Pronounce Before You Possess | Joel Osteen | Lakewood Church Service

((music playing)) You fight the battle. You get the ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Good morning church. ((music playing)) Thank the Lord for that day that he has made. Thank the Lord for his goodness and his grace. Thank the Lord that he always makes a way. Hallelujah. Oh, thank the Lord that he chose to take the cross.

Thank the Lord for the power in his blood. Thank the Lord for the wonders of his love. Hallelujah. Isn't he faithful? Isn't he good? Isn't he worthy? Somebody thank the Lord. Give him the honor. Give him the praise. All of the glory. Somebody thank the Lord. Isn't he ((music playing)) worthy?

((music playing)) ((music playing)) Lord, somebody ((music playing)) Hey, good morning everyone. Welcome to Lakewood. Thanks for coming out today. How many of you ready to worship the Lord today? God's been good to all of us and just, you know, coming in, somebody thank the Lord. I think, well, that's that's Lakewood people. I know I'm with grateful people today and so honored to have you here in the building and watching online, listening live on SiriusXM.

Uh, you know, I really believe the service is better because you came out today. You brought God with you and faith with you and joy with you. So, we welcome you. I want you to know we love you, but more importantly, I know God saw you take the time to come. a lot of things you could be doing, but you said, "I'm going to go to the house of the Lord."

You're saying, "God, I'm going to put you first place." Well, I believe this. Your new week is going to go better because you've taken time to honor God by being here today. So, we welcome them. Last thing, if there's anything trying to weigh you down today, it's a perfect time to just leave that leave that in the past.

You know, there can be guilt or worry or what we got to do this week or what didn't work out. I don't want you to come all this way and not not leave the way we we we know God wants you to leave and that's free. So this is a perfect time to say, "God, I'm turning it over to you.

I know you're in control. You're fighting my battles. You got me in the palm of your hand. As you release that, God will fill you a fresh and a new with joy and peace and victory." That's what we're believing for every one of you. You won't go the same way you came came in here.

You're going to go out of here with more joy, ready for a blessed new week. But we are very honored to have you. Thanks for coming out today. Yes, I love that so much. Let's just get ready. Let's get ready to walk into the presence of Almighty God.

Amen. And exactly what Joel said. Sometimes the things that are trying to weigh us down, we don't even realize they're distracting us. Or maybe we're pleading with God as we're worshiping. But this isn't the time to do that. This is the time to open your heart and say, "God, I'm going to walk into your presence with trust in my heart.

That you can work all things out for my favor. That you can do what I can't do on my own." You know, sometimes worry just weighs us down. And God said, "We can't change a thing by worrying except we can change oursel. We can change our dispositions. We can change our hearts.

We can change a lot of things that aren't good by worrying." So that's why God said, "Cast your care upon me because I care for you." Because he knows that worry isn't beneficial. But you know what can reverse worry? Worship. When you begin to find yourself worrying during the day and you feel yourself heaviness, you know, that's when you can stop and just go, "No, I'm I'm not going to receive this.

I'm letting it go and God, I'm going to focus on you. I'm going to worship you." And so this morning, we had the opportunity to do just that, to lay aside those worries and begin to worship. Because when we worship, things happen that we don't even know about.

He fills us with his joy, with his peace. He's working in situations down the road. Maybe next week, maybe next year. But God is working when we worship. So let's enter into his presence with thanksgiving in our heart. Father, we thank you for this great day. Father, a day to be alive, a day to worship you.

And so, Father, we're going to do exactly what you said. We're going to cast our care upon you. And God, we don't want to keep picking up those cares right now. We want to lay them down. And we want to focus totally on you, God. Father, we thank you that you are filling us with your strength, with your wisdom, God.

You are giving us wisdom beyond our years, Father, and you are doing what only you can do. And we thank you for it in advance. And it's in Jesus name we pray. And everyone said amen. ((music playing)) Thank the Lord that the stone is rolled away. ((music playing)) Thank the Lord. ((music playing)) Thank the Lord.

He is risen ((music playing)) Isn't he faithful? Isn't he good? Isn't he worthy? Somebody thank the Lord. Give him the honor. Give him the praise, all of the glory. Somebody ((music playing)) ((music playing)) all the glory, ((music playing)) For your mercy endureth forever. All of heaven and earth shall proclaim. Sing hallelujah, God be praised. For your miracle signs and your wonders.

All the glory be unto your name. Hallelujah. God be praised. For your mercy endureth forever. All of heaven and earth ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Christ is my firm foundation, the rock on which I stand. When everything around me is shaking, I've never been more glad that I put my faith in Jesus and he's never let me down.

He's faithful through generations. So why would he fail now? ((music playing)) ((music playing)) I've still got joy in chaos. I've got peace that makes no sense. So I won't be going under. I'm not held by my own strength cuz I built my life on Jesus and he's never let me down. He's faithful in every season, ((music playing)) ((music playing)) rain came wind blew.

But my house was built on you. I'm safe with you. I'm going to make it through. Can we lift it up? Say rain came, wind blew. My house was built on you. I'm safe with you. I'm going to make it through. Say rain came ((music playing)) ((music playing)) with you. I'm going to—say I'm going to make it.

((music playing)) ((music playing)) everything around me ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) No, he won't. Say the Lord. He won't fail. He won't fail. ((applause)) ((music playing)) Oh, how sweet to trust you, Jesus. Just to take you at your word, just to rest upon your promise. Who is like you, God? There is no one. I can call you faithful savior.

There is only one. I can call you holy, worthy. Beside you, there is none. Every time I call your name, you come running. Jesus. Jesus, you're the only one that I call God. Oh, oh, praise. Oh, praise the rock of my salvation. Praise the King who bore my cross.

My grave, my grave was no match for your power. Who is like you? Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I can call you faithful savior. There is only one. I can call you holy, worthy. Beside you there is none. Every time I call your name, you come running. Jesus. Jesus, you're the only one that I call God.

You're the only one I call. Oh [singing] Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Come on, church. I call God on the mountain. I call God in the valley. I call God on the good days. I call God when the enemy surrounds me. I call God just to thank him. Just to tell him that I love him.

I call God cuz he saved me. I'm so glad he didn't—I call God. I call God. I call God. I call God. I call God just ((music playing)) God cuz he saved me. I'm so glad He didn't leave me like He found me. I can call you faithful ((music playing)) I call your name ((music playing)) Every time I call your name, you ((music playing)) call your name, you ((music playing)) Jesus.

Jesus, you're the only one. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) I call God and He answers ((music playing)) ((music playing)) like he found me. I can call you faithful savior. There is only one. I can call you holy, worthy. Beside you there is none. Every time I call your name, you come running. Jesus. Jesus, you're the only one.

His name is Jesus. Jesus, you're the only—name above all names. Jesus. Jesus, you're the only one that I call God. Yeah. Thank you, Lord. All my words fall short. I've got nothing new. How could I express all my gratitude? I could sing these songs as I often do.

Every song must stand and you never do. So I throw up my hands and praise you again and again. Cuz all that I have is a hallelujah. Hallelujah. I know it's not much, but I've nothing else fit for a king except for heart singing Hallelujah. I've got one response.

I got just one move with my arms stretched wide I will worship you. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) So come on my soul. Oh, don't you get shy on me. Lift up your soul cuz you got a lion inside of those lungs. Oh, get up and praise the Lord. Oh, come my soul.

Oh, don't you get shy on me ((music playing)) Oh, come on my soul. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Lord Jesus, we love you today. Lord, we do sing hallelujah. Thank you for all that you've done. Lord, we recognize you woke us up this morning and you given us breath to breathe and strength to get out of bed, life to live.

Father, you chose us before we could choose you. And we stand here today as grateful people, not focus on what's wrong, but Lord, thanking you for what's right in our life and for where you brought us to. And Lord, we say it publicly that you're our Lord, our God, and our Savior.

And Lord, I thank you that we're all in the palm of your hand. And that you didn't bring us this far to leave us where we are, but you are guiding us, protecting us, guarding us. Lord, ordering our steps. Lord, we come back to a place of peace today, a trust in you, Lord.

Our hope is in you. And I thank you, Lord, as we're worshiping you today that you are fighting our battles, Lord. I thank you that every force that's tried to stop us has been broken right now in the name of Jesus. Depression and anxiety, mental illnesses, addictions, bad habits, sicknesses, chronic pain, trauma from the past, dysfunction.

Lord, I thank you that today is a breakthrough day. That you're doing what only you can do. But Lord, our eyes are upon you today. We know you're bigger than anything that we're facing. And Lord, we're going to keep moving forward in faith, knowing that you've got each one of us covered by your blood and order in our steps.

Lord, I thank you for your wisdom, Lord, that we have the power to obey, that we have clear direction for our lives, and Lord, that we will not be at this same place next year as we are right now, but we are moving forward, leaving the old in the past, the disappointments, the guilt, negative things that have happened, people things people have said.

Lord, we leave that all in yesterday. We know your mercies are fresh and new every morning. And Lord, we get ready for the new things that you have in store. Lord, I thank you for fresh vision and fresh anointing and fresh momentum, fresh attitudes, fresh growth. Lord, I thank you that we will step into 2026 into new levels of your favor.

That you will do uncommon, unusual things, Lord, and take us where we can't go on our own, Lord, to build your kingdom. Shine brightly through each one of us, Lord. I thank you that you're doing things that we can't do, but you are in control. That you are breathing in our direction right now.

Lord, I just thank you for healing sick bodies, those in the building, those watching and listening. Lord, that healing is flowing into all those that need it. Lord, I thank you you'll do for them what you did for my mother. Lord, just turn those negative situations around with long life.

You will satisfy your people. Lord, even right now, I thank you that healing is flowing into all those that need it. Into our joints, bones, ligaments, cells, tissue, into our blood. Lord, I thank you that you will do what only you can do. That we will run and not be weary.

Lord, that we will live long, healthy, blessed lives. Lord, I do lift up those that have gone through heartache, those that have gone through loss, that are in tough times. You said you're close to the brokenhearted. Let them feel your presence right now. Holy Spirit, I thank you that you're comforting them and giving them that peace that only you can give.

And Lord, even though it may seem like it's the end, let them see it's a new beginning. That you are still in control. That you have beauty for the ashes. That weeping may endure for a night, but joy is coming in the morning. So Lord, I thank you for the joy that's on the way in Jesus name.

Lord, we thank you for all you've done in the past, but we believe and declare 2026 will be a favorfilled year. Lord, show out in our lives so we can be a greater blessing. We declare we are victors and never victims in Jesus' name. Amen and amen. If you receive it, can you say amen?

Amen. So awesome to have you in the house of the Lord. Every week we make a declaration of faith. Come on, say it with us today. 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. I love that. Every time we say it, especially saying it together, how about these words? Equipped, empowered, anointed, accepted. And life will try to push you down.

Not you. You're not that talented. You don't have this. You don't have that. But you know, tune all that out. How about that playing in your mind all through the day? I'm equipped. I'm empowered. I've been handpicked by the creator of the universe. Listen, God Almighty chose each one of you to be here.

And he's put in you everything you need to fulfill your destinies. And before we pray, I love that song we were singing. It talked about when Jesus told a parable of two men. One built his house upon the rock, which represents Jesus. The other built his house upon the sand. and you know just things that are not you know not stable.

But what I found interesting is the the storm came to both people but the one that built their house up on the rock he didn't you know stay away from the storm because he had faith but when the storm was all over he was still standing strong. In other words, just because we're people of faith, you think, "Well, Joel, I I might build my life on Christ, but I'm dealing with this illness or this situation at work."

Well, the storm's going to come to all of us because you know what? We're in we're not in a perfect world. There are forces of darkness trying to keep you from your purpose. But can I tell you, you've you've made the right choice. You built your house upon the rock.

When it's all said and done, you will still be standing strong. You know what I've learned, too? That when you stay in faith, God doesn't bring you out the same. He makes the enemy pay. He'll bring you out better than you were before. But I know sometimes in the storm that's when it's easy to get discouraged and I don't know why this is happening and you know lose our faith.

But you got to remember it doesn't mean that you've done anything wrong. You know rain falls on the just and the unjust. You just got to continue to say God I know you are for me that my house is built on a strong foundation. And you know that's when God is going to bring you through.

Let me just remind you 2026 God's going to do some unusual things in your life. He's going to show out in ways you haven't seen before. Let's take the limits off. Let's believe that we are going to step into new levels here. Here's what I like to pray.

God, shine brightly through me. God, shine brighter through each one of us. So he can God wants to make you a blessing so you can be a great blessing. That's what we're believing for each one of you. So maybe in a storm today, things have come against you.

We would love to take this opportunity to pray for you and just join our faith with yours and just to remind you to be strong and of good courage. Almighty God is with you. So, we'll take this next song to pray. If you if you need prayer, why don't you come down and meet the prayer partners at the front of your section all over the building.

Anyone's welcome to come for prayer. We'd be honored to pray for you. Rest of you, you're welcome to be seated if you'd like. And we'll take this moment to pray. and our beautiful online family listening to us live on SiriusXM. Thanks for being a part and Victoria is there to pray for you as well.

We are so glad that you joined us today for this special time of prayer. And we believe in praying here at Lakewood because we believe that God hears us when we pray. And so we want to pray with you today and we want to stand in agreement that God hears us and that he answers us.

God doesn't always answers the way we think he should answer us, but he always answers us. So today, I just want to thank you for being a part of this service. And if you have a prayer request, would you put it in the chat? It's so important that we ask God, that we come to him.

You know, so many times we can ask our friend, we can ask a relative, but God wants us to run to him, to ask him for wisdom, to ask him for healing, for financial breakthrough, for problems in relationships, and whatever it may be. God wants us to seek him first.

And so, that's what we're going to do today. We're going to stand in faith with you and seek him first. But I want to I just want to share a couple praise reports with you because it's so important that we know that God is moving and he's and he's and he's active and he's alive in our life.

Elizabeth, she gave this prayer uh praise report today. She she said God gave her clarity this past week. Have you ever prayed for wisdom? Have you ever prayed for an answer and somehow you God just gave it to you? Maybe he spoke through another person. Maybe he just downloaded it to you or maybe it just worked its way out and you saw it in a different way.

But I believe that that is so praiseworthy because many times in my life I've asked God just to give me a new perspective. Give me clarity on a situation or wisdom and he did it. So we are celebrating with you Elizabeth that God is still speaking to those who are asking.

So we do celebrate that. Vivian, she's thanking God for healing her son. Well, that is definitely a praiseworthy report. We love our children. We love our families. And so, we are so grateful that God Vivian healed your son. And so, we are rejoicing in those things. And listen, if God can do it for them, God can do it for you.

He's no respector of persons. He loves you. And he doesn't love you for who how you act or what's happening or the situation in your life. He loves you for you. He loves you because he gave his life so that he could be in relationship with you. So that's a praiseworthy report right there.

So let me just give you a few of these prayer requests that have already come in and maybe you can relate to this or maybe you think, well God, could you do that for them? Yes, God can do it for them and he can do it for you.

Pete, his 9-year-old grandson, is battling leukemia. and we're going to stand with Pete and we're going to declare total healing in his wonderful, beautiful grandson. And I am so grateful that you put that prayer request in and that we can pray with you, Patricia, healing for her neck.

So, Patricia, we want your neck to be healed. I'll tell you, if you've ever had neck problems, it can be so hard to just be able to do anything. So, we're going to believe with you that God is going to heal your neck. And he's even going to show you if there's anything that you can do, you know, or an exercise or we we believe in doing what we can do and then we believe that God can do what we can't do.

So, you know, that's another reason to ask God, God, can can I change? Can I do something different or am I doing something that could benefit me if I quit? So, today that's what you know, we want to ask God too to just help Patricia. We have Gloria praying for her daughter. she has uh that she would have a smooth delivery and a healthy baby.

Yes, that's what we want. Healthy babies, easy deliveries. We're going to pray that the doctors and nurses will just be there for her, accommodate her, and everything will go well. Nona, she is praying that her um her mother for her mother because her mother is suffering from depression and anxiety, and we just bind that in her mind.

Maybe some of you have battled that as well, that depression or anxiety, and we're going to stand with you as well. So, let's just pray right now. Father, I just thank you for everyone watching or listening right now. And we lift up all together Pete and Patricia and Gloria and Nona.

And Father, you know, they're not just names. They're your children. And so, Father, I thank you that you will heal them. you will heal their grandson, heal their neck, heal uh the anxiety and depression, Father, that the that that beautiful child of Gloria's will be delivered smoothly and beautifully.

And father, anyone out there who is facing an illness, whether it's diabetes, heart trouble, liver problems, uh anything, Father, that affects their body and the functioning of that body, we bind that right now and take authority over that in Jesus' name. Not in our name, but in the name that's above every name.

The name that gave his life so that we could walk in divine health. And we speak that healing to all of you right now who need it. And Father, I thank you that you will open supernatural doors for your people who need jobs. Father, who who need uh finances, breakthroughs in any area, Father, maybe it's in a relationship, Father, would you just bring peace to that relationship and settle it, Father?

They don't have to see eye to eye, but they can see peace together, Lord. And you will work out those things that that that sometimes don't seem to be worked out. So, Father, we just speak to your people and we speak blessing and favor. We speak wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, eyes to see, and ears to hear what the spirit is saying.

And Father, we thank you that you're still healing today, relationships, bodies, and anything we need in Jesus' name. Amen. And amen. We love you guys and we're standing in faith with you. ((music playing)) never stop working. Oh, you never stop. You never stop working. Even when I don't see it, you're working.

And even when I don't feel it, you're working. You never stop. You never stop working. You never stop. You never stop. You are ((music playing)) promise keeper, light in the darkness. My God, that is who you are. You are ((music playing)) in the darkness. That is who you are. ((music playing)) You are. That is who you are.

Oh, that is who you are. That is who you are. That is who you are. That is who you are. That is who you are. That is who you are. That is who you are. Well, good morning Lakewood family. Have you ever noticed that some of the most fulfilled and alive people that they're not sitting on the sidelines, they're the ones who found a place to serve, to give, to show up, to be used by God.

Because there's something about serving. It doesn't just change others, it changes you. There's a verse that we say here often at Lakewood Church. It's Psalm 92:13. That those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish. Planted, not just showing up, but rooted. And when you're planted, you begin to flourish.

I want to share a real story of what that looks like. John Burns has been serving here at Lakewood Church for 24 years. We can cheer for that. He's a retired federal agent of 30 years, a husband married to his wife Cheryl for 56 years, a father to two children, David and Shelley.

And when their daughter Shelley was born, John and Cheryl, they were told that she would have significant disabilities. And doctors didn't expect her to live past the age of 20. But they loved her, believed in her, and raised her and her brother with care and with faith. Well, years ago, as they were living out of state, they brought Shelley into a children's classroom setting at a church, and cookies were being handed out, and kids began walking in.

But when they reached the door, someone looked at Shelly and then looked back at John and said, "We don't have room for her." And in that moment, something marked John because though that individual didn't see it, both he and Cheryl knew that Shelly had a purpose. Shelley had a place and Shelly mattered.

Well, years later, they moved to Houston. They weren't part of a church since that experience, but Shelley, she loved watching Lakewood Church and Pastor Joel on TV. and a friend told them, "You should check out Lakewood Church. It's known as the Oasis of Love." John said he remembers that day so clearly as an usher greeted them at the door, welcomed them in with kindness, and when Shelley asked for a hug because she always asked to give a hug, that usher didn't hesitate.

He received her with warmth, with dignity, with love. And then he did something very simple but powerful. He walked them to the front and made space for them. And John said, "It was in that moment we knew we were home." And what I love about this whole story is that John, he didn't just attend.

He stepped in. He got planted. He started serving. And you know where his first role was? It was as an usher. the very place where someone made room for his family. He became that place for someone else. So for 24 years now, every Sunday morning, every Wednesday night, any opportunity really, you will find John serving, faithful, consistent, planted.

And Shelly doctor said she wouldn't live past 20, but this June she will be 50 years old, full of life, front row. And let me tell you, one of the best huggivers here at Lakewood Church. When I asked John, I said, "Why Lakewood?" He said, "We met people here who became lifelong friends."

And I started serving because of how we were treated. And I just wanted to give back. Friends, that is what it means to be planted. It's not just receiving, but becoming. It's not just being blessed, but being a blessing. I love the very next verse in Psalm 92, verse 14.

It says, "They will still bear fruit in old age. They will stay fresh and flourishing." You know, John is living proof that you're never too old. You are never too late. You are never too overlooked to still flourish and be in the house of God. But his story doesn't end there.

Just two weeks ago during his devotional time in the morning, John felt God nudge his heart and he said, "I'm going to get water baptized." After years of walking with God, he heard God say, "Take this step right here, right now." And of course, John being John, he was scheduled to serve that day.

He told the team, "I'll be serving. Oh, and by the way, I'm getting baptized at 11:30." And his team leader said to him,"Robin," he said, 'Joh, you just focus on getting baptized. We're going to be right here when you get out. And when he stepped out, when he stepped out of the waters, there was his church, his family, his team, because you know what?

John came to serve, but that day his church served him. Friends, there is something so powerful that happens when you plant yourself in the house of God. You don't fill a role, you find a place. You don't just attend, you belong. And you don't just sit, you flourish.

And one day, you're going to look up just like John, and say, "I'm home." Can we just take a moment and just honor John and his entire family? John, why don't you come on up here, John Burns, amazing man of God. We honor you. We love you. Incredible.

John, I want to ask you this. After 24 years of serving in the house of God, what does being planted and flourishing, what does that mean to you? It means the world. Um, serving rejuvenates a person. Rejuvenated me. It made me um stronger in my faith, in my prayer life, in my family life.

Um I've met all these wonderful people. As pastor says, some of the finest people in Houston come to Lakewood and you can hang out with them. They were they're wonderful people. And I decided to um usher right away. I just said, "Well, they were so good to us, we're going to do that."

And my wife said, "After 30 years in law enforcement, you're not Mr. Meet and Greet." So I said, "I'll work on it." So that was 24 years ago. I' I've served in a number of different ministries now. And um last night I asked Cheryl about this. You know, I told her I was going to do this and she said, "You're not the same man you were 24 years ago."

And like I said, I think that was a good thing. Yeah, I think so. What do y'all think? So, anyway, I would I would recommend if anybody jump in. It's it's really you find people that that uh become lifelong friends and like I said, y'all are family now.

You're not just friends. So, Amen. Well, your life inspires us. And I want to just pray a blessing. Can we do that? Father, I just thank you so much for every single person that is here in this room watching, listening, God. And God, I thank you for for John and his life and just the Burns family, God.

And just what a mighty example of what it is to be planted and flourishing. God, I thank you that just like John, God, that that we too can be planted and that our roots would go down deep into the soil. God, that nothing would be able to pluck us out of the ground, God.

That we would go deeper in our faith, deeper in our understanding, deeper in our relationships, God. I thank you. I thank you, Father, that we're stepping into just a a year of flourishing, God, years ahead of flourishing with you, God. I thank you that there's peace and strength and so much more that we could never even ask or think or imagine.

God, we love you. We praise you, God. We pray that as we get planted that we would flourish and make a lasting impact for your kingdom here on earth in the name of Jesus. And everybody said, "Amen." And amen. God bless you. Good morning, Lakewood Church. I'm Chuck Pryor.

I am the executive director of Joel Osteen Radio on SiriusXM. Now, I know what you're thinking because I hear it all the time. You don't look anything like you sound on the radio. And it's true. At least in my mind, it's true. On the radio, I'm much younger.

I'm much thinner. I don't even have gray hair on the radio. So, I just leave all the camera work to pastors Joel and Victoria. But I am privileged to work with them behind the scenes and have done so ever since we launched back in 2014. I've also had an incredible front row seat and been part of an amazing journey as the host of Joel and Victoria Live during their weekly call-in shows.

For over 12 years, Joel Osteen Radio has been a beacon of hope and encouragement for millions of listeners around the world every day. So many people are tuning in and hearing this message of hope for the very first time. In fact, rarely a week goes by that we don't hear something like, "I got a new car.

It came with a free trial of Sirius XM and I just happened to find Joel Osteen Radio." But we all know that's not by chance. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, listeners are encouraged to connect with God and build a lasting relationship with him. My father who has passed was a federal judge and just a good man.

Not really a believer, just a good man and taught us, raised us well. We had a great upbringing. Um, one day he called me and he said, "I found this minister on TV. His name is Joel Osteen. Have you ever heard of him?" And I was like, "No, daddy, I hadn't."

So, we started to listen together and every Sunday he would call me. Well, my dad came to know the Lord through you and through at the end of his life through a nurse who had you on um in the hospital and he gave his life to the Lord.

Wow. H and I listen to you all the time for the past 15 years. I love you and Victoria and you've been such a blessing to my family. So, thank you for that. Calls like this come in week after week, month after month, and year after year. Lakewood, I know you know this, but the message of hope that is broadcast from this ministry is connecting deeply with people right where they are.

Listeners are being encouraged, inspired, and empowered in ways they never imagined. And guess what? You are part of this incredible outreach. Yeah. Thank you so much, Lakewood. Appreciate you. I tell you every week, but your support, your generosity, being here today online, however you do it, but you know what? you make it all happen and we feel honored to be able to, you know, speak to so many people.

It's always been our desire to get outside the church walls. Of course, we want to all join together and be here, but you know, there's a lot of people that weren't raised in church like me. I've told you before, half the people that listen to us or watch us, they have never been to church or they don't attend church now.

Somehow, God's given us a way to to impact some of them. And so, it all happens because of your faithfulness. So, thanks for your generosity. We take a moment every service to worship the Lord with our tithes and our offerings. So, we'll do that now. And just uh I was reading in Proverbs 28.

It says that when you help people in need actually says there different translation. One says when you give to the poor that you God said you will lack nothing. I think that's the people of Lakewood every week. You know, you may not be specifically giving to the poor, but you know, my brother's over in uh Tanzania, Zambia, somewhere in Africa right now operating on people back in the middle of nowhere.

Well, he can do that because we support him and here at Lakewood and just helping the poor. The mi the media goes out all over the world. Think about SiriusXM the last 13, 14 years, 24 hours a day, satellite radio. It's broadcasting the services and the gospel and you know it happens because of you.

You are helping people in need. And so my prayer, my declaration, and I'm going to pray it in faith that you are going to lack nothing. Not lacking good health, not lacking good relationships, not lacking a sound mind, and not lacking plenty of resources to fulfill your purpose to build the kingdom, to be a bigger blessing.

Thanks for your support. We just speak blessings over you. Amen. I love that. You are blessed people. You're not only just giving, but you're planting, you're spreading, I would say, powerful seeds all over this earth. Not just the United States, but all over the world. And you think about what is in a seed, man.

When that thing opens up, life is in that seed. And you are giving life to people. And you know, you can't just think about, well, I'm just giving this, but no, you're giving life. You're you the potential in your giving is amazing. not only to bless others, but God always says when you give, it'll be given back to you.

God is a rewarder of those who seek after him and who put his promises into practice. It doesn't matter what you need. If you stand on God's promises and you're doing what he says, you're putting those things into practice. And that's faith. And that's where the healing, the joy, the goodness, the financial breakthroughs come.

So, I just want to encourage you to always think about, man, this is life. I'm giving I'm giving life because I think when God says he loves a cheerful giver, when we let that when we release that out of our hand, we have to say something of faith.

We have to know something in our heart. So, that's why I always want to encourage you to think, you know what, I'm not just giving, but I am given life. I'm giving love and I'm partnering with the heart of God. So, thank you so much for all you do.

We couldn't do it without you. Yes. Beautiful. victori. Lord, thank you for our amazing givers here in the building watching, listening. Lord, we don't give because we have to. We give to honor you, to put you first place. And Lord, I thank you what you promise that they will lack nothing.

Lord, that you're working in their lives right now. And Lord, I ask that their gifts and talents will come out to the full. Lord, ideas and creativity. I thank you, Lord. You're bringing opportunity and contracts and businesses, Lord, doing what only you can do. Lord, shine brightly through us so we can be a bigger blessing.

Lord, we commit to be great stewards of what you've given us. And Lord, we're going to use it to spread the gospel. And I thank you that your people are great stewards, Lord. And that the economy is not our source, but you are our source, God. Our eyes are upon you today.

I thank you for those blessings that the open windows of heaven, Lord. Blessings that we cannot contain so we can build your kingdom and become all you've created us to be in Jesus name. God bless you today as you give. 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 the most convenient for you. Go to lakewoodurch.com/give. Text give hope to 77977. Mail a check to P.O. Box 27450, Houston, Texas 77227 or call us toll-free at 888-567 Joel. This is the moment where everything turns. Didn't think I would see it.

Hard to believe heaven crashes to earth. I've read the stories of all that you've done, parted the sea, and set captives free. Never thought I'd be one. But I am a living breathing walk and testimony. I am a living proof of what the Lord has done. They call it crazy, but they can't take away my story.

I am a living, breathing, walking testimony. They said I wouldn't make it, that I should give up, but they didn't know that the God that I serve is more than enough. Cuz he can mold my hands. He can make broken beautiful. And I run out of hope when I run to the God of a miracle.

I am a living, breathing, walking testimony. Yes, I am—living proof of what the Lord has done. ((music playing)) I am living, breathing, walking testimony. Look what the Lord has done. Look what the Lord has done. But the enemy did what he could, but the Lord he used it for good.

Look what the Lord has done. Oh, look what the Lord has done. ((music playing)) try to steal and destroy. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) yes I am. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) living breathing, walking testimony. Come on y'all, let's all stand if you don't mind. Thanks for being in Lakewood today. So awesome to have you in the house of the Lord.

I know you know this. You just heard it from John and our family right there. Your new week goes better when you put God first place. When you are planted, you're going to flourish. So, thanks for being here. We love you. We pray for you every single day.

And more than us, just loving you. That's good. But God saw you take the journey of faith today. So, we welcome you. If you're visiting, I'd love to meet you after service. I'm always in the lobby back there afterwards if you got a moment. Love to shake your hand.

Just honored to have you all here. Couple quick things. Several times a year, we have a blood drive happening here at Lakewood. Well, today is the Gulf Coast blood drive. if you got a moment after service, not in a hurry, and you you're willing to give blood, help so many people down at the medical center and just how you can be a blessing.

And I tell you all the time, Lakewood people are the most generous people. We're always one of the most biggest blood drives around. So, you may want to go get some lunch and come back. The the trucks will be here all day today. So, if you can do that, just thank you so much for being generous.

One last thing, we've cranked up our Wednesday night services again. We're back in person every Wednesday night. If you want to come out, we'd love to have you. Pastor Nick runs it and s Pastor Serena. It's a great time. But in a couple weeks, we're going to have the whole service, but it's going to be a night of worship.

May 6, I think it is, on a Wednesday night. So, I know some of you live too far, but some of you are close by. And boy, it's an hour powerp packed service. I really enjoy it. But we are blessed to have you here anytime you can be here.

And we're going to continue to just believe you're going to see God's goodness in new ways in your life. Hey, when you see yourself on the big screen, can you give the TV audience a great big Lakewood welcome? Well, 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, our 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. But I'd like to start with something funny. I heard about this pastor, and he found a dead mule on the church grounds. He called the health department and they said they couldn't pick it up without authorization from the mayor.

Well, the mayor was known to be rude and hard to get along with. And when the pastor called, the mayor didn't disappoint. He started ranting and raving. He finally said, "Isn't it your job to bury the dead? Why are you even calling me?" The pastor asked God to give him the right response.

He said, "Yes, mayor. It is my job to bury the dead, but I always like to notify the next of kin first. 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. ever. I'll never be the same in Jesus name.

God bless you. If you'd like to open your Bibles to Deuteronomy 11, Deuteronomy 11 29. We'll put the scriptures on the screen as well, but most of you know there's great services all day today. Spanish speaking at 2:00. Amazing service. Monday night, the Bible study. Wednesday, our youth and junior high meet.

Always something good for for all of you. But thanks for being here again today. I want to talk to you today about pronounce before you possess. All through the scripture, God has given us incredible promises of healing, freedom, abundance. It's important to believe the promise and get it down in your spirit.

But believing alone is not enough. What activates the promise is by speaking it, by declaring what God says about you. Your words have power. They set things into motion. Either blessing, favor, breakthroughs, or sickness, lack, and can't do it. One of the last times Moses spoke to the Israelites was in Deuteronomy 11.

He told them how God was going to bring them into the promised land, how they'd have houses they didn't build, all these crops and livestock, amazing things. But he said there's a couple conditions. Number one, you must obey the Lord your God. And number two, verse 29, when the Lord God brings you into the land to possess it, you must pronounce a blessing.

He was saying the blessing, the promised land, the houses you didn't build, it's not going to happen just because I promised it. You have to declare it. You have to pronounce the blessing before you receive the blessing. You have to pronounce your healing before you get well. You have to pronounce the breakthrough before you get free.

Pronounce the abundance while you're still in not enough. The promise is an invitation. It's not a possession. It's not done just because God said it. It's an offer. It's God saying, "This is what I want to do for you. This is what I have in store." But you have to get your words in agreement and speak what I say about you.

This is where the Israelites missed it. The first time they came to the promised land, the parents of these people, God gave them this same promise. This is your land. You're going to have these houses and these vineyards, fruit so big that the cluster of grapes take two people to carry.

God said, "I'm going to fight your battles and defeat these enemies and give you this land." They had this incredible promise. All they had to do was get in agreement. Lord, thank you that this is our land, that we are well able to take it, that you are fighting our battles.

That's what activates the promise, pronouncing the blessing. But they did just the opposite. They looked at the people living there and saw how big they were. And instead of pronouncing a blessing, they said, "We don't have a chance. The giants are too big." Even though God promised them the land, even though he said it's yours, they never did go in.

Not because of giants, not because of walls, but because of their words. Your words are deciding whether you inherit the promises or whether you forfeit the promises. What are you saying about what God has promised you? God said he's restoring health back unto you. The number of your days he will fulfill.

Well, I don't see how I can get well, Joel. You should see this medical report. You're doing what they did. You're canceling out the promise. God said you will lend and not borrow. That your cup will run over. I can't get ahead. I take one step forward, two step backwards.

That's keeping you out of your land. God said your children will be mighty in the land that your seed is blessed. I don't think my son's ever going to get back on course. I don't know what's wrong with him. The problem is you're pronouncing the wrong thing. God has given you the promise.

You may even believe it in your heart, but if you pronounce defeat, you're going to see defeat. And God told the Israelites to pronounce the blessing while the opposition was still on their land. They were still outnumbered and outside the city. They could have thought, "Why are we going to pronounce the blessing now?

Once we get in, once we're victorious living in those houses, then we'll say we're blessed. But this is what faith is all about. You have to speak what God promised you before you see any sign of it. You have to pronounce healing when the medical report's not good.

You have to pronounce abundance when your finances say you're barely going to make it. You have to speak freedom when the addiction seems strong as ever. When you get your words in agreement with what God says, angels go to work, the chain breaker shows up, supernatural power, provision, healing, things you couldn't make happen, God will make happen.

Now, don't forfeit the promise by speaking against what God says about you. Get in agreement. Have a report of victory, health, abundance. If you'll keep pronouncing the blessing, then you will possess all God has for you. Back in the Bible days, the way a king took new land wasn't just by force, but first he proclaimed it was his land.

He made this public declaration to all the people, his supporters, and the opposition that this was his territory. He didn't wait to conquer the city to take ownership. He didn't wait to build the infrastructure to say it was his. His words marked territory. His words establish dominion. It's the same principle with God.

That's what he told the Israelites. This land is yours. I'm giving it to you. Now, you have to pronounce the blessing before you possess it. Not after, not when you see what you're believing for. When the trouble turns around, when you get that promotion, no. Before you go into the land, you need to announce this is your land.

Your words are marking territory. Your words are setting boundaries. You are announcing not just to people who are for you, but you are announcing to the enemy, you are on my territory and you are not welcome here. You are drawing that line in the sand. You are exercising your authority.

It's like you're putting a stake in the ground with the flag of your country establishing ownership. When you say healing is mine, you're marking that territory, abundance belongs to me, salvation for my family, good relationships, successful business, bright future. That's not just being positive, hoping, wishing like kings back in their day.

You're making a public declaration that that land belongs to you. You have to mark the land with your words before you mark it with your feet. When you speak that promise in the unseen realm, boundaries are established. Forces of darkness pay attention. You are setting your flag, putting on notice that you are coming for the territory the most high God has promised you.

Now, let's start marking some new territory. God told the people of Israel, "You've gone around this mountain long enough. Same thing over and over. 40 years complaining, "We can't do it. It's hot out here. It's never going to change." Oh, it's time to take new ground. It starts with our words.

Lord, I want to thank you that you promise to do exceeding abundantly above and beyond what I ask or imagine. You're setting your stake in new territory for God to exceed your expectations, to show out in your life, to surprise you with his goodness. Maybe you have children that are off course.

It's been that way a long time. And it's easy to settle in that land. Just keep going around the same mountain. Well, Joel, I'm making it. God's been faithful. Yes, it's good to be grateful. But how about stretching your faith? God, you promise that as for me in my house, we will serve the Lord.

Thank you that my child will fulfill his purpose. Holy Spirit, thank you that you're helping him do what he can't do on his own. That's marking new territory. That's announcing to the enemy that you can't stay on that land. That's God's property and I'm coming for you with your words.

You're establishing dominion. You're setting boundaries. You're marking. You're making that proclamation. We're not just in the natural, but in the unseen realm, you're taking authority. declaring what God promised will come to pass. And it's not up to you to make it all happen. God said, "I want you to obey me.

Pronounce the blessing. Declare what I said about you." That's when God will do what you can't do. He'll make ways where you don't see a way. With your words, you're marking territory. Now, pay attention to what you're marking. Well, I've had this problem so long. I don't think I'll ever meet the right person.

Everybody in my family struggles with an addiction or nobody can get ahead. We'll never have enough. That's like the Israelites going around that same mountain. Giants are too big. Always going to be this way. That group never did go in. The next time they were at the promised land 40 years later, God told their children in effect, "Don't be like your parents.

Don't defeat yourself with your words. You have to pronounce the blessing, not pronounce the problem. That's going to keep you circling. Why don't you start pronouncing your healing, pronouncing your abundance, your children honoring God, your business excelling, your future filled with peace, joy, new levels. You can't wait for it to happen.

You have to mark the territory. You have to put your flag in the ground, so to speak. This land belongs to me. God, you promised me healing. I believe healing is mine. God, you said I have a sound mind, free from worry, anxiety, confusion. Lord, I thank you for your peace.

God, you said I'd be the happy mother of children. Experts say we can't have a baby, but God, I thank you that a child is on the way, that I will conceive and give birth. That's how you possess the land. Speak the blessings. Declare what God promised. That's marking your territory.

We have a little dog at home named Eevee. She's a Shizu and she weighs about 10 lbs. The nicest, friendliest dog ever. When we take her for a walk, every 30 feet or so, she'll stop and mark her territory. That smell tells the other dogs that they don't belong there.

This is her street. She's very small, but she doesn't know her size. She thinks she's a great Dne. In her mind, she's a big, powerful dog, not afraid of anything. Another dog will pass 10 times her size. She'll go right up to it, growling, snarling, barking, have to hold that leash so tight to not let her get away.

She's not afraid of the other dog, but I am. I think, don't get him mad at us. But Eevee is letting that other dog know that he doesn't belong there. She's already marked her territory. Set her flag in the ground. He better get out of there fast or there's going to be trouble.

She marched her territory a different way. We mark our territory with our words. When you speak God's promises, you are establishing ownership. And it's good to believe the promise, but the scripture says the spirit of faith is in our words. Words give life to what you're believing. God has given us all these incredible promises.

Like the Israelites, he's promised us the land, the healing, the freedom, the family. But here's where we can miss it. Silence leaves the territory unclaimed. Silence is not neutral. Silence is surrender. You have to pronounce the promise before you possess it. When you speak what God says, that gives life to your faith.

You are marking territory. You are setting boundaries, establishing ownership. But I wonder if you're leaving territory unclaimed because you're not speaking it. Are you surrendering land that belongs to you? Promises of healing, freedom, abundance because you haven't spoken the blessing. If you don't pronounce it, you won't possess it.

It's good to believe that your family will come to know the Lord. Good to stay in faith. Be positive. But when you say, "Lord, I want to thank you that as for me in my house, we will serve the Lord." That takes it to a new level. Just imagine you're putting your stake in the ground, claiming this territory belongs to me.

It's good to believe that you're blessed and wish good things will happen. But when you say, "Father, thank you that I am blessed, that your favor surrounds me like a shield. Surely goodness and mercy are following me. I haven't seen, heard, or imagined what you have in store.

That's putting a stake in the ground for a bright future, for promotion, increase, or abundance. Perhaps you struggle with your selfworth, feeling like you're not enough, insecure. You do your best to think the right thoughts, and that's a great start, but you need to take this next step and pronounce the blessing.

God has promised you freedom, confidence, value, but you have to declare it. Something happens when you speak. Forces of darkness are broken. Strongholds come down. And every morning, you need to say, "Father, thank you that you created me in your own image. That you crowned me with your favor. that I am a masterpiece, fearfully and wonderfully made, valuable, talented, worthy, a prized possession.

That's exercising your authority. That's marking your territory, setting new boundaries, letting the enemy know that that land belongs to you. That's when God will fight for you. You don't have to defeat the enemy. He's already defeated. God will go before you and clear the path. He'll make the wrong things.

He'll move them out of your way so you can possess the land. This is what David did. 17 years old. He heard Goliath taunting the Israelites. They were on one side of the mountain, the Philistines on the other. These two armies were in a standoff. Well, Goliath would come out twice a day and shout threats and insults to the people of Israel.

He was a giant that stood over 9 ft tall, the champion of their army, the most skilled and talented warrior they had. The land God promised you will probably have some giants on it. Opposition will inhabit your land. It's easy to back down, but you have to mark that territory.

You have to take ownership of it, and God will defeat your enemies. You don't have to fight Goliath by yourself. the sickness, the addiction, the struggle. It may be too much for you. You can't do it in your own strength, but that's not your part. Your part is to pronounce the blessing, declare what God says, and once you put your state down, God will go to work.

All the Israeli army was afraid when Goliath came out and they ran and hid and thought, "Oh man, there's no way he's too big." As long as you're silent, you're surrendering territory. Giants will occupy your land. Not because they're stronger, bigger, but because you haven't march your territory.

You haven't established ownership. And this is not something that God is going to do. You have to do it. Faith is activated through our words. One morning, Goliath came out making all this noise. David didn't run. He didn't hide. He said, "Goliath, you come against me with a sword and a shield, but I come against you in the name of the Lord God of Israel."

David didn't just believe the promise. He didn't just hope God was with him. He spoke the blessing. He went on to say, "This day I will defeat you and feed your head to the birds of the air." That wasn't just trash talk. That was territorial talk. David was marking his territory.

He was establishing ownership, saying, "This land belongs to us. You are not welcome here." He went up to him, slung that rock, and hit Goliath in the forehead and knocked him to the ground. That's recorded in 1st Samuel 17:49. But the real victory happened four verses earlier in verse 45 when David said, "I will defeat you."

He had to pronounce the victory before he could possess the victory. Had David gone in there and thought, "I don't know, man. He's big. Look at his armor. He's got all this experience." If David had talked defeat, we wouldn't be talking about him today. If he had not marked his territory with his words, if he had stayed silent, he would have never defeated Goliath.

And here's a key. Goliath wasn't just a giant. He was a squatter living on the land that belonged to the Israelites, taking their inheritance. All the Israeli army was quiet. They were afraid. Silence gives permission for squatters to stay on your land. When we stay silent, we surrender the territory.

On the way to your destiny, there will be some Goliaths on your property. giants inhabiting places that God has promised you. Imagine squatters on your land, sickness, depression, generational dysfunction on your property, enjoying your house, eating from your garden. It's time to serve some eviction notices. You have to tell depression, "You are not welcome on my property."

Tell shame, insecurity, not good enough. You don't belong here. Your time is up. Sickness, you can't stay on my land. I will live and not die. Dysfunction, you have no right here. I will break generational limitations and I will start generational blessings. Or how about giant of addiction?

You have overstayed your welcome. This is a new day whom the sun sets free. Is free indeed. I'm coming into freedom, into wholeness, into victory. You don't evict giants with your power, your might, your thoughts. You evict them with your words. David said, "This day, the Lord will deliver you into my hands."

That's where he won the battle. Giants don't leave because you don't like them. They leave when you evict them. Eviction happens when you speak the promises, when you declare what God says about you. Goliath had been out there for 40 days before David showed up and evicted him.

Had it not been for David, he may have lived there 40 years. He may have permanently kept them from the promised land. Why don't you be the David in your family? Why don't you be the one to rise up and set new standards? When you see things that are limiting you, keeping you from freedom, wholeness, abundance, you know the secret.

You don't have to accept it. A Joel, that's just who we are. This addiction, depression, mediocrity, this is all I've known. God has you hearing this because you're the one to change it. If you will pronounce the blessing, you can break bondages of the past and possess the new levels that belong to you.

But the enemy would love for you to stay silent. He doesn't want you to take your ground. He knows he's on your territory, living off of what belongs to you. You need to send some addiction notices. Your words carry power. When you declare what God says about you, angels are dispatched.

Forces of darkness are broken. God will take your slingshot, so to speak, and you'll bring down giants that were much bigger. You're not doing this on your own. It's not just up to you to defeat Goliath. Your part is to pronounce the blessing. Put your flag in the ground and say this family belongs to God.

I claim the healing, the freedom, the peace, the salvation, the victory. You have to mark the land with your words before you will mark it with your feet. Don't stay silent. Silence is surrender. Well, Joel, I don't think it could work out. I got this opposition, this trouble at work, this sickness.

That's what held the first group of Israelites back. They were next door to the promised land, but they complained, focused on the opposition. I believe many of you are next door to your promised land. You are close to a breakthrough, close to healing, to freedom, to new levels, but there are giants on your land.

It's easy to retreat. I don't see how it can happen. You don't have to figure it out. You don't have to have all the answers. Just get in agreement with God and speak what he says about you. That's when giants fall. That's when chains break. That's when the right people show up.

That's when you have a baby when you were told you couldn't. That's when you're healed from a serious illness like my mother. Are you putting any stakes in the ground? Are you establishing any boundaries? Are you marking your territory with your words? The enemy doesn't respond to our thoughts.

He's not moved by what we're thinking. He responds to our words. That's where the power is. Think about Jesus. He didn't just go around thinking good thoughts and people got healed. He spoke to the situation, the demon-possessed man. He said, "Come out of him." He spoke to the blind man.

Be healed. He spoke to the storm, "Peace, be still." He spoke to Lazarus, "Come forth out of that grave." Authority has to be vocalized. A silent believer is a powerless believer. You have to speak the blessing before you see the blessing. Mark the territory before you live in the territory.

When we were trying to acquire this building, the former compact center, Victoria and I would come up at night, when no games were going on, no events, when the security guard didn't run us off, we would walk around the building and thank God for making a way and thanking that he was opening doors we couldn't open and thank him that he was bringing the right people.

The natural didn't seem possible. All the odds were against us, but we put our stakes down. We marked our territory with our words. We said, "God, we believe you've given us this building to spread the gospel around the world to bring hope to people. And Lord, you can do things that we can't do.

We don't see a way. But Lord, you have the final say. And we know you being for us is more than what's been against us. So God, our trust is in you. We weren't just hoping. We weren't just wishing. We were setting boundaries, establishing ownership and evicting squatters off our land.

Not people, but forces that were trying to keep us back. God caused things to fall into place. That's 23 years ago. Here we are today still going strong. But what God has put in your heart, the dreams, the promises, what you're believing for, you have to pronounce it before you'll see it.

Don't stay silent. Don't just wish. Silence is surrender. Silence is letting Goliath stay. Be a David. Speak to those giants. Not in your authority, but in the authority of the most high God. Depression, I will defeat you. Cancer, you cannot stay on this ground. Healing belongs here. Lack and debt.

That may have been how I was raised, but this is a new day. I live under the open windows of heaven. Start putting your stakes down. Tell the enemy he doesn't belong on your land. Mark your territory with your words. When you do that, you are setting boundaries, establishing ownership.

I believe and declare what God promised the Israelites, he's promising you. As you pronounce it, you're going to possess it. Giants are about to fall. Walls about to come down. The right people show up. Healing, promotion, breakthroughs, the fullness of your destiny in Jesus' name. If you receive it, can you say amen?

Let's pray together. If you have five minutes, if you can stick with me, we'll just seal it in prayer. Lord, I thank you for what we've heard today. I know it falls on great ground. faithful people here at Lakewood. And Lord, we're going out of here watching our words.

Lord, we're going to speak victory. We're going to speak what you say about us. Lord, show us areas where we're defeating ourselves with our words. Lord, we commit today. We're going to stay in faith. And Lord, I thank you that you will do what you promised. That we're going to get our words, our thoughts, and our words in alignment with you.

And Lord, that we will become who you've created us to be. Lord, I know there are those like David that are facing giants today. But Lord, we speak the victory. We speak the healing. We speak the breakthrough in the name of Jesus. Lord, we're going to stay in agreement.

We know you're a faithful God. And we trust you. We trust your ways. We trust your timing. And Lord, we thank you that you will get us to where we're supposed to be. Father, watch after your people as they go out this week, their children at work. Thank you that your angels are watching after each one of us, that we're covered by your blood in the name of Jesus.

With our heads bowed in prayer, just a quick question. If your heart stopped 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.

I'm not here to condemn anybody. I'm here to help you find a new beginning. I know that 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 and recommmit your life to Christ, 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's 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." You're not hearing this by accident.

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 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. I feel like ought to be a few more. Anybody else? Your heart beating fast? Still time for you watching, listening. Well, God bless you and please remain standing if you don't mind, but we want to tell you how proud we are of you.

I know that took courage to stand, but more importantly, I know God is 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 praying this after me?

All of you, if you would. Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make you my Lord and Savior. Amen. Remain standing one more moment. I want to tell you again how much we love you. We're going to be praying for you. Also want to give you a personal invitation and a challenge to come back and be with us on a regular basis.

This next year of your life is an incredibly important time. Why don't you come get plugged in and give us that year? I'll make a promise before the year is over. Your life will never be the same. for the better. We're going to help you grow and become who God's created you to be.

And I know you're busy, you work hard, and sometimes Sunday's a day off, but I can promise you this. When you get into a community of faith, your new week goes better. There's a blessing that God puts on your life. And we'd love to have you here. Sometimes people ask me, "What's the next step?"

Well, right after the service, we have a space over here called New Beginnings. We created it just for you. I'm going to be there in about 10 minutes. I'd love to shake your hand, just talk 30 seconds. The class is about 15 minutes, but it won't take long.

But I'd love to meet you right over there. You can learn how to get plugged in, how to get connected, even if you don't live here in town. You can meet some of our team. I mean, a big part of getting plugged in is to get on some of these teams, ushers, choir, like John, ushers, choirs, prayer partners, kids life.

You will meet some lifelong friends here at Lakewood that'll help you stay in faith. You need good people in your life. There's a lot of great ones here at Lake, but I hope to meet you over there. 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. April 19th, 2026, a new day of victory in your life in Jesus name. Amen. Well, let's all sing 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'll speak the blessing number six. 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 an amazing favorfilled week. See you back real soon.