse that's been tamed. He's just as strong, 251 00:13:20,720 --> 00:13:23,880 Speaker 2: just as powerful, has just as much speed as before 252 00:13:23,920 --> 00:13:27,520 Speaker 2: he was tamed. The only difference is now that strength 253 00:13:27,600 --> 00:13:31,160 Speaker 2: is under control. You can walk up to him, pet him, 254 00:13:31,640 --> 00:13:34,840 Speaker 2: lead the horse around, probably get on him and ride him. 255 00:13:35,120 --> 00:13:36,240 Speaker 1: But don't be fooled. 256 00:13:36,440 --> 00:13:40,600 Speaker 2: He has the same power, the same tenacity, now he's 257 00:13:40,640 --> 00:13:41,880 Speaker 2: just learned how to control it. 258 00:13:42,720 --> 00:13:44,760 Speaker 1: And when you're a meek person, you. 259 00:13:44,679 --> 00:13:48,080 Speaker 2: Don't go around trying to straighten everybody out. You don't 260 00:13:48,120 --> 00:13:52,000 Speaker 2: respond to every critic. People may be talking about you, 261 00:13:52,200 --> 00:13:54,440 Speaker 2: but you don't let it bother you. You may have 262 00:13:54,520 --> 00:13:57,640 Speaker 2: the power to do something about it, but you realize 263 00:13:57,840 --> 00:13:59,719 Speaker 2: your time is too valuable. 264 00:14:00,280 --> 00:14:03,320 Speaker 1: That's just a distraction. It's not even worth putting your 265 00:14:03,440 --> 00:14:04,160 Speaker 1: energy toward. 266 00:14:05,240 --> 00:14:08,120 Speaker 2: When you're meek, you don't try to prove to people 267 00:14:08,160 --> 00:14:13,120 Speaker 2: who you are. Somebody insults you, makes those cunning, demeaning remarks, 268 00:14:13,600 --> 00:14:18,600 Speaker 2: you realize that's their problem, not yours. Read between the lines. 269 00:14:18,800 --> 00:14:21,440 Speaker 2: They must be pretty impressed with you, or they wouldn't 270 00:14:21,480 --> 00:14:24,880 Speaker 2: be trying to pull you down. Keep your strength under control. 271 00:14:25,480 --> 00:14:28,360 Speaker 2: It's not how loud we get or how many people 272 00:14:28,400 --> 00:14:30,560 Speaker 2: we straighten out, or let me show you what I'm 273 00:14:30,600 --> 00:14:33,120 Speaker 2: made of. Or if you get in there and argue 274 00:14:33,120 --> 00:14:36,840 Speaker 2: with somebody and try to prove your point, all you're 275 00:14:36,880 --> 00:14:40,120 Speaker 2: doing is sinking down to their level. Don't fall into 276 00:14:40,120 --> 00:14:44,440 Speaker 2: that trap. You are an eagle, and an eagle doesn't 277 00:14:44,440 --> 00:14:45,040 Speaker 2: waste his. 278 00:14:45,040 --> 00:14:46,600 Speaker 1: Time fighting with crows. 279 00:14:47,000 --> 00:14:50,680 Speaker 2: He just rises to an altitude where the crows cannot fly. 280 00:14:51,760 --> 00:14:53,760 Speaker 1: And in life, we're all going to have some. 281 00:14:53,880 --> 00:14:57,320 Speaker 2: Crows and some chickens and probably a few turkeys. 282 00:14:58,480 --> 00:15:01,080 Speaker 1: That's okay. They can't go where you're going. 283 00:15:01,800 --> 00:15:04,200 Speaker 2: You may have the power to straighten them out. You 284 00:15:04,280 --> 00:15:06,440 Speaker 2: may feel like giving them a piece of your mind. 285 00:15:06,800 --> 00:15:09,360 Speaker 2: Your emotions will tell you get in there, pay them back, 286 00:15:09,440 --> 00:15:13,880 Speaker 2: get even. Listen to what Paul told Timothy, stay calm, 287 00:15:14,440 --> 00:15:18,760 Speaker 2: cool and collected. He was saying, don't give away your power, 288 00:15:19,280 --> 00:15:23,120 Speaker 2: keep your strength under control. It's like this guy heard about. 289 00:15:23,480 --> 00:15:26,440 Speaker 2: He was in a little country diner eating a burger 290 00:15:26,520 --> 00:15:30,960 Speaker 2: by himself. This motorcycle game came in. These guys were 291 00:15:31,040 --> 00:15:35,000 Speaker 2: big and tough and mean, and one biker, just to 292 00:15:35,160 --> 00:15:37,160 Speaker 2: show who was in charge, he went over to his 293 00:15:37,200 --> 00:15:40,520 Speaker 2: table and knocked his hamburger on the floor, picked up 294 00:15:40,520 --> 00:15:42,560 Speaker 2: his water and poured it on top of his head, 295 00:15:43,040 --> 00:15:46,480 Speaker 2: said very sarcastically, Oh, I'm sorry, it was an accident, 296 00:15:46,840 --> 00:15:49,400 Speaker 2: just trying to pick a fight. The guy sitting there 297 00:15:49,400 --> 00:15:52,680 Speaker 2: calmly got his napkin wiped off the water, got up 298 00:15:52,720 --> 00:15:55,359 Speaker 2: out of his chair and just walked out of the restaurant. 299 00:15:55,960 --> 00:15:58,400 Speaker 2: The biker shook his head and said to the waiter, 300 00:15:58,760 --> 00:16:02,360 Speaker 2: not much of a man. The waiter said no, and 301 00:16:02,400 --> 00:16:05,080 Speaker 2: not much of a driver either. He just ran over 302 00:16:05,160 --> 00:16:09,880 Speaker 2: twelve choppers driving out of here. That strength under control. 303 00:16:11,440 --> 00:16:14,120 Speaker 2: One time, when I was dating Victoria, I was in 304 00:16:14,160 --> 00:16:17,160 Speaker 2: my early twenties and I was driving home from her 305 00:16:17,200 --> 00:16:21,240 Speaker 2: house alone about midnight. I had a real nice sports car. 306 00:16:21,520 --> 00:16:24,200 Speaker 2: I kept it spotless, didn't have one scratch on it. 307 00:16:24,600 --> 00:16:26,680 Speaker 2: And as I was driving, I came to a light 308 00:16:26,840 --> 00:16:29,880 Speaker 2: at an intersection, and there was a car already stopped 309 00:16:29,880 --> 00:16:32,080 Speaker 2: in the left hand lane going the same direction, and 310 00:16:32,280 --> 00:16:35,240 Speaker 2: I was still coming up, and the light changed before 311 00:16:35,240 --> 00:16:37,640 Speaker 2: I got there, so I never had to stop. But 312 00:16:37,680 --> 00:16:40,640 Speaker 2: the man in this lane he decided to turn right 313 00:16:41,080 --> 00:16:43,480 Speaker 2: from the left lane and I came up. I had 314 00:16:43,520 --> 00:16:45,840 Speaker 2: nowhere to go, and so he hit the back of 315 00:16:45,880 --> 00:16:49,120 Speaker 2: my car and spun me around in a few moments 316 00:16:49,160 --> 00:16:51,640 Speaker 2: when it calmed down. I got out of my car, 317 00:16:51,840 --> 00:16:55,960 Speaker 2: knowing that it wasn't my fault, and I'm naturally easy going. 318 00:16:56,040 --> 00:16:58,440 Speaker 2: There's not much that upsets me. I looked at the 319 00:16:58,480 --> 00:16:59,520 Speaker 2: back of my car and it. 320 00:16:59,440 --> 00:17:00,760 Speaker 1: Was just totally destroyed. 321 00:17:01,280 --> 00:17:03,520 Speaker 2: About that time, the man got out of his car. 322 00:17:03,800 --> 00:17:05,800 Speaker 2: It was very dark, but I could see he was 323 00:17:05,840 --> 00:17:11,960 Speaker 2: probably in his fifties. He started ranting and raving, cursing, saying, kid, 324 00:17:12,080 --> 00:17:14,119 Speaker 2: you need to learn how to drive. I am so 325 00:17:14,359 --> 00:17:17,400 Speaker 2: mad at you, I thought to myself, I'm the one 326 00:17:17,400 --> 00:17:18,360 Speaker 2: that should be upset. 327 00:17:18,680 --> 00:17:21,800 Speaker 1: He just turned from the wrong lane. He was about 328 00:17:21,800 --> 00:17:22,720 Speaker 1: thirty yards away. 329 00:17:23,160 --> 00:17:26,720 Speaker 2: He got himself so worked up and so angry. He 330 00:17:26,840 --> 00:17:31,240 Speaker 2: started running toward me like he wanted to fight. My 331 00:17:31,359 --> 00:17:37,119 Speaker 2: first thought was do you want some of this? Y'all 332 00:17:37,160 --> 00:17:42,800 Speaker 2: know that's not true. My second thought, the real thought 333 00:17:43,000 --> 00:17:48,359 Speaker 2: was how big is he? He got about fifteen yards away, 334 00:17:48,600 --> 00:17:52,160 Speaker 2: and I saw his about twice my size. Right then 335 00:17:52,200 --> 00:17:55,479 Speaker 2: and there, I had a revelation this was a battle 336 00:17:55,560 --> 00:17:59,399 Speaker 2: not worth fighting. I went around on the other side 337 00:17:59,440 --> 00:18:02,719 Speaker 2: of my car. You said, Joey, you mean you were 338 00:18:02,720 --> 00:18:07,320 Speaker 2: a chicken. No, I mean I wanted to live. You 339 00:18:07,440 --> 00:18:10,480 Speaker 2: got to accept the fact some people are never gonna 340 00:18:10,480 --> 00:18:13,000 Speaker 2: be at peace with you. They are never gonna see 341 00:18:13,080 --> 00:18:13,800 Speaker 2: your point of view. 342 00:18:13,880 --> 00:18:15,879 Speaker 1: You might as well let it go and move on. 343 00:18:16,560 --> 00:18:19,800 Speaker 2: And even if you can, when you have to ask yourself, 344 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:20,920 Speaker 2: is it worth it? 345 00:18:21,400 --> 00:18:23,040 Speaker 1: What is this gonna accomplish? 346 00:18:23,200 --> 00:18:25,200 Speaker 2: I mean, what if I would have stood up to him, 347 00:18:25,320 --> 00:18:28,200 Speaker 2: show him what I made of big deal? I don't 348 00:18:28,240 --> 00:18:30,720 Speaker 2: even know the man hadn't seen him ten minutes, my 349 00:18:30,760 --> 00:18:31,359 Speaker 2: whole life. 350 00:18:31,400 --> 00:18:32,360 Speaker 1: It's not worth it. 351 00:18:32,640 --> 00:18:35,119 Speaker 2: I made a decision. I'm not gonna give him my power, 352 00:18:35,400 --> 00:18:39,240 Speaker 2: my joy, my peace. There are enough battles in life 353 00:18:39,960 --> 00:18:44,200 Speaker 2: that are worth fighting without getting involved in the ones 354 00:18:44,240 --> 00:18:47,080 Speaker 2: that don't really matter. Some of you today, you get 355 00:18:47,160 --> 00:18:50,399 Speaker 2: upset too easily. You allow too many things to steal 356 00:18:50,440 --> 00:18:54,520 Speaker 2: your joy. The traffic, the weather, A grumpy salesman and 357 00:18:54,640 --> 00:18:56,119 Speaker 2: inconsiderate receptionists. 358 00:18:56,600 --> 00:18:58,400 Speaker 1: Don't go year after year that way. 359 00:18:58,840 --> 00:19:01,560 Speaker 2: Draw the line in the sand and say, you know what, 360 00:19:01,640 --> 00:19:02,200 Speaker 2: that's it. 361 00:19:02,560 --> 00:19:04,680 Speaker 1: I'm not giving away my power anymore. 362 00:19:04,920 --> 00:19:08,879 Speaker 2: I'm going to stay calm, cool and collected. Heard this 363 00:19:09,000 --> 00:19:12,040 Speaker 2: man tell how he was in a taxi cab driving 364 00:19:12,080 --> 00:19:15,240 Speaker 2: to a meeting. They were on the feeder road and 365 00:19:15,320 --> 00:19:17,919 Speaker 2: this car pulled out of a side street, and the 366 00:19:18,000 --> 00:19:20,760 Speaker 2: cab had to slam on his brakes swerve into the 367 00:19:20,800 --> 00:19:24,720 Speaker 2: other lane and missed the car by inches. The driver 368 00:19:24,880 --> 00:19:27,760 Speaker 2: of that car that pulled out, he rolled down his window, 369 00:19:28,160 --> 00:19:30,760 Speaker 2: started honking, screaming, shaking his fist. 370 00:19:31,119 --> 00:19:33,000 Speaker 1: He was so upset, so angry. 371 00:19:33,560 --> 00:19:36,639 Speaker 2: The cab driver just smiled real big, waved at him. 372 00:19:36,560 --> 00:19:40,120 Speaker 1: And kept on moving. The man in the back seat, the. 373 00:19:40,119 --> 00:19:43,479 Speaker 2: Customer there in that cab, he was so impressed. He 374 00:19:43,520 --> 00:19:46,800 Speaker 2: said to the driver, that man almost totaled your car, 375 00:19:47,359 --> 00:19:50,320 Speaker 2: almost sent us to the hospital. I can't believe you 376 00:19:50,320 --> 00:19:52,560 Speaker 2: didn't yell back at him. How were you able to 377 00:19:52,680 --> 00:19:56,720 Speaker 2: keep your cool? The taxi cab driver said, I've learned 378 00:19:56,720 --> 00:20:00,760 Speaker 2: something called the law of garbage trucks. He went on 379 00:20:00,840 --> 00:20:04,920 Speaker 2: to explain how many people are like these big garbage trucks. 380 00:20:05,440 --> 00:20:09,879 Speaker 2: They go around all day full of frustration, full of disappointment, 381 00:20:10,119 --> 00:20:13,880 Speaker 2: full of anger. Now, as they'll garbage piles up, they 382 00:20:13,920 --> 00:20:17,359 Speaker 2: need somewhere to dump it, and sometimes they'll dump it 383 00:20:17,400 --> 00:20:17,840 Speaker 2: on You. 384 00:20:18,520 --> 00:20:19,680 Speaker 1: Don't take it personally. 385 00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:21,920 Speaker 2: It doesn't have anything to do with you. 386 00:20:21,960 --> 00:20:24,480 Speaker 1: Just smile, wave at them and wish them well. 387 00:20:25,600 --> 00:20:30,200 Speaker 2: Successful people don't allow garbage trucks to overtake their day. 388 00:20:30,960 --> 00:20:32,520 Speaker 1: If somebody dumps a load on. 389 00:20:32,480 --> 00:20:36,960 Speaker 2: You, don't get upset, don't get angry, don't get offended. 390 00:20:37,680 --> 00:20:41,000 Speaker 2: If you make that mistake, you'll end up carrying their 391 00:20:41,040 --> 00:20:44,600 Speaker 2: load around, and eventually you'll dump it on somebody else. 392 00:20:45,119 --> 00:20:48,199 Speaker 2: Now'll keep your lid on sometimes these days we need 393 00:20:48,240 --> 00:20:51,280 Speaker 2: to have a steel lid. People are dumping out so 394 00:20:51,400 --> 00:20:54,480 Speaker 2: much poison and criticism, bad news, anger. 395 00:20:55,119 --> 00:20:56,320 Speaker 1: Keep that lid tight. 396 00:20:56,880 --> 00:20:59,760 Speaker 2: We can't stop people from dumping their garbage, but if 397 00:20:59,800 --> 00:21:02,000 Speaker 2: we'll keep our lid on, we can stop it from 398 00:21:02,000 --> 00:21:06,320 Speaker 2: affecting us. Right after nine to eleven, I was invited 399 00:21:06,359 --> 00:21:08,919 Speaker 2: to come to a local television station and be a 400 00:21:08,960 --> 00:21:11,600 Speaker 2: part of a news program. I had to be there 401 00:21:11,720 --> 00:21:15,720 Speaker 2: early Monday morning, around six point thirty. I was already 402 00:21:15,760 --> 00:21:19,480 Speaker 2: kind of tired after Sunday and it was cold and raining, 403 00:21:19,880 --> 00:21:22,560 Speaker 2: still dark. Didn't really feel like going, but I'd made 404 00:21:22,560 --> 00:21:23,120 Speaker 2: the commitment. 405 00:21:23,240 --> 00:21:24,120 Speaker 1: I was on my way. 406 00:21:24,680 --> 00:21:26,800 Speaker 2: They told me to park right up front in this 407 00:21:26,920 --> 00:21:30,320 Speaker 2: special reserved lot for the people that were on the program, 408 00:21:30,600 --> 00:21:32,680 Speaker 2: and so I pulled in there. But when I got 409 00:21:32,720 --> 00:21:36,199 Speaker 2: out of my car, this lady came running over. She 410 00:21:36,359 --> 00:21:39,520 Speaker 2: was a security guard. She came like I just committed 411 00:21:39,560 --> 00:21:42,600 Speaker 2: a major crime. She was not friendly at all. In fact, 412 00:21:42,680 --> 00:21:46,000 Speaker 2: she was downright route. She said, sir, what do you 413 00:21:46,080 --> 00:21:46,840 Speaker 2: think you're doing. 414 00:21:47,359 --> 00:21:51,200 Speaker 1: You cannot park here. This is reserved for our special guest. 415 00:21:51,920 --> 00:21:54,120 Speaker 2: I wanted to say, lady, you can't get any more 416 00:21:54,119 --> 00:21:54,879 Speaker 2: special than me. 417 00:21:57,400 --> 00:21:58,960 Speaker 1: I had to bite my tongue. 418 00:21:59,640 --> 00:22:02,439 Speaker 2: I said, well, ma'am, I am on the program today 419 00:22:02,480 --> 00:22:04,960 Speaker 2: and they told me I could park here. She said, ah, 420 00:22:05,000 --> 00:22:07,399 Speaker 2: they don't know what they're talking about. I run this lot. 421 00:22:07,680 --> 00:22:10,600 Speaker 2: You're gonna have to go outside the gate. I got 422 00:22:10,640 --> 00:22:12,520 Speaker 2: back in my car. I couldn't find anywhere to park. 423 00:22:12,520 --> 00:22:14,920 Speaker 2: I had to go in a little neighborhood way away, 424 00:22:15,119 --> 00:22:17,160 Speaker 2: and it was still raining. I didn't have an umbrella, 425 00:22:17,400 --> 00:22:19,959 Speaker 2: and as I ran to the station, with every step 426 00:22:20,200 --> 00:22:22,520 Speaker 2: I thought, this is not right. I'm gonna get in 427 00:22:22,520 --> 00:22:24,359 Speaker 2: there and tell somebody on that lady. I'm gonna get 428 00:22:24,359 --> 00:22:27,000 Speaker 2: her straightened out. I was about to give away my power. 429 00:22:27,600 --> 00:22:29,480 Speaker 2: I got in there and forgot all about it. A 430 00:22:29,480 --> 00:22:31,720 Speaker 2: couple hours later, I came out after it was over. 431 00:22:32,040 --> 00:22:33,800 Speaker 2: Now it was light and is cleared up. I was 432 00:22:33,800 --> 00:22:36,800 Speaker 2: wearing my suit. As I walked out, the same lady 433 00:22:37,240 --> 00:22:38,639 Speaker 2: the same security guard. 434 00:22:38,840 --> 00:22:41,600 Speaker 1: She was like a different person. She said, Old Pastor 435 00:22:41,720 --> 00:22:46,320 Speaker 1: O Stein, if I'd have known that was you, I 436 00:22:46,320 --> 00:22:47,520 Speaker 1: would have let you park there. 437 00:22:48,520 --> 00:22:51,160 Speaker 2: I was so glad I bit my tongue. She went 438 00:22:51,200 --> 00:22:53,159 Speaker 2: on to say, do you think you'd have time to 439 00:22:53,200 --> 00:22:57,719 Speaker 2: pray for me? I wanted to say I would if 440 00:22:57,760 --> 00:23:01,520 Speaker 2: I didn't have to walk so far. We have to 441 00:23:01,560 --> 00:23:04,520 Speaker 2: make up our mind. We are not going to take 442 00:23:04,720 --> 00:23:06,240 Speaker 2: other people's garbage. 443 00:23:06,480 --> 00:23:08,959 Speaker 1: They may dump it, but we don't have to receive it. 444 00:23:09,240 --> 00:23:10,159 Speaker 1: Keep your lid on it. 445 00:23:11,480 --> 00:23:15,639 Speaker 2: I heard somebody say a small pot boils the quickest. 446 00:23:16,600 --> 00:23:18,919 Speaker 2: You can tell a lot about how big a person 447 00:23:19,119 --> 00:23:22,520 Speaker 2: is by what it takes to get them upset. Your 448 00:23:22,520 --> 00:23:26,600 Speaker 2: emotions will either be controlled by your circumstances or by 449 00:23:26,640 --> 00:23:30,480 Speaker 2: your character. Somebody's rude to you, your emotions will tell 450 00:23:30,520 --> 00:23:34,760 Speaker 2: you pay them back, get even. That doesn't take any discipline. 451 00:23:34,920 --> 00:23:36,800 Speaker 2: Just like a wild horse, you let them have it. 452 00:23:37,320 --> 00:23:39,960 Speaker 2: But when you've got your strength under control, when you've 453 00:23:39,960 --> 00:23:43,280 Speaker 2: developed your character, you realize, I'm bigger than this. 454 00:23:43,760 --> 00:23:45,440 Speaker 1: I'm not going to let them pull me down. 455 00:23:45,680 --> 00:23:49,600 Speaker 2: I've got places to go, goals to accomplish, dreams, to 456 00:23:49,720 --> 00:23:53,359 Speaker 2: realize you don't give away your time and energy on 457 00:23:53,440 --> 00:23:57,640 Speaker 2: things that don't really matter. Character is only developed during 458 00:23:57,680 --> 00:24:00,720 Speaker 2: the difficult times. It's developed when we do the right 459 00:24:00,760 --> 00:24:03,800 Speaker 2: thing when the wrong thing's happening. And this is why 460 00:24:03,960 --> 00:24:07,200 Speaker 2: some people don't have strong character, because the easy thing 461 00:24:07,440 --> 00:24:10,399 Speaker 2: is to just do what you feel. When somebody's rude 462 00:24:10,400 --> 00:24:13,119 Speaker 2: to us, it's easy to get offended. It's easy to 463 00:24:13,160 --> 00:24:16,960 Speaker 2: pay them back. That hardly takes any effort. But it 464 00:24:17,080 --> 00:24:20,919 Speaker 2: takes a mature person to overlook an offense and not 465 00:24:21,040 --> 00:24:24,240 Speaker 2: let it ruin their day. It takes discipline to bite 466 00:24:24,280 --> 00:24:27,800 Speaker 2: our tone when we feel like telling somebody off. It 467 00:24:27,880 --> 00:24:31,200 Speaker 2: takes depth of character to say, you know what, they're 468 00:24:31,240 --> 00:24:32,520 Speaker 2: trying to make me look bad. 469 00:24:32,720 --> 00:24:34,480 Speaker 1: That's not right. But that's all right. 470 00:24:34,520 --> 00:24:36,520 Speaker 2: I'm going to stay on the high road, knowing that 471 00:24:36,520 --> 00:24:39,600 Speaker 2: God's fighting my battles for me, and in the meantime, 472 00:24:39,720 --> 00:24:43,480 Speaker 2: I'm going to enjoy my life. I've discovered there will 473 00:24:43,520 --> 00:24:45,320 Speaker 2: always be someone. 474 00:24:45,160 --> 00:24:46,840 Speaker 1: To steal our joy if we allow. 475 00:24:47,720 --> 00:24:50,440 Speaker 2: If it's not the family member aggravating you, it'll be 476 00:24:50,480 --> 00:24:53,040 Speaker 2: a neighbor. It's not a neighbor, it'll be a coworker. 477 00:24:53,320 --> 00:24:56,119 Speaker 2: If it's not a coworker, it'll be a grumpy salesman 478 00:24:56,520 --> 00:24:59,480 Speaker 2: or a slow driver on the freeway, or a child 479 00:24:59,560 --> 00:25:03,399 Speaker 2: crying the movie, or a telemarketer calling you during dinner time. 480 00:25:03,640 --> 00:25:06,680 Speaker 1: People are everywhere. You can't get away from them. And 481 00:25:06,760 --> 00:25:07,520 Speaker 1: the next. 482 00:25:07,280 --> 00:25:12,000 Speaker 2: Time you have an opportunity to be offended, see that 483 00:25:12,840 --> 00:25:17,080 Speaker 2: as an opportunity to develop your character. Just say no thanks. 484 00:25:17,400 --> 00:25:21,240 Speaker 2: I will stay calm, cool and collected. When you do that, 485 00:25:21,320 --> 00:25:24,920 Speaker 2: you're passing the test. And as you grow in character, 486 00:25:25,520 --> 00:25:28,280 Speaker 2: God will release more of his blessings. That's what it 487 00:25:28,320 --> 00:25:31,800 Speaker 2: says in third John verse two. God wishes above all 488 00:25:31,920 --> 00:25:34,520 Speaker 2: things that we prosper and be in health. 489 00:25:34,720 --> 00:25:35,400 Speaker 1: Here's the key. 490 00:25:35,920 --> 00:25:40,159 Speaker 2: Even as our soul prospers, our soul is our mind, 491 00:25:40,359 --> 00:25:41,880 Speaker 2: our will, and our emotions. 492 00:25:42,400 --> 00:25:44,080 Speaker 1: This is saying, as we. 493 00:25:44,080 --> 00:25:48,400 Speaker 2: Learn to control our emotions and be disciplined in our thoughts, 494 00:25:48,440 --> 00:25:52,120 Speaker 2: in our actions, as we develop our character, God will 495 00:25:52,160 --> 00:25:55,920 Speaker 2: release more of his favor. On the flip side, if 496 00:25:55,920 --> 00:25:58,880 Speaker 2: we don't develop our character, it will limit how high 497 00:25:58,960 --> 00:26:02,840 Speaker 2: we can go. Promotion comes from God, and God is 498 00:26:02,880 --> 00:26:06,440 Speaker 2: not going to promote someone and give them recognition if 499 00:26:06,480 --> 00:26:08,240 Speaker 2: he knows they're not going to be a good example. 500 00:26:08,520 --> 00:26:10,320 Speaker 1: They're going to lose their cool. Every other day. 501 00:26:10,400 --> 00:26:13,680 Speaker 2: Treat people wrong, it will limit what God can do. 502 00:26:14,400 --> 00:26:17,560 Speaker 2: But if we will focus on developing our character and 503 00:26:17,640 --> 00:26:19,720 Speaker 2: learn to do the right thing in the tough times 504 00:26:19,720 --> 00:26:24,280 Speaker 2: and overlook these offenses, not let daily frustrations get us down. 505 00:26:24,720 --> 00:26:27,760 Speaker 2: If we will rise above that, there's no limit to 506 00:26:27,800 --> 00:26:31,000 Speaker 2: where God's going to take us. I'm asking us today 507 00:26:31,320 --> 00:26:34,480 Speaker 2: to not go the next twenty years allowing the same 508 00:26:34,600 --> 00:26:37,760 Speaker 2: people and the same circumstances to steal your joy. 509 00:26:38,400 --> 00:26:41,320 Speaker 1: Don't give away your power, keep your lid on. 510 00:26:41,840 --> 00:26:45,040 Speaker 2: When somebody tries to dump their garbage on you, just smile, 511 00:26:45,400 --> 00:26:46,200 Speaker 2: wave at them. 512 00:26:46,160 --> 00:26:46,760 Speaker 1: And move on. 513 00:26:47,200 --> 00:26:50,399 Speaker 2: Don't let that poison rub off on you. Be an 514 00:26:50,440 --> 00:26:53,439 Speaker 2: eagle and rise above it. I want us to go 515 00:26:53,480 --> 00:26:56,480 Speaker 2: into this new year more determined than ever that we're 516 00:26:56,520 --> 00:26:57,639 Speaker 2: going to live life. 517 00:26:57,480 --> 00:26:58,240 Speaker 1: To the full. 518 00:26:58,960 --> 00:27:03,440 Speaker 2: We are not supposed to to drag through the day frustrated, upset, offended. 519 00:27:03,640 --> 00:27:06,440 Speaker 2: We're supposed to be full of joy, full of peace, 520 00:27:06,560 --> 00:27:09,960 Speaker 2: full of victory. If you'll learn this principle to not 521 00:27:10,119 --> 00:27:13,600 Speaker 2: give away your power and focus on developing your character, 522 00:27:14,280 --> 00:27:16,639 Speaker 2: You're not only going to enjoy your life more, but 523 00:27:16,720 --> 00:27:19,400 Speaker 2: God is gonna pour out his blessings in favor. You're 524 00:27:19,400 --> 00:27:22,080 Speaker 2: gonna rise higher and higher, and you will live that 525 00:27:22,119 --> 00:27:24,280 Speaker 2: life of victory he has in story. 526 00:27:24,280 --> 00:27:28,280 Speaker 1: Amen, do you receive that today? Well? 527 00:27:28,280 --> 00:27:30,879 Speaker 2: We never like to close our broadcast without giving you 528 00:27:30,880 --> 00:27:33,680 Speaker 2: an opportunity to make Jesus the lord of your life. 529 00:27:33,920 --> 00:27:37,639 Speaker 2: Would you pray with me? Just say, Lord, Jesus, I 530 00:27:37,760 --> 00:27:42,080 Speaker 2: repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make 531 00:27:42,160 --> 00:27:45,520 Speaker 2: you my Lord and savior. Friends, if you prayed that 532 00:27:45,640 --> 00:27:48,320 Speaker 2: simple prayer, we believe you got born again. Get in 533 00:27:48,400 --> 00:27:51,159 Speaker 2: a good Bible based church, Keep God first place. 534 00:27:51,400 --> 00:27:53,679 Speaker 1: He's gonna take your places you've never dreamed of. 535 00:27:54,720 --> 00:28:00,800 Speaker 3: Every day we can live discouraged, angry, depressed, feed it 536 00:28:00,840 --> 00:28:03,720 Speaker 3: is it possible to turn these negatives into an outlook 537 00:28:03,760 --> 00:28:06,199 Speaker 3: filled with purpose, happiness and joy. 538 00:28:07,440 --> 00:28:10,680 Speaker 2: Every day we make choices how we see ourselves, how 539 00:28:10,720 --> 00:28:13,720 Speaker 2: we respond to challenges, how we approach what's in front 540 00:28:13,760 --> 00:28:17,200 Speaker 2: of us. I've readen a devotional called Today I Choose 541 00:28:17,440 --> 00:28:20,920 Speaker 2: Devotions for a Better Line. It's designed to help you 542 00:28:21,000 --> 00:28:24,359 Speaker 2: make those choices on purpose, to choose faith over fear, 543 00:28:24,760 --> 00:28:28,200 Speaker 2: peace over frustration, and kindness over offense. 544 00:28:28,720 --> 00:28:29,359 Speaker 1: Each day is. 545 00:28:29,359 --> 00:28:32,719 Speaker 2: Filled with scripture and practical encouragement to help you live 546 00:28:32,760 --> 00:28:34,200 Speaker 2: with confidence and victory. 547 00:28:34,800 --> 00:28:36,680 Speaker 1: You can't wait to see what kind of day it's 548 00:28:36,680 --> 00:28:38,880 Speaker 1: going to be. You have to decide ahead of time. 549 00:28:39,360 --> 00:28:42,080 Speaker 2: When you do, you can step into a more blessed, 550 00:28:42,240 --> 00:28:43,200 Speaker 2: fulfilled life. 551 00:28:43,560 --> 00:28:44,640 Speaker 1: I'd love to send you a. 552 00:28:44,600 --> 00:28:47,680 Speaker 3: Copy as our way of saying thank you for your 553 00:28:47,760 --> 00:28:50,200 Speaker 3: gift of any amount, we would like to send you 554 00:28:50,240 --> 00:28:54,520 Speaker 3: a copy of Today, I Choose Devotions for a Better Life. 555 00:28:54,760 --> 00:28:58,480 Speaker 3: Every day begins with a choice, and this inspiring book 556 00:28:58,720 --> 00:29:02,080 Speaker 3: is packed with powerful devotional truth that will help you 557 00:29:02,120 --> 00:29:06,320 Speaker 3: in the specific challenges you face in life, including today, 558 00:29:06,360 --> 00:29:09,680 Speaker 3: I choose to turn down the noise, to believe what 559 00:29:09,800 --> 00:29:13,479 Speaker 3: I cannot see, to be happy, to trust God's timing. 560 00:29:13,840 --> 00:29:17,880 Speaker 3: They will transform your attitude, your outlook, your entire day. 561 00:29:18,240 --> 00:29:22,320 Speaker 3: As you embrace these biblical principles, you'll see problems dissolve, 562 00:29:22,760 --> 00:29:27,520 Speaker 3: hope restored mountains move, choose the joy and happiness God 563 00:29:27,560 --> 00:29:30,719 Speaker 3: has chosen for you. Be sure to request your copy 564 00:29:30,760 --> 00:29:34,920 Speaker 3: of Today, I Choose Devotions for a Better Life, available 565 00:29:35,000 --> 00:29:38,640 Speaker 3: this month by simply visiting us at Joelostein dot com 566 00:29:38,920 --> 00:29:42,720 Speaker 3: or call eight eight eight five six seven Joel Call 567 00:29:42,840 --> 00:29:45,400 Speaker 3: or click anytime twenty four hours a day. 568 00:29:46,160 --> 00:29:49,480 Speaker 2: When you make choices based on what God says about you, 569 00:29:49,480 --> 00:29:52,560 Speaker 2: You're going to live happier, have more peace, and you'll 570 00:29:52,600 --> 00:29:55,600 Speaker 2: be a bigger blessing to others. Thanks so much for 571 00:29:55,680 --> 00:29:58,360 Speaker 2: being with us today, Victoria. I pray for you and 572 00:29:58,400 --> 00:30:02,320 Speaker 2: your family every day. We sure appreciate your prayer and support. 573 00:30:02,800 --> 00:30:06,320 Speaker 2: Your generosity helps us take this message to people around 574 00:30:06,400 --> 00:30:09,240 Speaker 2: the world. Now, special thank you to our Champion of 575 00:30:09,320 --> 00:30:12,560 Speaker 2: Hope partners for all you do to make the ministry possible. 576 00:30:12,960 --> 00:30:15,440 Speaker 2: And until we meet again, May the Lord bless you 577 00:30:15,640 --> 00:30:16,360 Speaker 2: and keep you. 578 00:30:17,280 --> 00:30:20,520 Speaker 3: Be sure to request your copy of Today I Choose 579 00:30:20,800 --> 00:30:24,560 Speaker 3: Devotions for a Better Life available this month by simply 580 00:30:24,640 --> 00:30:28,280 Speaker 3: visiting us at Joelostein dot com or call eight eight 581 00:30:28,320 --> 00:30:32,760 Speaker 3: eight five six seven Joel call or click anytime twenty 582 00:30:32,840 --> 00:30:36,040 Speaker 3: four hours a day. You can also receive that Today 583 00:30:36,120 --> 00:30:40,080 Speaker 3: I Choose to Rejoice signature edition art print created to 584 00:30:40,240 --> 00:30:44,600 Speaker 3: encourage faith and purpose filled living. This beautifully framed twelve 585 00:30:44,600 --> 00:30:48,240 Speaker 3: by fifteen art piece features the powerful promise of Psalm 586 00:30:48,320 --> 00:30:51,520 Speaker 3: one eighteen twenty four. This is the day the Lord 587 00:30:51,600 --> 00:30:54,560 Speaker 3: has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. 588 00:30:55,000 --> 00:30:58,440 Speaker 3: Choose every morning to begin with a declaration of God's 589 00:30:58,480 --> 00:31:03,040 Speaker 3: eternal promise You can request these inspiring resources by calling 590 00:31:03,160 --> 00:31:06,320 Speaker 3: eight eight eight five six seven Joel or logging on 591 00:31:06,520 --> 00:31:11,080 Speaker 3: to joelostein dot com today. Call or click anytime, twenty 592 00:31:11,120 --> 00:31:17,760 Speaker 3: four hours a day. Request your copies today