Breakthrough Is Coming | Joel Osteen | Lakewood Church Service ((music playing)) Hey, good morning everyone. Welcome to Lakewood today. Thanks for coming out. How many of you ready to worship the Lord today? And God's been good to us. Awesome to have you. Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers as well. Well, we're going to be honoring you guys, but just um what an honor it is to have everybody in the house of the Lord. I know you could be doing a lot of different things, but you said, "I'm going to go to Lakewood today." And we are very honored to have you watching online, listening live on SiriusXM. I really believe your new week is going to go better because you've taken time to honor God today. So, I hope you, you know, even come in with the attitude of, you know, some people grow up with attitude, God's mad at me, and I can never measure up, but I like to have the attitude, I believe God's smiling down on us right now. You know, I know we're not all perfect, but neither are our children, but we love them. And you know, you're you have a heart after God, or you wouldn't be here today. So, I believe that's an attitude to receive. God, you love me. I love you, and I'm gonna worship you today. And believe when you do that, you're not going to go out of here the same way. You know, when you when you release any kind of guilt and worry, and you know, maybe just discouragement, stress, if you can just turn that over to God, do you know what's going to happen? He's going to fill you with fresh peace and fresh joy and fresh vision. But I've learned if we don't empty it out, there's no room for the new things God wants to do. So, it's I try to do it the first of every day. I just let go of all the negativity and say, "God, you're on the throne today. You woke me up. You gave me another day to be alive. So, you know what? I think you're doing what I'm doing. We're choosing to live in faith and praise and thanksgiving. That's what activates God's power and favor in our lives. But anyway, I didn't mean to tell you all that, but that's good, wasn't it? But anyway, thanks for coming out today. We're going to have a great time. Here's my declaration. We believe not one of us will leave the same way we came in. You're going to go out of here with more joy, more faith, more victory in Jesus name. Thanks for coming out. Amen. I receive that. Don't you? You can't be in the presence of almighty God and remain the same because in his presence is fullness of joy. So you might as well just open up ((music playing)) your heart this morning and let God pour in his joy and his blessing and his favor and anything else you need because ((music playing)) in his presence there is everything that we need. In fact, I love what it says in Hebrews that this this hope that we have in Christ is an anchor for our souls. That means when life's uncertain, when this world tries to pull us in all kinds of directions, then Jesus anchors our soul. The word of God anchors our soul. And when we come together like we are right now to worship this mighty great God, this is a reinforcing the anchor ((music playing)) for our soul. So this morning as we worship, just know you're just getting stronger. You're reinforcing the things that God has in your life. So let's enter into this place of worship that's a holy place really because when we invite God in he comes in. When we call on his name, he comes. So let's enter into his presence with ((music playing)) joy and thanksgiving. Amen. Father, we thank you so much for this day. We thank you that we can stand in this place, Father, and freely worship you. No restrictions, ((music playing)) God. we can just lavish our love on you as you pour out your love ((music playing)) on us. And so, Father, we want to thank you for that. We want to anchor our souls deep and secure in who you are. So, Father, we just want to give you our highest praise. And as we do, God, let this just be a sweet smelling aroma, just a fragrance that blesses you, Father. Cuz that's what we want to do. We want to glorify you and we want to bless you. ((music playing)) And it's in Jesus' name we pray. And everyone said, "Amen." ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Lord Jesus, we love you today. We do speak your name. We praise your name. We recognize, Father, that you control the universe. That you chose us before we could choose you. And Lord, here we stand on another Sunday, redeemed and forgiven because of the great price that you paid. And we don't take it for granted. Father, we come back to say thank you for your goodness and mercy. And Father, thank you for waking us up this morning and giving us breath to breathe, life to live. Thank you for all the beautiful mothers that are here. Thank you for our family, our friends. Lord, we we count it an honor to be alive another day. Lord, let everything we do bring honor to your name. Help us to live this day in faith and victory and praise, being good to other people. Lord, I thank you that as we continue to honor you, that you are fighting our battles, that you are making the crooked places straight. Lord, I thank you that you're opening the right doors and closing the wrong doors. that you're bringing the right people across our path and Lord, weed out the wrong people. I thank you, Lord, that we're full of your wisdom, that we have the power to obey, Lord, that we have clear direction for our lives, that we make decisions that honor you, that move us toward our God-given destiny. Lord, I thank you for your mercy for the mistakes we've made, the wrong turns. Lord, we leave that in the past. We let today be a new beginning. Lord, we leave all the negativity, what people have said, disappointments, what didn't work out. Lord, we know you're still in control. Lord, we let today be a new beginning in our lives. Uh I just speak freshness over every person here. Fresh vision, fresh favor, fresh attitude, fresh momentum, fresh growth. Lord, that we'll never get stuck or stagnant, but we're moving forward knowing that you have good things in store. Lord, we thank you. You've done great things in the past, but we believe the best is still yet to come. That 2026 will be a year of your favor and blessing and opportunity and freedom and Lord, making things happen that we couldn't make happen. Lord, even this morning while we're worshiping you, I just thank you that every force that's tried to stop us has been broken in the name of Jesus. depression, anxiety, mental illnesses, maybe it's addictions or bad habits or dysfunction from the past. Maybe it's a sickness, chronic pain. Lord, I thank you that today is a breakthrough day. That you're doing what only you can do. And Lord, we thank you. Our eyes, our trust, our hope is in you, Lord. That you'll help us become who we were created to be. And Father, I do lift up those that are fighting battles in their health here in the building, maybe watching or listening. Lord, you said that you'd restore health back to your people. Lord, I've seen in my own life that you can do what medicine cannot do. That you have the final say. So, Lord, I speak your healing power over all those that need it. Lord, I thank you that the number of our days you will fulfill. That nothing can snatch us out of your hands. that Lord, even right now, healing is flowing into all those that need it. Lord, we just receive it by faith into our bones, our joints, our ligaments, Lord, correcting anything that's wrong that we will run and not be weary that the tide of the battle in our health is beginning to turn a long healthy blessed life. Lord, we receive that into our spirits. And Lord, not just physically, but I lift up those that are in tough times and some have gone through loss. Father, you said you're close to the brokenhearted. Let them feel your presence right now. And I thank you, Lord, just for that peace that only you can give and comforting them even though it feels like it's the end. Lord, let them see it's a new beginning. That you are still in control. That you're breathing hope into them right now. That weeping may endure for a night, but joy is coming in the morning. Lord, I thank you for the joy that's on the way, the new beginnings in Jesus' name. Lord, I thank you that all all that you've done for us here at Lakewood, 67 years old today on Mother's Day. Thank you for your faithfulness, for sustaining us, ((music playing)) Lord, for another great year, another birthday for the church, for your glory, and for your honor. Lord, we believe, declare the ((music playing)) best is still yet to come. That we are victors and never victims ((music playing)) in Jesus' name. Amen. And amen. So awesome to have you today. Thanks for coming out. We make a declaration of faith in every service. So come on, let's say it like you mean it. I am blessed, prosperous, redeemed, forgiven, healthy, whole, talented, creative, confident, secure, disciplined, focused, prepared, qualified, motivated, valuable, free, determined, equipped, empowered, anointed, accepted, and approved. Not average, not mediocre. I am a child of the most high God. I will become all I was created to be in Jesus name. Amen and amen. Come on, let's believe that last phrase. All that God created us to be. The scripture talks about the fullness of our destiny. Now, I think you know it's easy in life to say, "Well, you know what, Joel? God's been good to me and I've made it to 70% or I made it to 60. I made it to 85." But let me tell you, God didn't put you here on this earth to not have greater things in front of you. You didn't like, you know, I think about, you know, God planned out all of your days. Maybe whatever. Let's make it up. 95 years, let's go have a long life. Well, God didn't say, "Okay, you know, but at 70, you're going to be about done. And at 80, you're not going to have anything to do." There is potential in you for every season that you're in. Something God has for you. Let me tell you, somebody needs what you have. Somebody needs your love. Somebody needs your smile. This world needs your gifts. The scripture, Paul told Timothy, stir up the gifts on a regular basis. You got to stir it up and say, "God, I thank you that you've got greater things in store for me. I'm going to be content, but I'm not going to settle here. I'm going to keep stretching and believing for the fullness of my destiny." You know, one principle the scripture gives us, uh, Abraham was in a difficult place. And God told Abraham, "Look up from where you are. For all the land that you can see, I will give it to you." It's a spiritual principle. Sometimes we can get looking down. You know what? Joel, I got this financial problem. Got this health issue. I got this child and you know, figuratively looking, you know, we're speaking, we're looking down, but God is saying, "Look up today." You know, don't focus on your problems. Focus on the greatness of your God. He created the universe. He's got you in the palm of his hand. And I've learned this. You have to conceive it on the inside before it'll come to pass on the outside. Sometimes what's holding us back is our own our own vision. You know, you know, for me, I I don't think I can minister when my dad died, but there were things in me. I had to change the way I saw myself. And today, I I believe God is telling us, look up from where you are. Start seeing the greatness of our God. Yeah. I'm not saying to deny your problem. You can say, "Yeah, Lord, I've got this big health problem, but Lord, I'm going to look up. I know you're Jehovah Rafa, the Lord my healer. I know you can restore health back unto me, God. I got this big problem in my finances. I feel I'm not denying that, but Lord, I know you're Jehovah Gyra, the Lord, my provider, that you're supplying my needs. Let's look up. The scripture says, "Lift up your head and the King of glory will come in." As you look up, you get a vision for it. God's going to do some unusual, uncommon things. 2026, not a get by year, but a blessed year, a productive year where you see the goodness of God in greater ways in Jesus name. We're going to take a moment to pray today. If you need prayer here in the building, you want somebody to stand in agreement with you. There'll be prayer partners all over the building. We'd be honored to pray with you. Anyone's welcome to come to the front of their section. Rest of you, you're welcome to be seated if you'd like. And we'll take this next song to just pray individually. And our beautiful online family watching from all over. Thanks for being a part, listening live on SiriusXM. My friend, Pastor Steve Austin, is there to pray for you and speak a blessing over your life. Good morning, Lakewood family. We're so glad you're joining us this morning from all over the world. And I I especially want to welcome our amazing mothers. We love you guys so much. Where would any of us be without our mothers? Amen. So I just pray a special blessing upon the mothers today. I pray that God would just shine his face upon you. Pour out his richest blessings upon you. And I pray that he would bless you back 100-fold for all the sacrifices you've made and everything that you've poured out in the lives of your children and your family and others. So bless you today in the mighty name of Jesus. If you have any prayer requests today, I invite you to put them in the live chats or you can always put them in the uh on our online prayer community, join.com/ community. Well, I want to start out this morning with a couple of praise reports. Elizabeth said that God healed her back. Hallelujah. He's a healing God. Tamara said her procedure went well last Friday. Thank you, Lord, that Tamara's procedure went well. You know, Job 9:10 says that God performs miracles that cannot be counted, wonders that cannot be fathomed. And I believe that God has a miracle with your name on it today. And we're going to pray that miracle through in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen. Well, I'm going to go to some family related prayer requests in the chats. Danielle um is asking for prayer for her son who's experiencing anxiety. So, Father, we just lift up Danielle's son and anybody out there experiencing anxiety, fear, depression, or anything that is not of you, we just bind that anxiety, fear, depression, discouragement, despair, anything that is not of God. We rebuke it. We command it to go in the name of Jesus. We break every chain off of your people in the mighty name of Jesus. Lord, fill their heart with joy, with peace, and Lord, help them to walk in the freedom that Jesus Christ died to give them. Another family related uh prayer request we have is from Reuben. His mother just passed away and he's struggling. And I just want to lift up any of you who um are missing your mother today or any um any family member or any person that you lost and you're just grieving. I know I lost my mother in 2018 and every Mother's Day I I miss her. So I I want to pray for you. Um Psalm 147:3 says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 34:18 says, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." So, Father, I just ask you to be close to everyone right now who has a broken heart, who's missing a loved one, who is grieving. Father, I ask you to bind up their wounds, Lord. God, I I I pray that you would just comfort them, just wrap them up in your loving arms, ((music playing)) Lord, and give them your comfort, your peace, your grace, and your strength in Jesus mighty name. Amen. Okay, we have some uh career or um job and provision related prayer requests. Uh Brian says he needs a job and uh Janice is also praying for a new job that aligns with her schedule. Um so Lord, I just lift up all those who are who are looking for a job, who need a a financial breakthrough. Father, ((music playing)) Lord, you said that the steps of a good person are ordered by you and you delight in their ways. So Lord, order ((music playing)) their steps to the right job. Open a door that no man can close. Give them supernatural favor when they interview for that job. Father, I pray that they would rise to the top, Lord. Father, that you would bless them with a job that has great pay, great benefits, great people to work around, a job they love and look forward to going to every day. Lord, you said you know the plans you have for us. And those plans are to prosper us, to give us a hope and a future. So Lord, bless your children with great jobs, with finances, Lord, everything they need. Father, thank you that you are Jehovah Gyra, the Lord, our provider, and we shall not lack in Jesus' name. Okay, we have some uh healing related prayer requests. Um Marie said she pulled a muscle and tore her ACL and Steve just had heart surgery. So Lord, we pray for Steve right now for complete healing and quick recovery from that heart surgery. And Lord, we pray for Marie and anyone else who needs healing in their body. Father, thank you that you are Jehovah Rafa, the God who heals us. That Jesus Christ took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses on himself at the cross. So I speak healing, wholeness, restoration over Marie, Steve, and anyone else who needs healing in their body. be healed from ((music playing)) the top of your head to the bottom of your feet in Jesus mighty ((music playing)) name. We love you guys so much. We believe your greatest days are ahead of you. Proverbs ((music playing)) 4:18 says, "The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until the full day." That's you. Your path is shining brighter and brighter until the full day. We love you. We bless you in the name of Jesus. Have a great week and we'll see you back next Sunday. God bless you. Beautiful. Beautiful. There is no one else like our God. Only he can do what he can do. Amen. We want to wish you a happy Mother's Day today. Uh we want you to know we love you. We want you to know how important you are to this house and we know how important you are to your family. So, if if you didn't get a rose when you came in, would you pick one up on the way out because it's a little gift from us to tell you how much we appreciate you and we love you. So, thank you for being here today. ((applause)) You know, Mother's Day is a special day. I have two special mothers here with me today. But, you know, I just want to encourage you out there, you mothers who are out there, that you, no matter what season of life you're going through as a mother, you know, wherever you are in the spectrum of being a mother, whether it's a young child or or you're a mother of an adult, uh you're important and your influence is important and what God's put in you is so important. I was reading in Isaiah and it says, "As a mother comforts her child, God will also comfort you." And I thought that was interesting that God used the comfort of a mother to express the comfort that he wants to give us. And what that tells me is that God has put something in a mother that is so precious. She is a nurturer. She is a caretaker. She is one who loves and has the capacity to comfort no matter how many kids she has. So your capacity as a mother is huge. And so I just want to encourage you today to stir up that mother. And maybe you can say, "Well, I'm a I'm a grandmother." Well, we need you grandmothers. We need your wisdom. We need your support. We need your love. We need you to keep and help bind our families together. So today, I just want you to know as a mother how appreciated you are in this house and and I know in your family and I want you to be encouraged because I know that it's not for the faint of heart. It is not for the faint of heart. The Bible says that children are a blessing. They're a heritage of the Lord. They are a blessing. Even if they don't act like a blessing, the Bible says they are. So, we can do it. Amen. We can do it. So, I want to introduce two mothers that I got here with me today. I've got Sue Price. She and her husband, Dr. Todd Price, have been going here for over 40 years. Y'all been married for what, 44 years? You've raised your family in church. I've got Marla Barfield. She and Jesse, you've been in this house for over 40 years as well. Now, how did you get here? you. We followed a taxi cab that had a Lakewood Church bumper sticker on it. We followed it all the way to Lakewood Church in 1982. So, these are two powerful and strong mothers that we wanted you to hear from today and just to just to give us a little of your wisdom and maybe the things that you have learned from all of these years being planted in the house of the Lord and raising your children. So, Marla, you had three beautiful children. when they were young. Can we ask you maybe looking back and reflecting back what you would tell young Marla or even a young mom today that maybe you didn't realize as much when you were raising your children? One of the main things was I wanted perfection. Sometimes the the p there's so much anxiety that comes with being a new mom and wanting to be so perfect and you want everything to look perfect. You want your kids to look perfect. You got to have the house perfectly clean. You have to look good. But that's not reality. Some days you're going to have toys from here to there, diapers everywhere, clothes backed up for a week, and you're going to look like your house. You're going to you're going to look just as much of a mess at your as your house does. But if there's love in that house, if you have spread love and and devotion and dedication to the Lord, to your children, that's what matters. The house will get clean. I have a perfectly clean house right now. And for a perfectionist, that was very hard having a mess. And my husband, and God bless him, is he loves mess. And Marla doesn't. And so I had to learn to make an adapt. I had to adapt. And I had a godly woman by having mentors like we have here at Lakewood Church. We have so many mentors. Get connected. Don't forget that you as a woman, as a mother, as a new mother. Reach out to some of these older women. Let them speak life into you. Let them speak wisdom into you. We have mentors in the marriage ministry and I know there are other ministries, but those women and men can speak life into you so that you won't lean so much on yourself. Yes, we're praying and we're believing God for help, but we need some natural here and now help to help us get through that the the anxiety and to just live and breathe and just kiss. Keep it simple, sweetheart. Life is very, very short. Enjoy every moment with your children. Enjoy every moment of all those messes because you'll wake up on Saturday like I did and there's no TV on. There's no cartoons playing and you'll wish you had those days again. Yeah, that's so good. You know, that's ((applause)) great. It's our time, our valuable time that shapes our children and not our perfection. So, I love that. And not to say that we're we are looking back in regret by any means because we have all of us have done the best at the time with what we have. And you know what? That's what you have to remember. I did the best I could with what I had and God breathed on it and blessed it and filled in the gap. So that's what we want to remind us all of today because we don't want to walk in any kind of regret. We want to be happy and joyful with our children. So Sue, you've got three adult uh of two adult boys with wives and children of their own. Tell us a little bit about the transitions that you've noticed as you've transitioned to from children to adult children with children. Okay. Yeah. So when our children were young, um Todd, my husband, a physician like you mentioned, he decided to go in a different direction with his with his practice and so I being a nurse helped him launch his private practice. Well, I had two small boys at home and my already busy life became busier became very hectic, harried at times and um you know I we had waited seven years after getting married to have our first child and and I wanted to be a good mother. My desire and my duty and my priority was to be a good mother. If I if I had well-balanced meals and and a well-kept house and well organized activities, then my children would have the perfect childhood. But um you know, being a mother is a noble and it's an exhausting and it's a divine calling. It's not a race for perfection like Marla was talking about. And so, you know, as we embrace that concept of good enough over perfection, then we have to start thinking about and making a decision on what what are those things that are not negotiable? What are those things that I I don't want to compromise on? I mean, what are the things that I should focus on that are going to benefit my children for the long term? What is going to help them as they grow up and as they develop? So, what are those things that that we don't we don't compromise on? And I one of those things that that we did in our family was we decided to raise our children in church. And that was that was not negotiable. I mean, we did not have the debate on Saturday night whether we were going to church or not. It was just it was a given. That was our lifestyle. That was the precedent that we set. And and that's what we did. And that's what our ch that's what our sons that was their lifestyle to go to church every Sunday. And then you know at home the lifestyle to back it up. I wanted to show my sons what does it look like to love God? What does it look like to serve God? What does it look like to serve people because I love God? And and it was a lot of that is by demonstration. And so you you never stop demonstrating those things to your children as they grow up. They're watching and they're seeing everything. And you continue to demonstrate that lifestyle and by the way you conduct your life, the way you conduct your business, the habits that you have, the decisions that you make. And so when they become adults, that relationship doesn't stop. You know, I love that the relationship between Jesus and his mother Mary. It was a unique one. But, you know, she was there when he was born and she was there when he died. And I love when you read in John 19 that Jesus from the cross looked down and saw his mother and made sure that she was taken care of after his death. What a beautiful relationship. And so, you know, we as mothers, we always love our children, even adult children. We always nurture our children. We're there to support them. But, you know, it looks different. We show up differently when they're adults now. Less pressure, more space, less talking, less words, more praying, always complimenting, always supporting. Only advice when you're asked. That's a tough one. But you know, we I mean, we still love our children and we still want to help our children, but we when we've done our job well, then we step back and we trust what we have built. Our oldest son um a couple years ago was given some devastating news. He was given a um a do his four-year-old daughter, who's now seven, was diagnosed with a really terrible disease. and his life changed in a minute. But you know what didn't change? His love for God. You know what didn't change is his trust in God. What didn't change is his knowledge of the word of God. You know, I as a mother, I I wanted to have the right words to say to him, but I didn't have the right words to say to him. I wanted to fix things for him. him. You know, we as mothers, we want to fix everything. But I was not able to fix fix it for him. But I trusted that he was walking with the one who had the words. He was walking with the one who could fix it. And you know, I think about it, the one mistake that we didn't make when they were young has now become his lifeline. That is so good. Amen. That's beautiful. ((applause)) I uh I had a call at on my SiriusXM radio show and the lady was talking about how her daughter was going through a storm and she was like you. She wanted to fix it. She wanted to have the words to say and she said it just it just it was destroying my life. She said it was just was causing me so much worry and pain. And she said and one day I realized I can't fix it. Only God can. But I can hold the umbrella during the storm. She was saying, "I can be there. I can support. I can love. I can comfort. I can do what God's put in me to do. I can nurture until the storm passes." So, if you're going through a storm with your children, know this. You can lean on the fact you can trust God and you can hold the umbrella for them. We want you to know how much we love you and we want all the mothers to stand up because we want to speak a blessing over your life. ((applause)) You're beautiful, special. ((applause)) Father, thank you for every mother here. You see them, you know them by name. You know they're down sitting, they're uprising. You know their thoughts from afar. And God, you've equipped them and you've given them what they need. And you are as close as the very breath that they breathe. And as they call on your name, God, would you strengthen them? Would you give them the resilience and the determination and the love, Father, that they can tangibly feel from you? And Lord, I ask you this morning to bless their children. I ask you to watch over their children, to guide them, to lead them, to protect them. Father, cause their children to be mighty in this land. Father, just like your word says. And Lord, I thank you that they will be superior mothers and they will hold the umbrella and they will be that support. They'll be that nurturer. They'll be that loving mother that you've designed them to be because you've called them to be it. You've chosen them to be that and they are that in Jesus' name. Amen. And amen. God bless you. We love you very much. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. plans to give you a hope and a future. I'm reminded of this verse as I think of the purpose that drives Lakewood's outreach ministries and how God instrumentally uses relationships and resources to bless a community and help bring hope into people's lives. I'm here at one of Lakewood's partners, IPC Hebron Church Houston, which is one of the largest Indian Pentecostal churches in America. IPC Hebron Church has always] had a heart to meet the most basic needs of vulnerable families, but having the resources to do so has been challenging. A few years ago, they reached out to Lakewood for assistance with a few boxes of diapers. And thanks to your generosity, it has grown into so much more. With access to Lakewood's relief and outreach center, they have been able to help thousands of families in need. Today is IPC Hebron's weekly prayer, food, and resource distribution where they will serve over 300 families. Every month, Lakewood volunteers serve alongside our Hebron brothers and sisters at this distribution. Now, the dream of serving the most vulnerable has become a key pillar in their church. On a personal note, it's especially meaningful for me to be here because IPC Hebron is where my sister lives, who grew up at Lakewood has attended and served with her family for over 25 years. But this love for the church did not begin with my sister or I. It began with our mother who from a very young age had a deep love for the church. Growing up in India, our mom would run to the church anytime the doors were open to serve the church however she could. She exemplifies service to God, others, and to us as a family. My mom represents so many amazing moms out there that selflessly serve their families in the seen and unseen moments, who support the dreams of their children, no matter their age, and ((music playing)) cover their children with prayer as they fulfill their God-given purpose. Lakewood moms, we see you and honor you on this Mother's ((music playing)) Day. Nothing compares to a mother's love and care. What a powerful extension and tangible presence ((music playing)) of Christ's love you are to us. May your hearts be filled and your strength be refreshed this Mother's Day. We love you. That's beautiful, Sarah. Thank you so much. Sarah and her family, they've been here for many, many years, too. But um the outreach we're be able to do is happens because of all of you. And so we take a moment in every service to worship the Lord with our tithes and our offerings. So we'll do that right now. I always feel like I want to thank you guys for being so generous and you know just consistent. I mentioned early Lakewood 67 years old. Well, you know what? It happened because of faithful people back you know 67 years ago and then even today it continues on because of you guys watching and listening as well. So we want to say thank you. And I think about this scripture. I was reading it in Deuteronomy. It says, "Give generously to those in need and do so without grudging without a grudging heart. Then because of this, the Lord your God will bless all of your work and everything you put your hands to do." That's the promise I speak over each one of you. You know, it's something to stand on because you give. You give generously whether you're giving today or whenever it is. But God has this promise that he's going to bless the work of your hand. And we just believe that, you know, we've many of you have seen God bless you in other areas, in your health and in your career and different things. But let's believe that 2026 will be a year of great abundance in our finances, in our resources. And here's the reason. So we can build the kingdom. So we can take the gospel out all over the world. And I believe as you continue to do that, just stay faithful, you're going to see the open windows of heaven. Last thing I like to always remind you, the economy is not our source. God is our source. You know your your job. I know you have a great job. I hope you do. But and you love them, but you know, you don't have to look to them. We can look to the to the supply line that will never run dry. The most high God owns it all. And you keep being faithful. I just believe what God says. He's going to open the windows of heaven so you can fulfill your purpose. You know, it's not about, oh, yeah, Joy, you want anybody to get rich? It's not about that. It's about being able to do what all God's called you to do. to send your kids to college to be a blessing. Maybe you have plenty for yourself. Why don't you believe bigger so we can so you can build some orphanage all over the world or you know just have that big vision. God used me in a great way. I'll be a good steward. Watch what God will do in your lives. I believe he's going to show out even in your finances as well. But thanks for being a great givers. That's so good. Being a good steward. Being a good steward of what God has given you. You know the Bible talks about sewing seed and it talks about that he will give seed to the sewer. So to be a giver you have to be a swer right because you are sewing you are planting when you plant in this church you're planting uh people's lives you're planting healing you're planting you know all kinds of provision for people and you're planting them to know the Lord. You know I love the way God uh when Jesus walked the earth he fed the people. He met their needs. Then they had a listening ear to hear him. And so that's what we want to do. We want to meet the needs of people ((music playing)) so that they can see God for themselves, that they can see that Jesus is alive and that he is walking this earth still. So that is our goal is to just meet people's needs. And so I want to encourage you, you know, and I've heard testimonies. I've heard people say, you know, I just tried I just tried it. I wanted to see if it works. I'm just going to see. And you know what they said? It did. When I sowed, I reaped. And it's a process. And I know God knows that. I think we all have to go through it because, you know, when you were a little kid or you see your little kids, you know, they like they get their toy and they're holding on to it and they're not going to let the other kid have it because it's his or hers. And that's natural. That's the way we are. But the God wants us to open up. He wants us to go through the process of learning that we can trust him and that when we sew, he will give us more seed to sew. He will give us the harvest. And he doesn't always just give it financially, but he does give it in amazing ways that support your life and makes your life better. So, I just want to encourage you. I've seen it in my own life. I feel like singing that song. Seen it in my own life. seen it in my own life. I'm telling you. I'm just saying. That's all I have to say. I'm just saying. Sorry. ((applause)) Anyway, I love you guys. She's brave. She's braver than I am. I'm not singing, y'all. Listen, I've seen it, but I'm not singing. Okay. Lord, thank you for our amazing givers. Lord, I do speak the blessing over each one of them. Lord, you see them giving, sacrificing, consistent here at church, online and listening. Lord, we do it not cuz we have to, not begrudgingly, but Lord, to honor you, to put you first place. Lord, you said when we do this, you would bless the work of our hands. So, I just speak your blessing over what they put their hands to do, raising their children, their careers. Lord, give them ideas and creativity. Lord, we know you can make things happen that we can't make happen. Contracts, businesses, opportunities. Let them flourish, Lord, so that we can build the kingdom, so that we can take the gospel out all over the world and so they can fulfill the purposes that you placed in their heart. So Lord, we thank you in advance for doing it. We've seen it in the past and we thank you for it. Lord, we believe the best is still yet to come in Jesus' name. God bless you as you give today. Here are some ways you can give. Using your smartphone, scan the QR code located on the screen. Then select the online giving option that is most convenient for you. Go to lakewoodurch.com/give. Text give hope to 77977. Mail a check to P. Box 27450, Houston, Texas 77227. or call us toll-free at 888-567 Joel. ((music playing)) So good. So good. Come on, let's all stand one last time if you don't mind. But are you glad to be on the house of the Lord on a Sunday morning at Lakewood? Well, can I tell you how again how honored we are to have you here today? And if you're visiting, you're our special guest. And thanks for coming out. And we just um love to meet you after service. I'll be back there if you're not in a hurry after service, but be my joy to shake your hand. But I I loved um seeing all the beautiful mothers today. We wish you again a happy Mother's Day. Thanks for spending it with us. I see my beautiful mother-in-law Georgin down here on the front row. I got an amazing mother-in-law. Happy Mother's Day to her. And happy Mother's Day to Victoria, my other mother. I mean, my kids mother is with us right here. And we feel blessed to have you here. You know this, but your new week goes better when you honor God and you get into the house of the Lord. Uh the scripture says when you're planted in the house of the Lord, you will flourish. Know today as you go out, Lord, I think I'm going to flourish in all the good areas. But so so blessed to ha have you with us today. We can switch gears a minute from the moms to the dads to the men. Men, we're going to have a great men's night on May 29th. Love to have you come out on that Friday night. So put it down on your calendar because we're going to have a great great time. But honored to have you. I mentioned earlier Lakewood turned my parents started Lakewood 1959 on Mother's Day. And so here we are 67 years later. And I just think about uh you know what would my dad think now? you know, starting it back then that it started a little feed store, you know, 90 people and but you never know what happens when you stay faithful. You just keep doing the right thing. And I saw that in the generation that came before me. And I see it today with all of you guys helping to run the church. Our volunteers, our ushers, choir, all the different people got amazing staff here. And even if you don't have time to serve, you come, you attend, you're a part of it. You're keeping that legacy going. and not just about, you know, building something big, but how about we're able to impact the world. What an awesome opportunity that God has entrusted us with. And it happens because of all of you. So, thanks again. Happy birthday, Lakewood. Anyway, but when you see yourself on the big screen, can you give the TV audience a great big Lakewood welcome? ((cheering)) God bless you. It's great to be with you today. And I hope you'll stay connected with us during the week through our daily podcast, YouTube channel, social media, and you can come visit us in person. We'd love to have you be a part of one of our services. I like to start with something funny, and I heard about this elderly woman. She came to church one Sunday morning and a friendly usher met her at the back door and asked where she wanted to sit. She said, "I want to sit on the very front row." He said, "Oh, no, ma'am. You don't want to do that. Our pastor is very boring. He'll put you to sleep. Let me seat you somewhere else." She looked appalled. She said, "Sir, do you know who I am?" He said, "No, ma'am." She said, "I am the pastor's mother." He hung his head in shame, embarrassment. He finally looked up and said, "Ma'am, do you know who I am?" She said, "No." He said, "Thank God." Say it like you mean it. This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do. Today I will be taught the word of God. I boldly confess. My mind is alert. My heart is receptive. I will never be the same. I am about to receive the incorruptible, indestructible, everliving seed of the word of God. I'll never be the same. Never, never, never. I'll never be the same in Jesus name. God bless you. If you'd like to open your Bibles to 1 Chronicles chapter 14 and verse 10. 1 Chronicles 14:10. While you're turning, don't forget great services this afternoon at 2:00. Back Wednesday night, Pastor Nick be speaking for us back in person. Then there's for your youth and young adults. Monday night Bible study. A lot of great things. I hope you'll check out the website and get plugged in however you can. I want to talk to you today about Breakthrough Is Coming. There are times that God does things gradually through a process. You stay faithful and keep doing the right thing and you begin to see improvement and a door opens and your health gets better. The scripture says God brought the Israelites out little by little. That's one way God works. But God also does things suddenly where there's no sign of it. Nothing is improving. Every thought tells you you're stuck. The obstacle is too big. It's never going to work out. Then God steps in and suddenly the door opens. Suddenly your health turns around. Suddenly that right person shows up. Suddenly you come out of debt. What was that? A lucky break? No. That's the God of the breakthrough showing out in your life. A breakthrough is a sudden burst of God's favor. It's a flood of his goodness that thrust you ahead for where God is taking you and the dreams he's put in your heart and the giants that will be in your path. It's not going to all be gradual and little by little a process that you can see. He has some of these breakthrough moments that you can't explain that will catapult you into your destiny. Now, don't be discouraged by what's not happening. You're doing the right thing and not seeing any improvement. Working hard in your career, but the doors aren't opening and praying for your child, but he's not doing better. You feel this pressure, this worry, trying to weigh you down. But God knows what's not working out. He sees you being your best when things aren't fair. You feel overlooked. You've done all you can, but the giant is still there. You haven't even budged the obstacle. What you can't see is the God of the breakthrough is about to show up. He's already scheduled these moments where it's not going to be a gradual turnaround. Not going to be little by little. It's going to be a flood of his favor, a flood of healing, a flood of finances, a flood of peace. Instead of being overwhelmed by the problem, you're going to be overwhelmed by the goodness of God. He has the final say. He has not brought you this far to leave you. No matter how long it's been or how impossible it looks, you have to know deep down in your spirit, the God of the breakthrough is on the way. Maybe you're dealing with an illness. Nothing's getting better. Stay in faith. The God of the breakthrough is about to breathe healing on your life. You're struggling in your finances. Can't seem to get ahead. The God of the breakthrough is about to shift things to where abundance finds you. But that child, that family member has been off track. The more you pray, the worse he gets. Their time is coming. The God of the breakthrough is about to visit them. He knows how to suddenly change things. This is what happened with David. 1st Chronicles chapter 14. He had just been anointed king over all of Israel. This was a destiny moment. After years of being in the shepherd's fields, overlooked and being chased by King Saul, all this opposition, he was finally stepping into the fullness of what God promised him. I'm sure he was so grateful and excited, a dream coming to pass. But before he could even celebrate, before he could enjoy what God had done, the Philistines rose up against him and were about to attack. This wasn't random timing. They didn't want him to take this new position. They could have opposed him a year earlier, but they left him alone. Anytime you're about to step into a new level, the enemy will attack. He doesn't want you to fulfill your purpose. He's okay if you stay where you are, but when you start to move forward, take new ground, break out of limitations, don't be surprised if you face resistance. some of the opposition that's coming against you. You don't like it, but have a new perspective. That's a sign you're about to step into a greater level, greater favor, a greater influence, greater opportunity. The enemy is not fighting you for where you are. He's fighting you for where you're going. He knows you were made in the image of almighty God, that you have seeds of greatness, that you're a barrier breaker, a history maker. He wouldn't bother you if you weren't a threat. If you didn't have something valuable, something to impact this world, he'd leave you alone. The Philistines surrounded David in the valley of Reffiam. That means the valley of giants. He was outnumbered. The opposition was bigger, stronger. They had more equipment. Verse 10 says, "David inquired of the Lord, should I go fight the Philistines? God, will you give me this victory? David didn't just fight because there was opposition. He didn't react emotionally. You're not going to stop me. He asked God what to do. He had this dependency on him. He was putting God first place, saying, "Not my will, but let your will be done." You're not supposed to fight every battle. If you let your emotions rule and you get upset, I'm going to pay them back. That's not right. then you're doing it all in your own strength. There's no grace for it. But if you'll start inquiring of the Lord, God, what do you want me to do? God, I need your wisdom, your strength, your power. When you show your dependency on God, he knows you're relying on him. Then he'll help you fight those battles. He'll empower you to defeat the giants, to break addictions, and to overcome what should have stopped you. Verse 10 goes on to say, "The Lord said to David, yes, go ahead and fight, for I will give you the victory." David went into this battle with the blessing of God on his life. When God says you'll be victorious, the opposition doesn't have a chance. Nothing can stand against our God. David went in with his men. All the odds are against him. And they defeated this mighty army. David was so amazed at what God had done. He said in a verse 11, "God has broken through to my enemies like the bursting forth of waters." He named the place Balarism. Burism means the God of the breakthrough. David likened this breakthrough to the bursting forth of water. Well, water is one of the most powerful forces. When there's flooding, you hear that phrase, turn around, don't drown. It's because water can pick up a two-tonon car and carry it away like it's nothing. I've seen in a tsunami, water take houses off their foundation and they're floating down the river, a whole house. We've seen when a dam breaks, that water washes out roadways, bridges, bends the steel, moves anything in its path. David could have used the analogy, God has broken through like a fire, like a hurricane, like a wind. That would have been impressive, but he used water to show us how nothing can stop it. You may have things that look immovable in your life today. A sickness, an addiction, trouble with a child. It seems permanent, but when the God of the breakthrough shows up, those things don't stand a chance. Like a dam breaking, like a flood, God's power will move anything in its path. Cancer can't stop it. Injustice can't stop it. Depression can't stop it. Jealous people can't stop it. David said like the bursting forth of waters. Not going to be something gradual. Not a trickle, not a stream, not a river, but a flood of God's favor. a tidal wave of his blessing, a tsunami of his power. When you're tempted to get discouraged, think your situation could never turn around. No, turn it around. Father, I know you're the God of the breakthrough like you did for David, you will burst through what's trying to stop me. The bursting forth implies something that was held back is suddenly released. like a dam bursting or a flood breaking through its barriers. We all have these seasons in life where we're doing the right thing, but nothing is changing. No good breaks. Our health's not improving. The problem's not turning around. We feel this pressure. We're tempted to worry if it's ever going to change. But that pressure is a sign something is happening. When water builds behind a dam, you don't see anything on the outside. There's no shaking, no movement, no cracks in the concrete, but all this energy and all this force is being stored up. The higher the water, the more the pressure. Sometimes the dam can get so full and have so much pressure they have to open the floodgates. There have been times when the dam burst and all this water suddenly comes flooding out. So much force and so much power. The pressure you feel is not because God is not working. The silence, things not improving doesn't mean it's never going to change. The water is building up. Things are being stored up that you can't see. The pressure is the sign that the dam is weakening, that things are shifting, momentum is building, energy is being stored. When it's the right time, it's going to be suddenly released like a flood. Not a trickle, not a couple good breaks, not one problem turned around. No. Like David, the whole army was wiped out. God burst through with favor, with promotion, with power that they had never seen. Don't let the pressure fool you. It's not a sign that God has forgotten about you, that it's never going to work out. It's a sign that the water is building up, that God's about to come breaking through. Think about Paul and Silas. They were put in prison for sharing their faith. And they had been beaten and were bruised and bloody. And now they were in the dungeon in chains awaiting trial the next day. Well, Steven, an Apostle had already been killed by the opposition. Looked like they were next. Imagine the pressure they felt, not just physically from their wounds and being injured, but emotionally thinking that was it. There was no way out. They could have been bitter. God, why'd this happen? We were doing the right thing. But in the middle of the prison, they were singing praises and thanking God. They were showing us a key. Turn your pressure into praise. Turn your worry into worship. Instead of complaining about what didn't work out, feeling overwhelmed by what's not changing, why don't you do like them and thank God that he's fighting your battles, that nothing can stand against him, that what he started, he will finish in your life. And they felt all this pressure, but they understood it was a sign that something was building up, that the water, so to speak, was rising and creating momentum, that God was working. At midnight, while they were singing praises, suddenly there was a great earthquake. Prison doors flung open, chains came off their feet. They walked out as free men. What happened? The dam broke. The water came bursting through. How are you handling the pressure in your life? What are you saying in the seasons when nothing is changing? Feels like God has forgotten about you. Like David, the Philistines had you surrounded. Maybe it's a sickness, the debt, the trouble. If you complain and live discouraged, you're going to miss what God has for you. Try a different approach. The pressure is a sign the dam is about to break. The water is about to burst forth. David felt his greatest pressure, his greatest opposition right before he saw the God of the breakthrough show up. You may be under great pressure now, raising children, dealing with issues at work, struggling in your finances. God sees what you're up against. He knows how much pressure you can handle. He wouldn't have allowed it if it wasn't going to work for your good. And that pressure that feels so strong against you, that's an indication of the favor and blessing that's going to be unleashed in your life. It is building up like the bursting forth of waters. You're going to see the goodness of God. It's because you've been like Paul and Silas in that midnight hour when it wasn't fair. The pressure could have easily overwhelmed you, but you're still singing praises. You still have an attitude of faith. You're still coming to church and being your best at work. Can I encourage you? Your time is coming. The psalmist put it this way. When darkness overtakes the righteous, light will come bursting in. This is not a gradual process. This is not something that improves a little over time. This is talking about the God of the breakthrough. When suddenly things shift, suddenly the problem turns around. Suddenly your business takes off. Suddenly you're free from that addiction. Suddenly your child comes back home. Get ready for some suddenies. Like a damn break. And God's about to unleash what's been stored up. See, you can't reach your destiny just by ordinary means. The Philistines were too strong for David. Goliath was too big. Saul was too powerful. David's father overlooked him. David felt this pressure again and again. And he could have complained. Thought it's never going to work out. But listen to his attitude. He said, "Oh, magnify the Lord with me. Let us exalt his name together." He was saying, "I'm not going to magnify my problems. I know I serve the God of the breakthrough. I'm going to magnify him." Another place he wrote, "A thousand may fall at my side, 10,000 at my right hand, but it won't come near me. For the Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?" He felt the pressure, but he turned it into praise. The pressure in your life is not there to defeat you. It's there to propel you. You're feeling the weight, the worry, forces trying to stop you. That pressure is a sign something is shifting. Favor is building. Healing is being stored up. Vindication, open doors. At the right time, like the bursting forth of waters, you're going to see the goodness of God. something that you could have never made happen that propels you into your purpose. You may be in a difficult season now and you don't see how it could ever work out. But don't ever rule out the God of the breakthrough. One touch of his favor, one good break, one contract, one Goliath you defeat and you're catapulted to a new level. Now, I need to give you a special weather alert. This is just in. You are under a flash flood warning. At any moment, you could see a flood of God's favor, a flood of healing, a flood of abundance, not a trickle, not a little mist here and there, not a light rain. We're grateful for all that. We thank God for sustaining us. But I'm talking today about something uncommon, unusual that you never saw coming. This happens when you're under pressure. When thoughts say it's too much, you can't take it. It's never going to change. No, that pressure means the dam is about to break. What God has stored up is about to come bursting forth like a flood, like a tidal wave, like a tsunami. Everything that's in your path trying to stop you is going to be washed away. His power is greater than anything that comes against you. But there's a lot in life that we cannot overcome by ourselves. And if we're just trying to do it all in our own strength, our intellect, our connections, our resources, we're going to be frustrated because the Philistines will show up. People bigger and stronger. Could be an illness or dysfunction that was passed down, trouble in the home. These obstacles are going to take supernatural power. And God has already scheduled these breakthrough moments. He's already lined up these times where his power will come like the bursting forth of waters. While you're waiting, feeling that pressure, this is a very important time because thoughts will try to get you discouraged, worried. No, you know the secret. The pressure is a sign that the water is rising, the momentum is building, things are shifting that you can't see. at the right time, you're going to see God show out in your life. Well, David was so amazed at what God had done and so grateful that they had defeated the Philistines. The scripture says he named the place Balarism, the God of the breakthrough. Every time David and his men would come by that city, they'd say, "Remember that place? That's where the God of the breakthrough showed up." Even generations later when David's grandchildren, great grandchildren would pass by, they say, "Oh yeah, we remember this place. Granddaddy told us about the God of the breakthrough, how he helped them defeat an army twice that size." Every one of us should have some bow parisyms where we can look back and say, "That's where the God of the breakthrough showed out in my life. That's where God healed me. That's where he protected me. That's where he opened a door I couldn't open. That's where he turned my child around. Every time I drive up to this building, I realize it's a bow parism. When all the odds were against us, the experts said we didn't have a chance. But the God of the breakthrough stepped in. Like a flood, he moved the wrong people out of the way. And he made a path where we didn't see a path. Here we are now. Lakewood, 67 years old today on Mother's Day. ((applause)) I remember when we were trying to acquire this building, I felt all this pressure and I'm sure my team did too. But the other side had more finances, more resources, more connections. There were nights I couldn't really sleep. I tried, but thoughts whispered, "You're wasting your time, Joel." The night before the main city council vote, we were one vote shy. We'd worked a year and a half and one of the council members that was for us decided to be out of town and that meant we wouldn't have enough votes. But people cannot stop what God has purposed for your life. What he has intended for you is not going to go to someone else. There will be these times where it's out of your control. You've done all you can. We did our best. We worked hard, prayed, and believed, but we were still lacking one vote. But the night before the main vote, the God of the breakthrough showed up. A lady I had never met called a council member that had been against us the whole time. Her call changed the council member's mind, and he voted for us. We got the building. What I couldn't do in a year and a half of trying to persuade him, she did in a fiveminute phone call. What was that? A flood of God's favor. ((applause)) All that pressure I felt, it was like water building behind a dam about to break. At the right time, what God has for you is going to come bursting forth. And I know you've seen his goodness in the past, but you haven't seen anything yet. He has some new vowisms in store for you. I think about my mother. She lived 44 years after she was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. She was a bow parism. Every time we saw her, that's the god of the breakthrough. In my early 20s, I was driving on the freeway and it was raining really bad. And when I went to change lanes, I lost control of my car. And I hit the guardrail in the middle and started spinning back across five lanes of traffic. At one point, I looked up and I could see the front grill of this 18-wheeler. I was facing the wrong direction. It was like 10 feet in front of me. I felt like I could touch it. I braced myself. All I had time to say was Jesus. Sometimes you can't pray long, but when you call on the name of Jesus, angels go to work. Forces of darkness are pushed back. ((applause)) The next thing I knew, I was over on the shoulder parked kind of in a days. Well, the driver of the 18-wheeler, he pulled over. He came up to my car. I'll never forget. He said, "Boy, you must be living right because right when I was about to hit you, this big burst of wind blew my truck into another lane." And somehow I missed you. ((applause)) That's the God of the breakthrough. I named that place Bow Perism. Every time I drive by, I can say, "Look what the Lord has done." When my father was a young minister, he would drive to different cities to preach. And he took his own sound equipment with him. And one place he showed up and went and looked at the venue, this little county auditorium, and met with a few men that had asked him to come. He went back to his car to get the sound system out of his trunk, but somehow the trunk closed with his keys in it. They started jiggling the trunk and trying to open it and they got some coat hangers and tried with no success. And there's about a dozen people gathered around. Everybody trying to help. After about 30 minutes of doing everything they could, my father said, "I'm going to pray and ask God to open this trunk." They looked at him like he was from another planet. But my father would pray about anything. He believed in the God of the breakthrough. He said, 'Lord God, you know I need this equipment, and I know there's nothing too hard for you, so I'm asking you to open this trunk for me. Those other men were snickering and laughing, kind of making fun. They thought he was far out. He tried it and pulled it again, finagled it. Still nothing. They all turned around and started to walk inside and we're going to come up with another plan. When they heard something click, they looked back and saw the trunk all on its own accord. It begin to open up. My father said it went real slow like it was saying hallelujah. Those other men said to my dad, "Will you pray for me next?" But what was that? The God of the breakthrough. Suddenly things shift. You couldn't make it happen. You did all you could. That's when God will step in and do what you can. Isaiah said, "When the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of God will raise up a barrier." The comma is placed after the word flood, making the emphasis on the enemy coming like a flood. But in the original Hebrew language, there were no commas. Many scholars believe the comma was put in the wrong place. It should read when the enemy comes in, like a flood, the spirit of God will rise up. The emphasis should have been on God's power and not the enemy's power. When Isaiah wrote this, the people were facing injustice, oppression, armies attacking. Isaiah was saying in effect, "Don't let the pressure fool you. A flood of God's favor is coming." You may have things trying to stop you now. You don't see anything changing. You have to remember you're under a flash flood warning. Any moment the God of the breakthrough could show up in your life a suddenly like the bursting forth of waters. Now turn that pressure into praise. Keep thanking God that he's working all through the day. Live breakthrough minded. God, you did it for David. I know you'll do it for me. If you'll do this, I believe and declare breakthrough is coming in your life. You're about to see a flood of God's healing, promotion, freedom that will catapult you into new levels of your purpose in Jesus' name. And if you receive it, can you say amen? ((applause)) Let's pray together. If you have five minutes, we'll just seal it in prayer. If you could stick with me. Lord, thank you for what we've heard today. I know it falls on great ground. Faithful people here at Lakewood. And Lord, we all have these situations where nothing's changing. Feels like it's not going to work out. But Lord, we're going to keep this word in our spirit that you're the God of the breakthrough. That you have things coming that we can't see. A flood of your goodness. Lord, you did it for David. You've did it for Lakewood. And you've done it for all of us at times. But Lord, we believe you have more of these acts of your favor suddenly in our life. And Lord, I just ask you to show out in your people's lives. Lord, we're calling out to you today so that we can fulfill our purposes in Jesus name. Lord, protect your people. Watch after them and their children this week. With their heads bowed in prayer, just one more moment. If your heart stop beating in the next few minutes, are you at peace with God? Do you know where you'd spend eternity if you died a little while from now? If not, I would love to pray with you. Not here to condemn anybody. I'm here to help you find a new beginning. I know this comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In just a moment, if you're not at peace with the Lord, or maybe you are a Christian, but you've grown cold toward God, and you know you need to rededicate your life, you need a fresh new start. If that's you, in just a moment, I'm going to ask you to take a step of faith and stand right where you are and we'll pray together. I can't think of a better time to get on the road to victory than right now. God is not mad at you. Your sins have already been forgiven. All you have to do is accept the free gift of Christ salvation. Will you do it today? The enemy in your thoughts, he'll whisper, "Do it next week. Do it another time." Listen, the Bible says, "Today is the day of salvation. Don't put it off. It's so easy." Well, Joel, it's embarrassing to stand in front of everyone. I have people at the house. I can't lift my hand. Listen to what Jesus said. If you won't be ashamed of me before people, then I won't be ashamed of you before my father in heaven. I'm going to give you a great opportunity to show God that you're not ashamed of him. If you're not at peace with the Lord, or you just need to rededicate your life, you need a fresh new start, a new beginning. If that's you, would you be bold? Take that step of faith and stand right where you are and we'll pray together. Would you do that? Come on, Lakewood. Let's give them a hand as they stand all over the building. Come on. Don't put it off. ((music playing)) I feel like there ought to be others. Anybody else? Come on, Lakewood. Let's clap them in. They're still standing. Your heart's beating fast. Anybody else? ((music playing)) ((applause)) Well, God bless you. And please remain standing if you don't mind. We want to tell you how proud we are of you. I know it took courage to stand. And more importantly, I know God's never going to be ashamed of you because you took this step of faith. The scripture says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Let me help you to call. Do you mind all praying this after me if you would? Lord Jesus. I'll repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make you my Lord and Savior. Amen. Or remain stand in one more moment. I want to tell you again how much we love you. We're going to be praying for you. This next year of your life is a very important time. I want to challenge you to come back and be a part of Lakewood. However you do it, in person, online, on the radio, I'll make a promise. If you'll get plugged in, give us the next year of your life. Before that year is over, your life will never be the same for the better. I know you're you're busy and most of you, Sunday's a day off, but I'll tell you, there is a blessing on your life when you get into a community of faith, when you put God first place. And we'd love to have you here at Lakewood. Meet some of the awesome people here. Join some of our teams. I'm not trying to get you to work. I'm trying to make you get you give you some great friendships, people that'll really pull you up. So, after the service right over here, there's a class called New Beginnings. Takes about 20 minutes. Love to meet you. If you got a moment, I'll be over there and you can meet some of our team. They'll give you some resources, some next steps. You need to know anything, but right back over here. Hope to see you over there. Can't do it today. I'm always out there in the lobby back there. But know this, the moment you stood up, God washed away all your sins, your mistakes, your failures, you are starting with a fresh, clean slate, write it down in your Bible. May 10th, 2026, a new day of victory in your life in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Well, let's all stand together if you would please. Thanks for coming out today. How many of you going home better off than you were before? Amen. We love you guys. I want to speak a blessing. Until we meet again, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord show you his favor and have mercy on you. And may the Lord watch over you and give you his peace. God bless you. Have a great Mother's Day. We'll see you back real soon. Amen.