Notes From My Church-2/17/07
PLACE: Lakewood Church-Houston, Tx
Joel Osteen, Pastor
DATE: Saturday, February 17, 2007
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
THE MUSIC: Praise and worship was led by Steve Crawford and Israel Houghton this week. Among the songs covered were audience favorites “Still Standing” and “Everywhere That I Go”, the energetic “Favor of God”, and reverent “At The Cross”. Guest violinist Christa Black accompanied the choir on Michael W. Smith’s “Holy Holy”. Her playing was absolutely beautiful and the audience was captivated by the additional atmosphere of praise that was brought by the violin. It was apparent that she loved playing the violin and that she gave God all the glory for her gift. I had the privilege of meeting her after the service to let her her know how much my husband and I enjoyed her performance. She was very gracious and friendly and I enjoyed meeting her.
Also sung was the wonderful song “Mighty to Save”. I love the lyrics to this song because it speaks of all of us needing compassion and forgiveness. We should all be careful to extend the same compassion and forgiveness to others that God offers us. As always the praise and worship team, choir and band was on point and the performance was anointed. I missed the beautiful voices of Cindy and D’adra but I am sure they will be back next week.
THE MESSAGE:
Scripture References:Romans 12:16, Matthew 5:16, Romans 8:28, Phillipians 1:6, Galations 6:9
Subject: God Uses People Who Are Ordinary To Do Extrarodinary Things
Sermon Synopsis: The message was given by Lakewood’s Spanish Pastor Marcos Witt because Pastor Joel was out of town. Marcos Witt is a Grammy Award winning musical artist that is a favorite in both the Spanish and English congregations. His messages are delivered in such a simple and clear manner that you leave with a clear understanding of God’s word. He is very funny and his messages are filled with laughter, funny stories and always music.
He used his own life experience of being a bedwetter until he was fifteen to further explain the fact that God uses everyday people to carry out His will. Even though he told of his experience with humour you understood the embarrasement that he went through. He told of how God used him in spite of the doubts he had. He said that everyone is not going to be a missionary, teacher, preacher, pastor or singer. He said the only thing we need to do is shine where there is darkness. Others should be able to see our light shining. (Matthew 5:16)
Pastor Witt gave 4 steps for for ordinary people to be used by God:
1. Don’t Understimate Yourself-The devil wants you to believe that you don’t have what it takes to achieve. It’s time for us to believe in ourselves and see in ourselves what God sees.
2. Don’t Overstimate Yourself-There is great joy in serving and giving to others. If your attitude is one of superiority you can’t be used for the glory of God because you don’t share with others. All the glory must go to God. It is not about us, it is about using our gifts for the glory of God.
3. Don’t Hurry-It is important to walk in God’s timing. Keep preparing yourself so when your opportunity comes you will be ready.
4. Don’t Give Up-God uses all of our experiences, good and bad, to prepare us for what he made us to be. God put something in everyone of us that only we can do. There is a purpose and calling for each of us. (Romans 8:28, Phillipians 1:6, Galations 6:9)
**Of course, this is only a very short summary of Pastor Witts’ sermon. To get the full effect you can watch it at Faith Based Blog. There is also a video for Christa’s awesome performance.
THE ATMOSPHERE: Pastor Witt ended the service with the Heath Rosborough singing “The Days of Elijah”. He prayed that each person would step into what God had prepared for them. Everyone has that special something that God purposed just for them. Whatever that something is we should let that light shine for others to see. We are all important to the kingdom of God. Kelly Price has a song entitled “Each One”. A line in that song says, “Each one is God’s Gift to the World”. When it comes to God’s kingdom we all have our place, there are no extra people.
……..and that is what happened in my church this week. What was it like in your church this week? The entire universe is filled with God’s love and grace and our churches are a great part of that. We would love to hear about your church service. Post a comment or e-mail me at dominique@1800gospel.com and tell us all about the music, the message and the atmosphere at your church.
Dominique
lakewood church joel osteen marcos witt israel houghton steve crawford
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