Notes From My Church-Every Time I Breathe You Seem A Little Bit Closer
PLACE:Lakewood Church-Houston, Tx
Joel Osteen, Pastor
DATE: Saturday, June 23, 2007
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
THE MUSIC:
Worship Team: Cindy Ratcliff, Da’dra Greathouse, Choir & Band
Songs: Forever, We Have Overcome, All The Earth, How Great is Our God, How Great Thou Art, You Deserve The Glory, Turn It Around, Every Time I Breathe
Worship was led by the ladies this week and they did a stellar job. I particularly enjoyed “All The Earth” which was led by Cindy. It’s a beautiful song of worship with lyrics that remind us of the splendor of Almighty God. Splendor of such magnitude that everything on earth literally sings with the love and glory of God. The ladies teamed up on “How Great is Our God” and rocked the place with their tight harmonies! They sounded awesome together! When Da’adra followed up on lead on “How Great Thou Art”, you could feel the change in the atmosphere. It was a great time in the presence of God.
Lakewood’s choir director, Michael Mellett sung Big Daddy Weave’s “Every Time I Breathe” with the accompaniment of two guitar players. I’ve noticed the name Big Daddy Weave all over the Billboard Charts, but had not heard any of the music. I think the name had me hung up a little bit. 
But, I really liked the song and Michael and his guitarists did a great job. I liked the lyrics, maybe because I see myself in them. I am sure all of heaven has heard me cry about one thing or another too. The song reminds me of the bible verse that says, the closer we draw to God the closer He draws to us (James 4:8).
I am sure all of heaven’s heard me cry
As I tell You all the reasons why
This life is just too hard
But day by day
Without fail
I’m finding everything I need
And everything that You are
To me
Chorus:
Every time I breathe You seem a little bit closer
I never want to leave
I want to stay in Your warm embrace
Oh basking in the glory shining from Your face
And every time I get another glimpse of Your heart
I realize it’s true
That You are so marvelous God
And I am so in love with You
That’s another thing I love about Lakewood, getting to hear all kinds of music. This Big Daddy Weave tune is currently Billboard’s top Christian song. I enjoyed being able to hear Michael’s version again on FaithBasedBlog. You can also catch Cindy and Da’adra at that link. I need to go and cop Big Daddy’s Weave’s CD! Read more
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1. What is your theme song? Post a comment and let us know!!
2. These brothers transformed jail time into God time.~Story
3. Are you America’s Next Gospel Music Star?~Story
     or South Africa’s Next Gospel Music Star?~Story
4. Reverend Henry Oliver, of Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns”, has a new gospel album out.~Story
5. Bishop TD Jakes, and his Dexterity Sounds label will form a new distribution partnership with Warner Music Group’s Rhino Entertainment~Story
Notes From My Church-High Energy!+God is Faithful
PLACE:Lakewood Church-Houston, Tx
Joel Osteen, Pastor
DATE: Saturday, June 16, 2007
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
THE MUSIC:
Worship was led this week by Cindy Ratcliff, Israel Houghton, Steve Crawford and Dadra Greathouse. The service started on a high note with Martha Munizzi’s “Glorious”, “Better Than Life” and Israel’s “We Have Overcome”. Next up was the beautiful “Mighty To Save”, Martha Munizzi’s “Because of Who You Are”, “I Will Search” and “At The Cross”. “At The Cross” is one of my favorite songs, because it speaks of God searching us and knowing all about us. It talks about the enormous love He has for us, even when we fail Him.
The energy was high and the audience was having a great time! The Newsboys were supposed to be present to sing their hit songs, “He Reigns” and “You Are My King (Amazing Love)”, but they were delayed by the rainy Houston weather. The songs were led by choir director Michael Mellett and directed by Steve Crawford and they did a great job. Even though the group was not present, the audience absolutely loved the songs. The energy was incredible! I have never heard of The Newsboys, but one of my cousins said he grew up with them. I don’t know why I never got into their music. Anyway, I thought the songs were wonderful and the lyrics very insightful.
Although the Saturday crowd missed out, The Newsboys did make it for the Sunday service. You can watch the Saturday and Sunday versions of the performance at Faith Based Blog. Since the crowd was pumped up already, the last song, Israel’s “Say So” pushed the energy into overdrive. What a great worship service!
THE MESSAGE:
Scripture Reference: Romans 12:6
Subject: Being Secure in Who God Made You to Be
Sermon Synopsis:
According to Pastor Joel, one of the greatest needs we all have is to feel important. He explained that we should make sure we get our value from who we are, not what we do or what we have. God has already accepted and approved us as we are. We should have a quiet confidence in this fact and not live to impress others. Some people only feel good when they think they are doing something important. Our confidence should come from knowing that we are children of God.
Insecure people are always comparing themselves with others. The next step is competition. There will always be somebody better than you. It’s like a never-ending treadmill. Pastor Joel said that we all should relax, because there is nothing to prove. Realize you get your value from who you are. We all have different gifts and we all should be comfortable with the gifts that God has given us. We have all we need to fulfill our destiny. We should understand that in God’s eyes, the janitor is just as important as the CEO, and the usher is just as important as the pastor.
We all are created in the image of God and it is freeing when we realize we don’t have to compete and compare. God made you like you are for a purpose. Don’t live your life in frustration; accept what God has given you. Learn to accept your limitations, you can’t do everything. Pastor Joel said that it is important to stay in the anointing that God has given you. Don’t try to be something you are not or look down on others because they are not like you. We should all be learning and growing, but it is important to know your gifting. Know what you are not, as well as what you are. If you operate outside of what you are called to do, life will be a struggle.
When you know who you are in Christ, you don’t have to go around impressing others. Be confident in who you are and stay in your strength zone. Run your own race and don’t compare your life to others. Pastor Joel said that if you don’t understand this principle, life will be hard for you. Be secure in who God made you to be and develop your gifts and talents. There is no need to compete, God has given us all we need to live a life of victory.
**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/. You can also sign up for the free podcasts or call 1-800-487-0565 for copies of the sermons.
THE ATMOSPHERE:
I have been thinking about one of my friends from junior high school for many years. We had gotten out of touch with each other and I missed talking to her. I’ve been asking God to put me back in touch with her because I did not know how to contact her. Well, God answered my prayer as I was going into worship service. I could not believe it was her! She was right there at the church the entire time, and I didn’t know it.
I was reminded (once again) that God is always faithful! He always answers our prayers and He wants our life to be blessed. One of the core aspects of the Lakewood teaching is that God is faithful and He loves us. I really believe that the closer we draw to God, the closer He draws to us. His desire is to bless us so that we can be a blessing to others.
…..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.
New Gospel Music From Richard Smallwood
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Richard Smallwood’s latest double CD, Journey: Live in New York
From Amazon’s Editorial Review:
Journey: Live in New York is filled with the signature Richard Smallwood melodies, harmonies, and orchestral arrangements that listeners have come to expect and adore. Smallwood’s musical genius blurs the lines between live audience and taped recording, transporting the listener to the actual event, rather than leaving them sitting in a spectator’s position. And, just as always, Vision, the rich and vibrant choir, backs Smallwood to bring his songs to life. Journey: Live in New York, boasts guest appearances by Chaka Khan, Kelly Price, The Hawkins Family and more! This double CD also includes special enhancements and live concert video.
