Women | by Jackie Garner
Monday, January 30, 2012
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As I have prayed and sought the Lord concerning the upcoming year, I felt Him impressing on my heart for 2012 that He is taking us into a new level of anointing and authority! The key to stepping into this new anointing and authority is receiving the God given confidence to walk it out. I said “God given” because it is not a confidence we can “muster up” on our own; it is truly a gift and all we have to do is receive it!
Scripture says in John 16:33 (AMP) “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”
If God has “deprived” the world of the power to overtake us, that tells me that even when hard times, trials or frustrating situations come into our lives, we don’t have to get worried or depressed because God has given us the confidence to and the assurance that we WILL OVERCOME!
God says “be confident”. He does not say, “Feel confident.” As we choose to act confident, the “feelings” or evidence of the confidence will soon follow. Never let how you feel hold you back from receiving what God has already promised you!
Choose this day to step into your new anointing with the God given confidence that 2012 will be the year that you see what you have believed for become a reality!
Lakewood Church | by Joel and Victoria Osteen
Friday, January 27, 2012
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God created us for relationship—first of all with Him, and then with other people. The people you spend time with impact the course of your future. That's why it's so important to spend time with believers who are committed to the Word of God, people who will encourage you, build you up, and pray for you when times get tough. That's why we have so many classes and small groups here at Lakewood Church. We want to give you every opportunity to connect with people of like faith to help you grow in your relationship with God the Father.
Victoria and I are so proud of our Compass Bible Study teachers and volunteers. Each week, they study, prepare, pray and present the truth of God's Word in a clear, relevant way that creates an atmosphere for Godly connections and support.
If you're looking for connection, if you're looking for a way to deepen your spiritual walk, there's a Compass Bible Study class just for you! For more information on Compass Bible Studies, click here
Victoria and I love you so much and pray for you every single day. We encourage you to keep coming as often as you can because there's a special blessing when believers come together in unity. (See Psalm 133) We want to see you live in freedom and victory and enjoy the abundant life that Jesus came to give you! See you this weekend!
Joel and Victoria Osteen
Lakewood Church | by Lisa Comes
Monday, January 23, 2012
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God put this truth strong in my spirit and I want to encourage you today that what you are going through right now is temporary. II Corinthians 4:16-18 exhorts us to look not at the things that are seen—your problems and circumstances—because they are temporary. Instead fix your eyes on what is unseen—God and His faithful promises—because they are eternal. The Message Bible elaborates on this thought and says that God has good times coming for you. I love that!
My declaration for 2012 is: It's just temporary and good times are coming! In fact, I have decided that I am going to celebrate the goodness of God and expect great things this year. This is not a time to give up on yourself or your dreams. God said, 'Forget the former things and do not dwell on the past because I am doing a new thing. Do you not perceive it?' (Isaiah 43:18-19) Don't allow circumstances to blind you from seeing the great things that God is doing and wants to do in your life.
Say 'Yes!' to God today. 'Father God, I do perceive that you are doing a new thing in my life. I am not going to allow a moment to become a lifetime. This is temporary and I am coming out with total victory and restoration!'
Women | by Jackie Garner
Monday, January 23, 2012
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As we begin our 3rd week in the Health and Fitness Challenge, we can clearly see the need for a deep dependency on the Holy Spirit. We need help! In John 16:7, 15 Jesus told his disciples, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you…All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.”
The Holy Spirit has such an essential role in the life of every Believer, with a vast job description. Some Christians only associate the filling of the Holy Spirit with those things that are considered “charismatic”, such as tongues, and therefore prefer to ignore His function. The Holy Spirit is our Helper. He helps us to do what? Everything!
God promised us in Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” The word “Helper” in Greek is parakletos, meaning intercessor, counselor, advocate or comforter. What a beautiful promise of a constant help! When God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit to guide us and direct us in every situation. We can depend upon Him for everything. The key is to learn to listen to our help.
We need to “practice the art of listening” to God through the Holy Spirit. It is something we must learn to do because in the natural our minds are always “on”.
Today, I want to encourage you to find your own way of spending time just listening to God. Maybe you will take just 3 minutes away from work, doing dishes, watching TV, whatever you can think of and stop to hear from God. Tell Him you are listening and then just listen! God is so gentle and faithful and promises that when we draw near to Him; He will draw near to us (James 4:8).
Your Helper is within you, waiting for you to stop and be still so that you can incline your ears to hear ALL He wants to share with you. Begin today!
Lakewood Church | by Joel and Victoria Osteen
Friday, January 20, 2012
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One of the most popular New Year's resolutions is to lose weight, get in shape and develop healthy habits. But have you ever thought of being healthy as a spiritual issue? If you're tired and run down all the time, not feeling confident about yourself, it will hold you back from doing the things God has called you to do. That's why the Men's Ministry has teamed up with the Women's Ministry to start the New Year off with an eight-week, Health and Fitness Challenge—to offer you the tools and support you need to reach your goals.
If you want to be a part of this movement and receive weekly encouragement, health tips and fitness videos in your inbox, it's not too late to sign up! Click here for more information click here and mark your calendar for the mid-term rally on Wednesday, February 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lakewood Chapel.
Finally, we just want to encourage you that no matter what your goals and resolutions are this year, with God, all things are possible! (Matthew 19:26) We are standing with you, believing for breakthroughs, increase, new opportunities and greater revelation of His love and truth in every area of your life! We believe wholeheartedly that 2012 is going to be your best year yet!
We love you and look forward to seeing you at a service this weekend!
Joel and Victoria Osteen