Notes From My Church-Still Standing!
PLACE:Lakewood Church-Houston, Tx
Joel Osteen, Pastor
DATE: Saturday, May 12, 2007
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
THE MUSIC:
The front worship team consisted of Cindy Cruse Ratcliff, Israel Houghton, Da’dra Greathouse, and Steve Crawford. Worship started with Kirk Franklin’s “He Reigns”, Lakewood’s “Free For All”, and Israel’s “I’m Still Standing”. The very, very popular “I’m Still Standing” is on Israel and New Breed’s Live in South Africa CD. I think this song is so popular because everyone can relate to the lyrics. We can all relate to being able to still stand after all the challenges of life. I will post the lyrics so you can sing along with your CD. 
You gave me courage to believe,
That all Your goodness I would see,
And if it had not been for You,
Standing on my side where would I be.
[Chorus]
If not for Your goodness,
If not for Your grace,
I don’t know where I would be today.
If not for Your kindness,
I never could say,
I’m still standing.
If not for Your mercy,
If not for Your love,
I most likely would have given up.
If not for Your favor,
I never could say,
I’m still standing,
But by the grace of God.
[Verse Two]
To You I lift my offering,
And set my heart on higher things,
‘Cause if it had not been for You,
Standing on my side where would I be.
Next up was Hillsong’s “The Stand” and “None But Jesus”. I love the part on “The Stand” that says, “with arms high and heart abandoned/in awe of the One who gave it all/so I’ll stand/my soul Lord to You surrendered/all I am is Yours”. It was an awesome sight to look around and see the uplifted hands of thousands of people worshipping God. Worship ended with Israel’s “Friend of God” and “Friend”. Brother and sister team Steve and Da’adra led “Friend”, which is on Israel’s new CD entitled Freedom.
THE MESSAGE:
Scripture Reference: Psalm 9:12, James 4:14
Subject: Making Every Day A Masterpiece
Sermon Synopsis:
Pastor Joel spoke this week on making each day a masterpiece. He said that every day is a gift from God and we should slow down and appreciate it. So many people live in the past or too far in the future. We should let each day be a new beginning and let go of yesterday and enjoy the gift of the present.
To get the most of each day, be where you are. There is power in staying in the moment. Enjoy each part of your day. Make a decision to enjoy each aspect of your everyday life, not just the vacations. Pastor Joel said that we should not put off enjoying our lives, because we may not be here tomorrow. When you get up in the morning thank God for the simple things. Discipline yourself to find something to be grateful for. Don’t take the people in your life for granted. We don’t know how long they are going to be here.
Pastor Joel told a wonderful story of taking time with his dad while he was undergoing dialysis. He told of how his dad called him early one morning to accompany him to the dialysis center and him taking the time to sit, talk and eat breakfast while he underwent treatment. He said this was the last time he saw his father alive. He was grateful that he took time out and that he did not have any regrets because he did all he could while his father was alive.
Each day is a precious gift. When you allow yourself to get upset or anxious you are wasting precious time. You are wasting emotional energy you could be using for other enjoyable things. The same energy you use to be upset and frustrated is the same energy you can use for being loving and kind. There is not enough emotional energy to effectively use both. Pastor Joel advised everyone to slow down and appreciate God’s blessings. Learn not to live in the past or future, but in the present. When you are able to do this, you will lie down at night in peace and know that you have made each day a masterpiece.
**Of course, this is only a very short summary of Pastor Joel’s sermon. 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:
There is a lot of excitement in the air concerning Israel’s latest CD. This week the song “Friend” from the album was performed beautifully by Steve and Da’dra, and “Say So” is a worship favorite. Get your copy of New Breed’s Freedom
……..and that is what happened in my church this weekend. 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.
Related posts:
- Notes From My Church-I Will Sing of Your Great Love PLACE: Lakewood Church-Houston, Tx Joel Osteen, Pastor DATE: Saturday, March...
- Notes From Lakewood Church-Still Standing The choir did a great job on Bishop Paul Morton’s...
- Notes From Lakewood Church-On Christ The Solid Rock I Stand, All Other Ground Is Sinking Sand PLACE: Lakewood Church-Houston, Tx Joel Osteen, Pastor DATE: Saturday, October 6,...
- Notes From My Church-2/24/07 PLACE: Lakewood Church-Houston, Tx Joel Osteen, Pastor DATE: Saturday,...
- Notes From My Church-Thank God for Religious Freedom! PLACE:Lakewood Church-Houston, Tx Joel Osteen, Pastor DATE: Saturday, June...
