Notes From Lakewood Church-Abiding In The Secret Place
PLACE: Lakewood Church-Houston, Tx
Joel Osteen, Pastor
DATE: Saturday, January 5, 2008
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
THE MUSIC:
Worship Team: Cindy Cruse Ratcliff, Israel Houghton, Da’dra Crawford Greathouse, Steve Crawford, Choir & Band
Songs: Again I Say Rejoice, Favor, Free For All, Friend of God, Free To Worship, The Stand, Say So, I Know Who I Am
The first Saturday service of the new year was a great one! It was great to see the entire front worship team of Cindy, Israel, Steve, and Da’dra all sing together. That doesn’t happen very often.
A new year always brings a sense of new beginnings and a chance to begin anew. In “Free To Worship”, it speaks of feeling far from God and thinking that He turns away when mistakes are made. The song goes on to say that God has redeemed us by grace, erasing all distance.
I love the part that says, “draw me close, draw me close, Jesus, I will not fear”. Staying close alleviates all worry, fear and dread. I have to keep reminding myself to stay close. That is why I love the new worship CD! I can play track #3, “Free To Worship”, when I need a quick reminder.
Being sure of who you are and whose you are is a great way to start a new year. “I Know Who I Am” from Israel’s A Deeper Level, was sung during offering. I *think* it’s the first time it was sung during worship. If so, I hope they make it a permanent part of the song rotation. The audience really liked this one. Check it out below:
THE MESSAGE:
Scripture References: Isaiah 54:17, 1 Corinthians 16:9, Psalm 138:17, Psalm 91:14-16, Psalm 91:1, 91:2
Subject: Living An Overcoming Life of Victory
Quick Notes From The Sermon:
This weeks message was about living an overflowing life. Pastor Joel said that God never created us to be overcome by our circumstances, but to be overcomers. He encouraged everyone to remember that God is in control, and that things always work out for the good. He said to not give up and stay in faith. Even when it looks like there is no way, God will perform miracles. We should have a deep resolve to live a life of abundance.
Even if you have made poor choices, that doesn’t change your heritage. You are still the apple of God’s eye. Activate God’s promises in your life by believing them. God is bigger than any situation you’re facing. When you release your faith by believing, all of heaven backs you up. The creator of the universe is on your side. God controls it all. There is nothing created that He is not bigger than. Pastor Joel advised those that are worrying about one thing or another, to get back to that place of peace. Get in agreement with God and start expecting God to show up and fight your battles.
Stay close to God, abide in the secret place of the Most High (Psalm 91:1 KJV). God will place a hedge of protection and favor all around you. Keep Him first place in your life and learn to listen to that still small voice and be quick to obey. In the tough times, don’t expect the worst. Just because a problem comes does not mean it will prosper. Get a vision for your life and remember that the forces for you are greater than those against you.
**These are my quick notes from the sermon. To get the full effect you can watch this service and other archived services at Lakewood’s website or Pastor Joel’s website. You can also sign up for the free podcasts or call 1-800-487-0565 for copies of the sermons.
THE ATMOSPHERE:
The first Saturday of the new year held a high level of excitement. I look forward to a wonderful and abundant 2008!
My vision for Notes From My Church is for others to share what is going on in their church services. I would love to hear what is going on in other places of worship. Let’s all share and encourage each other. It doesn’t have to be long, fancy, or perfect. Just place it in the following format: the music, the message, the atmosphere and e-mail it to me at dominique@1800gospel.com. I’m looking forward to hearing from everyone! Thanks!
Learn to Play the Piano By Ear
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