LCH Blog Feed

Called Into His Marvelous Light

general@lakewood.cc (Joel and Victoria Osteen) — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV).

When I think of light, I think of warmth, healing and power. I think of it dispelling darkness and helping us to see. Scripture says that God is light. In Him, there is no darkness at all. He has called us to live in His light, to experience His comfort, strength, healing, power and direction. He doesn't want us to rely on what the world has to offer for comfort, He wants to be our comfort.

So many people today, even believers, are struggling with strongholds and addictions, but God wants to see us all set free and walking in His liberty. That's why we have our "Celebrate Recovery" class so that you can learn to embrace the freedom He has for you by walking in His marvelous light. Don't let the trappings of this world grab you. Don't allow addictions, wrong mindsets or unhealthy behaviors hold you back. You were created to be free. For more information, click here

Please know that Victoria and I love you and pray for you every day. We believe your best days are ahead, and we want to see you move forward in victory in every area of your life!

Joel & Victoria Osteen

You Are Called Blessed!

general@lakewood.cc (Joel and Victoria Osteen) — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This weekend, we celebrate Mother's Day. We honor their love, life and investment into families. Proverbs 31 talks about the woman who honors the Lord and tells us that she deserves honor. In verse 28 it says that, "Her children arise and call her blessed."

Today, we rise up and bless the mothers, but we also rise up and bless all who honor the Lord! Psalm one says that when we take delight in His laws, when we put Him first place, we open the door to His blessing in our lives.

Victoria and I want you to know how much we love and appreciate you. We bless you in the name of Jesus. We believe your best days are ahead of you, and as you put the Lord first in everything you do, He will direct your paths.

We also want to invite you to be a part of our Compass Classes. God created you and me for fellowship; first, for fellowship with Him, and then for fellowship with other people. God uses the people in our lives to help us grow and stand strong against the storms of life. He didn't create you to live life on your own. He set up a plan in His Word for victory; He's given you His Holy Spirit to guide you, and He's established the family of God to walk with you and help you navigate life. Click here for more information about our Compass Classes

We love you!

Joel & Victoria Osteen

Baskets of Love

general@lakewood.cc (Joel and Victoria Osteen) — Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In Victoria's book, Love Your Life, she tells a story of how years ago, she wanted to make gift baskets for women in local shelters. At the time, it didn't work out, but she prayed for God to give her the opportunity to bless women in need, and God was faithful! She had that opportunity and blessed the women in ways beyond what she could ever imagine. And now, you also have the opportunity to be a blessing to women and children in need.

On Saturday, May 19th, Lakewood Church will be making gift baskets for women and children in our community who have been rescued from human trafficking. The Local Missions Ministry will be collecting perfumes, bath gels, lotions, jewelry or other appropriate items for the baskets. For more information on how to donate, or to find out how you can volunteer to assemble baskets, click here

Remember, together we are the hands and feet of Jesus. We are called to reach out to our community, our nation and our world. We invite you to explore all of our mission's opportunities. Regardless of your individual gifts and talents, you are needed! There is a place where you can be a blessing here at Lakewood Church!

Please know that Victoria and I love you and pray for you every day. We look forward to seeing you at a service this weekend!

Joel and Victoria Osteen

It is an honor to serve with you! We love you, and we'll see you this weekend!

Joel and Victoria Osteen

One Body

general@lakewood.cc (Joel and Victoria Osteen) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it (1 Corinthians 12:27 NIV).

As believers in Jesus, Ephesians 1 tells us that we have literally been adopted by God the Father. We are heirs together of His divine promises—we are family! As our family, we desire God's very best for you. We want to see you grow, flourish and prosper in every area of your life. One of the keys to continually growing in your faith is to stay connected with other believers. That's why we offer classes, small groups, and special services every week at Lakewood Church where you can be strengthened, encouraged and taught the Word of God.

Not only are we family, but we are His body; His hands and feet in the Earth. We each have a vital role to play in reaching out to meet the needs of this congregation and those who are in our community. We invite you to visit one of the booths around the church to speak with someone about opportunities to volunteer and make a difference in someone else's life. We are all called to be ministers of reconciliation, and as we reach out to others, we are fulfilling our highest calling.

Please know that we love you, we appreciate you, and we pray for you every single day! We look forward to seeing you this weekend as we welcome special guest, John Maxwell!

Joel & Victoria Osteen

You Are Invited!

general@lakewood.cc (Joel and Victoria Osteen) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:48:00 GMT

When Jesus sent His disciples out into the world, He said, "Give as freely as you have received" (Matthew 10:8, TLB). In other words, give whatever you have. Can you give a smile or an encouraging word? Can you give someone a ride to church? Can you pray for someone to have peace in their life? All of us have something to give, and Jesus asks that we give it freely to others. Jesus said in Mark 10:45, "I came to serve."

If we want to be more like God, we have to do what He does—serve others.

Here at Lakewood, our Service Team Ministries provide many ways for you to serve. Whether sharing a smile as a Greeter or driving a golf cart with our Helping Hands Ministry, there is a place here for you to reach out and help others.

The annual "Become a Volunteer" event is coming up soon! For more information, click here or visit the Volunteer Booth in the Discover Lakewood area next time you're in service. Remember, there is joy in serving, and when you get involved in God's purposes, He will pour out a blessing upon you that you won't even be able to contain!

We love you and thank all of our volunteers for your faithfulness every single week. Together we are the hands and feet of Jesus fulfilling His mission on earth.

Joel and Victoria Osteen

You Can Rise Again!

general@lakewood.cc (Joel and Victoria Osteen) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

When Jesus was on His way to be crucified, He was made to carry His own cross. He had been so badly beaten that He couldn't carry it all the way—He fell down under the weight of His cross.

Sometimes in life, the cross we're carrying can get heavy. We think, "I can't raise this child. I can't stay in this marriage. I can't deal with this legal situation another day." Those accusing voices will come and try to convince you that if you've ever had a doubt, if you've ever gotten discouraged, if you've ever fallen, then God is finished with you. But, look what happened to Jesus. When He fell down, God didn't leave Him there. God didn't say, "Too bad, Jesus. You should have had more faith." No, God immediately sent Simon across His path to help him. Simon picked up the cross and carried it for Jesus.

Here's the point: when you're down, when you have doubts, when you're discouraged, God will always send somebody to help you back up. It's okay to have doubts; just don't stay there. It's okay to be disappointed; just realize that disappointment is not the end. God still has something great in your future! Always remember that because Jesus rose again, you can rise again, too! Help is on the way to lead you to victory!

This weekend, we invite you to bring a guest as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

We love you!

Joel and Victoria Osteen

Financial Matters

general@lakewood.cc (Joel and Victoria Osteen) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Jesus told a story in scripture about a wealthy man who entrusted some money, called talents, to three of his employees. He instructed them to invest it and make the most of it while he was gone. On his return, he found that two of the men used their talents wisely and doubled their investments. However, one man said, "I buried my talent because I was afraid." He was full of excuses. The employer was so upset that he took what he had given to that man and gave it to another who had been faithful. It's interesting that all the men had the same opportunity, but one man didn't take advantage of it.

God has entrusted every person with a measure of gifts, abilities and resources. He's watching to see what we will do with them. If you are faithful with what God has given you, He will multiply you and increase you in ways you never dreamed. It's not about how much you have; it's about using what you have.

Here at Lakewood, we want to help you make the most of the financial resources God has entrusted to you. The Lakewood Financial Ministry is offering a ten-week series to empower you to eliminate debt, build wealth, discover the joy of giving, and follow biblical financial principles. Click here for more information.

Remember, when you are faithful with what you have in your hand, God will increase you and honor you beyond your wildest dreams!

We love you!

Joel & Victoria Osteen

Totally Free

general@lakewood.cc (Joel and Victoria Osteen) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:28:00 GMT

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36, NIV).

God, the Father, loves you so much today. Not only does He offer eternal life through His Son, Jesus, but He offers complete freedom from every bondage -physically, spiritually and emotionally while you are here on this earth. He wants you to be free indeed!

So many people are walking this earth and love Jesus, but they don't fully understand what it means to be totally free. They are still carrying past hurts, frustrations, addictions and anxiety that they were never meant to carry. At Lakewood, we want to help you become totally free, and that's why we offer the Freedom Series. These classes are designed to teach you biblical principles to walk in the freedom and victory God has for you. It's time to break free from past hurts, anger, worry and addictions. It's time to have the strength you need to make it through the difficult times. It's time to be totally free! For more information on any of the classes in the Freedom Series, click here

Always remember, no matter what you are facing in life, God is faithful! He is the one who began a good work in you, and He will complete it. Keep your heart open and receive the strength and victory He is offering to you!

We love you and pray for you every day, and we look forward to seeing you at a service this weekend!

Joel and Victoria Osteen

Circle Of Hope

general@lakewood.cc (Craig Johnson) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We are starting a new ministry at Lakewood called 'Circle of Hope.' This ministry will minister to kids and adults in three different areas: Children at risk, the medically fragile, and those with special needs. It will provide sponsorship, mentorship, and respite; quarterly outings and celebrations; and an end of the year camp celebrating our participants called “Camp Hope”.

Our Circle of Hope team was a part of making a dream come true recently. It was for a dear lady who has stage 4 lung cancer and her dream was to meet Pastor Joel & Victoria and come to Lakewood Church. An organization called The Dream Foundation helped make this happen. Here is a link to Patricia's story.

I'm reminded of a story I heard about Mother Theresa. There was a man they found lying in a drain where worms had half eaten his feet and he was left to die. Mother Theresa had the sisters pick this dying man out of the gutter and took him to her hospital for the destitute and dying. As the nuns cleaned the wounds and cleaned his body, they lovingly cared for this dying old man. He then looked up at one of the nuns and said, 'Now I am ready to see God.' We believe that God can heal any situation, but if it's not God's plan to heal someone here on earth, we can always be the one He uses to give someone love and dignity even when facing death.

What a privilege that The Dream Foundation, Lakewood Church, Pastor Joel and Victoria, and our 'Circle of Hope' ministry was a part of showing Patricia love by helping make her wish come true.

If you know someone in the Houston area that would benefit from this ministry please let us know. Our mission is Isaiah 61:1-3...To help bring beauty from ashes, hope from despair, joy instead of mourning.

If you would like to be a part of this ministry or would like to know more about it please contact our Circle of Hope office by emailing roxanne@lakewood.cc

Young at Heart—Celebrating Him!

general@lakewood.cc (Joel and Victoria Osteen) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In Psalm 103:5, it says that God "fills our life with good things and renews our youth like the eagle." That means we can live out our days with joy, enthusiasm, health, strength and vitality. That's our desire for you because it's God's desire for every age and in every stage of life!

In our "Young at Heart Seniors Ministry," we offer the opportunity to enhance the lives of seniors by providing a place to develop lasting friendships, strengthen your faith, share your talents and stay healthy and active!

On the first Saturday of every month, there is a fellowship from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Lakewood with a catered lunch. Coming up on Saturday, April 7th, is the Resurrection Celebration! The Young At Heart worship team and guest vocalists will lead an extended time of worship. So invite your family and friends to enjoy lunch, fellowship and small groups.

Tickets will be on sale in the Lakewood Bookstore from March 10 through April 1 for $8.00 per person. For more information, click here, email fellowships@lakewood.cc, or call 713-491-1129.

Please know that Victoria and I love you and pray for you every day. We want to see you strengthened and renewed as you put your trust in Him!

We look forward to seeing you at a service this weekend!

Joel & Victoria Osteen