Weekly Inspiration-Trust in God
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Notes From My Church-Praise Your Way!!
PLACE: Lakewood Church-Houston, Tx
Joel Osteen, Pastor
DATE: Saturday, April 14, 2007
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
THE MUSIC:
The entire worship team was again in attendance: Cindy Cruse Ratcliff, Israel Houghton, Da’dra Crawford Greathouse and Steve Crawford. The team started with three of Israel’s songs, “We Have Overcome”, “All Around”, and “Say So”. The first and third song will be on his upcoming live CD. Israel’s songs are always crowd favorites and the new songs are no exception. Israel and his band are loved and appreciated all around the world for their brand of praise and worship. It is wonderful to have him as a part of Lakewood’s ministry team and to be among the first to hear new songs.
Next up was “Come Let Us Sing”, “How Great is Our God”, and “Say The Name”. Steve led “How Great is Our God”. This is a wonderful song anyway, but Steve’s handling of the song and the beautiful voices of the choir took it to another level. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful and the simple fact comes across clearly: Our God is a great God, and all will see it. The last two songs were “The Stand” and “Never Forget” performed by the talented husband and wife team Michael and Carrie Hodge.
I liked when Victoria Osteen said we should “praise our way” through our problems and disappointments. The anointed songs, talented worship team, choir and band will help you do just that. The songs take you to another level where you let the lyrics minister to you. When praises go up, blessings will come down.
THE MESSAGE:
Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:20
Subject: Being A Good Example
Sermon Synopsis: This week Pastor Joel spoke about being a good example for others. He said that we are all called to be a light in the world and we all have a ministry. Our pulpit is our lives. You may not know how to preach, but you can offer someone a smile or an encouraging word. We all should be living examples read by all men. People don’t see God, they see us.
Pastor Joel said we should be a joy to be around. People should be happy to see us come into a room. Realize that you are preaching a sermon with your life and pay attention to the kind of message being sent out. We should ask ourselves, what are we saying with the lives we lead. Let the love of God shine wherever you go. We should preach at all times and speak only when necessary. He said that there are two kinds of people–thermometers and thermostats. Thermometers adjust to the temperature in the room, but thermostats change the temperature in the room. They bring others up to their level.
Remember that people are watching everything you do. Your kids, spouse, neighbors and co-workers all pay attention. Be careful to be dispensers of joy, peace, love and enthusiasm. We should be kind to everyone: the cashier at the grocery store, the security guard at the office, and the sick neighbor. Make a difference in the world today. So a seed in someones life. If you make somebody else’s day, God will bless your efforts.
Pastor Joel said our lives should overflow with the love of God. Some people think they have to straighten people out. This is not necessary, most people already know what that they are doing wrong. They need hope and encouragement. We should make people want what we have. We should win people over with the life we lead. Being a good example is the door to open someones heart. We are God’s representatives on earth and we can make a difference for Him.
**Of course, this is only a very short summary of Pastor Joel’s sermon. To hear all the funny stories and great jokes be sure to visit the Lakewood website and watch the video. He is always inserting great stories and jokes into his sermons. He is a great storyteller and begins each sermon with a funny joke. To get the full effect you can watch this service and other archived services at http://www.lakewood.cc/ or http://www.joelosteen.com/.
THE ATMOSPHERE: For some reason or another, I was feeling a little down before leaving for worship service. Because my little ones love going to children’s church I pushed myself to go. I didn’t want to spoil things for them. One of the great things about Lakewood is that if you are feeling defeated and discouraged, that feeling will pass rather quickly.
Right away, I heard the upbeat and lively music of the choir and Pastor Joel’s admonition to magnify God and not your problems. He talked about having a sour attitude (oops, hope he wasn’t talking about me) and said that we are victors, not victims. He said our best days are ahead.
After standing on my feet for 45 minutes singing with the choir, hearing the excellence in the form of Michael and Carrie Hodge and laughing and rejoicing with Joel through his message, my problems and discouragement just kind of melted away.
The atmosphere at Lakewood (and other Bible-based churches) is designed by God to let you know that He is perfecting everything that concerns you. You are held in the palm of His hand, and he cares deeply for each of us. As Pastor Joel often says, if we take our eyes of our problems and put our eyes on God we will see our circumstances change. If you are feeling discouraged, defeated, if you are struggling with sickness, or if you just have a sour attitude being in the presence of God is the best place to be.
……..and that is what happened in my church this week. What was it like in your place of worship this week? The entire universe is filled with God’s love and grace. 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
Fab Five!!-The Legendary Clark Sisters
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The Clark Sisters–Jacky, Twinkie, Dorinda, Denise and Karen–are legendary in the gospel community for being the biggest-selling female group of all time and for the impact they’ve made on the contemporary gospel sound. Their unique sound has influenced countless artists and continues to make an impact even today.
Their mother, Dr. Mattie Moss Clark (a legend in her own right), molded them from an early age to glorify God with their vocal talents. The world has watched the growth of these loving sisters from their first album recorded in 1973 when they were teenagers, until the release of their highly anticipated album released April 2007.
I remember the impact their groundbreaking single, “You Bought The Sunshine” had on the gospel scene when it was released in 1981. It was played in churches everywhere–their unique sound had a big impact and many singers tried to emulate it. The “Clark Sound” with its jazzy feel and complicated vocal riffs and runs, had a great impact on my generation.
When you heard their songs you were in awe of the vocal talent, but you also felt the anointing of God that was on their lives through their God inspired lyrics. They were always beautifully dressed and the loving bond that they had with each other could be seen whenever they performed together. The Clark Sisters have always been ahead of their time and they continue to make an impact in the gospel community. I hope you enjoy my top 5 songs from the dynamic Clark Sisters…..
1. “Is My Living in Vain”-This is the title song from the Is My Living in Vain album. This album is a gospel classic that is a must-have for true gospel fans. I love all the songs on the album, but this song sums it all up. At one point or another, we all ask ourselves if our lives have made a difference. We wonder if all the praying, giving, working and taking care of our family is worth it. In this timeless song, the Clark Sisters answer in their amazing multi-part harmony: “No, no, no, no-no-no! / Of course not!/ It’s not all in vain/Up the road is eternal gain.”
2. “You Bought The Sunshine-”-This is probably one of the most recognizable of the Clark Sister’s songs because it was a hit on the secular charts as well as the gospel charts. It would go on to earn a gold album and receive a lot of criticism for being too “worldly.”
3. “Pure Gold”-Another hit from the amazing Is My Living in Vain album. Written by the master songwriter, Twinkie, this song touches the heart with its simple lyrics.
4. “Jesus is a Love Song”-This Clark classic is on Karen Clark Sheard’s first solo album, Finally Karen and is sung by all the sisters. It was written by Twinkie and the sisters soar with their perfect vocal harmony. The Clark sisters were born to sing and we are blessed because of it.
5. “Looking For A Miracle”- I find myself singing this song when I need major changes to happen in my life. It reminds me that with God things are possible if you believe. Sometimes this is hard if your faith is not where it should be. This song helps you activate your faith and stir up what God has put in you.
From the classic album, Is My Living in Vain, this song ministers on many, many levels. If the awesome lyrics are not enough, the mighty Clark Sisters take the song to the next level with vocals that touch the very soul.
I expect the impossible,
I feel the intangible,
I see the invisible.
The Sky is the limit,
To what I can have.
Just believe and receive it,
God will perform it today,
Hey, Hey
Just believe and receive it,
God will perform it today.
I expect a miracle every day,
God will make a way out of no way.
Thanks for reading!! Bless someone with the good news that is always in great Gospel music!! Don’t forget to sign up for our feed and mailing list. We would love to hear what you think about this blog. E-mail me at dominique@1800gospel.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
the clark sisters clark sisters mattie moss clark karen clark sheard twinkie clark dorinda clark cole is my living in vain you bought the sunshine
Sharing The Gospel Message Through Song
The legendary Clark Sisters, one of gospel music’s prized possessions, are set to release their first new album in thirteen years. Twinkie, Jacky, Dorinda and Karen were instrumental in creating gospel’s contemporary sound and have influenced countless gospel artists.
