Notes From My Church-Let It Be, Let It Go, Lay It Down
PLACE: Lakewood Church-Houston, Tx
Joel Osteen, Pastor
DATE: Saturday, August 18, 2007
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
THE MUSIC:
Worship Team: Cindy Ratcliff, Steve Crawford, Da’dra Crawford Greathouse, Israel Houghton, Choir & Band
Songs: Great In Power, For All You’ve Done, Turn It Around, Free To Worship, Draw Me Nearer, Draw Me Close, I Will Love, Worthy Is The Lamb, Right Now
What a great worship service this week! It seems that I don’t talk a lot about the choir, but their energy and enthusiasm is catching. It is great to look up and see the joy and happiness on their faces. My husband is in the choir and he is always talking about the relationships he’s formed and how much he enjoys being a member. He is really excited about the Lakewood Live Worship Recording next week. The project will be available for purchase in November. I hope they record one of my favorites, “I’m Still Standing”.
A lot of the worship songs are very catchy and I find myself singing them throughout the day. When I walk around the house singing, “all things are possible for you/nothing’s too difficult for you/nothing’s too difficult” from Turn It Around, I’m encouraging myself to believe that God desires me to excel and prosper. When I sing, “I’m free to worship You, Lord/with all my soul/and everything within me/I’m free to worship you here/casting out fear/Your love draws me near to worship”, from Free To Worship, I’m thanking God for the gift of Jesus Christ that enables me to lay my heart and soul before him in worship and adoration.
When my children hear me sing, “turn it around/open the windows of heaven/pour out a blessing, overflow/turn it around/open the windows of heaven/pour out a blessing we cannot contain”, they are learning that I trust God to bless our family in abundance. When I sing………..well, you get the picture. These songs have become a part of me, not just when I sing them during worship service. They are on my lips all the time and they are my help during tough times and my songs of praise during my worship time.
Steve sung Smokie Norful’s, “Right Now” and he had everyone on their feet. I’m so used to seeing Da’dra and Steve singing together, I was constantly peeping around the corner of the stage to see if she was coming out.
For some reason the song from Jaci Velasquez’s “Lay It Down” is still on my mind. With all that is going on in the world it is a great reminder.
So I’m gonna lay it down,
I’m gonna learn to trust You now,
What else can I do,
Everything I am depends on You.
And if the sun don’t come back up,
I know Your love will be enough,
I’m gonna let it be, I’m gonna let it go,
I’m gonna lay it down.
THE MESSAGE:
Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 3:7
Subject: How To Improve Your Relationships
Quick Notes From The Sermon:
Our relationships have a lot to do with our happiness. One of the keys to a great relationship, is to be considerate and show respect. If you are willing to make minor adjustments, you will see major improvements. Pastor Joel said that we should study the people in our lives to see what they like and don’t like. Some people require their space, some like to talk things out and others just want to be heard. God made us all different, what works for one won’t necessarily work on another.
A lot of the tension in our homes could be avoided if we would be more sensitive. It is important to be open and honest. We all should ask ourselves, what can I do do make my relationship better? Pay close attention to people when they are talking. Read between the lines. Be a good listener. Give others your undivided attention and look them in the eye when they are speaking. Don’t interrupt others when they are talking to you. Always be considerate.
Pastor Joel said we all should learn to keep a pleasant atmosphere in our homes. Be sensitive and speak with a pleasant tone. Leave all the troubles of the day outside. Before you come home for the day, switch gears. Don’t bring the troubles of the day inside your home.
**These are my quick notes from the 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:
Saturday services at Lakewood are normally pretty laidback and casual. It is not as crowded and the atmosphere is not as formal and “busy” as Sunday service. This is a great video showing Pastor Joel and Victoria having a bit of fun.
…and that is what happened in my church this weekend. Love your church and the services? Have you ever wished that you could share your joy with the world? We would love to feature your church on 1800Gospel. 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. We would love to hear from you! 
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