Don’t Ignore Warnings | Joel Osteen | Lakewood Church Service

((music playing)) You fight the battle. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Welcome to church this morning. Your mercy's are new every morning. Your steadfast love will never end. This ((music playing)) hope won't [singing] fade in the evening. Lord, how great is your faithfulness? ((music playing)) Lord, how great is your faithfulness? You're ((music playing)) faithful. You're faithful. Every hour, every minute of my life has been part of your ((music playing)) design.

Lord, the whole world's in your hand. Every trial, ((music playing)) every battle that I face, God, you met me there with grace. Every part has served your [music and singing] plan. Cuz through it all, you've been so ((music playing)) so good. So good. Kept your word ((music playing)) like you said you would. Wohoo. Your ((music playing)) mercies are new every morning.

Your steadfast love will never end. This ((music playing)) hope won't fade in the evening. Lord, how great ((music playing)) is your faithfulness? Lord, how great is your faithfulness? ((music playing)) Lord, how great is your faithfulness? ((music playing)) Hallelujah. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Hey, God bless you. Welcome to Lakewood. So great to have you with us today. Joining in online and listening live on SiriusXM.

We love you guys and just speaking blessings and favor and God's goodness and mercy and protection over each one of you. We're going to have a great time today. They got a great service lined up and I know there's no distance with with God and the spirit and so we just want you to know we love you.

We're praying for you and it's a great time. Kind of cold all over Houston, all over the country just about, but it's a great time to just stir up your faith and say, "God, you're still in control. God, you got us all in the palm of your hand."

Hey, let me remind you. God woke us up this morning. God gave us breath to breathe. We got a reason to be grateful. So, thanks for being a part. We just again speak God's blessing over you. Hope you'll join in with us in worship and just I'll share a good word with you as well.

But, uh, thanks for being here. God bless you, my beautiful bride, Victoria. Always it is good to be with you today. Wherever you are, we know that the spirit is and that God is going to minister life to you. You know, I love the fact that wherever we are, we can worship God because he is in us and he wants to work through us.

So today, as we hear these messages, as we sing these songs, as we praise him, know that he is as close as the very breath that you breathe. So it is a time to worship God, cast off those things that are trying to, you know, hold you back or distract you and really say, "God, this is our time.

Whatever's going on in my life, I'm not going to worry about it right now. I'm going to give you my time." Because the Bible talks about when we put God first place, when we put him in the middle of anything that we're doing, he will guide us and he will direct us and he will lead us.

So, we're going to open this service with prayer and we're going to thank God for who he is and what he wants to do in our life. Father, we thank you so much for this opportunity to be together. And Father, we thank you that you are working in each and every one of us right now.

So father we look to you for our strength, for our provision, for our health, for our guidance. And we thank you that we can worship you not only in our heart every single day, but we can open our mouth and we can o lift our voice and we can sing praises to you.

And we do it all in the name of Jesus. And everyone said, "Amen." Oh, ((music playing)) here ((music playing)) and now, looking back on where I've [singing] been, still as good as you were ((music playing)) then. There's no limit to your love. Cuz through it all, ((music playing)) you've been so so [singing] good. So good. Kept your word like you said you always would.

Your ((music playing)) mercies are new every morning. Your steadfast love will never end. This hope won't ((music playing)) fade in the evening. Lord how great. Lord how great. Lord ((music playing)) how great is your faithfulness. ((music playing)) Oh, how great. ((music playing)) Oh, how great you are, God. There's no one like you. Oh, how great ((music playing)) is your faithfulness every morning.

((music playing)) Oh, how great. ((music playing)) Oh, how great is your faithfulness? ((music playing)) Oh, your great your greatness, Lord. Cuz through it all, you've been so [singing] so so good. More than I deserve. Like you said, you [singing] always would. Sing "through it all." Cuz through it ((music playing)) all, you've been so so [singing] good. Oh yeah.

Kept your word like you said you would. Your ((music playing)) mercies are new every— every morning, every evening—will never end. ((music playing)) This hope won't fade. ((music playing)) Lord, how great ((music playing)) is your faithfulness. Your mercies are new every morning. Your ((music playing)) steadfast love will never end. ((music playing)) Lord, how great. ((music playing)) Oh, how great ((music playing)) is your faithfulness?

Lord, how great is your faithfulness? ((music playing)) Oh, hey. ((music playing)) Great ((music playing)) is your faithfulness. Oh, come on. I know a name that can silence roaring waves. I know a name that can empty out a [singing] grave. I know a name. Come on. It's the only ((music playing)) name that saves and it's worthy of all praise.

I call ((music playing)) you Jesus. I call you I call you ((music playing)) healer. Risen and reigning in power. ((music playing)) Something comes [singing] out of the grave. ((music playing)) Every time I call you Jesus, I call you. I call ((music playing)) you savior. Worthy of glory forever. ((music playing)) Something comes out of the grave. Every time I call your name, ((music playing)) I have a key.

Yes I do, with ((music playing)) dominion over death. He holds a key in ((music playing)) his holy nail-scarred hands. He is the heel that has crushed the serpent's head. [music and singing] great I am. ((music playing)) I call you Jesus. I call you I call you healer. ((music playing)) Risen and reigning in power. ((music playing)) Something comes out of the grave.

Every time I ((music playing)) call you Jesus, I call you. I call you savior. Worthy ((music playing)) of glory forever. Something comes [singing] out of the grave. Oh, every time ((music playing)) I call your name, chains break, dry bones ((music playing)) wake. Every time I call your name, the gates of ((music playing)) hell shake. Every time I call your name, chains break ((music playing)) Every time I call your name, ((music playing)) shake, every time I call your name.

((music playing)) Oh, there's power in the name. Yes, there is. Come on. Yeah. Come on. Where oh [music and singing] death is now your sting and where oh [singing] grave your ((music playing)) victory. We say, where ((music playing)) is now [singing] your sting ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) your ((music playing)) victory. ((music playing)) Dead things come alive. Dead things come alive. Dead things come alive in the name of Jesus.

((music playing)) Dead things come alive. Dead things come alive. Dead things come alive ((music playing)) in the name of Jesus. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) in the name of—I call ((music playing)) you Jesus. I call you. I call you ((music playing)) risen and reigning in power. Something comes ((music playing)) every time I call you Jesus. ((music playing)) I call you I call you Savior worthy of glory forever.

Something ((music playing)) comes out of the grave. Oh, every time I call your name ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Every time I call your name, ((music playing)) Every time I call your name, ((music playing)) name of ((music playing)) Jesus. [singing] ((music playing)) Dead things come alive in ((music playing)) the name of Jesus. Come alive. Come alive. Come alive. ((music playing)) Come alive. Come alive. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) I hear it in the wind.

I rise to look [singing] again. The spirit ((music playing)) stirring something up ahead. In faith, Lord, I believe for rains [music and singing] I've yet to see. Before the [singing and music] clouds are falling, my God is faithful ((music playing)) from age to [singing] age. And what he promised won't be delayed. ((music playing)) My [singing] eyes can see it, but ((music playing)) through my faith I hear the sound [music and singing] of heaven, an abundance rain.

((music playing)) I [singing] hear it when I pray. I hear it as I wait. The miracle I seek ((music playing)) is on the way. So mighty rushing wind, come have your way ((music playing)) ((music playing)) My God is faithful. From age ((music playing)) to ((music playing)) be ((music playing)) my eyes ((music playing)) I hear the ((music playing)) sound of heaven ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Oh, ((music playing)) an abundance ((music playing)) Oh, we welcome ((music playing)) the rain.

Welcome your hope. Welcome [singing] provision. We welcome your ((music playing)) peace. Welcome your joy. Welcome your freedom. [singing] Here comes the king, mighty to save. Reigning ((music playing)) in power. We hear it in the sound of heaven pouring ((music playing)) out. Come on. We welcome the rain. Welcome your hope. Welcome provision. We ((music playing)) welcome your peace.

Welcome your joy. Welcome your freedom. Here ((music playing)) comes the king, mighty to save ((music playing)) We hear ((music playing)) the sound ((music playing)) My ((music playing)) God is faithful ((music playing)) ((music playing)) My eyes can't see ((music playing)) through my faith, I hear the ((music playing)) sound of heaven. Oh, we welcome the rain, welcome ((music playing)) ((music playing)) We welcome your peace. Welcome your joy. Welcome your ((music playing)) freedom.

Here comes the king ((music playing)) ((music playing)) We welcome the rain ((music playing)) welcome provision. ((music playing)) We welcome your peace ((music playing)) ((music playing)) pouring out. ((music playing)) Pour out your spirit, Lord. Pour out ((music playing)) your spirit, Lord, on us right now. Come on in. Come on in. Come on in. Come on in. Come on in. Lord, have your way. Have your way.

Have your way, Lord. Oh, [singing] come on in. Come on in. Come on ((music playing)) in. Have your way. Have your way. Have your way. We sing. Breakthrough is coming. Strongholds are falling. Our ((music playing)) God is moving. We [singing] believe it. Believe it. Breakthrough is coming. Strongholds are falling. Our God is moving.

We believe it. ((music playing)) Believe it. [singing] Breakthrough is coming. Strongholds are falling. Our God ((music playing)) is moving. We [singing] believe it ((music playing)) Breakthrough ((music playing)) is coming. Strongholds are falling. Our God is moving. We ((music playing)) believe it. Believe it. Breakthrough is coming. Strongholds ((music playing)) our God is moving. We believe it. Believe it. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) to see a miracle ((music playing)) to watch your ((music playing)) ((music playing)) do what only you can do ((music playing)) ((music playing)) for revival in this place ((music playing)) We don't want to leave the same.

((music playing)) Do what only you can do. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Do ((music playing)) you can do ((music playing)) you can ((music playing)) do ((music playing)) Only [singing] you can do ((music playing)) it, Lord. You [singing] are here moving in our ((music playing)) midst. I worship you. I worship ((music playing)) you. You are here [singing] working in this place. [music and singing] I worship you. I [singing and music] worship you. Way maker, [singing and music] miracle worker, promise keeper, light in [singing] the darkness.

My God, that is who you are. ((music playing)) Way maker, miracle work, promise keep, light [singing and music] in the darkness. My God, that is who you [music and singing] are. You're here touching [music and singing] every heart. I worship ((music playing)) you. I worship you. You ((music playing)) are here. Healing every heart. I worship ((music playing)) you. I worship you. [music and singing] You are here.

Turning lives around. I worship you. I worship you. You are here, ((music playing)) I ((music playing)) worship you. I worship you Jesus. ((music playing)) Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the ((music playing)) darkness. That is who you are. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Light in the darkness. My God, that ((music playing)) is who you are. That is who you are.

((music playing)) ((music playing)) That is who you are. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) That is who you are. ((music playing)) My God, that is who you are. ((music playing)) Even when I don't see it, you're ((music playing)) working. Even when I don't feel it, you're working. Never stop. Never ((music playing)) stop working. Never stop. Never [singing] stop working. Even when I don't see it, ((music playing)) you're working.

And even when I don't [singing] feel it, you're working. Never stop. Never stop working. Never stop. ((music playing)) Never stop working. Even when I don't see ((music playing)) it, you're working. And even when I don't feel it, you're working. ((music playing)) You never stop working. You never stop, ((music playing)) You never stop working. Even when I don't see it, you're ((music playing)) working.

Even when I don't feel it, you're working. You never stop working. ((music playing)) Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness. ((music playing)) That is who you are. Oh, way maker, miracle worker, promise ((music playing)) keeper, light in the darkness. That ((music playing)) is who you are. You're a way maker, ((music playing)) a promise ((music playing)) keeper, light in the darkness.

((music playing)) That is who you are. ((music playing)) miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the ((music playing)) darkness. That is who you are. That is who you are. ((music playing)) Oh yes, that is who ((music playing)) you are. That's exactly who you are. ((music playing)) That is who you are. ((music playing)) That is true. That is who you are. ((music playing)) We serve an amazing God.

He's got us all in the palm of his hand. And I know even now he sees you worshiping him. And I just believe that I know he's fighting your battles today. We all have things come against us. And you know, sometimes it don't see how it can work out. out.

But just you just got to keep reminding yourself, God, I may not see a way, but I know you have a way. That you're a way maker. And you know, another good thing to do in in difficult times is to look back in your life and remember the things God has already brought you through.

And he's he's done it for you in the past. Can I tell you that's fuel for your faith to know that God is going to do it again. I I love this thought that the reason you have big challenges is because you have a big destiny. The enemy wouldn't be fighting any of us if we weren't a threat to his kingdom.

But you know what? You're raised up to take new ground, to set new standards. Let me tell you, 2026, you're going to see God do some unusual, uncommon things. Let's make room for it. Yeah, they got some big things coming against you, but you have the most powerful force in the universe breathing in your direction right now.

Who can stand against our God? He's got you in the palm of his hand. Let's be believers and not doubters. I'm going to pray for you. But remember this, God works where there's faith. You know, he's not necessarily moved by our needs or there wouldn't be any needs.

And I know God is compassionate, but the thought is, you know, if it's just need driven, you know, God would meet all the needs. But God is looking for people with faith, people that believe, not people that, you know, I got this big problem, Joe. I don't see how it can work out and, you know, it's been this way a long time.

Don't talk yourself out of what God wants to do in your life. Talk yourself into it. God, this is a big problem, but I know you're a big God and you've done it for me in the past. I know you'll do it again for me in the future.

We just speak victory over each one of you. Let me pray. Lord, you know everyone that's listening today and watching, Lord, I I know you do have them in the palm of your hand. And I just thank you, Lord, even right now, you are fighting their battles. You are turning negative situations around. that every force that's trying to stop them is being broken right now in the name of Jesus.

Depression, anxiety, addictions, bad habits, sicknesses, chronic pain, chronic disease, Lord, trouble in their health, in their in their finances, in their family, ((music playing)) in a relationship. Lord, I thank you today is a breakthrough day. Lord, I just speak your healing, your victory, your abundance over your people. Lord, I'm asking you to show out in their lives.

Do what only you can do. Lord, those many have done all they can, but Lord, our eyes are upon you today. We know nothing's ((music playing)) too hard for you. And Lord, I just speak that victory into your people. Lord, we do put you first place in our lives ((music playing)) starting off this new week.

We say it publicly. You're our Lord, our God, and our Savior. Make us and mold us and to who you want us to be. And as we start off this year, this first month, Lord, we commit our dreams into your hands and our health, our decisions, our finances.

((music playing)) Lord, we put you first place. And I thank you, Lord, just again that you're doing what only you can do. Lord, I thank you that you're healing those that are fighting illnesses, freeing those that are fighting addictions. Lord, that today would be that breakthrough day. We believe it and we declare it in the mighty name of Jesus.

We love you guys. Stay in faith and keep believing and you're going to see God show out in your life 2026 like you've never seen it. Well, let's take a moment and make our declaration of faith. Get back in tune with God. Say it like you mean it.

Are you ready? I am blessed, prosperous, redeemed, forgiven, healthy, whole, talented, creative, competent, secure, disciplined, focused, prepared, qualified, motivated, valuable, free, determined, equipped, empowered, anointed, accepted, ((music playing)) 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. You sound great. I can hear it by faith. Strong, blessed, healthy, victorious people. So glad to have you joining us today. My honor always to have you here at Lakewood. I want to ask Victoria and Paul if y'all don't mind coming up with me. Going to take a moment here.

My dad passed away on January 23rd, 1999. So that was on Friday. January 23rd was Friday. So seven uh 27 years since my dad has passed. And we were just thinking about daddy. Of course, I always like to honor my father cuz I had a great father. Many of many of you knew him if you've been here a while.

We'll show you a little clip of him in a moment. But uh had a great father and instilled, you know, good principles in me and my family. and I feel blessed and we thought we'd share a little bit of those principles. I'm going to share my message in a moment, but uh just taking time to honor my father.

Hey guys, come on. My brother Paul, my not as good-looking, a little older brother Paul is with me today. Nobody's here to laugh at Victoria, my beautiful wife. But Paul, we had a we had a great dad and we just thinking about Friday. He 27 years. It's hard to believe it's been that long, but uh just any memories you have of him and any principles.

Yeah. You know, Joel, I was thinking about one of the things that I'll never forget about our dad is that he taught us that no matter what we've done, no matter how far we've fallen, no matter if others have written us off, no matter if we've written ourselves off, God's arms of mercy are always extended to us.

He taught us and he encouraged us, Joel and Victoria, you know this as his children, but also as a church to follow God's example and always extend our arms of mercy to those who need it. I found this video recently, Joel Victoria, about daddy and he's talking about this.

I wanted you to watch this clip. During the depression, a dollar was worth a dollar. It was a How many of you can remember when a dollar was worth a lot of money? You could buy a loaf of bread for a nickel. You could buy a whole lunch for 15 cents.

That's right. Gallon of glass gas for 10 cents. And when you had a dollar back there, you had mucho Detto. Sorry about you, Greenos. Anyway, Jack had a dollar. I didn't have anything. And he said, "Now, John, would you keep this dollar? I'm going someplace." And so, I was in charge of his dollar.

And so, you know, there was a little bit of gambler in me back there. And so, they had slot machines in the drugstores. You know, you could win nickels. And so I got that dollar broken down into 20 nickels. And I said, "Before Jack gets back, I'll have me a dollar and I'll have his dollar back."

And I put a nickel in, pull, put a nickel in, pull, put a nickel in, pull, put a nickel in, pull. Man, I got desperate. I got down to 15 nickels. I got down to 10. I got down to five. I got down to two. You can't imagine the fear that came over me because my brother could kill me.

He f He He was a great fighter. I was a great runner. And so finally I remember putting that last nickel in there and pulling that slot machine and it rolled around and the dollar was gone. Jack showed up. Judgment day comes and we were walking along and and Jack was he was really tough.

He was a fighter. And he said, "John, give me a dollar." I didn't say anything. He said, "John, give me my dollar." And finally, I just broke down. I said, "Jack, I got to change the 20 nickels." I thought I could get me a dollar for putting it in that slot machine.

And I put it all in there. It's all gone. And I just braced to be beaten. I never will forget. Jack's in heaven now. I never will forget. It didn't mean much to him. Meant a lot to me. He put his arm around me. He's two years older.

He said, "That's all right, little brother. I can always get another daughter. Mercy. Mercy. ((applause)) Mercy. Mercy." And you know, sometime we feel like we're the people that have taken God's God's property and we've wasted our lives and we've spent it all and we've gotten down to nothing and we deserve hell and damnation.

But God sent his son to put his arms around us and say, "That's all right. That's all right. Mercy, mercy, mercy, mercy. Hallelujah." Lift your hands and praise God for mercy. Lift your hands and praise God for mercy. That's so good. Daddy was a preacher, wasn't he, Paul?

He was amazing. Just the the mercy of God and showing mercy. It's really what Lakewood was built on. You know, just here to lift people up, lift the fallen, restore the broken. But one great principle that daddy taught us. And Paul, you talked about one of our friends down the street that we knew.

And you know, daddy reached out to him. A little bit of that maybe. Yeah. You know, um you probably remember Russell, but my best friend growing up, uh was named Russell, and we loved to fish together and play golf and basketball and baseball. And Russell wasn't raised in a family of faith.

I don't think his family ever went to church. And but many times we'd be playing hoops in the in the uh driveway there. And and my dad would walk out. Daddy would walk out and you know Russell was a great big guy and daddy was little and he'd put his arms around Russell's waist ((music playing)) and he always would say this Joel McTory he said Russell do you know I love you and that Jesus loves you and honestly at 14 years of age I was a little embarrassed but um a year after I went to college Russell found my dad daddy and he accepted Jesus as his savior and he served him faithfully until he died in a tragic accident in his mid20s I am so thankful that daddy showed Russell the love of Jesus.

So thankful that he was willing to tell him about Jesus. And I think his example serves for all of us as a constant reminder to do the same. To show people the love of Jesus and to share the good news with them. You know, Joel Victoria, I was thinking 27 years ago when Daddy made it to heaven, I'm sure that Russell was one of those that welcomed him in.

Oh, that's really powerful. What an amazing thing to remind us all to to reach out to show mercy to take time for people. That's the most important thing in the world. I think you know so many memories of daddy. One of them mine is just the faithfulness over in the feed store.

I talk about it a lot. But I didn't people say Joel you got that why'd you get that big church? Well, we I started we started in a little church. 90 people and I just remember my parents, my mom too, but talking about my dad today, but just faithful preaching to those 90 people, going to the hospitals and, you know, caring for them.

And I saw that I saw that faithfulness just, you know, day in and day out. And really, I don't know if daddy ever saw us being where we are today, but every day you stay faithful and you do the right thing. You you don't you don't know what all you're doing.

You're passing the test. ((music playing)) And the talk the scripture talks about how you can store up mercy for future generations. You know, generational mercy. I know I'm living in generational mercy because of my dad and my mom. And you know, I I'm I'm reaping, you know, I'm reaping seeds that they've sown.

I'm reaping harvest from things that they've done. So, it just reminds me to stay faithful. Do the right thing because it's not just affecting you, it's affecting your children and future generations as well. I know sometimes you think, well, I didn't have that in my family, you know.

I I wasn't raised like that. Well, you can be the one to start it because really that's what daddy was. He's the one that started it in our family at 17 years old. So, just um had an amazing dad and inspires me to to stay faithful, show mercy to people, and recognize that you're impacting generations to come as well.

But my dad loved Victoria, and Victoria used to pick him up and spend a lot of time with him. Any memories you have? You know, your dad was just one of a kind and like you said, he he was faithful. He showed mercy, but he loved so well.

You know, he loved his children. You I mean, you can tell he loved his children. You've got great children, but he loved me and he loved other people. He just welcomed us in. And I'm just so blessed to have been able to spend all those years with him and really get to know him in amazing ways.

Not being gr not have grown up in the house in your household, but you know what? It was as if I was one of his daughters and he always made me feel that way and that's just the way he is. I mean, I would pick him up and take him to church and and he didn't always feel really good because he did struggle with some health issues, but you know what?

He didn't, you know, go by his feelings. He went by his calling. He went by his purpose. And so, it's not like he was always so happy, even though he had the best sense of humor, but he always was driven by his by by his purpose and by God.

And I think that showed me that sometimes, you know, we may not feel like doing this or we may not feel like coming to church or, you know, doing what we're responsible to do, but you know what? We have to find that calling and that place within us.

And that's what he was so good at. And I I I mean, we traveled overseas with him to India. And I'm telling you, he would preach to those village preachers like, you know, they were the they were the only people in the world. And he just was he was just one of a kind.

And I just, you know, I I just feel blessed and fortunate that I was able to be part of, you know, what he was. ((music playing)) And I feel like that he did put some of what he was in me because I spent so much time. I did his hair.

I did it for for TV. I did his makeup. He trusted me with his head, which I can't believe he did. But, you know, it showed me that same faithfulness. And it showed me that, you know what? Sometimes things are bigger than just the way we feel. God's got a purpose and a calling and we need to tap into that.

That's so good. Well, we honor my dad and we have great founders here at Lakewood and we just um feel blessed to being able to do this service with you today. Thanks for being a part. Paul, thanks for being here. Paul Victoria and I take a moment to receive our tithes and our offerings today.

And I'm going to ask my nephew Matt, actually Paul's son, Matt, come on up. Matt runs our relief and outreach here. They do amazing work here in the city and all over the world. And of course you guys know Matt, good to see you my friend. But you guys know we're in this ice storm or in this storm and so nobody in the building.

It's happening all across the country. So Matt, anything we can do here in Houston? Anything we need to know about or Yeah. You know, um speaking of granddaddy, he always said that the light that shines the furthest shines the brightest at home. And you know, we really we take that seriously here.

And so when crises like this happen, we are uniquely positioned that we're doing things every single day. We're building relationships across the city. We're working with pastors and churches all around our community. So, we're able to mobilize in a way that allows us to be very strategic and get help to people quickly.

So, even uh two days ago, we were doing deliveries all over the city to churches to get heaters and blankets to people in their community that are in need. And this morning, we were working with the city and actually at apartment complexes with vulnerable individuals, getting them resources.

And right now as we're speaking, we have dozens of staff members upstairs who are getting ready to prepare us to be able to receive anyone who needs to get out of the cold and to take care of them, but you know, more importantly to show them love, to let them feel that there's a church out there that cares about them and to sew seeds of Jesus and the person that he is and how much he loves them and his salvation.

You know, these people are going to get ministered to. They're not going to just come here and and be in a in the building. They're going to get ministered to. Yeah, that's so good, Matt. Thanks for all you do. That's beautiful. And our beautiful volunteers. You know, God gave us this magnificent building to be a blessing to as many people as we can.

And I love that. You know, whatever we can do. But this all happens because of you guys, your your faith, your giving, your support, your your being here, and just thank you for that. So, let's take a moment to worship the Lord with our tithes and offerings. And always just want to express our gratitude.

Know that we're praying for you. And not only that, we're standing in faith with you that you know what the scripture says that that when you give and you keep God first place that you live under the open windows of heaven. I love that thought that says no good thing will God withhold because you walk uprightly.

And sometimes you think, well, I don't have enough finances. I need health or I need wisdom. God's not going to withhold it. He sees your giving. He sees the sacrifices that you make. And know that we're standing in faith with you. I always remind you when you give, let's give joyfully.

Let's give cheerfully. Not cuz we have to, but you know, I'm sure you recognize like me that God's given you everything that you have. He gave you breath to breathe and strength and the the ability to, you know, the the job that you have, the ability to have income.

So, as you keep him first place, we just declare his blessings and his favor, his goodness over you in your health, your relationships, your career, and in your finances as well. so you can flourish ((music playing)) in Jesus name. I love that. I love the fact that you know you talked about we don't have to give, we get to give.

And the fact that we need to stir that up within us, believing that you know what God, you've given me something to give. And you can never underestimate [clears throat] the power of your giving, not only for your own life, but for others, other people's lives. I, you know, I think about Jesus and how he took just two fish and five loaves and he multiplied it.

And you may think, you know what? What can I do? What what can I give? But you know what? Don't underestimate the power of your gift because you know God can multiply it. He can not only cause it to bless others, but he can bring that blessing back to your life.

And just like we're doing here this weekend, we're going to do what we can. You know, there may be people that need it to come out of the cold, but there may may not be. But we're going to use what we have in case they do. We are going to give what we have.

So the beauty is just give and watch God multiply you. That's so good, Lord. Thank you for our amazing givers, faithful people at Lakewood, Lord. And I just speak your blessings over them, Lord. We know you're faithful. We've seen your goodness. And Lord, as we stand here in the former compact center, who would have ever thought we would be here and have the resources to do this?

((music playing)) But it's because you're a good God, a faithful God, a big God. And Lord, you've entrusted us with a lot. and we we thank you that we're good stewards of what you've given us. All all of us uh individually, Lord, and I do speak your blessings, just bonuses and raises and Lord, just even gifts and talents coming out and just ideas and creativity, Lord, that you would breathe on what you've called them to do.

I just thank you for the supernatural abundance, the overflow. Lord, what you promised that we would lend and not borrow, that we are above and not beneath to build your kingdom, to be a blessing to more people. Lord, I thank you for doing that in Jesus' name. God bless you today as you give.

Here are some ways that you can give. Using your smartphone, scan the QR code ((music playing)) 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 ((music playing)) to 77977. Mail a check to P. P Box 27450, Houston, ((music playing)) Texas 77227, or call us toll-free at 888567 Joel.

Blessed assurance. Jesus [singing] is mine. He's ((music playing)) been my [singing] fourth man in the fire. Time after time. I'm born [music and singing] of his spirit and I'm washed in his [music and singing] blood. And what he did for me on Calvary is more than enough. Oh, so I trust in ((music playing)) God, [singing] my savior, the one who will [singing] never fail.

((music playing)) He will never [singing] fail. Perfect submission. ((music playing)) All is [singing] at rest. I [music and singing] know the author of tomorrow has ordered my steps. ((music playing)) Oh, [singing] so this is my story and this ((music playing)) is my song. I'm praising ((music playing)) my risen king and savior, [singing] all the day long. Ohh. So ((music playing)) I trust in God, my savior ((music playing)) the one who will never ((music playing)) ((music playing)) He will never fail.

((music playing)) I trust ((music playing)) in God, my savior ((music playing)) who ((music playing)) will never fail. ((music playing)) He will never fail. ((music playing)) I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. ((music playing)) I sought the Lord and he heard and [singing] he answered. I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. That's why [music and singing] I trust him. That's why I trust him.

I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. I sought ((music playing)) I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. ((music playing)) I sought the Lord ((music playing)) and he heard and he answered. That's why I That's why I [singing] That's why I That's why I ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) I trust in Christ ((music playing)) my savior ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Oh, you can put your trust in Jesus today.

((music playing)) Yeah. ((music playing)) I call him by his name. Yes. He ((music playing)) reached out and saved me. Yes, he did. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) That's why that's why ((music playing)) I trust him. That's why I trust in God. ((music playing)) [singing] I love that, Steve. Thank you. God bless you guys. Thanks for being with us at Lakewood today. We love you and love you more when you're in person.

But hey, it's great to be online with you and we're just believing that, you know, you're going to see a blessed week that God will protect you from the ice, the storm, wherever you might be. But I know God has you all in the palm of his hand.

And he sees you tuned in. He sees you planted in the house of the Lord. And we just speak blessings over you. 2026 a blessed, prosperous, abundant, favorfilled year. But thanks so much for tuning in and being with us. I like to start with something funny and I heard about these three aspiring psychiatrists, William, Julie, and Bubba.

They were taking their first test on emotional extremes. The professor asked William, "What is the opposite of sadness?" He replied, "Happiness." The professor asked Julie, "What is the opposite of depression?" She replied, "Joy." The professor asked Bubba, "What is the opposite of woe? Woe e." Bubba looked kind of puzzled, and after a long pause, he replied, "Giddy up."

All right, y'all 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 Hebrews chapter 11 and verse 7, you're welcome to.

Hebrews 11 and verse 7. And we'll put other scriptures up on the screen. But don't forget this coming Wednesday night, we have a a big night of worship. And I think the weather's going to be better. If you're here in town, we'd love to have you come out and going to be 90 minutes of just worshiping and praising and thanking God for what he's come, what he's done.

But it's always better with you here. But thanks for being with us online and listen on the radio. Today, I want to talk to you today about don't ignore the warnings. God can see things that we can't see. He knows what's going to happen long before we do.

There are traps the enemy has set to try to hinder us and cause us trouble. There are paths that look good to us, but they end in frustration. We look on the surface and think, "This person seems fine, but God knows what their motives are. He knows hidden agendas."

Well, this business deal seems exciting. This new door that opened, but God knows where the dead ends are, things that would waste our time. Before we get off course, before we make a major mistake, God will always give us a warning. In your spirit, there will be an unrest, an uneasiness, like an alarm is going off, saying, "Don't do that.

Something is not right. Stay away from that person. Don't take that deal." It may not make sense to us, but you have to trust that God has your best interest at heart. He wouldn't be warning you if there was not danger up ahead. His warnings are not about limiting you, keeping you from your dreams, taking something away.

It's about protection. It's about avoiding heartache and staying on the best path. You have to be sensitive to what you're feeling on the inside. Don't override the unrest. Don't go against that uneasiness. That's God speaking to you. It's a still small voice. Not in your mind, but in your spirit.

But sometimes we feel the uneasiness. The alarm is going off. But we keep overriding it. You hear that whisper, "You need to treat your spouse better. Quit saying condescending things. You need to take care of yourself. Quit eating so much junk. Quit staying up so late watching TV."

You feel that unrest, that nudging that you need to change. See, God said in Psalms, I will guide you along the best path for your life. That's the promise. God is going to guide you. But the next verse is the key. Don't be like a senseless mule and have to have a bit and bridal to stay under control.

God is saying, I'm going to guide you, but don't be stubborn. Don't ignore my warnings. Don't keep turning off the alarm. You know what happens even in the natural? If you hear the alarm in the morning and you hit the snooze button, fall back asleep, goes off in 10 minutes and wakes you up.

You hit snooze again, fall back asleep. If you do that long enough, you'll get to where you don't hear the alarm. It doesn't wake you up anymore. You become desynthesized to it. It's not that the alarm stopped working. It's that you trained yourself to ignore it. In the same way, every time you override the unrest and you go against what you're feeling, think, "Oh, I can handle it, Joel.

It's fine. I'm gonna be careful. I'll deal with it later." You're hitting the snooze button. The alarm is becoming less and less effective. You can get to the point where you don't hear it at all. It's not that God is not speaking. It's that you've ignored the warning so long the alarm doesn't have any effectiveness.

There's a lot of unnecessary pain we go through, unnecessary hurt and disappointment because we're not sensitive to what God is saying. We override what we're feeling. Now, the beauty is God knows how to work all things for good. He can still turn it around, but it's much better to avoid it in the first place.

Are there warnings God is giving you, but you're ignoring? Are there things you know you need to change, but you keep putting it off? God is not trying to punish you, delay you, limit you. It's to protect you. He can see things you can't see. He knows what's coming.

If we'll pay attention, we can avoid a lot of heartache and trouble. This is what happened with Noah. Hebrews 11 says, "By faith, Noah, being warned by God of things not yet seen, moved with holy fear and built an ark." Noah was going along fine. had a great family, blessed in his business, but something was coming that he couldn't see.

He had no way of knowing danger was up ahead, that there was going to be a flood. It had never rained. They had no concept of water flooding and causing problems. No technology to forecast weather, predict storms. This was totally foreign. But God knows everything that's coming. the storms, the traps, the trouble, the people with wrong motives, the opportunities that look good but are dead ends.

He's not going to let you walk into danger without giving you warnings. That alarm will go off, that uneasiness. Well, you know, you need to be careful. Noah could have dismissed it. There was no visible evidence that rain was coming. No clouds, no thunder. I'm sure he thought, "Man, I must have heard God wrong.

This is far out." No, he moved with holy fear and built an ark. He had such a reverence for God, such a trust that he acted on what he heard. Holy fear is knowing that God is protecting you from something that could cause heartache, that could set you back.

Noah knew if he didn't heed that warning that he and his family were in jeopardy. This wasn't a light task. It took 120 years to build the ark. You can imagine the people that came by and made fun. There's that crazy guy building a boat in the middle of the desert.

But Noah had a secret. He had been warned of things not yet seen. People couldn't see it. The experts couldn't see it. The weatherman couldn't forecast it. But God saw it. He knows what's coming. Had Noah ignored that warning, we wouldn't be talking about it. Because he obeyed, it saved him and his family. some warnings.

If you'll act on them and do what you know God's telling you to do, it'll not only save you, but it'll save your children. It'll impact your family and future generations. My prayer is that when we hear the alarm, we do like Noah and move with holy fear.

We don't take it lightly. We don't dismiss it. Ah, maybe I'll deal with it later. I don't see anything wrong, Joel. What's this hurting? No, we have such respect and such confidence in what God is keeping us from that we don't delay. We don't play around. We have a holy fear.

It's a knowing that even though I may not understand this, God is keeping me from trouble and heartache. He didn't have to warn us. He could have let us do our own thing. Thought, good luck. Big floods coming. Sorry. It's going to be devastating. But in his mercy, he's watching over us, guiding us down the best path, warning us of floods, famines, dead ends.

Let's be Noah's. He listened to the warnings. He obeyed what God told him to do. Here's the key. Ignoring warnings doesn't make the danger disappear. It just means you're not prepared for it. No one could have said, "I'm not going to build a boat. Life is good." that wouldn't have stopped the flood.

He just wouldn't have had a way out. When you feel these warnings, it's for your own good to keep you from unnecessary trouble. It may not be something big. You just hear that still small voice telling you, "Don't go to lunch with that person. Don't text with them all day.

Don't let them get close." Your mind, your reasoning says, "Why not? I like them. They're fun." Are you going to hit the snooze button, ignore the warning, do what you want, or are you going to take heed, obey what you're feeling? God is not trying to limit you.

He's wanting to protect you. He can see what you can't see. He knows people's motives. Sometimes there are hidden agendas. That person that wants to get close to you so they can take from you. They don't care about you. They care about what you can do for them.

People are not always who they say they are. We see the outside and what they present. But God sees the motives. He knows what they're really up to. When you understand the alarms, the unrest, the warnings are for your good, that it's God protecting you, then it's not a negative thing.

You're grateful. You want to obey. You know that's God watching over you and keeping you on the best path. years ago, Victoria and I came across this business opportunity that seemed so great. It's like a once-in-a-lifetime chance. And the man we would partner with was a good Christian man.

Loved God, loved the ministry. I was in my 20s and it fell into our lap. And I knew it was the hand of God. And we proceeded with great excitement and enthusiasm. And it's going to take a couple of years to get it all going. During the six months that we were drawing up the contracts, I began to feel this uneasiness, this unrest, but I wanted it so badly I pushed it down.

I thought that's just my nerves. When I saw facts and figures that didn't look good, I would discount it. Think that's not going to bother us. We'll be the exception. Over and over, I'd hear that still small voice saying, "Joe, this is not what it looks like. You don't know all the facts."

I kept ignoring it. At one point even my father said, "Joel, I don't know if I feel good about this. Are you sure it's a great idea?" I said, "Daddy, I am so sure. This is an amazing opportunity." There were all these warnings, but if you get so set on having it your way, you're only going to be happy if you do what you want, then you'll keep pushing that alarm down and keep ignoring the warnings.

We ended up getting the business going, but it was never what it was promised to be. Never took off. There were things we didn't know until we got it running that would limit us and cause it to not flourish. Now, God ended up making it all work out.

But the fact is, it was a lot of trouble, a lot of heartache that was unnecessary. I could have avoided that if I had simply listened to the still small voice. If I'd not been so stubborn. I thought what I was feeling would limit me, that it was keeping me from my dreams.

But now I realize it was trying to protect me and keep me from wasting my time. I've learned now to listen to the warnings. I don't go against what I feel on the inside. God has your best interest at heart. He's not trying to hold you back. He's guiding you down the best path for your life.

You can't see what's up ahead. You don't know what's coming. The dead ends, the detours, the floods. I didn't know that was going to be a bust. that they weren't telling me all the facts. But like with Noah, God will warn you of things you can't see. He'll whisper to your spirit, "Be careful.

Go slow. Watch out." Maybe a feeling, not even a voice, but an uneasiness. Well, you know it's not right. Instead of ignoring it, having to have our way, let's have that holy fear. We don't delay. I'll do it later. We're not stubborn. I don't want to change. We don't take it lightly.

Play around with our destiny. Like Noah, we obey when we don't understand. We trust when it doesn't make sense. We recognize God is protecting us and keeping us from unnecessary trouble and heartache. On April 10th, 1912, the Titanic set off for its maiden voyage was the largest moving object ever built by humans.

It wasn't just a ship. It was a statement. Three football fields long, a swimming pool, grand staircases. Over 110 years ago, it was described as the safest ship ever built. Unsinkable, an engineering marvel. Over 2,000 people on board and so many celebrities and world leaders. They're to be a part of history.

But 4 days into the journey, the captain of the Titanic received multiple messages from other ships saying there was danger up ahead. There were icebergs to proceed with caution or to take another route. Another large ship traveling that same path stopped and wouldn't go any further. But not the Titanic.

The captain got the warning after warning after warning, but he thought, "We're the Titanic. They've never seen a ship like us. We're too advanced, too strong, and too important to slow down. The whole world was watching. All these celebrities and leaders. The captain thought, "I'm not going to stop, and I'm certainly not going to turn around.

What would people think of me? Changing course would seem weak." He was hearing the alarms. Other ships were sending messages, but he wouldn't listen. When the ship hit these huge icebergs, the unthinkable happened. Begin to sink and 1500 people lost their lives. One message of the Titanic is don't ignore warnings.

Don't think you're too invincible to sink. Don't let pride and what people will think cause you to sail into icebergs and miss your destiny. Be willing to change. Be willing to stop and turn around. Listen to those warnings. They're not there to restrict you, to control you. They're there to keep you from sinking, from getting into things that are going to pull you down.

Had the captain had more humility, had he been willing to change course, to listen to others, this would have been a different outcome. Unlike the Titanic, it's not too late for us. There's still time for you to make a course correction, to heed the warnings, to listen to what God is saying to you.

Don't be too proud. Joel, I know I need to bite my tongue, not be condescending, not be argumentative. Those are icebergs. They can sink you. They can ruin relationships. That's why you feel that unrest. Now, you may have pushed it down a long time. It's not as loud, but there's still danger up ahead.

Why don't you heed that warning? Why don't you have some holy fear? recognize that God is trying to protect you from trouble and heartache. But sometimes we think we're like the Titanic. We're invincible. We're so strong, disciplined. We'd never compromise or let our guard down. But the scripture says, "Be careful when you stand lest you fall."

You have to walk in humility. Don't be a know-it-all where you can't take any advice. You don't have any weaknesses. It's always someone else that's a problem. That was the captain of the Titanic. Your boats are lesser. You don't have what I have. I'm not impacted by the icebergs.

I don't have to change course. In other words, I don't have to forgive. I don't have to deal with this temper, this addiction, or it's okay for me to hang around this person that I don't feel good about. The problem is those things can sink your ship. You would think the captain of the Titanic with so many lives on board, would put down his pride and listen to the warnings, but he was careless.

He wasn't responsible. I would like to think if I got that warning and there were icebergs up ahead and I had a ship full of people, I would have some holy fear. I would say to the other boats, "Thank you for letting me know." That's critical information that can keep us from tragedy.

But sometimes we discount the warning. Like that captain, we're careless. We don't take it seriously. We let pride blind us. But when you hear that warning, that still small voice, be quick to obey. That's God keeping you from unnecessary trouble. When Jesus was about to be born, King Herod heard the news that was prophesied that this baby would be the Messiah and the King of the Jews.

Herod was jealous and afraid that he would lose power and respect among the people. These three wise men came from afar to bring gifts to Jesus. They stopped by Jerusalem looking for him. When Herod found out, he called them into the palace and questioned what they knew about this baby.

When they first saw the star, he told them in verse 8, "Go to Bethlehem, search for Jesus, and when you find him, come back and tell me so I can worship him, too." The truth is, Herod didn't want to worship Jesus. He wanted to kill Jesus. He was threatened by all the reports.

Well, the wise men didn't know this. They never met Herod. Only heard of him. I'm sure they thought, "Yeah, as soon as we find him, we'll come back and let you know." But God knows what people's motives are. Herod was saying one thing, but his intentions were something else.

He was trying to trick them into giving away Jesus location so he could put an end to him. Every voice that sounds sincere doesn't have your best interest at heart. God knows how to protect you. He'll whisper to your spirit, "Beware. They sound good, but they're not who they say they are.

They're friendly. They say the right things, but they have hidden agendas. If you'll listen to the warnings, God will keep you from trouble." These wise men went to Bethlehem and found baby Jesus. They presented their gifts and worshiped him. They were about to go back and tell Herod the good news, but the scripture says they were warned in a dream to not go back to Jerusalem, but to return to their country by another route.

Look at how God protects us and keeps us on the best path. Herod seemed like a friend. He was helpful, gracious. They didn't know any better. But when they woke up from that dream after hearing that warning, they had a holy fear. They acted on what God was telling them and went back a different route.

When Herod found out, he was furious. His true intentions came out. He issued a decree that all the Hebrew male babies two years old and under would be killed. One moment, Herod was saying, "I want to worship this child. Wise men, you're my friends." The next moment, he's trying to kill them all.

There are dangers up ahead that we can't see. people we meet that have hidden agendas, floods that are coming we don't know to prepare for. But like God did for these wise men, like he did for Noah, he's going to warn you of things up ahead that you don't know.

Now, pay attention to what you're feeling. Don't override it. Don't reason it out. Oh, this doesn't make sense. The wise men could have thought, "We don't want to go back the long way. It's not going to hurt to go through Jerusalem. Herod likes us." No, Herod was two-faced.

He had hidden agendas. God will protect you from two-faced people. People that act like they like you, but really it's just the opposite. They say one thing with their words, but in their heart is something different. Is God warning you about something you're not acting on? Do you hear that still small voice, but you keep putting it off?

There's danger up ahead that God's trying to keep you from. There's trouble and heartache you can avoid. Icebergs that don't have to sink your ship, but you have to heed the warning. Have that holy fear, that reverence, knowing that the creator of the universe cares so much about you that he's giving you this inside information.

What you can't see up ahead, he's going to protect you and keep you on the best path for your life. I have a friend that's very successful. was married to a beautiful woman, two children, but at one point he and his wife weren't getting along. They still loved each other, but there were petty things they were letting come between them, arguing, being short and unfriendly.

In the big picture, it was nothing. But this man let it get down in him, and it changed who he was. He quit treating her the way he knew he should, not giving her time, not being kind, respectful. This went on for several months, just contention and strife, and they started to grow apart.

One night, he had a dream. And in this dream, he saw his wife with another man. They were laughing and having fun, so happy and friendly. It was as vivid and real as could be. And he woke up in a cold sweat. He said, ' Joel, I heard God saying to me, if you don't change and start treating her right, you're going to lose what I've given you.

It was like a holy fear came over him. He knew he was at a critical point. That day, he started treating her better, being kind and respectful, having fun, doing things with the family. Today, they're as happy and fulfilled as can be. God will always give us warnings.

The question is, are we listening? Are we making changes? Doing like Noah, building our ark like the wise men, going back a different way, or are we stubborn, pushing it down, too busy? Mary gave birth to Jesus. They're in the stable. The shepherds came to worship and they left.

And the wise men gave their gifts and they went on their way. After all the excitement and celebration seemed so peaceful and so calm, they could finally relax. But the scripture says an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up. Take your child and his mother and flee to Egypt, for Herod is going to try to kill him."

Joseph went out, didn't see any soldiers, didn't hear of any trouble. Nothing looked wrong. He could have thought, "This doesn't make sense. We're tired. We just had a baby. We don't want to travel. But the next verse says, Joseph got up that same night and left for Egypt.

He heard the warning and didn't even wait till morning. God, give us that kind of obedience. Help us to have that kind of holy fear that when we hear the still small voice, when we feel the unrest, that knowing to make a change, we don't question it. We don't debate it, negotiate, maybe later.

No, just do it. God is protecting you from what you can't see. There's harm and trouble that you can avoid. Don't delay. Don't talk yourself out of it. Obedience brings protection. Ignoring warnings bring unnecessary trouble. Maybe God is dealing with you about something that you keep putting off.

You hear the alarm, but you keep hitting the snooze button. Not now. I don't feel like it. Don't be a Joseph. This is the time to take action, to make changes so God can keep you on the best path. Don't be stubborn. I've learned God will always get his way, but sometimes we take the long route.

We make it much more difficult. When he whispers, "Stay away from that person. Treat your spouse better. Go to bed earlier. Get more rest. Don't be like the captain of the Titanic. Hear the warnings and think, "It's not going to affect me. I can make it through these icebergs."

Don't fool yourself. God wouldn't be warning you if there wasn't danger up ahead. If it wasn't going to bring trouble. Here's the good news. You can make a course correction. You can be a Joseph and do it now. You can be a Noah and have a holy fear to obey what God's telling you.

This is how you avoid unnecessary difficulties. Now, do your part. Don't ignore the warnings. If you'll do this, I believe and declare God is going to protect you and keep you on the best path. You will have inside information to avoid unnecessary heartache and trouble. and you will live the life of victory that belongs to you in Jesus' name.

If you receive it, can you say amen? Amen. Well, let's pray together. Lord, thank you for what we've heard today. I know it falls on great ground, faithful people here at Lakewood. So many watching and listening. And Lord, I just ask for all of us. Show us areas where we need to change, where we're ignoring the warnings, and maybe we're hitting that snooze button.

But Lord, we want to change. We want to grow. We want to become who you've created us to be. And Lord, we just thank you that you are protecting us. And Lord, that we will have that holy fear, Lord, ((music playing)) that we can still become all you've created us to be.

I just speak your victory over your people today and strength and peace and favor and goodness and mercy. Lord, that they will see your hand of goodness even this week in new ways in Jesus' name. With our heads bowed in prayer, just a quick question before we close.

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 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 it 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 need to rededicate your life, you need a fresh new start. I want to ask you to take a step of faith and just lift your hand and we're going to 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 ((music playing)) accept the free gift of Christ's salvation. Will you do it today? ((music playing)) The enemy will whisper, "I'll do it next week.

Do it another time." Listen. The Bible says, ((music playing)) "Today is the day of salvation." Don't put it off. Well, Joel, I have people at the house. I can't lift my hand. That'd be kind of weird. 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 want to give you an opportunity right now 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, and just would you just have a boldness and just slip your hand up right where you are.

Maybe I can't see you, but I know God can see you. But I believe that God's dealing, God's moving, ((music playing)) that you're not hearing this by accident. The scripture says this, "Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will ((music playing)) be saved." We love you. I want to pray for you.

I want to I want to help you to call. Do you mind saying this after me? Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make you my Lord and Savior. Amen. Let me tell you how much we love you. We're going to be praying for you.

I 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 incredibly important. ((music playing)) I'm going to uh challenge you to get plugged in here at Lakewood, you know, in person, online, on the radio, however you do it.

But I know this, if you'll get plugged in and put God first place before that year is over, your life will never be the same for the better. Keep him first place. Know that we love you. We're going to be praying for you. And the moment you raise your hand today, I believe God washed away all your sins, your mistakes, your failures.

You are starting with a fresh, clean slate. We just speak God's victory over you. Write it down in your Bible. It's going to be July. It's going to be January 25th, 2026. A new ((music playing)) day of victory in your life in Jesus' name. Hey, we love you guys. Thanks for being with us. come ((music playing)) back and be here in person.

I don't like being by myself, but hey, you're going to have a blessed week. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord show you his favor and watch over you. May the Lord give you his peace and give you a blessed week. Hope to see you Wednesday night for a night of worship.

But we love you guys. Stay safe and God bless. ((music playing))