Power for Your Purpose | Joel Osteen | Lakewood Church Service

You fight the battle. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Good morning, Lakewood Church. We're going to lift up the name of Jesus and declare that this is the day that the Lord has made. Amen. There's a light that shines with hope and grace. fills the sky with new mercy each day. We're alive. Let your glory pour out Jesus.

And there's a joy that overwhelms our souls cuz we know our God is in control. Overflow. Let your favor pour out Jesus. Say, this is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day that the Lord has made.

We'll rejoice. We'll rejoice and be glad in it. We'll rejoice and be glad in it. We'll rejoice. We'll rejoice and be glad in it. God bless you. Welcome to Lakewood today. Thanks for coming out. How many of you are ready to worship the Lord this morning? God's been good to us.

And you know, just like we were singing, I I think you're saying that Lord, it's another day you have made and we are choosing to rejoice. And we just thank you for coming out and being a part. I I know God saw you take time to come today and always believe and declare that, you know, if we'll have the right attitude that not one of us are going to leave out of here the same way we came in.

I believe today is a time, you know, first off, as we start the new week, it's it's a great time to say, "God, I'm letting go of all the old negative things of last week. You know, mistakes we've made, what somebody said. Don't bring yesterday's baggage into today.

Let's let it be a new day. Let's receive God's mercy fresh and new this morning." Then, you know what? That really makes room for the new things God wants to do. So, I never want you to come all this way or watch or listening and and leave the same way.

So, I believe you do your part. You're going to go out of here with more joy, more faith, more victory, ready for a blessed new week. And one last thing before we start, before we really get started, remember this. Praise precedes the victory. So, we're not just kind of killing time this next half hour.

No, this is a time where you can thank God for what he's done in your life and you can really speak faith and favor into your future. As you worship God, you are making room for him to do new things in your life. We love you. We pray for you every day.

It's a great day to have you, and it's even better because you came today. So, thanks for being a part. Yes, that's so good. Good morning, church. You know, I'm reminded this morning of the scriptures that talk about the refreshing that God brings in his presence. There's a refreshing.

You know, I think about David when you read in the Psalms that he was strengthened when he was in God's presence. And Moses, Moses relationship with God was deepened when he intentionally set himself apart to be in the presence of God. And that's exactly what you're doing this morning.

You have made a decision that you want to come to the house of the Lord or that you want to stop and watch online or listen on SiriusXM. You've made a decision to be in the presence of God. And there is a refreshing that God wants us to all experience.

So this morning, I just like Joel was saying, let's make room for that refreshing. Let's let go of maybe what this week holds. Maybe there's some things that you've got to get done or some challenges or some pressures, but let's let go of what the weak holds and let's focus on the one who holds the weak.

Let's focus on the one who's still on the throne. Let's let him bring his refreshing into our lives, his strength, his wisdom, because everything we need is in God's presence. There is fullness of joy. So, let's worship together this morning. Father, we thank you. We thank you that your presence is with us.

We acknowledge that presence, Father. And we thank you that you are a good God. We just open oursel up to you and who you are. Thank you for your revealing yourself in wonderful and amazing ways in our life. Father, deepen our relationship with you. Father, give us the wisdom that only you can give us.

Guide us and lead us. And Father, I thank you with you there is healing in your wings. So I speak the healing virtue of the Lord Jesus Christ among us now as we praise you and as we worship you and it's in that precious name of Jesus we pray and everyone said amen.

I wish I could tell you. Wish I could describe it, but I can't contain it. Can't keep it to myself. There aren't enough colors to paint the whole picture. Not enough words to ever say what I found. Wonderful and beautiful and glorious and holy, He is merciful and powerful.

Who we talking about? That's my king. We declare the glory. Give him all the honor. All together worthy. Who we talking about? That's my king. There's no one before you. Yes, we will adore you. All of this is for you. Who we talking about? That's my king. Jesus, you're my king.

I'm not letting the rocks ride without joining the chorus. There aren't enough notes to make the harmony. It's the song of the angels. Angels! The song of the ages and heaven's perfect symphony. Wonderful and beautiful and glorious and holy, He is a merciful and powerful. Who we talking about?

That's my king. We declare the glory. Give him all the honor. All together worthy. Who we talking about? That's my king. There's no one before you. Yes. We will adore you and all of this is for you. Who we talking about? That's my king. Is he your king this morning Lakewood?

((music playing)) Say, that's my king. That's my God. That's my shepherd. My protector. That's my king. That's my rock. That's my anchor, my defender. That's my king. That's my God. That's my shepherd. My protector. That's my king. He's my rock. That's my anchor, my defender. Come on. What we talking about?

That's my king. We declare glory. Yes, we do now. Give him all honor. Because you're all together. All together worthy. Who we talking about? That's my king. We declare the glory and give him all the honor. You're all together worthy. Who we talking about? That's my king. ((music playing)) Who we talking about?

That's my king. Who we talking about? That's my king. Who we talking about? That's my king. Who we talking about? Who we talking about? Who we talking about? Who we talking about? Who we talking about? That's my king. Christ is my firm foundation, the rock on which I stand.

When everything around me is shaken, I've never been more glad. I put my faith in Jesus cuz he's never let me down. Faithful through ((music playing)) So why would he fail now? He won't ((music playing)) I've still got joy in chaos. I've got peace that makes no sense. So I won't be going under ((music playing)) by my own strength cuz I put my life on Jesus.

He's never let me down. Faithful in every season. So why would he fail now? He won't. ((music playing)) He won't. No. No. No. He won't fail. He won't fail. Christ is my firm foundation. ((music playing)) I stand with everything ((music playing)) I put my faith in Jesus. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) He is a faithful father. ((music playing)) Oh, ((music playing)) this is my testimony.

Rain came wind blew. Oh, my house was built on you. I'm safe with you. I'm going to make it through. Rain came wind blew, but my house was built on you. I'm safe with you. I'm going to make it through. All the rain ((music playing)) But my house was built on you.

((music playing)) safe with you. I'm going to make it. I'm going to make it. ((music playing)) I'm standing ((music playing)) I'm going to make it through. My house was built for you. Christ is my firm foundation. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) The righteous forsaken ((music playing)) I hear it in the wind. I rise to look again. The spirit stiring something up ahead.

In faith, Lord, I believe for rains I've yet to see. Before the clouds are forming, my God is faithful. From age to age and what, he promised won't be delayed. My eyes can't see it. But through my faith, I hear the sound of heaven an abundance of rain.

I hear it when I pray. I hear it as I wait ((music playing)) seek is on the way. Some mighty rushing wind. Come have your way again. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) There may be promises God has spoken to you that seem too far off. It's tempting to quit believing. If you agree with the doubt, it's going to push the promise away.

You have to welcome it by faith. Lord, I thank you that my healing is on the way. Thank you that freedom is coming. Thank you that abundance is in my future. It may be way off in the distance, but you're saying, "Come on in. Healing, you're welcome here.

Abundance, you're welcome here. Freedom, you're welcome in my house." The more you welcome, the more you thank God and believe it's going to happen, the closer it's getting. We welcome your rain. Welcome your hope. Welcome provision. We welcome your peace. Welcome your joy. Welcome your freedom. Here comes the king mighty to save.

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

Come on in. Come on in. It's on the way. Yeah. It's on the way. Come on. Do you believe that this morning? It's on the way. I know it's on the way. It's on the way. Come on. Cuz miracle after miracle, open door after open door, here it comes.

So get ready for another one. Another one is on the way. Miracle after miracle. Open door. Here it comes. So get ready for another one. Another one is on— It's on the way. It's on the way. Oh, come on. You do everything on purpose. And I can feel your spirit stir.

Oh, I've been praying. You've been working, working it all for good. Come on. Do you believe that? So fan the flame and keep it burning cuz you're refining in the furnace and all the way will be worth it cuz you're working it all for good. Come on church, let's sing this out together.

We say miracle after miracle. Open door. After open door, here it comes. So get ready for another one. Another one is all the way. Miracle. That's a miracle. Open door. After open door, here it comes. So get ready for another one. Another one is on the way. Another one is on the way.

Yeah. Yeah. Rushing wind, rushing wind, and living water. God of signs and God of wonders. My Lord, if you willing, what can stop it? Come on. Cuz you're working on Yeah. You're working it all for good miracle after miracle ((music playing)) So get ready for another one. Another one is on the way ((music playing)) Here it come, so be ready for another one.

Another one is on the way. Another one. Another one. Another one is on the way. Another one. Another one. Another one is on the way. You're a faithful God, I know. Yeah. And if he told the sun when to rise and it did, he will again. And if he told the storm to be still and it did, he will again and if he told the sea where to split and it did, he will again.

And if he told the walls when to fall and it did, he will again ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) He will again ((music playing)) roll away ((music playing)) He will again ((music playing)) cuz another one is on the way. ((music playing)) So get ready for another one. Another one ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Come on, church get ready cuz another one is on the way.

Lord God, we love you today. Lord, we thank you that you're a do it again God. Father, we've all seen your faithfulness over the years, time and time again. And Lord, we know you didn't bring us this far to leave us. And we're here, Lord, to thank you for all that you've done and to acknowledge you as our Lord, our God, and our Savior.

Lord, we just thank you for giving us another day to be alive, for waking us up this morning, giving us breath to breathe, and family to love, a place to come to church, life, and health and victory. Lord, we thank you that you chose us before we could choose you.

And here we stand redeemed and forgiven because of your goodness and your mercy. And so Lord, we thank you for all you've done. And we commit this new year into your hands. Our dreams and goals, our our finances, our health, Lord, our our children, our decisions. Lord, we put you first place.

I thank you even now, Lord. You're going before us, making our crooked places straight, opening right doors and closing wrong doors, and bringing the right people across our path. And Lord, weed out those that shouldn't be there. I thank you, Lord, that we're we have the mind of Christ, that we're full of your wisdom, that we have the power to obey, clear direction for our lives, and Lord, that our spiritual ears and eyes are sensitive and open to your voice, that we can clearly hear what you're saying, and Lord, that we will make decisions that honor you, that move us toward our God-given destiny.

And Lord, that we will not be at this same place next year as we are right now. But we are moving forward, stepping into the new things that you have in store for each one of us. Letting go of the old, the disappointments, the mistakes, what somebody said, what didn't work out.

Lord, we believe what we're singing that you're working it all for our good. That you're in control of our lives and you will still get us to where we're supposed to be. Father, I thank you this morning as we're worshiping you that every force that's tried to stop us has been broken in the name of Jesus.

Depression, anxiety, mental illnesses, sicknesses, addictions, trouble at work, in our finances. Lord, I thank you today is a breakthrough day that Lord, things have happened in the unseen realm. Lord, we may not see it yet, but by faith, we're going to keep seeing it through our eyes of faith.

We're going to keep welcoming your your healing, your provision, your freedom in the name of Jesus. And Lord, I do lift up all those that are fighting battles in their health today here in the building watching and listening. Lord, you said you sent your word and healed them.

So Lord, I thank you that healing is flowing into all those that need it. Lord, even doing what medicine cannot do. But Lord, you have the final say. And I just speak to our bodies, everything about us, our joints, our bones, our ligaments, and we speak healing, wholeness, strength, vitality, that with long life, you will satisfy us.

Lord, we thank you for it, Lord. Not just physically, but I lift up those that are in tough times and those that have gone through loss. Father, you said you're close to the brokenhearted. Let them feel your presence even now. Father, I thank you that you are comforting them.

Some may feel like it's the end, but Lord, we know it's really a new beginning. That you have beauty for the ashes. You said weeping endures for a night, but joy is coming in the morning. So Lord, I just speak fresh vision, fresh anointing, fresh momentum, fresh growth, fresh attitudes.

Lord, I thank you for your all that you've done in the past, but we believe, declare the best is still yet to come. that 2026 will be a blessed, productive, healthy, favorfilled year. That we are victors and never victims in Jesus' name. And if you receive it, can you say amen today?

So awesome to have you in the house of the Lord. We make a declaration of faith every service. It says in Psalms, it talks about getting in tune with God. And sometimes you think about how, you know, a piano can get out of tune, a guitar, and you just got to tune it up.

Well, sometimes the week can kind of cause us to get out of tune. And I like to make this declaration each week because I believe it helps us to come back to who God says we are. So come on, say it like you mean it. Are you ready?

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 of the most high God. I will become all I was created to be in Jesus' name. Amen.

And amen. You know, life will try to label you a lot of different things. You know, mediocre or not that talented or addicted, but man, let's go back to who God says we are. Take off all those negative labels. That's something powerful happens when you know it's an internal.

We all have an internal recording in our mind and sometimes we don't realize it's just negative. It's just how we grew up, you know. But if you can, and I believe you can, you can you can transform your life by transforming what you're thinking about, who who you say you are.

I I don't mean this arrogantly, but in my mind, I I have a recording saying, "I am blessed, and I am strong, and I am talented. I am faithful." You got enough people in life against you. Don't be against yourself. Put the right recording on the inside. So, we take a moment to pray in every service individually.

But I I think of that scripture. It says, "Lift up your head and the King of glory will come in." And sometimes I I think we're not seeing God's goodness maybe like we should cuz our our head is down, so to speak. Just got this problem, Joel. I got this challenge over here.

But maybe today you just need to lift up your head and recognize the God who created you still has you in the palm of his hand. The forces that are for you are greater than any force that's trying to stop you. I love what Jesus said. He didn't make it real complicated.

He said, "If you believe, all things are possible." You don't have to figure it out. All you have to do is believe. There's nothing wrong with God. I don't see a way, but don't stop there. But God, I know you have a way. I know you're fighting battles for me.

I know you can turn things around on my behalf. Let me tell you, 2026, God's going to do some unusual things in your life. He's going to open some new doors for you, bring some new relationships. Let's take the limits off. Let's be believers and not doubters. We wouldn't be alive unless God had greater things.

So keep your faith stirred up. And if you need prayer today in the building, we'd be honored to pray for you. Anyone's welcome to come down during this next song at the front of your section all over the building, you're welcome to come for prayer. And the rest of you, if you'd like to, you can be seated.

We'll just take this moment to pray. And online, our beautiful online family listening live on SiriusXM, thanks for being a part. And Victoria is there to pray for you. We love you. We're believing you're going to have a blessed 2026. Thanks for being a part again. That's what we want to do today.

We want to agree with you in prayer. We want to take the limits off of what we see and let God do the impossible. You know, sometimes we can't look with our physical eyes. We have to look through our eyes of faith. And you know, God can give us the faith we need to accomplish what he's called us to accomplish. to be set free from the things that are maybe holding us back.

So today, we want to pray with you. We want to come into an agreement with you that God will do what only he can do in your life. But first, I want to encourage you with a few praise reports because some of you have been praying. You've been believing.

You've been saying, "Well, I've been taking the limits off of God, but I haven't seen anything really change." Well, I want to encourage you with this praise report. Valerie, she's been praying. She's been fighting. She's been leaning into God. And she says this is her last week for chemotherapy treatment.

She said, "I am believing that I am cancerree and I'm going to ring that bell." And so, you know what, Valerie, you are a perfect person who can say, "Keep on keeping on." We can say, "Thank you, Valerie, for keeping the faith. Keep on moving forward, not giving up, and allowing God to do what only he can do."

Yes, the doctors, the chemo, it did what it could do. But without God's hand, without God, you know what? Nothing can work. It is impossible. It's God that makes it possible. So, we celebrate with you, Valerie, for that last week and that last uh bit of I hear it.

I hear it. I hear the rain. I hear you are cancerree. I love it. Lewis, she's celebrating today. Uh he's celebrating today that his son came back home. And I love that because I don't know how long you've been praying for that, Lewis, but I know one thing, God is faithful and he was faithful to you.

So we celebrate that with you today. And don't you love to hear God doing great things in people's life? I don't think I will ever ever ever get tired of hearing the wonders of God and the testimonies because it does build my faith and it makes me understand that he's no respector of persons. just because he he did it for Valerie, he did it for Lewis, he'll do it for you.

Whatever you need, let's take the limits off of him today. Put your prayer requests in the chat. Tell God what you need. Speak to God as a friend. He's hearing you. He sees you. And you know what? When we get into that relationship with God where we're not just reciting something, but we're saying, "Father, Father God, I need this.

And I know that you are who you say you are and that you can do what you say you can do." And then you begin to make your request with thanksgiving in your heart and hold on to it. See, there's a scripture that says, "Hold fast the profession of your faith without wavering.

For he who promised is faithful." See, that tells me when it says, "Hold fast," that tells me, "But that's something that I've got to do. I've got to hold fast." Almost like a tugof-war. Did you ever play that when you were a kid? You know, you had to hold fast.

You had to keep holding on because something was trying to pull it out of your hand. Well, that something could be naysayers. It could be the doubt in your own mind. It could be anything that's trying to pull that promise or pull that prayer out of your heart.

Hold fast today because God is the miracle worker and he wants to do miracles in your life. We already have a few prayer requests that have come in. Wendy for her brother as he's recovering from surgery. She's believing that he will have healing in his legs and his feet again.

So Wendy, we're going to stand with you in agreement that your brother is going to be ever withhold. Not halfway whole, but ever withhold, fully healed in Jesus' name. Michelle, for her friend who has an aneurysm in the back of her head, we're going to stand with your friend that you know what, she'll get the answers that she needs and she'll get the help that she needs and that God will bring forth the miracle.

So we're going to stand with you, Michelle. And maybe you're standing for someone else. You know what? There's no distance in prayer. The Bible says that, you know, in the spiritual realm, we can pray. And you could be praying for someone in another state, another country. You know what?

In the spiritual realm, hey, we're all connected and it's God who does the work. Uh Donna, she needs renewal and healing in her family, for relationships, Mary, for her daughter to make the right decision and for the Lord to strengthen her. You know, we not only need physical healing, but sometimes we just need healing in our relationships.

We need healing in our own mind and in our own heart. So, I just want to pray that right now today. You may need some healing even in your finances. You may say, "I need I need a breakthrough in my finances. My finances, they're sick right now." But you know what?

God can restore and he can redeem. We don't need to look to our boss. We just need to look to God. And that's what we're going to do this morning. And so if you have a a desire, you put a prayer in the chat, or maybe you didn't, maybe you're just saying, "This is what I want from God."

And you're in a room full of people. I'm going to pray for you right now. Father, I thank you that you see and you hear your children, and that Father, they you are moved with compassion toward your children. You love them with an everlasting love. So I speak healing in the name of Jesus.

By the stripes of Jesus, I declare healing in their bodies, in their children's bodies, in their brother's bodies, in their famil family's bodies. I declare healing in their mind, in their relationships. God, we put these things on the altar and give them to you because you are the healer.

And Father, I thank you. If there's financial difficulties that are causing so much stress and so much strain, Father, I'm asking you for breakthroughs. I'm asking you, Father, to do for your people what only you can do. We lift you up. We praise you and we give you thanks for all of the answers that are coming their way in Jesus' name.

Amen. And amen. We love you guys. We're going to stand in faith for you. We're going to hold fast to what we're believing God for. ((music playing)) Christ, we thank you for the cross. We thank you for the cross. ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Sing hallelujah. Christ is risen. We bow. We bow down before him.

For he is Lord of all. Sing hallelujah. Christ is risen. Growing up, I remember visiting homes of family and friends and seeing a plaque that was always on the wall as soon as you entered in. And on that plaque was inscribed a verse that I would always see.

And it was Joshua 24:15 that said, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." What that really was was a bold declaration and a clear line that stated that no matter what, this family will serve God. No matter the influences of the world, no matter what came against the family through challenges, it was a powerful statement of personal and household devotion that as a family, God comes first and everyone in that home would serve the Lord all the days of their life.

When you look into this scripture, Joshua was challenging the people of Israel to choose their allegiance and make a commitment to God. I strongly believe now more than ever, we are living in a time for us to be strengthened in our faith and our commitment to serving the Lord, to not treat it casually or out of convenience, but to courageously and boldly build the kingdom of God through building the church.

Friends, God loves the church. He designed the church for family, for community. And the beauty of it is that we don't all have to be related by blood to be called into this family. All you have to do is simply accept the invitation to join. Come as you are, and find the life that God has intended for you.

What strengthens the church is the people in it that make this declaration for their own life and use the gifts God has given them to serve and fulfill their highest calling. A church is activated into its full purpose when the people of God take their place and fulfill their assignments.

So what does this look like at Lakewood? As I think of the many people that serve here, I think of the families that serve together. And today, I want to introduce you to a few families that all serve Lakewood in various ways. Will you please welcome our families as they come up.

The first family is the Nikker family. They are Trevor and Iris Nikker. Their daughter Isabelle, Gabrielle, and Danielle. They serve as prayer partners and in the guest services ministry. Trevor, I wanted to ask you, what was your journey like to Lakewood Church? Thank you. A very good morning to you, Lakewood family.

Pastor Sarah, our journey started more than 20 years ago when we're still back in our home country of South Africa. We watched Pastor Joel over YouTube and the local Christian television networks. And week by week, we were encouraged. We were motivated and uplifted by the different messages. Though we were thousands of miles away, we had a deepening desire to be found in this house and a desire to be in the United States.

So we prayed, but all the employment opportunities were pointing us to Lake Charles in Louisiana. So we prayed and said, "Lord, our desire is to be in Lake W, not in Lake Charles, just in case the lakes got mixed up." So we prayed then the Lord miraculously intervened and opened up employment opportunities right here in Houston.

And on December 19, 2024, we came over to Houston as a family. And we just want to thank God for that great miraculous work. And since that December, we've been planted in Lakewood Church. And the our first experience here in the first service was just absolutely amazing. Our experience felt surreal as we were in an atmosphere of faith and hope in person, not just through a screen any longer.

And immediately we felt the sense of we we had the sense that Lakewood is not a place just to attend, but a place rather to belong to. And we immediately started to connect and to start to serve in love and humility. Obviously moving to a new country does come with challenges and we had to navigate various different challenges in terms of adjusting to culture.

We had to look at legal processes, emotional transitions as well as the task of of regaining stability and adjusting to a different environment. The Lord has been so faithful to us as we have remained committed and serving as a family. We have seen the the Lord's remarkable faithfulness in our lives.

He has provided for us. He's opened up doors for us, given us favor and wisdom to name but a few. So, as a family, we've been very blessed in Lakewood. Every every week and every day and month, we are seeing ourselves growing to to higher heights. And we just want to bless the Lord.

And I want to leave you with this last thought that a family that prays together, a family that serves together is indeed a family that stays together. That's so good. That's so good. Next, we have the Stevens family. Brian and Nancy Stevens and their daughter Camille. Nancy, this verse has a special connection to your family.

Will you please share with us? Yes, it does. This verse has been the foundation of our family since Brian and I got married 25 years ago. Growing up, my mom had this plaque on her wall with this scripture and I saw my parents live it out. As you know, God is faithful throughout the generations.

And it impacted me so much that when we bought our first home, I bought a tapestry with the same scripture on it. When we started attending Lakewood Church, um we just knew it wasn't a question if we would serve, but where we would serve and where we would plug in.

And so throughout serving here at Lakewood, God has been faithful to our family. We have seen healing, restoration, provision, and lifelong friendships. I love that. That's so good. Camille, how has this played out in your life? And what was it like coming to Lakewood and finding your place here?

Yeah, Joshua 24:15 has been a rock and a statement that we we really hold to as a family. And um I remember whenever we first came to Lakewood, it was Father's Day of 2021 and we didn't know anybody and we sat in the very back but the presence of God just rested on us in such a strong way.

It was like we knew that this is where we were supposed to be. And from that I started serving. I joined um the kids life and then I joined youth and I loved every single part of it. And then I noticed the young adult community and I thought I have to be a part of that.

And so I prayed that God would begin to open those spaces for me and give me favor with people. And after a while, I looked up and I was aruck by the faithfulness of God. And I realize that I now get to lead in the same spaces that my 17-year-old self once longed to be a part of.

So good. So the community here has just been absolutely and phenomenal. It's been a rock for me through college. It's where I've met my closest friends, my mentors, people that have been with me through the highs and the lows of life. And it's caused us as a family to grow spiritually deeper than we ever could have imagined.

That's so good. Love that you found your community here and God plugged you in and what it's done to your life. That's so beautiful. Adabanjo family. Here we have Ade Bus and their three children here all serving faithfully here. Ade, tell us about how this is uh serving God as a family has played out in your children's lives.

Yes. So, um, we've always believed as a family that there are things that God has prepared for us that no matter how much we strive or want to for our kids, we can't make it happen. But we've found that serving uh enlarges us and positions us to receive those things.

For example, relationships we've developed here in Lakewood from serving, we've met some amazing people that have become like family to us even right now. And in the life of our son when he was applying to college 2022 um we're wondering how are we going to pay for college and miraculously he received a full tuition scholarship to Texas Christian University uh where that same that same heart to serve uh caused him just to get plugged in and serve the community there that in his final year uh class of 2025 he was uh nominated and uh uh and voted as the most outstanding senior uh in Texas University uh for for his commitment to service in that community and our middle son uh or uh sorry Deiji um the spirit of excellence on him cause him to excel in his um in his SATs that uh college board uh got in touch with him and requested him to become a schoolhouse uh SAT math tutor uh which he's been serving uh for the past year and then our beautiful daughter IO um she joined FFA Future Farmers of America last year uh in in her sophomore year and uh she said to us, "I'm going to raise rabbits and I'm going to become grand champion first place."

And so she went ahead and wrote it on the vision wall last January that I'm going to be the grand champion rabbit raiser for FFA KDISD. And would you know it when they went to the livestock show, guess who became the grand champion rabbit razor. And so we've just seen God's faithfulness in our lives.

And you know, serving is not something that we have to do out of duty. It's something that we get to do from the love of Christ that constrains us. And it's just a privilege to be part of a community that it's impacting and helping people connect with the hope that is in Christ Jesus.

So beautifully said, Oreo, my fellow TCU alum. Go Frogs. Go Frogs. Tell us, you're in a season of waiting. How has this been like serving here at the church alongside your family? Yes. Um it's it's such a privilege to be able to serve in the house of God.

Um especially in this season of waiting and transition. Um it's been tough at times. It's been difficult. But I think one of the biggest things that I've come to understand and realize that when you're plugged in, when you're serving in the house of God, like we're all a flock of sheep, right?

That's what the Bible uses as an analogy. And you know, when you're a single sheep away from the herd, that's not where you're supposed to be, you know? So, like, when you're in the house of God and you're staying faithful, you're serving diligently. We're in community. We're in community.

We're helping each other grow. We're helping cast vision into each other. You know, iron sharpens iron, so on and so forth. And so being able to serve, being able to be a part of such a great community here at Lakewood, consistently plugged in, consistently pouring into me, me pouring out has been such an honor and a privilege.

And to be able to do it alongside my family who I love so much is just the greatest honor. So yeah, praise God. So wonderful. You know, you might say that this is not the season of life that I'm in. I don't have my own family. I'm just beginning or I have a very young family.

We haven't started yet. Well, I'm here today because of my parents, IP and Susie Mthi, and their commitment to raise their family, to serve the Lord, and honor the role of the church in our lives. As a young adult, fresh out of graduate school and looking for my next steps in life, I pray that God would put me at the center of his will and open the doors I was meant to walk through. very clearly he said to me, "My blessings and the answer to your prayers will find you where I've called you to serve."

Well, God called me here at Lakewood to serve. So, I got busy doing what he wanted me to do. And I used my gifts to serve the church. And what did that do? It unlocked something in my life. It opened doors of opportunity and put me on a path to purpose.

It formed new gifts on the inside of me. I found treasured friendships and so much more. Playing in the National Football League, this is how I discovered moving down here to Houston, Texas. Growing up, I've always had a dream and a desire to play in the National Football League.

And I was so blessed to have had the opportunity to play for the Houston Texans. Absolutely. During that time, I would always hear during the journey of playing in the National Football League, I would hear coaches and agents say, "Man, you're too small. There's no way you're going to play in the NFL."

But one thing I learned about that Lakewood Church is that I'm not too short. I'm just more down to earth than most people. Amen to that one. And of course, being here at Lakewood Church has been a blessing. During my off seasonason when I was playing for our Houston Texans, I would always see Pastor Joel's messages and it provided so much hope and encouragement and it motivated me as a person and also as an athlete.

And so as I continue to continue to pursue my career in the National Football League, I said, I got to get back to Lakewood Church. I got to find a way to serve. As I continued to serve here at Lakewood Church, I began to discover gifts and talents and skill sets.

And most importantly, it strengthened my walk with Christ. I was able to navigate and just really find true purpose. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I had a great time playing in the NFL. It was a blessing. But I can honestly say this, I have had more joy and fulfillment by serving here at Lakewood Church than playing in the National Football League during that time.

And of course, as God was continuing to navigate me at Lakewood Church, as I continued to strengthen my faith, he began to guide me and to lead me to great and mighty people in my life. And once I landed and met an amazing person, Sarah, we became husband and wife.

And we've been married for 15 years here at Lakewood Church in which we serve with our kids as well. And so, I love what the scripture says, but when we're planted in the house of the Lord, we are going to flourish Lakewood. And so we're so grateful to have this opportunity to serve here at Lakewood Church.

Yes. And Lakewood has launched many individuals into their God-given assignments, into their dreams, and into purpose. What mobilizes the church to be a place of hope and healing is when we obediently step into our calling and realize that when we do, it's tied to yours and someone else's breakthrough.

Breakthrough doesn't come while we're sitting and doing nothing. It comes while you're actively in motion, pursuing God and running your race. If you've been wondering what your calling is or what your gift is, take a step of faith. Move toward that desire in your heart placed there by God because it's an assignment that's meant to be pursued.

If you've been asking God what's next for your life or waiting on an answer to prayer, I challenge you to ask God where he's called you to serve. And as you serve, I believe it will open the doors and blessings and answered prayers that you've been waiting for.

But more importantly, it will mark your life with this powerful declaration that as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. My name is Joshua Pankamo and I've had the privilege of working on the relief and outreach team for going on four years. Being part of this ministry has completely changed me and my family's life for the better.

Joshua was the first one that we hired to go and do deliveries and to reach out into our community. And to get somebody with Joshua's experience was huge. to get someone with Joshua's heart. Unprecedented. But Josh isn't just a delivery person. Josh is a hope ambassador. Every day he goes out into these underresourced communities and these very challenging situations, individuals who have gone through a lot.

And Joshua brings all that God has taught him and it has raised his level of empathy and now he goes out into these communities and he stands with them and he has conversations with them and he prays with them and he encourages them. We are more than blessed as a church to have someone like Joshua represent Lakewood all throughout Houston.

We hear it said all the time, you know, be a city that's set on a hill and that we are. And we're thankful and grateful here at the relief and outreach team to be able to be that beam of light that shines into the dark places to the people that need it the most.

Each and every day I go out into the community, I can feel the pain of the people sleeping under bridges. I see children who are hungry. I see trafficked individuals who don't know how they're going to get out. And we get to be the difference in their lives each and every week.

Whether it be diapers, whether it be food, clothing, um a number of items that people are needing, we're able to supply that need on a regular basis. It is a great honor to be a part of this ministry. I think of Lakewood Church and all of its members and the givers out there who are continually supporting this ministry.

And I just want to encourage us to continue in the work that the Lord has given us. Never to take it for granted because these are some of the greatest times and opportunities to give hope to the world and that is what you are doing. Lakewood Church. Yeah, it's so good.

Thank you, Lakewood. We appreciate you being so faithful and so generous and we take time in every service to worship the Lord with our tithes and our offerings. So, we'll do that right now. But uh thanks for being cheerful givers and thanks for planting your planting yourself here at Lakewood and all the support and the donations.

We we show you these reports cuz we want you to know you're sewing into good seed and uh good ground. But I I think about that scripture. It says when you refresh others, you will be refreshed. That's what you guys do every week. And just want to thank you for it.

And you know, stir your faith when you give. You know, I like to give in faith. You know, no, okay, I got to give. They're talking me into it or God said I got to do this. No, let's let's give in faith. One, God, I I think the attitude is God, I thank you for what you've given me.

Cuz you know, everything comes from God. You know, he gave us abilities and stuff. God, it comes from you. God, I want to put you first place. And God, as I give, let this seed go out and be a blessing to others. And Lord, I thank you that your blessing is upon my life as I keep you first place.

I mean I mean this the scripture says when you when you put God first, he'll crown your efforts with success. That's what we're believing for each one of you. The open windows of heaven. It's like the testimonies we heard today that that you can't make some of that stuff happen.

That's the blessing of God on your life. And it it comes by honoring God and keeping him first place. And we just appreciate you guys being so faithful and want you to always feel good about you are helping people all over the world. And we thank you for it.

That's so great. Uh you are helping people. I love what Joshua said and thank you Joshua for being so faithful. He said, "Now is the time." was the greatest time than ever to be able to help people. And you know how you hear people go, I'm in this world, it's just crazy.

Oh, this world, I don't know what's going on in this world. But you know what? God does. And God is using people just like you to be his hands and feet. You see, it is the greatest time to help people to show the love of God that he is still alive and he's still active.

And so I just want to encourage you as you give, you know, you are helping needy people, but you're also partnering with the heart of God. You are doing God's work. And you know, it's easy just to turn the other way and just say, but you know what?

When you can sit there and say, "I'm a part of doing something for the world. I'm not just talking about how bad things are, but I am partnering with God to help people." I think that's the greatest thing in the world. I believe that's the faith that God honors because see God has entrusted all of us with something.

And it says when we give and we sow with a heart of faith for him, you know what? We're lending to the Lord. We are lending to the Lord. And I I can't imagine God not promising cuz he did to repay us. And you know, it's not I'm not talking about are you going to be the richest person on your block.

I'm talking about he repays every single day. And we cannot not see what he does in our life every single day. All the things that he does. He multiplies our time. He opens supernatural doors. He saves our children. He keeps us from an accident. There are miracles taking place every single day that I don't want to miss.

And I know you don't either. But you know what? You can count on God holding you in the palm of his hand because you're partnering with him. And I just want you to know that we appreciate it. We thank you. We couldn't do it without you. And together, we're not just going to talk about how thing bad things are.

We're going to do something about how bad they are and help the people out. Amen. Amen. That's so good. Let me pray. Lord, thank you for all of our generous givers. Lord, we give today because of your blessing upon our life joyfully. We thank you for all that you've done, where you brought us to.

And Lord, I just pray 2026 would be a year of abundance for your people, new doors of opportunity. Let our gifts and talents come out to the full. Lord, shine brightly through us. I thank you, Father, that we will lend and not borrow. And Lord, that we will bring about your kingdom here on this earth for multiplying what we have, Lord.

And help us to all be great stewards of it. We pray it in the name of Jesus. Amen and amen. God bless you 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 most convenient for you.

Or go to lakewoodurch.com/give. Text give hope to 77977. Mail a check to P. Box 27450, Houston, Texas 77227, or call us toll-free at 888-567 Joel. Church, would you stand to your feet one more time? We're going to continue to worship and declare that our God is a restorer.

Amen. What was lost is not gone. What was dead is not done. Take heart. Have faith. Hold on. What was lost is not gone. He'll restore the years that were sown in tears. Nothing is over. Nothing is over. Watch him make a way. Have the finally say nothing is over.

Nothing is over. ((music playing)) He's going to change it. What was dead is not done. He's going to raise it. ((music playing)) Hold on somebody praise him. What was ((music playing)) He'll restore the years that were sown in tears. Nothing is over. Nothing is over. Watch him make a way. Have the final say.

Nothing is over. Nothing is over. Nothing is over. ((music playing)) He's the redeemer and he is the author. So nothing is over. Nothing is over. It's coming back. It's coming back better. It's coming back. It's coming back better. It's coming back. It's coming back better than ever. Everything the enemy stole is coming back.

It's coming back better. It's coming back. It's coming back better. It's coming back. It's coming back better than ever. Better than ever before. It's coming back. It's coming back better. It's coming back. It's coming back better. It's coming back. It's coming back better than ever. Everything the enemy stole is coming back.

It's coming back better. It's coming back. It's coming back better. It's coming back. It's coming ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) ((music playing)) Everything the enemy stole is coming back. ((music playing)) And I receive that coming back better than ever in Jesus' name. Thanks for being in the house of the Lord today. We are honored to have you with us.

And you know, like you heard in the testimonies, when you're planted in the house of the Lord, you will flourish. Hey, if you want to get involved out here in the lobby, there's a there's a booth over here you can get plugged into. And you know, a big part of it is making some amazing friends here at Lakewood.

You'll have lifelong friends. And let me tell you about Lakewood people. They're people full of faith and people that are going to lift you up and help you become who God's created you to be. And once a month, we recognize one of our teams. And this month, it's our beautiful choir up here behind me.

Amazing people. This is Beverly. Beverly, how long you been here? 20 years. 20 years. I always see Beverly up there. Faithful. And this is Joshua. How long you been with the Joshua? 10 years. 10 years. Awesome people. But Lakewood was made up of of some fantastic people. And guys, I I appreciate you always being up there shining brightly.

Your smiles and your joys setting the tone. We honor you guys. And thank you so much for being here. All the Lakewood volunteers. Just thank you for being a part. But we love you guys. Hey, if you're visiting, if you're visiting today, so glad to have you. Thanks for coming out.

I'll be in the lobby back there by the bookstore if you got a moment. Love to shake your hand. But just a honored to have you all here. Don't forget we started our new Wednesday night service. It had been gone since co but we kicked it up this year.

It's been going several thousand people come out. If you're in the in the area middle of the week, we'd love to have you come out. It's a fantastic hour service and there's community afterwards. But uh thanks for being a part today. Well, when you see yourself, can you give the TV audience a great big Lakewood welcome, please?

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 or 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 like to start with something funny. And I heard about this man. He was on vacation in Jerusalem with his family when his mother-in-law suddenly died. He went to make arrangements to get the body back home. And the consulate said it would cost $5,000 to have the body shipped, but he could have her buried right there in Jerusalem for just $150.

The man thought about it a moment. He said, "No, I'd like to have her shipped." The consulate said, "Wow, you must have really loved your mother-in-law." He said, "No, it's not so much that. I just remember a case here years ago when they buried someone and on the third day they arose and I can't take that chance.

Now I have an amazing mother-in-law, y'all. I got to tell you that it's her daughter I've got a problem with. But all right, here we go, y'all. Are you ready? 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 Judges chapter 14, you're welcome to. Judges chapter 14. We'll put the scriptures up on the screen as well. But again, thanks for being with us. I want to talk to you today about power for your purpose. We all face situations that seem too big for us.

A dream that looks impossible, a medical report's not good, a child that's off course. It's easy to get discouraged and feel overwhelmed. But God knew every difficulty you would face. He wouldn't have allowed it if it was going to stop your purpose. He has these destiny moments where his power will come on you in a greater way to fulfill what he's called you to do.

This is not ordinary, not something you can work up, willpower, determination. This is supernatural power, supernatural favor that causes you to do what you couldn't do and overcome what should have stopped you. You're not at a disadvantage. The odds may be against you. You may be outnumbered. But you have a secret weapon.

The spirit of God will empower you to defeat giants, to break addictions, to accomplish dreams. Now, quit focusing on what you don't have. How this problem's too big and it's never going to resolve. No. Your time is coming. Your destiny moments are already scheduled to where you're going to feel power, strength, ability that you've never felt to step into the purpose that God has ordained for you.

We see this in the life of Samson. An angel appeared to his mother and said, "She's going to have a baby that he would deliver the Israelites from the Philistines." There was a divine calling on his life, something God ordained him to do. As he got older, he saw this young woman that he really liked.

He told his parents he wanted to marry her. Those days, the parents arranged the wedding. They weren't for it cuz she was a Philistine. One day, while he was walking to her city, a lion jumped out of the woods and attacked Samson. One verse says it took him by surprise.

Suddenly, he's in this crisis. That should have been the end of Samson. Had a bad break. Wrong place, wrong time, attacked by a lion. But what God has purposed for your life cannot be stopped by bad breaks, by unexpected trouble, by obstacles that you didn't see coming. Verse six says, "At that moment, the spirit of God powerfully took control of Samson and he ripped the lion apart with his bare hands."

All of the sudden, he had this supernatural strength. Strength he had never felt before. It wasn't like he decided to be brave, decided to have this courage. The spirit of God took control of him. He didn't have a choice. He was just minding his own business. But what God has purposed for your life, he will empower you to do.

You may face some unexpected challenges, things you didn't see coming. Your health, your finances with a child, like that lion, it suddenly attacks and all the facts say, "Man, you're done. is too big. This is too much. No. Like with Samson, the spirit of God is going to come on you in a powerful way.

It's going to take control and help you do what you couldn't do by yourself. The scripture says when the enemy comes in like a flood, the spirit of God will raise up a barrier. You're not fighting on your own. You're not at the mercy of fate and people of sickness.

You have a defender, a protector. He's going before you and he's ordering your steps. He's planned your days. He knows where the lions are hiding. He knows where the bad breaks, the unexpected trouble is. It was a surprise to Samson, but it wasn't a surprise to God. You don't have to live worried about what might happen.

Man, Joel, what if I get laid off? Or what if the medical report's not good? Or what if this relationship doesn't work out? God knows everything that's going to happen. He already has to solutions to problems you haven't even had. He's already lined up your destiny moments where his spirit rises up in you in a powerful way.

You defeat the giant. You tear the lion apart. You break the addiction. See, God didn't send an angel to defeat the lion. He didn't send another person, an army, a game warden. That would all been fine. But you don't have to rely on other people. The spirit of God lives in you.

You are powerful. You are equipped. You are anointed. It's significant that a lion came out of nowhere and attacked him. This is symbolic. The scripture says the enemy goes about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The good news is he can't devour everyone. You are God's property.

When you made Jesus the Lord of your life, yes, the lion may attack. It seems bigger, stronger. He thinks you're easy game. But what he doesn't realize is you belong to the most high God. You are not doing life on your own. When the enemy attacks, God doesn't sit back, watch what happens.

He sends his spirit to rise up in you. There's not a lion you face that you can't tear apart. Not a problem you can't overcome. not an addiction, a sickness, a bad break that can keep you from your purpose. The lion attacking Samson was not only an unexpected attack, but it happened in private.

No one was around. No one saw the attack. No one saw what he struggled with. This could have happened like with David when he defeated Goliath. The whole army was cheering and celebrating. God was showing us what you struggle with in private. He's going to help you defeat.

Those habits that you're not proud of. You tried to get free, tried to stay disciplined, but you keep falling back. This is your year for freedom. This is your year for victory. God has seen you doing everything you can. He's seen your effort, but now he's about to step in and give you his power to break free.

Defeating that lion was the first time Samson saw God's spirit come on him with that kind of power. The principle is you have to win your private battles before you can be trusted with public victories. And if you don't deal with things, just keep putting it off. That's going to keep you stuck.

You're hearing this because God is about to have his power rise up in you in a greater way to defeat the lion, to break the bad habit. Joel, I tried. I couldn't do it before. This is a new day. God is doing a new thing. You couldn't do it before.

Neither could Samson. He couldn't defeat a lion. He was a teenager. He never had that kind of strength, that kind of ability. But it says the spirit of God took control of him. And as believers, we all have God's spirit on the inside. But there will be these destiny moments where his spirit will take control of you.

You'll have a power you've never had to break things that you could never break. What's significant is Samson's power, this supernatural ability, it was not just about him. It was about delivering the Israelites. He was part of a bigger plan to free God's people. He wasn't just fighting for himself.

He was fighting for his family and for all of Israel. They had been oppressed so long and live so defeated. They said, "Samson, don't bother the Philistines. Don't you know they rule over us? They had this limited mindset. We're victims. That's the way we've always been. in joy.

My family's always struggled, always been angry, always been depressed. God has raised you up to break those barriers to set new standards. He wouldn't have let you face that lion if it was going to stop you. And even when Samson made mistakes, got off course. The power kept coming on him because God's purpose for your life will override bad breaks.

People that do you wrong, even failures and habits that should stop you. God used Samson despite his flaws and weaknesses, despite the opposition being stronger. Like Samson, there's a destiny for you to fulfill. An angel may not announce to your mother your birth, but God chose you before you were formed in your mother's womb.

He handpicked you. He's given you an assignment and something to accomplish. Not to just wander through life defeated, worried. There's a calling on your life. It's not just about you. You're a piece to the puzzle. You're a strategic part in the plan of God. That's why the enemy comes against you.

And that's why you're going to have these times like Samson where the spirit of God comes on you powerfully. You can't explain it. You have an unexpected challenge and you discover favor and ability that you've never had. That surprise attack, that lion catches you offguard. But the real surprise is what happens to the lion.

You rise up in power with favor and defeat what should have defeated you. Samson's parents made the arrangements to marry the Philistine girl. Samson decided to have a bachelor party. 30 men were there. He said to them, "I'm going to tell you a riddle. If you'll figure it out, I'll give you 30 nice, expensive robes, but if you can't, you have to give me 30 robes."

They tried and tried, but couldn't figure it out. So, they begin to pressure his fiance. They'd been friends for years. They said to her, "You have to find out or we're going to go broke buying these nice robes, all this pressure." Well, she kept asking Samson, "Please tell me, please."

Day after day after day, after seven days of nagging, a man can only take so much. Samson finally gave in and told the answer. Well, she went and told all the men. They came to Samson so happy, so relieved, and told him what the riddle meant. Samson said to them in verse 18, "If you hadn't plowed with my heer, you wouldn't have found the answer to my riddle."

Now, if you're referring to your fiance as a heer, you're going to need God's power. Samson owed these 30 nice robes. The scripture says the spirit of the Lord powerfully took control of Samson. He went to a neighboring city, killed 30 men, and took their robes. This wasn't about Samson doing right, making good choices.

He had a supernatural calling, but he was unfocused, undisiplined, despite his failures. Despite his shortcomings, God's spirit came on him to fulfill his purpose. You would think God would say, "Fine, Samson. I'll find someone else." But what God purposed for your life will come to pass. Your mistakes didn't stop it.

You may not be where you should be in life. You got off course, distracted, playing games. The good news is God is not finished with you. What he's assigned for you is still on the schedule. I don't know, Joel. I think I stopped my destiny. I'm too far off course.

Can I tell you, you're not that powerful. You can't cancel what God has planned. You may delay it. You may make it harder. But what God has purposed will come to fulfillment. Samson called off the wedding and didn't marry the girl. Later, he changed his mind and went back.

But the lady had married someone else. He was so upset. He caught 300 foxes, set their tails on fire. They ran through the fields and burned all the grain. When the Philistines found out who did it, they were furious. Samson was hiding in a cave and the Philistines came with full force.

The Israelites asked what they were doing there and they said, "We're here to capture Samson. If you don't give him to us, we're going to attack your city." So 3,000 men from Israel went to the cave and told Samson they were going to give him to the Philistines so they wouldn't be harmed.

Samson agreed. Verse 13 says, "They tied Samson up with two new ropes and took him to the Philistines." When they saw Samson, they were so excited, started celebrating. "We finally got him." Here's Samson is bound, outnumbered, surrounded by a huge army. Most of it is his own fault.

He didn't make good choices. Looks like he's done. But the scripture says the spirit of God powerfully took control of Samson and he snapped the ropes as if they were strings. All these times when he should have been captured, defeated, injured from the line, stuck because of mistakes.

But look at how the purpose of God prevails. The spirit of the Lord kept coming on him powerfully to overcome what should have stopped him, to break chains that should have held him back. Like Samson, you may be struggling with things that have you bound. Addictions or bad habits, wrong mindsets, been that way a long time.

You tried and couldn't break it. The enemy may have tied you up. Or you may have tied yourself up. Samson's own people bound him. But being bound is not how your story ends. You can't do it on your own, but the spirit of God is going to come powerfully on you to break addictions, break chains of depression.

How about chains of sickness, chains of lack and struggle? Our God is a chain breaker, a yoke destroyer, a burden lifter. He's going to take control and you're going to feel a strength that you've never felt to break what you couldn't break. Maybe it was someone else that sort of tied you up.

They put you at a disadvantage. What you saw growing up was, you know, bad habits and people modeled addictions and anger wasn't necessarily your choice. You just kind of fell into it. God knew what you would face. He knew the things that wouldn't be fair. The times that no fault of your own, you got tied up.

Thoughts now whisper. That's the way it's always going to be. Know what God did for Samson, he's about to do for you. Get ready to snap some chains. What should be permanent, it's going to feel like a piece of thread. When the Most High empowers you, it's not natural.

It's supernatural. Samson broke those chains and he picked up the jawbone of a donkey and defeated 1,000 Philistines. God is showing us even when you're surrounded by enemies, even when things have you bound, it looks impossible, there's a force coming that you can't explain, a power that overcomes any opposition, a favor to defeat what should have defeated you.

It's the spirit of God empowering you to fulfill your purpose. When Samson was attacked by that line, he tore it apart. One version says, "Though he had nothing in his hands." Sometimes we don't think we have what we need. Joel, I would believe this if I had more talent or if I was more disciplined, had more connections, more resources, then I could accomplish my dreams.

When God called you, he knew everything you didn't have. He knew who would leave you out, the doors that would close, the family you would come from. None of that is going to stop who you were created to be. God chose a young man named Saul as the first king of Israel.

Didn't seem like a logical choice. Saul came from the smallest tribe, the least significant family. When Samuel came to announce Saul and present him in front of the people, Saul was hiding in a storoom. He wouldn't come out. He was afraid, intimidated, thinking of everything he was not.

How he didn't have what it takes. But God doesn't make mistakes. He didn't choose Saul and then think, "Oh man, I didn't know he was weak. I didn't know he'd be afraid or insecure." or with Samson. I didn't know he'd play around, make poor choices. I didn't know his own family, his own people would tie him up.

No, God knew everything about you. He's the one that created you. He sees potential in you that you can't see. He knows the greatness that there's a mighty hero, a giant killer, a barrier breaker in you. He's already lined up your destiny moments where his spirit will rise up powerfully in you to do what you couldn't do.

Samuel finally got Saul to come out. He was standing there afraid and intimidated. Samuel looked at him and said in verse six, "The spirit of the Lord will come on you with power and you will be changed into a different person." And sometimes the reason we don't think we can accomplish a dream or overcome an obstacle is we can't see what God is about to do.

It's natural to have doubts and think, "Oh, how could this happen? There's a Goliath. There's a lion. It's too big." Those are normal thoughts. But when God's spirit comes on you powerfully, you'll be changed into a different person. This is not something that you have to make happen. strive.

Just dare to believe. God, this obstacle looks too big. I feel bound by these chains. I'm hiding because I'm afraid. But God, I believe your spirit is coming. Something that I've never seen. Supernatural healing, strength, doors opening, chains breaking, turning me into a different person. What does that mean?

From afraid to competent, from sick to healthy. from addicted to free, from struggling to abundance, from defeat into victory. My father went to be with the Lord on a Saturday in 1999. And it was an unexpected attack. He had a heart attack and suddenly passed. And for the first couple of days, I was kind of in a fog.

I couldn't believe my father was gone, my best friend outside of Victoria. I'd been behind the scenes at Lakewood 17 years doing the production and I never wanted to get up in front of people. I'm more quiet and reserved and my father tried to get me up to help him pastor but I didn't feel qualified.

He was so strong and he had a big personality and I thought that's not me. I didn't get any of that. Well, four days after he passed, that next Wednesday, we were at the memorial service. I was standing on the platform with Victoria and the rest of my siblings and their spouses.

My mother was up speaking. When she finished, she turned around and looked at all of us and said, "Does anyone want to say anything?" Normally, I would be the last one. I would do my best to get out of it, but for some reason, I started walking to the podium.

In my mind, I was thinking, "What are you doing, Joy? You are crazy." All this doubt. But in my spirit, I could feel something rising up. It was like something took control of me. And I felt this boldness, this confidence to step up and say something. I don't know what I said.

I hope it's good, but I was just in awe that I got up there. I had never ministered in 17 years. But that day, it was like I was turned into a different person. Suddenly, I had the desire to pastor the church. I didn't dread it. I wanted to do it.

I had this knowing that I've been raised up for this. I didn't know if I'd be any good. I didn't know if people would listen or if they'd continue to come. But I thought, we're about to find out. If they don't, I'll go work at Waterburger. But who would have ever thought we would be here?

I never dreamed that in my future was the compact center where I used to watch the Rockets play basketball, that I'd have books and serious radio media. You don't know what God has planned for you. All we can see is right here, but God knows what he's put in you.

You'll compact sinners, the Goliaths you'll defeat, the lions you'll tear apart, the chains you'll break, the dreams you'll accomplish that'll catapult your family ahead. How's this going to happen when you feel limited? When the obstacles look too big? When you're hiding instead of shining? Here's how. The spirit of the most high, the God who created you, the God who planned your days, the God who's ordered your steps, the God who numbers your hair, the God who fights your battles, the God who makes crooked places straight, the God who lines up the right people, the God who comes into the fire with you, the God who causes you to stand out.

His spirit is going to come on you powerfully to accomplish what he's already purposed for your life. Not by might, not by power, but by the spirit of God. The life of Samson is both inspiring and a little bit sad. Samson started with this supernatural birth. Had all this potential, but he played around with his destiny.

He compromised. I feel it, y'all. I thought I was going to make it, but I feel it. All right, here I go. He played around with his destiny, compromised, and gave into temptation. He ended up captured. They gouged his eyes up and gouged his eyes out and he was grinding at the mill.

And the Philistines had this big party and someone suggested to bring Samson out so they could make fun of him. And Samson asked the young man that was leading him to place his hands on the pillars of the building where he was chained. While they were all laughing and mocking, the scripture says the spirit of God came on Samson one more time.

He pushed the pillars over. The building came crashing down. He defeated more enemies in his death than he did his whole life. Look at the mercy of God. When we make mistakes, get off course. God doesn't say, "All right, you're done." No. God has a one more time for you.

It's not too late. You haven't missed your chance. You wouldn't be hearing this if God wasn't about to do something new in your life. One thing about Samson is all the pictures I've ever seen him of him, those renderings in Sunday school and growing up, he's always this huge man, big muscles, looked like a bodybuilder.

You could tell he was so strong and a force to be reckoned with. But the scripture never describes his physical size. It says that Saul was tall, David was handsome, Goliath was huge. But when the Philistines were trying to trick Sansom, they asked Delilah to find out where his strength comes from.

If he was big and impressive, it'd be obvious. We know where it comes from. His biceps, his legs. Look at him, man. He's a beast. The truth is, Samson looked ordinary like a normal person. The message is you don't have to look powerful to be powerful. Your strength doesn't come from what you have.

It comes from what God has not natural but supernatural. Like Samson, you may face some unexpected challenges. That lion surprises you. Don't worry. It's not a surprise to God. Just like that difficulty suddenly came, his power will suddenly come on you to overcome. Now, let's win the private battles.

Let's deal with what's holding us back. Don't be like the Israelites. Ah, they've always ruled over us. No, this is your time to rule. Those obstacles are not permanent. You're about to feel supernatural power to break chains. That dream that seems impossible. You're outnumbered over your head like God did for Saul, like he did for me, you're going to be changed into a different person.

Get ready for favor. Get ready for breakthroughs. I believe, declare this is your year to rise higher, to set new standards, to break barriers that have held you back, to defeat giants, to accomplish dreams, to see new levels of your destiny in Jesus' name. And if you receive it, can you say amen today?

Let's pray together. If you have five minutes, if you can stick with me. Father, I thank you for what we've heard today. I know it falls on great ground, faithful people here at Lakewood and many watching and listening. And Lord, we we thank you that you are at work in each one of our lives.

And Lord, we're going to win the private battles. We're going to trust you for what we can't do. And Lord, I just thank you in 2026, we will see your spirit come on us in new ways, in powerful ways, empowering us to become who you've created us to be.

Lord, help us to believe. Help us to stay in faith. Lord, I believe even today strongholds have been broken. Chains are coming out that we are stepping into new levels of freedom for your glory to build your kingdom in Jesus name. 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 this comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In just a moment, if you're not at peace with the Lord, or maybe you are a Christian, but you've grown cold toward God, you know you need to rededicate your life, you need a 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. Oh, it's embarrassing to stand in front of everyone. Have people at the house, I can't lift my hand. Listen to what Jesus said. If you won't be ashamed of me before people, then I won't be ashamed of you before my father in heaven.

I'm going to give you a great opportunity to show God that you're not ashamed of him. If you're not at peace with the Lord or you just need to rededicate your life, you need that 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 it? 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 heartbeat fast up top watching listening anybody else well God bless you please remain standing if you don't mind and I want to tell you how proud we are of you more importantly I know God's never going to be ashamed of you because you took this step of faith the scripture says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved let me help you to call do you mind all praying this with our friends that are standing Lord Jesus I repent of my sins.

Come into my heart. I make you my Lord and Savior. Amen. Remain standing one more moment if you would, but I want to tell you how much we love you. We're going to be praying for you. I also want to give you an invitation. Really even a challenge to come back and be with us on a regular basis.

This next year of your life is incredibly important. Why don't you give us that year to get plugged in and be here as often as you can? I'll make a promise to you before that 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. Most of you, Sunday's a day off. Joel, I need to go get groceries. I need to do this. Let me tell you, there is a blessing on your life when you put God first place and get planted in a good church. We'd love to have you here at Lakewood.

You heard me earlier. You can get plugged in. Meet some great friends. Check it out over here. And I'll be that way after the service. But know this, the moment you stood up, God washed away all your sins, your mistakes, your failures. You are starting with a fresh, clean slate.

Write it down in your Bible. January 18th, 2026, a new day of victory in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. Well, let's all stand together if you would please. Thanks for coming out today. How many of you going home better off than you were before? Amen. All right. How about I speak a blessing?

Until we meet again, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord show you his favor and have mercy on you. And may the Lord watch over you and give you his peace. God bless you. We love you very much. Have a favor week. See you back soon.