The Danger of Mechanical Faith: A Critique of ‘Pronounce Before You Possess’

• The Power of Declaration [01:04:51 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor argues that verbal declaration activates God's promises, contrasting belief alone with the power of spoken words to bring blessing or sickness.
• Scriptural Foundation (Deuteronomy) [01:05:15 ▶️ 📄]
  > References Moses' final speech to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 11 regarding the promises of the promised land, crops, and livestock.
• The Power of Spoken Words [01:04:51 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor argues that believing is not enough; speaking and declaring God's promises activates them, setting blessings or curses into motion.
• [Deuteronomy 11](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+11&version=KJV) and Israelite History [01:05:15 ▶️ 📄]
  > Using Deuteronomy 11, the pastor contrasts the command to pronounce a blessing with the Israelites' failure to do so, which led to their wandering in the wilderness.
• Marking Territory [01:09:53 ▶️ 📄]
  > An analogy comparing a king claiming land by public declaration to a believer claiming spiritual promises through verbal affirmation before seeing results.
• Silence as Surrender [01:16:42 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor asserts that silence is not neutral but is an act of surrendering the territory God has promised, urging believers to speak to give life to their faith.
• The Power of Spoken Words [01:17:23 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor argues that speaking blessings activates faith and authority, whereas silence surrenders territory to the enemy.
• Spiritual Warfare and Territory [01:17:53 ▶️ 📄]
  > Using the metaphor of 'staking ground' and 'evicting squatters,' the pastor explains how believers must mark their spiritual territory against opposition.
• Biblical Illustration of David and Goliath [01:19:28 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor reinterprets the David and Goliath story, focusing on David's verbal declaration of victory as the primary act of faith that preceded the physical defeat of the giant.
• Personal Testimony [01:28:13 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor shares a personal anecdote about acquiring a church building, illustrating how speaking faith in impossible situations led to a tangible outcome.

• Sermon Illustration [00:30:35 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor references the biblical parable of the two men building houses: one on rock (Jesus) and one on sand. He explains that while storms come to both, the one on the rock remains standing, illustrating that faith does not prevent storms but ensures survival and strength through them.
• Sermon Illustration [01:15:20 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor shares a personal anecdote about his small Shih Tzu dog, Evie, who weighs 10 pounds but aggressively marks her territory and growls at dogs much larger than her, illustrating how believers should use their words to claim spiritual territory despite their size or circumstances.
• Sermon Illustration [01:19:28 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor recounts the biblical story of David facing Goliath, emphasizing that David's verbal declaration ('I will defeat you') was the critical act of faith that established ownership and led to victory, contrasting the silent, fearful Israelite army with David's proactive speech.
• Sermon Illustration [01:28:13 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor shares a personal story from 23 years prior about acquiring a former compact center for his church. He describes walking the building at night with his wife, thanking God for the property despite natural impossibilities, effectively 'staking a stake' and marking the territory with words before the purchase was secured.

• Pastoral Charge [00:32:39 ▶️ 📄]
  > Invite those needing prayer to come to the front of their section to meet with prayer partners.
• Pastoral Charge [00:29:11 ▶️ 📄]
  > Invite the congregation to recite a specific declaration of faith and identity together.
• Pastoral Charge [00:32:39 ▶️ 📄]
  > Come to the front of the section to meet prayer partners.
• Pastoral Charge [01:11:52 ▶️ 📄]
  > Begin verbally claiming new spiritual ground/promises.
• Pastoral Charge [01:30:20 ▶️ 📄]
  > Respond with 'Amen' and commit to a closing prayer to seal the message.
• Pastoral Charge [01:30:43 ▶️ 📄]
  > Commit to monitoring speech and speaking victory in alignment with God's word.
• Pastoral Charge [01:31:22 ▶️ 📄]
  > The congregation is to remain in spiritual agreement with one another.

[00:00:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]
[00:00:00] Worship the Lord today. God's been good to all of us and just, you know, coming in, somebody thank the Lord. I think, well, that's Lakewood people. I know I'm with grateful people today and so honored to have you here in the building and watching online, listening live on Sirius XM. You know, I really believe the service is better because you came out today. You brought God with you and faith with you and joy with you. So we welcome you. I want you to know we love you, but more importantly, I know God saw you take the time to come.
[00:03:41] A lot of things you could be doing, but you said, I'm going to go to the house of the Lord.
[00:03:45] You're saying, God, I'm going to put you first place.
[00:03:47] Well, I believe this.
[00:03:49] Your new week is going to go better because you've taken time to honor God by being here today.
[00:03:53] So we welcome you.
[00:03:55] Last thing, if there's anything trying to weigh you down today, it's a perfect time to just leave that in the past.
[00:04:01] You know, there can be guilt or worry or what we've got to do this week or what didn't work out.
[00:04:06] I don't want you to come all this way and not not leave the way We we know god wants you to leave and that's free. So this is a perfect time to say god I'm turning it over to you. I know you're in control. You're fighting my battles
[00:04:19] You got me in the palm of your hand as you release that god will fill you afresh and anew with joy and peace and victory That's what we're believing for every one of you. You won't go the same way. You can't came in here
[00:04:31] You're gonna go out of here with more joy ready for a blessed new week, but we are very honored to have you

[00:04:36] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_10]
[00:04:36] thanks for coming out today. Yes, I love that so much. Let's just get ready. Let's get ready to walk into the presence of Almighty God. Amen. And exactly what Joel said, sometimes the things that
[00:04:48] are trying to weigh us down, we don't even realize they're distracting us. Or maybe we're pleading with God as we're worshiping. But this isn't the time to do that. This is the time to open your
[00:04:58] heart and say, God, I'm going to walk into your presence with trust in my heart, that you can work all things out for my favor, that you can do what I can't do on my own. You know, sometimes worry
[00:05:11] just weighs us down. And God said, we can't change a thing by worrying, except we can change ourselves. We can change our dispositions. We can change our hearts. We can change a lot of things
[00:05:23] that aren't good by worrying. So that's why God said, cast your care upon me because I care for you because he knows that worry isn't beneficial. But you know what can reverse worry? Worship.
[00:05:37] When you begin to find yourself worrying during the day and you feel yourself heaviness, you know, that's when you can stop and just go, no, I'm not going to receive this. I'm letting it go. And God, I'm going to focus on you. I'm going to worship you. And so this morning we
[00:05:53] had the opportunity to do just that, to lay aside those worries and begin to worship. Because when we worship, things happen that we don't even know about. He fills us with his joy, with his peace.
[00:06:05] He's working in situations down the road, maybe next week, maybe next year, but God is working when we worship. So let's enter into his presence with thanksgiving in our heart. Father, we thank you for this great day. Father, a day to be alive, a day to worship you. And so Father, we're going
[00:06:23] to do exactly what you said. We're going to cast our care upon you. And God, we don't want to keep picking up those cares right now. We want to lay them down and we want to focus totally on you,
[00:06:33] God. Father, we thank you that you are filling us with your strength, with your wisdom, God. You are giving us wisdom beyond our years, Father, and you are doing what only you can do. And we
[00:06:44] thank you for it in advance. And it's in Jesus' name we pray. And everyone said, amen.

[00:06:50] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]
[00:06:50] we do sing hallelujah thank you for all that you've done lord we recognize you woke us up

[00:25:13] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]
[00:25:13] this morning and you've given us breath to breathe and strength to get out of bed life to live father you chose us before we could choose you and we stand here today as grateful people
[00:25:26] not focused on what's wrong but lord thanking you for what's right in our life and for where you brought us to. Lord, we say it publicly that you're our Lord, our God, and our Savior.
[00:25:38] Lord, I thank you that we're all in the palm of your hand, that you didn't bring us this far to leave us where we are, but you are guiding us, protecting us, guarding us. Lord, order in our
[00:25:49] steps. Lord, we come back to a place of peace today, a trust in you, Lord. Our hope is in you.
[00:25:56] And I thank you, Lord, as we're worshiping you today, that you are fighting our battles.
[00:26:01] Lord, I thank you that every force that's tried to stop us has been broken right now in the name of Jesus.
[00:26:08] Depression and anxiety, mental illnesses, addictions, bad habits, sicknesses, chronic pain, trauma from the past, dysfunction.
[00:26:19] Lord, I thank you that today is a breakthrough day, that you're doing what only you can do.
[00:26:24] but Lord our eyes are upon you today we know you're bigger than anything that we're facing and Lord we're going to keep moving forward in faith knowing that you've got each one of us covered by your blood and ordering our steps Lord I thank you for your wisdom Lord that we have the
[00:26:41] power to obey that we have clear direction for our lives and Lord that we will not be at this same place next year as we are right now, but we are moving forward, leaving the old in the past,
[00:26:54] the disappointments, the guilt, negative things that have happened. People, things, people have said, Lord, we leave that all in yesterday. We know your mercies are fresh and new every morning.
[00:27:05] And Lord, we get ready for the new things that you have in store. Lord, I thank you for fresh vision and fresh anointing and fresh momentum, fresh attitudes, fresh growth. Lord, I thank you that we will step into 2026 into new levels of your favor, that you will do uncommon, unusual
[00:27:25] things, Lord, and take us where we can't go on our own. Lord, to build your kingdom, shine brightly through each one of us. Lord, I thank you that you're doing things that we can't do, but you are
[00:27:37] in control, that you are breathing in our direction right now. Lord, I just thank you for healing sick bodies, those in the building, those watching and listening, Lord, that healing is flowing into all those that need it. Lord, I thank you. You'll do for them what you did for my mother. Lord, just turn
[00:27:55] those negative situations around. With long life, you will satisfy your people. Lord, even right now, I thank you that healing is flowing into all those that need it, into our joints, bones, ligaments, cells, tissue, into our blood. Lord, I thank you that you will do what only you can do,
[00:28:14] that we will run and not be weary. Lord, that we will live long, healthy, blessed lives.
[00:28:20] Lord, I do lift up those that have gone through heartache, those that have gone through loss, that are in tough times. You said you're close to the brokenhearted. Let them feel your presence right now. Holy Spirit, I thank you that you're comforting them and giving them that peace that
[00:28:35] only you can give. And Lord, even though it may seem like it's the end, let them see it's a new beginning, that you are still in control, that you have beauty for the ashes, that weeping may
[00:28:46] endure for a night, but joy is coming in the morning. So Lord, I thank you for the joy that's on the way in Jesus name. Lord, we thank you for all you've done in the past, but we believe and
[00:28:57] declare 2026 will be a favor filled year. Lord show out in our lives so we can be a greater blessing. We declare we are victors and never victims in Jesus name. Amen. And amen. If you
[00:29:11] receive it, can you say amen? Amen. So awesome to have you in the house of the Lord. Every week we make a declaration of faith. So come on, say it with us today. I am blessed, prosperous, redeemed,
[00:29:26] Forgiven, Healthy, Whole, Talented, Creative, Confident, Secure, Disciplined, Focused, Prepared, Qualified, Motivated, Valuable, Free, Determined, Equipped, Empowered, Anointed, Accepted, and Approved.
[00:29:48] not average, not mediocre. I am a child of the most high God. I will become all I was created to be in Jesus name. Amen. I love that. Every time we say it, especially saying it together,
[00:30:05] how about these words, equipped, empowered, anointed, accepted, and life will try to push you down. Not you. You're not that talented. You don't have this. You don't have that, but you don't tune all that out. And how about that playing in your mind all through the day?
[00:30:19] I'm equipped. I'm empowered. I've been handpicked by the creator of the universe.
[00:30:25] Listen, God almighty chose each one of you to be here. And he's put in you everything you need to fulfill your destinies. And before we pray, I love that song. We were singing. It talked about
[00:30:35] what Jesus told a parable of two men. One built his house upon the rock, which represents Jesus.
[00:30:41] The other built his house upon the sand and you know, just things that are not, you know, not stable, but what I found interesting is the, the storm came to both people, but the one that
[00:30:53] built their house up on the rock, he didn't, you know, stay away from the storm because he had faith. But when the storm was all over, he was still standing strong. In other words, just because
[00:31:05] we're people of faith, you think, well, Joel, I, I, I built my life on Christ, but I'm dealing with this illness or this situation at work. Well, the storm's going to come to all of us because you
[00:31:14] know what? We're in, we're not in a perfect world. There are forces of darkness trying to keep you from your purpose. But can I tell you, you you've made the right choice. You built your house up on
[00:31:24] the rock. When it's all said and done, you will still be standing strong. You know what I've learned too, that when you stay in faith, God doesn't bring you out the same. He makes the
[00:31:34] enemy pay. He'll bring you out better than you were before. But I know sometimes in the storm, that's when it's easy to get discouraged. And I don't know why this is happening and, you know,
[00:31:43] lose our faith, but you got to remember, it doesn't mean that you've done anything wrong.
[00:31:48] You know, rain falls on the just and the unjust. You just got to continue to say, God, I know you are for me, that my house is built on a strong foundation. And you know, that's when God is
[00:31:59] going to bring you through. Let me just remind you, 2026, God's going to do some unusual things in your life. He's going to show out in ways you haven't seen before. Let's take the limits off.
[00:32:09] let's believe that we are going to step into new levels here. Here's what I like to pray.
[00:32:14] God shine brightly through me. God shine brighter through each one of us. So he can, God wants to make you a blessing so you can be a great blessing. That's what we're believing for each one of you. So maybe in a storm today, things have come against you. We would love to take this
[00:32:29] opportunity to pray for you and just join our faith with yours. And just to remind you to be strong and have good courage. Almighty God is with you. So we'll take this next song to pray. If you,
[00:32:39] if you need prayer, why don't you come down and meet the prayer partners at the front of your section, all over the building. Anyone's welcome to come for prayer. We'd be honored to pray for
[00:32:48] you. Rest of you, you're welcome to be seated if you'd like. And we'll take this moment to pray and our beautiful online family. Listen to us live on Sirius XM. Thanks for being a part.

[00:32:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_10]
[00:32:58] Victoria is there to pray for you as well. We are so glad that you joined us today for this special time of prayer. And we believe in praying here at Lakewood because we believe that God
[00:33:13] hears us when we pray. And so we want to pray with you today and we want to stand in agreement that God hears us and that he answers us. God doesn't always answer us the way we think he
[00:33:25] should answer us, but he always answers us. So today I just want to thank you for being a part of this service. And if you have a prayer request, would you put it in the chat? It's so important
[00:33:36] that we ask God, that we come to him. You know, so many times we can ask our friend, we can ask a relative. But God wants us to run to Him, to ask Him for wisdom, to ask Him for healing,
[00:33:50] for financial breakthrough, for problems in relationships, and whatever it may be, God wants us to seek Him first. And so that's what we're going to do today. We're going to stand in faith with you and seek Him first. But I just want to share a couple of praise
[00:34:04] reports with you because it's so important that we know that God is moving and He's active and He's alive in our life. Elizabeth, she gave this praise report today. She said God gave her clarity
[00:34:18] this past week. Have you ever prayed for wisdom? Have you ever prayed for an answer? And somehow God just gave it to you. Maybe He spoke through another person. Maybe He just downloaded it to
[00:34:29] you. Or maybe it just worked its way out and you saw it in a different way. But I believe that that is so praiseworthy because many times in my life, I've asked God just to give me a new perspective,
[00:34:42] give me clarity on a situation or wisdom. And he did it. So we are celebrating with you, Elizabeth, that God is still speaking to those who are asking. So we do celebrate that. Vivian, she's
[00:34:54] thanking God for healing her son. Well, that is definitely a praiseworthy report. We love our children. We love our families. And so we are so grateful that God, Vivian healed your son. And so we are rejoicing in those things. And listen, if God can do it for them, God can do it for you.
[00:35:14] He's no respecter of persons. He loves you. And he doesn't love you for how you act or what's happening or the situation in your life. He loves you for you. He loves you because he gave his life
[00:35:27] so that he could be in relationship with you.
[00:35:29] So that's a praiseworthy report right there.
[00:35:32] So let me just give you a few of these prayer requests that have already come in.
[00:35:37] And maybe you can relate to this, or maybe you think, well, God, could you do that for them?
[00:35:42] Yes, God can do it for them, and he can do it for you.
[00:35:46] Pete, his nine-year-old grandson is battling leukemia.
[00:35:50] And we're gonna stand with Pete, and we're gonna declare total healing in his wonderful beautiful grandson and I am so grateful that you put that prayer request in and that we can pray with you Patricia healing for her neck so Patricia we want your neck to be healed
[00:36:08] I'll tell you if you've ever had neck problems it can be so hard to just be able to do anything so we're going to believe with you that God is going to heal your neck and he's even going to show you
[00:36:19] if there's anything that you can do, you know, or an exercise or we, we believe in doing what we can do. And then we believe that God can do what we can't do. So, you know, that's another reason to
[00:36:31] ask God, God, can, can I change? Can I do something different or am I doing something that could benefit me if I quit? So today that's what, you know, we want to ask God to, to just help Patricia.
[00:36:43] We have Gloria praying for her daughter. She has, that she would have a smooth delivery and a healthy baby. Yes, that's what we want. Healthy babies, easy deliveries. We're going to pray that the doctors and nurses will just be there for her, accommodate her, and everything
[00:37:01] will go well. Nona, she is praying that her, her mother, for her mother, because her mother is suffering from depression and anxiety. And we just find that in her mind. And maybe some of you have
[00:37:14] battled that as well, that depression or anxiety. And we're going to stand with you as well. So let's just pray right now. Father, I just thank you for everyone watching or listening right now. And we
[00:37:25] lift up all together, Pete, Patricia and Gloria and Nona. And Father, you know, they're not just names. They're your children. And so, Father, I thank you that you will heal them. You will heal their grandson, heal their neck, heal the anxiety and depression. Father, that that beautiful
[00:37:46] child of Gloria's will be delivered smoothly and beautifully. And Father, anyone out there who is facing an illness, whether it's diabetes, heart trouble, liver problems, anything, Father, that affects their body and the functioning of that body. We bind that right now and take authority
[00:38:05] over that in Jesus name, not in our name, but in the name that's above every name, the name that gave his life so that we could walk in divine health. And we speak that healing to all of you
[00:38:18] right now who need it. And father, I thank you that you will open supernatural doors for your people who need jobs, Father, who need finances, breakthroughs in any area, Father. Maybe it's in a relationship, Father. Would you just bring peace to that relationship and settle it? Father, they
[00:38:36] don't have to see eye to eye, but they can see peace together, Lord. And you will work out those things that sometimes don't seem to be worked out. So Father, we just speak to your people and we
[00:38:47] speak blessing and favor. We speak wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, eyes to see and ears to hear what the Spirit is saying. And Father, we thank you that you're still healing today, relationships, bodies, and anything we need in Jesus' name. Amen and amen. We love you guys,
[00:39:05] and we're standing in faith with you.

[00:39:25] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]
[00:39:25] Notice that some of the most fulfilled and alive people, that they're not sitting on the sidelines

[00:40:39] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]
[00:40:39] they're the ones who found a place to serve to give to show up to be used by God because there's something about serving it doesn't just change others it changes you there's a verse that we
[00:40:56] say here often at Lakewood Church it's Psalm 92 verse 13 that those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish. Planted, not just showing up, but rooted. And when you're planted, you begin to flourish. I want to share a real story of what that looks like. John Burns has
[00:41:20] been serving here at Lakewood Church for 24 years. We can cheer for that. He's a retired federal agent of 30 years, a husband married to his wife, Cheryl, for 56 years, a father to two children,
[00:41:41] David and Shelly. And when their daughter Shelly was born, John and Cheryl, they were told that she would have significant disabilities. And doctors didn't expect her to live past the age of 20. But they loved her, believed in her, and raised her and her brother with care and with
[00:42:00] faith. Well, years ago, as they were living out of state, they brought Shelly into a children's classroom setting at a church and cookies were being handed out and kids began walking in.
[00:42:13] But when they reached the door, someone looked at Shelly and then looked back at John and said, we don't have room for her. And in that moment, something marked John because though that individual didn't see it. Both he and Cheryl knew that Shelly had a purpose. Shelly had a place and
[00:42:35] Shelly mattered. Well, years later, they moved to Houston. They weren't part of a church since that experience, but Shelly, she loved watching Lakewood Church and Pastor Joel on TV. And a friend told them, you should check out Lakewood Church. It's known as the Oasis of Love. John said he remembers
[00:42:59] that day so clearly as an usher greeted them at the door, welcomed them in with kindness.
[00:43:07] And when Shelly asked for a hug, because she always asked to give a hug, that usher didn't hesitate. He received her with warmth, with dignity, with love. And then he did something very simple, but powerful. He walked them to the front and made space for them. And John said it
[00:43:30] was in that moment we knew we were home and what I love about this whole story is that John he didn't just attend he stepped in he got planted he started serving and you know where his first
[00:43:44] role was it was as an usher the very place where someone made room for his family he became that place for someone else so for 24 years now every Sunday morning every Wednesday night any opportunity
[00:44:00] really, you will find John serving, faithful, consistent, planted. And Shelly, doctor said she wouldn't live past 20, but this June she will be 50 years old, full of life, front row. And let me tell you, one of the best hug givers here at Lakewood Church, when I asked John, I said,
[00:44:28] why Lakewood? He said, we met people here who became lifelong friends. And I started serving because of how we were treated. And I just wanted to give back. Friends, that is what it means to be
[00:44:42] planted. It's not just receiving, but becoming. It's not just being blessed, but being a blessing.
[00:44:50] I love the very next verse in Psalm 92, verse 14. It says, they will still bear fruit in old age.
[00:44:58] they will stay fresh and flourishing. You know, John is living proof that you're never too old, you are never too late, you are never too overlooked to still flourish and be in the house of God. But his story doesn't end there. Just two weeks ago, during his devotional time,
[00:45:17] in the morning, John felt God nudge his heart, and he said, I'm going to get water baptized.
[00:45:22] after years of walking with God he heard God say take this step right here right now and of course John being John he was scheduled to serve that day he told the team I'll be serving oh and by
[00:45:38] the way I'm getting baptized at 11 30 and his team leader said to him Robin he said John you just focus on getting baptized we're going to be right here when you get out and when he stepped out
[00:45:52] when he stepped out of the waters, there was his church, his family, his team, because you know what? John came to serve, but that day his church served him. Friends, there is something so powerful
[00:46:06] that happens when you plant yourself in the house of God. You don't fill a role, you find a place.
[00:46:13] You don't just attend, you belong. And you don't just sit, you flourish. And one day you're going to look up just like John and say, I'm home. Can we just take a moment and just honor John and his
[00:46:26] entire family? John, why don't you come on up here? John Burns, amazing man of God. We honor you. We love you. Incredible. John, I'm going to ask you this. After 24 years of serving in the house of
[00:46:48] God, what does being planted and flourishing, what does that mean to you? It means the world.

[00:46:57] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]
[00:46:57] And serving rejuvenates a person, rejuvenated me.
[00:47:03] It made me stronger in my faith, in my prayer life, in my family life.
[00:47:11] I've met all these wonderful people.
[00:47:13] As Pastor says, some of the finest people in Houston come to Lakewood.
[00:47:17] And you can hang out with them.
[00:47:19] They're wonderful people.
[00:47:22] And I decided to usher right away.
[00:47:27] I just said, well, they were so good to us, we're going to do that.
[00:47:30] And my wife said, after 30 years in law enforcement, you're not Mr. Meat and Greet.
[00:47:35] So I said, I'll work on it.
[00:47:38] So that was 24 years ago.
[00:47:41] I've served in a number of different ministries now.
[00:47:44] And last night, I asked Cheryl about this.
[00:47:49] You know, I told her I was going to do this.
[00:47:51] And she said, you're not the same man you were 24 years ago.

[00:48:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]
[00:48:00] and like I said, I think that was a good thing. Yeah, I think so. What do y'all think?

[00:48:09] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]
[00:48:09] Anyway, I would, I would recommend if anybody jump in, it's, it's really, you find people that, that become lifelong friends. And like I said, y'all are family now. You're not just friends.

[00:48:23] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]
[00:48:23] Amen. Well, your life inspires us and I want to just pray a blessing. Can we do that? Father, I just thank you so much for every single person that is here in this room, watching, listening,
[00:48:36] God. God, I thank you for John and his life and just the Burns family, God, and just what a mighty example of what it is to be planted and flourishing. God, I thank you that just like John,
[00:48:48] God, that we too can be planted and that our roots would go down deep into the soil, God, that nothing would be able to pluck us out of the ground, God, that we would go deeper in our faith,
[00:49:00] deeper in our understanding, deeper in our relationships. God, I thank you. I thank you, Father, that we're stepping into just a year of flourishing, God, years ahead of flourishing with you, God. I thank you that there's peace and strength and so much more that we could never
[00:49:18] even ask or think or imagine, God. We love you. We praise you, God. We pray that as we get planted, that we would flourish and make a lasting impact for your kingdom here on earth in the name of
[00:49:31] Jesus. And everybody said, amen and amen. God bless you. Good morning, Lakewood Church. I'm

[00:49:41] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]
[00:49:41] Chuck Pryor. I am the executive director of Joel Osteen Radio on Sirius XM. Now, I know what you're thinking, because I hear it all the time, you don't look anything like you sound on the radio.
[00:49:51] And it's true. At least in my mind, it's true. On the radio, I'm much younger. I'm much thinner.
[00:49:57] I don't even have gray hair on the radio. So I just leave all the camera work to pastors Joel and Victoria. But I am privileged to work with them behind the scenes and have done so ever
[00:50:08] since we launched back in 2014. I've also had an incredible front row seat and been part of an amazing journey as the host of Joel and Victoria Live during their weekly call-in shows. For over
[00:50:22] 12 years, Joel Osteen Radio has been a beacon of hope and encouragement for millions of listeners around the world every day. So many people are tuning in and hearing this message of hope for the very first time. In fact, rarely a week goes by that we don't hear something like,
[00:50:39] I got a new car, it came with a free trial of SiriusXM, and I just happened to find Joel Osteen Radio.
[00:50:47] But we all know that's not by chance.
[00:50:50] 24 hours a day, seven days a week, listeners are encouraged to connect with God and build a lasting relationship with Him.

[00:50:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_09]
[00:50:58] My father, who has passed, was a federal judge and just a good man.
[00:51:03] Not really a believer, just a good man, and taught us, raised us well, we had a great upbringing.
[00:51:08] singing. One day he called me and he said, I found this minister on TV. His name is Joel Osteen. Have you ever heard of him? And I was like, no, Daddy, I hadn't. So we started
[00:51:20] to listen together, and every Sunday he would call me. Well, my dad came to know the Lord through you and through, at the end of his life, through a nurse who had you on in the
[00:51:34] hospital and he gave his life to the Lord. And I listened to you all the time for the past 15 years.
[00:51:43] I love you and Victoria, and you've been such a blessing to my family. So thank you for that.

[00:51:48] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]
[00:51:48] Calls like this come in week after week, month after month, and year after year. Lakewood, I know you know this, but the message of hope that is broadcast from this ministry is connecting deeply with people right where they are.
[00:52:04] Listeners are being encouraged, inspired, and empowered in ways they never imagined.
[00:52:09] And guess what?
[00:52:10] You are part of this incredible outreach.

[00:52:13] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]
[00:52:13] Yeah, thank you so much, Lakewood.
[00:52:14] Appreciate you.
[00:52:17] I tell you every week, but your support, your generosity, being here today, online, however you do it, but you know what?
[00:52:23] You make it all happen.
[00:52:24] And we feel honored to be able to speak to so many people.
[00:52:28] it's always been our desire to get outside the church walls of course we want to all join together and be here but you know there's a lot of people that weren't raised in church like me i've told
[00:52:38] you before half the people that listen to us or watch us they have never been to church or they don't attend church now somehow god's given us a way to to impact some of them and so it all happens
[00:52:49] because of your faithfulness so thanks for your generosity we take a moment every service to worship the Lord with our tithes and our offerings. So we'll do that now. And just, uh, I was reading
[00:52:58] in Proverbs 28. It says that when you help people in need, it actually says they're different translation. One says, when you give to the poor that you, God said, you will lack nothing.
[00:53:09] I think that's the people of Lakewood every week. You know, you may not be specifically given to the poor, but you know, my brother's over in, uh, Tanzania, Zambia, somewhere in Africa right now, operating on people back in the middle of nowhere. Well, he can do that because we support him.
[00:53:24] here at Lakewood and just helping the poor. The media goes out all over the world. Think about Sirius XM the last 13, 14 years, 24 hours a day, satellite radio, it's broadcasting the services and the gospel. And you know, it happens because of you, you are helping people in need. And so
[00:53:41] my prayer, my declaration, and I'm going to pray it in faith that you are going to lack nothing, not lacking good health, not lacking good relationships, not lacking a sound mind and not lacking plenty of resources to fulfill your purpose, to build the kingdom, to be a bigger
[00:53:57] blessing. Thanks for your support. We just speak blessings over you. Amen. I love that. You are

[00:54:02] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_10]
[00:54:02] blessed people. You're not only just giving, but you're planting, you're spreading, I would say powerful seeds all over this earth, not just the United States, but all over the world. And you think about what is in a seed, man, when that thing opens up, life is in that seed and you are
[00:54:22] giving life to people. And you know, you can't just think about, well, I'm just giving this, but no, you're giving life. You're you, you, the potential in your giving is amazing. Not only to bless others, but God always says, when you give, it'll be given back to you. God is a rewarder of
[00:54:40] those who seek after him and who put his promises into practice. It doesn't matter what you need.
[00:54:48] If you stand on God's promises and you're doing what he says, you're putting those things into practice and that's faith. And that's where the healing, the joy, the goodness, the financial breakthroughs come. So I just want to encourage you to always think about, man, this is life I'm
[00:55:06] giving. I'm giving life because I think when God says he loves a cheerful giver, when we let that, when we release that out of our hand, we have to say something of faith. We have to know something
[00:55:16] in our heart. So that's why I always want to encourage you to think, you know what? I'm not just given, but I am given life. I'm given love and I'm partnering with the heart of God. So thank
[00:55:26] you so much for all you do. We couldn't do it without you. Yeah, it's beautiful, Victoria. Lord,

[00:55:31] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]
[00:55:31] thank you for our amazing givers here in the building, watching, listening. Lord, we don't give because we have to. We give to honor you, to put you first place. And Lord, I thank you what
[00:55:40] you promised, that they will lack nothing. Lord, that you're working in their lives right now.
[00:55:45] Lord, I ask that their gifts and talents will come out to the full. Lord, ideas and creativity.
[00:55:52] I thank you, Lord, you're bringing opportunity and contracts and businesses. Lord, doing what only you can do. Lord, shine brightly through us so we can be a bigger blessing. Lord, we commit to be great stewards of what you've given us. And Lord, we're going to use it to spread the gospel.
[00:56:07] And I thank you that your people are great stewards, Lord, and that the economy is not our source, but you are our source. God, our eyes are upon you today. I thank you for those
[00:56:16] blessings, the open windows of heaven, Lord, blessings that we cannot contain so we can build your kingdom and become all you've created us to be in Jesus name. God bless you today.

[00:56:28] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]
[00:56:28] as you give. Here are some ways you can give. Using your smartphone, scan the QR code located on the screen. Then, select the online giving option that is the most convenient for you.
[00:56:42] Go to lakewoodchurch.com slash give. Text GIVEHOPE to 77977. Mail a check to P.O. Box 2 7 4 5 0 Houston, Texas 7 7 2 2 7, or call us toll free at 8 8 8 5 6 7.

[00:57:05] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_12]
[00:57:05] This is the moment where everything turns. Didn't think I would see it. Hard to believe heaven crashes to the world. I've read the stories of all that you've done.
[00:57:37] Started the sea and set captives free. Never thought I'd be one.
[00:57:44] Stand if you don't mind. Thanks for being at Lakewood today. So awesome to have you in the

[01:01:10] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]
[01:01:10] house of the Lord. I know you know this. You just heard it from John and our family right there.
[01:01:14] Your new week goes better when you put God first place. When you are planted, you're going to flourish. So thanks for being here. We love you. We pray for you every single day and more than us just loving you. That's good. But God saw you take the journey of faith today.
[01:01:29] So we welcome you. If you're visiting, I'd love to meet you after service. I'm always in the lobby back there afterwards. If you've got a moment, love to shake your hand. Just honored to have
[01:01:38] you all here. A couple of quick things. Several times a year, we have a blood drive happening here at Lakewood. Well, today is the Gulf coast blood drive. If you got a moment after service,
[01:01:47] not in a hurry and you're willing to give blood, help so many people down at the medical center and just how you can be a blessing. And I tell you all the time, Lakewood people are the most
[01:01:57] generous people. We're always one of the most biggest blood drives around. So you may want to go get some lunch and come back. The trucks will be here all day today. So if you can do that,
[01:02:06] just thank you so much for being generous. One last thing. We've cranked up our Wednesday night services again. We're back in person every Wednesday night. If you want to come out, We'd love to have you. Pastor Nick runs it and Pastor Serena. It's a great time, but in a couple
[01:02:20] of weeks, we're going to have the whole service, but it's going to be a night of worship. May 6th, I think it is on a Wednesday night. So I know some of you live too far, but some of you are
[01:02:28] close by and boy, it's an hour of power pack service. I really enjoy it, but we are blessed to have you here anytime you can be here. And we're going to continue to just believe you're
[01:02:37] going to see God's goodness in new ways in your life. Hey, when you see yourself on the big screen, can you give the TV audience a great big Lakewood welcome? Well, God bless you. It's great to be
[01:02:49] with you today. And I hope you'll stay connected with us during the week through our daily podcast or YouTube channel, social media, and you can come visit us in person. We'd love to have you
[01:03:00] be a part of one of our services. And I like to start with something funny. I heard about this pastor and he found a dead mule on the church grounds. He called the health department. They
[01:03:11] said they couldn't pick it up without authorization from the mayor. Well, the mayor was known to be rude and hard to get along with. And when the pastor called, the mayor didn't disappoint.
[01:03:21] He started ranting and raving. He finally said, isn't it your job to bury the dead?
[01:03:26] Why are you even calling me? The pastor asked God to give him the right response. He said, yes, mayor, it is my job to bury the dead, but I always like to notify the next of kin first.
[01:03:37] say it like you mean it this is my bible i am what it says i am i have what it says i have i can do what it says i can do today i will be taught the word of god i boldly confess
[01:03:52] my mind is alert my heart is receptive i will never be the same i'm about to receive the incorruptible indestructible ever-living seed of the word of god i'll never be the same never never, never. I'll never be the same in Jesus name. God bless you. If you'd like to open your
[01:04:15] Bibles to Deuteronomy chapter 11, Deuteronomy 11 verse 29, we'll put the scriptures on the screen as well. But most of you know, there's great services all day today. Spanish speaking at two o'clock, amazing service. Monday night, the Bible study. Wednesday, our youth and junior high
[01:04:33] meet. Always something good for all of you, but thanks for being here again today. I want to talk to you today about pronounce before you possess. All through the scripture, God has given us incredible promises of healing, freedom, abundance. It's important to believe the
[01:04:51] promise, get it down in your spirit, but believing alone is not enough. What activates the promise is by speaking it, by declaring what God says about you. Your words have power. They set things into motion, either blessing, favor, breakthroughs, or sickness, lack, and can't do it. One of the
[01:05:15] last times Moses spoke to the Israelites was in Deuteronomy 11. He told them how God was going to bring them into the promised land, how they'd have houses they didn't build, all these crops and livestock, amazing things. But he said, there's a couple of conditions. Number one,
[01:05:33] you must obey the Lord, your God. And number two, verse 29, when the Lord God brings you into the land to possess it, you must pronounce a blessing. He was saying the blessing, the promised land, the houses you didn't build. It's not going to happen just because I promised
[01:05:53] it. You have to declare it. You have to pronounce the blessing before you receive the blessing.
[01:05:59] you have to pronounce your healing before you get well you have to pronounce the breakthrough before you get free pronounce the abundance while you're still in not enough the promise is an invitation it's not a possession it's not done just because God said it it's an offer it's God
[01:06:20] saying this is what I want to do for you this is what I have in store but you have to get your words in agreement and speak what I say about you. This is where the Israelites missed it.
[01:06:32] The first time they came to the promised land, the parents of these people, God gave them this same promise. This is your land. You're going to have these houses and these vineyards, fruits so big that the cluster of grapes take two people to carry. God said, I'm going to fight
[01:06:49] your battles and defeat these enemies and give you this land. They had this incredible promise.
[01:06:55] all they had to do was get in agreement lord thank you that this is our land that we are well able to take it that you are fighting our battles that's what activates the promise
[01:07:06] pronouncing the blessing but they did just the opposite they looked at the people living there saw how big they were and instead of pronouncing a blessing they said we don't have a chance The giants are too big
[01:07:20] Even though god promised in the land, even though he said it's yours. They never did go in Not because of giants not because of walls, but because of their words Your words are deciding whether you inherit the promises or whether you forfeit the promises
[01:07:39] What are you saying about what god has promised you?
[01:07:43] God said he's restoring health back into you the number of your days he will fulfill. I don't see how I can get well, Joel. You should see this medical report. You're doing what they did. You're canceling out the promise. God said you will lend
[01:07:59] and not borrow that your cup will run over. I can't get ahead. I take one step forward, two step backwards. That's keeping you out of your land. God said your children will be mighty in the land, that your seed is blessed. I don't think my son's ever going to get back on course.
[01:08:17] I don't know what's wrong with him. The problem is you're pronouncing the wrong thing. God has given you the promise. You may even believe it in your heart, but if you pronounce defeat, you're going to see defeat. And God told the Israelites to pronounce the blessing
[01:08:35] while the opposition was still on their land. They were still outnumbered and outside the city.
[01:08:41] they could have thought why are we going to pronounce the blessing now once we get in once we're victorious living in those houses then we'll say we're blessed but this is what faith is all about you have to speak what God promised you before you see any sign of it you have to
[01:08:59] pronounce healing when the medical report's not good you have to pronounce abundance when your finances say you're barely gonna make it you have to speak freedom when the addiction seems strong as ever. When you get your words in agreement with what God says, angels go to work. The chain
[01:09:18] breaker shows up, supernatural power, provision, healing, things you couldn't make happen. God will make happen. Now don't forfeit the promise by speaking against what God says about you.
[01:09:31] Get an agreement, have a report of victory, health, abundance. If you'll keep pronouncing the blessing, then you will possess all God has for you. Back in the Bible days, the way a king took new land wasn't just by force, but first he proclaimed it was his land. He made this public
[01:09:53] declaration to all the people, his supporters, and the opposition that this was his territory.
[01:09:59] He didn't wait to conquer the city to take ownership. He didn't wait to build the infrastructure to say it was his, his words, Mark territory, his words, established dominion.
[01:10:12] It's the same principle with God. That's what he told the Israelite. This land is yours. I'm giving it to you. Now you have to pronounce the blessing before you possess it. Not after, not when you see
[01:10:26] what you're believing for when the trouble turns around, when you get that promotion, no, before you go into the land, you need to announce, this is your land. Your words are marking territory.
[01:10:39] Your words are setting boundaries. You are announcing not just to people who are for you, but you are announcing to the enemy, you are on my territory and you are not welcome here.
[01:10:52] You are drawing that line in the sand. You are exercising your authority. It's like you're putting a stake in the ground with the flag of your country, establishing ownership. When you say healing his mind, you're marking that territory. Abundance belongs to me. Salvation
[01:11:12] for my family, good relationships, successful business, bright future. That's not just being positive, hoping, wishing like Kings back in their day. You're making a public declaration that that land belongs to you.
[01:11:29] You have to mark the land with your words before you mark it with your feet.
[01:11:35] When you speak that promise in the unseen realm, boundaries are established.
[01:11:40] Forces of darkness pay attention.
[01:11:43] You are setting your flag, putting on notice that you are coming for the territory the most high God has promised you.
[01:11:52] Now let's start marking some new territory.
[01:11:55] God told the people of Israel, you've gone around this mountain long enough. Same thing over and over 40 years complaining.
[01:12:05] We can't do it. It's hot out here. It's never going to change. Oh, it's time to take new ground.
[01:12:12] It starts with our words. Lord, I want to thank you that you promised to do exceeding abundantly above and beyond what I ask or imagine. You're setting your stake in new territory for God to
[01:12:26] exceed your expectations, to show out in your life, to surprise you with his goodness.
[01:12:33] Maybe you have children that are off course. It's been that way a long time and it's easy to settle in that land. Just keep going around the same mountain. Well, Joel, I'm making it. God's been
[01:12:45] faithful. Yes, it's good to be grateful, but how about stretching your faith? God, you promised that as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Thank you that my child will fulfill his
[01:12:57] purpose. Holy spirit. Thank you that you're helping him do what he can't do on his own.
[01:13:02] That's marking new territory. That's announcing to the enemy that you can't stay on that land.
[01:13:09] That's God's property. And I'm coming for you with your words. You're establishing dominion.
[01:13:15] you're setting boundaries you're marking you're making that proclamation we're not just in the natural but in the unseen realm you're taking authority declaring what God promised will come to pass it's not up to you to make it all happen God said I want you to obey me pronounce the
[01:13:36] blessing declare what I said about you that's when God will do what you can't do he'll make ways where you don't see a way. With your words, you're marking territory. Now pay attention to what
[01:13:49] you're marking. Well, I've had this problem so long. I don't think I'll ever meet the right person. Everybody in my family struggles with an addiction or nobody can get ahead. We'll never have enough. That's like the Israelites going around that same mountain. Giants are too big,
[01:14:07] always going to be this way. That group never did go in. The next time they were at the promised land, 40 years later, God told their children, in effect, don't be like your parents. Don't
[01:14:22] defeat yourself with your words. You have to pronounce the blessing, not pronounce the problem.
[01:14:29] That's going to keep you circling. Why don't you start pronouncing your healing, pronouncing your abundance, your children, honoring God, your business, excelling your future filled with peace, joy, new levels. You can't wait for it to happen. You have to mark
[01:14:46] the territory. You have to put your flag in the ground. So to speak, this land belongs to me.
[01:14:53] God, you promised me healing. I believe healing is mine. God, you said I have a sound mind free from worry, anxiety, confusion. Lord, I thank you for your peace. God, you said I'd be the happy
[01:15:07] mother of children. Experts say we can't have a baby, but God, I thank you that a child is on the way that I will conceive and give birth. That's how you possess the land. Speak the blessing,
[01:15:20] declare what God promised. That's marking your territory. We have a little dog at home named Evie. She's a Shih Tzu and she weighs about 10 pounds. The nicest, friendliest dog ever.
[01:15:34] When we take her for a walk, every 30 feet or so, she'll stop and mark her territory.
[01:15:40] That smell tells the other dogs that they don't belong there. This is her street. She's very small, but she doesn't know her size. She thinks she's a great Dane. In her mind, she's a big,
[01:15:52] powerful dog, not afraid of anything. Another dog will pass 10 times her size. She'll go right up to it, growling, snarling, barking. I have to hold that leash so tight to not let her get away.
[01:16:08] She's not afraid of the other dog, but I am. I think don't get him mad at us. But Evie is letting that other dog know that he doesn't belong there. She's already marked her territory,
[01:16:20] set our flag in the ground. He better get out of there fast or there's going to be trouble.
[01:16:25] She marched her territory a different way. We mark our territory with our words.
[01:16:31] When you speak God's promises, you are establishing ownership. And it's good to believe the promise, but the scripture says the spirit of faith is in our words.
[01:16:42] Words give life to what you're believing. God has given us all these incredible promises like the Israelites. He's promised us the land, the healing, the freedom, the family, but here's where we can miss it. Silence leaves the territory unclaimed. Silence is not neutral.
[01:17:02] Silence is surrender. You have to pronounce the promise before you possess it. When you speak, what God says that gives life to your faith. You are marking territory. You are setting boundaries, establishing ownership. But I wonder if you're leaving territory unclaimed because you're not
[01:17:23] speaking it. Are you surrendering land that belongs to you? Promises of healing, freedom, abundance, because you haven't spoken the blessing. If you don't pronounce it, you won't possess it. And it's good to believe that your family will come to know the Lord. Good to stay
[01:17:41] in faith, be positive. But when you say, Lord, I want to thank you that as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord that takes it to a new level. Just imagine you're putting your stake
[01:17:53] in the ground, claiming this territory belongs to me. It's good to believe that you're blessed and wish good things will happen. But when you say, father, thank you that I am blessed, that your favor surrounds me like a shield. Surely goodness and mercy are following me.
[01:18:12] I haven't seen, heard, or imagined what you have in store.
[01:18:16] That's putting a stake in the ground for a bright future, for promotion, increase, or abundance.
[01:18:23] Perhaps you struggle with your self-worth, feeling like you're not enough, insecure.
[01:18:29] You do your best to think the right thoughts, and that's a great start, but you need to take this next step and pronounce the blessing.
[01:18:37] God has promised you freedom, confidence, value, but you have to declare it. Something happens when you speak. Forces of darkness are broken.
[01:18:48] Strongholds come down. Every morning you need to say, Father, thank you that you created me in your own image, that you crowned me with your favor, that I am a masterpiece, fearfully and wonderfully made, valuable, talented, worthy, a prize possession.
[01:19:07] that's exercising your authority that's marking your territory setting new boundaries letting the enemy know that that land belongs to you and that's when God will fight for you you don't have to defeat the enemy he's already defeated God will go before you and clear the path he'll make
[01:19:28] the wrong things he'll move them out of your way so you can possess the land this is what David did 17 years old, he heard Goliath taunting the Israelites. They were on one side of the mountain,
[01:19:41] the Philistines on the other. These two armies were in a standoff. Well, Goliath would come out twice a day and shout threats and insults to the people of Israel. He was a giant that stood over
[01:19:54] nine feet tall, the champion of their army, the most skilled and talented warrior they had.
[01:20:01] the land God promised you will probably have some giants on it opposition will inhabit your land it's easy to back down but you have to mark that territory you have to take ownership of it and God
[01:20:16] will defeat your enemies you don't have to fight Goliath by yourself the sickness the addiction the struggle it may be too much for you you can't do it in your own strength but that's not your
[01:20:29] part. Your part is to pronounce the blessing, declare what God says. And once you put your state down, God will go to work. All the Israeli army was afraid when Goliath came out, they ran
[01:20:44] and hid and thought, oh man, there's no way he's too big. As long as you're silent, you're surrendering territory. Giants will occupy your land, not because they're stronger, bigger, but because you haven't marked your territory.
[01:21:00] You haven't established ownership.
[01:21:03] This is not something that God is going to do.
[01:21:05] You have to do it.
[01:21:07] Faith is activated through our words.
[01:21:10] One morning, Goliath came out making all this noise.
[01:21:15] David didn't run.
[01:21:16] He didn't hide.
[01:21:17] He said, Goliath, you come against me with a sword and a shield, but I come against you in the name of the Lord God of Israel.
[01:21:25] David didn't just believe the promise. He didn't just hope god was with him. He spoke the blessing He went on to say this day. I will defeat you and feed your head to the birds of the air
[01:21:39] That wasn't just trash talk. That was territorial talk David was marking his territory He was establishing ownership saying this land belongs to us. You are not welcome here he went up to him slung that rock and hit Goliath in the forehead and knocked him to the ground
[01:22:00] that's recorded in first Samuel 17 verse 49 but the real victory happened four verses earlier in verse 45 when David said I will defeat you he had to pronounce the victory before he could possess the victory had David gone in there and thought I don't know man he's big look at his
[01:22:23] armor. He's got all this experience. If David had talked defeat, we wouldn't be talking about him today. If he had not marked his territory with his words, if he had stayed silent, he would have
[01:22:36] never defeated Goliath. And here's the key. Goliath wasn't just a giant. He was a squatter living on the land that belonged to the Israelites taking their inheritance. All the Israeli army was quiet. They were afraid. Silence gives permission for squatters to stay on your land. When we stay
[01:22:59] silent, we surrender the territory. On the way to your destiny, there will be some Goliaths on your property, giants inhabiting places that God has promised you. Imagine squatters on your land, sickness, depression, generational dysfunction
[01:23:18] on your property, enjoying your house, eating from your garden, it's time to serve some eviction notices.
[01:23:26] You have to tell depression you are not welcome on my property.
[01:23:32] Tell shame, insecurity, not good enough.
[01:23:35] You don't belong here. Your time is up. Sickness, you can't stay on my land.
[01:23:40] I will live and not die.
[01:23:42] dysfunction you have no right here i will break generational limitations and i will start generational blessings or how about giant of addiction you have overstayed your welcome this is a new day whom the sun sets free is free indeed i'm coming into freedom into wholeness
[01:24:02] into victory you don't evict giants with your power your might your thoughts you evict them with your words. David said, this day, the Lord will deliver you into my hands. That's where he won the battle. Giants don't leave because you don't like them. They leave when you evict them.
[01:24:22] Eviction happens when you speak the promises, when you declare what God says about you.
[01:24:29] Goliath had been out there for 40 days before David showed up and evicted him. Had it not been for David, he may have lived there 40 years. He may have permanently kept them from the promised
[01:24:41] land. Why don't you be the David in your family? Why don't you be the one to rise up and set new standards? When you see things that are limiting you, keeping you from freedom, wholeness,
[01:24:54] abundance, you know, the secret, you don't have to accept it. Oh, Joel, that's just who we are.
[01:25:00] this addiction depression mediocrity this is all I've known God has you hearing this because you're the one to change it if you will pronounce the blessing you can break bondages of the past and possess the new levels that belong to you the enemy would love for you to stay silent
[01:25:20] he doesn't want you to take your ground he knows he's on your territory living off of what belongs to you, you need to send some eviction notices. Your words carry power. When you declare what
[01:25:34] God says about you, angels are dispatched. Forces of darkness are broken. God will take your slingshot, so to speak, and you'll bring down giants that were much bigger. You're not doing this on your own. It's not just up to you to defeat Goliath. Your part is to pronounce the
[01:25:53] blessing. Put your flag in the ground and say, this family belongs to God. I claim the healing, the freedom, the peace, the salvation, the victory. You have to mark the land with your words before you will mark it with your feet. Don't stay silent. Silence is surrender.
[01:26:15] Well, Joel, I don't think it could work out. I got this opposition, this trouble at work, this sickness. That's what held the first group of Israelites back. They were next door to the promised land, but they complained, focused on the opposition. I believe many of you are next
[01:26:34] door to your promised land. You are close to a breakthrough, close to healing, to freedom, to new levels, but there are giants on your land. It's easy to retreat. I don't see how it can
[01:26:48] happen. You don't have to figure it out. You don't have to have all the answers. Just get in agreement with God and speak what he says about you. That's when giants fall. That's when chains
[01:27:00] break. That's when the right people show up. That's when you have a baby. When you were told you couldn't, that's when you're healed from a serious illness. Like my mother. Are you putting any stakes in the ground? Are you establishing any boundaries? Are you marking your territory
[01:27:17] with your words. The enemy doesn't respond to our thoughts. He's not moved by what we're thinking.
[01:27:24] He responds to our words. That's where the power is. Think about Jesus. He didn't just go around thinking good thoughts and people got healed. He spoke to the situation, the demon possessed man.
[01:27:39] He said, come out of him. He spoke to the blind man, be healed. He spoke to the storm. Peace be still. He spoke to Lazarus, come forth out of that grave. Authority has to be vocalized.
[01:27:54] A silent believer is a powerless believer. You have to speak the blessing before you see the blessing. Mark the territory before you live in the territory. When we were trying to acquire this building, the former compact center, Victoria and I would come up at night when no games were
[01:28:13] going on, no events. When the security guard didn't run us off, we would walk around the building and thank God for making a way and thanking that he was opening doors. We couldn't open it. Thank him that he was bringing the right people. The natural didn't seem possible.
[01:28:31] All the odds were against us, but we put our stakes down. We marked our territory with our words. We said, God, we believe you've given us this building to spread the gospel around the world, to bring hope to people. And Lord, you can do things that we can't do. We don't see a way,
[01:28:50] but Lord, you have the final say. And we know you being for us is more than what's been against us.
[01:28:56] So God, our trust is in you. We weren't just hoping. We weren't just wishing we were setting boundaries, establishing ownership, and evicting squatters off our land. Not people, but forces that were trying to keep us back. God caused things to fall into place. That's 23 years ago.
[01:29:17] Here we are today, still going strong. But what God has put in your heart, the dreams, the promises, what you're believing for, you have to pronounce it before you'll see it. Don't stay silent. Don't just wish. Silence is surrender. Silence is letting Goliath stay.
[01:29:36] Be a David. Speak to those giants, not in your authority, but in the authority of the most high God. Depression, I will defeat you. Cancer, you cannot stay on this ground. Healing belongs here.
[01:29:50] Lack and debt, that may have been how I was raised, but this is a new day. I live under the open windows of heaven. Start putting your stakes down. Tell the enemy he doesn't belong on your
[01:30:01] land. Mark your territory with your words. When you do that, you are setting boundaries, establishing ownership. I believe and declare what God promised the Israelites. He's promising you as you pronounce it, you're going to possess it. Giants are about to fall. Walls about to come
[01:30:20] down. The right people show up healing, promotion, breakthroughs, the fullness of your destiny in Jesus name. If you receive it, can you say amen? Let's pray together. If you have five minutes, if you can stick with me, we'll just seal it in prayer. Lord, I thank you for what we've heard
[01:30:43] today. I know it falls on great ground, faithful people here at Lakewood and Lord, we're going out of here watching our words. Lord, we're going to speak victory. We're going to speak what you say
[01:30:55] about us. Lord, show us areas where we're defeating ourselves with our words. Lord, we commit today.
[01:31:01] We're going to stay in faith. And Lord, I thank you that you will do what you promised that we're going to get our words, our thoughts, and our words in alignment with you. And Lord, that we
[01:31:11] will become who you've created us to be. Lord, I know there are those like David that are facing giants today, but Lord, we speak the victory. We speak the healing. We speak the breakthrough in
[01:31:22] the name of Jesus. Lord, we're going to stay in agreement. We know you're a faithful God and we trust you. We trust your ways. We trust your timing. And Lord, we thank you that you will get
[01:31:34] us to where we're supposed to be. Father, watch after your people as they go out this week, their children at work. Thank you that your angels are watching after each one of us, that were covered by your blood in the name of Jesus.
[01:31:47] With our heads bowed in prayer, just a quick question.
[01:31:50] If your heart stopped beating in the next few minutes, are you at peace with God?
[01:31:56] Do you know where you'd spend eternity if you died a little while from now?
[01:32:01] If not, I would love to pray with you.
[01:32:04] I'm not here to condemn anybody.
[01:32:06] I'm here to help you find a new beginning.
[01:32:10] I know that comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
[01:32:14] in just a moment if you're not at peace with the Lord or maybe you are a Christian but you've grown cold toward God you know you need to rededicate and recommit your life to Christ you need a fresh
[01:32:28] new start if that's you in just a moment I'm going to ask you to take a step of faith and stand right where you are and we'll pray together I can't think of a better time to get on the road to
[01:32:41] victory than right now. God is not mad at you. Your sins have already been forgiven.
[01:32:48] All you have to do is accept the free gift of Christ's salvation. Will you do it today?
[01:32:54] The enemy in your thoughts, he'll whisper, do it next week. Do it another time. Listen, the Bible says today is the day of salvation. You're not hearing this by accident. Well, Joel's embarrassing to stand in front of everyone, have people at the house. I can't lift my hand.
[01:33:11] Listen to what Jesus said. If you won't be ashamed of me before people, then I won't be ashamed of you before my father in heaven. I'm going to give you a great opportunity to show God you're not
[01:33:24] ashamed of him. If you're not at peace with the Lord, or you just need to rededicate your life, you need a fresh new start, a new beginning. If that's you, would you be bold, take that step of
[01:33:36] faith and stand right where you are and we'll pray together. Would you do that? Come on Lakewood.
[01:33:41] let's give them a hand as they stand all over the building. Come on, don't put it off. I feel like there ought to be a few more. Anybody else? Your heart beating fast? Still time for you watching,
[01:34:00] listening. Well, God bless you. And please remain standing if you don't mind, but we want to tell you how proud we are of you. I know that took courage to stand, but more importantly, I know
[01:34:13] God is never going to be ashamed of you because you took this step of faith. And the scripture says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Let me help you to call. Do you
[01:34:24] mind praying this after me? All of you, if you would. Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make you my Lord and Savior. Amen. Remain standing. One more moment. I want to tell
[01:34:40] you again how much we love you. We're going to be praying for you. I also want to give you a personal invitation and a challenge to come back and be with us on a regular basis. This next year
[01:34:51] of your life is an incredibly important time. Why don't you come get plugged in and give us that year? I'll make a promise before the year is over, your life will never be the same for the better.
[01:35:04] We're going to help you grow and become who God's created you to be. And I know you're busy, you work hard and sometimes Sunday's a day off, but I can promise you this. When you get into a
[01:35:14] community of faith, your new week goes better. There's a blessing that God puts on your life.
[01:35:20] And we'd love to have you here. Sometimes people ask me, what's the next step? Well, right after the service, we have a space over here called new beginnings. We created it just for you. I'm going to be there in about 10 minutes. I'd love to shake your hand. Just
[01:35:33] talk 30 seconds. The class is about 15 minutes, but it won't take long, but I'd love to meet you right over there. You can learn how to get plugged in, how to get connected. Even if you don't live
[01:35:43] here in town. You can meet some of our team. I mean, a big part of getting plugged in is to get on some of these teams, ushers, choir, like John, ushers, choir, prayer partners, kids life. You
[01:35:54] will meet some lifelong friends here at Lakewood that'll help you stay in faith. You need good people in your life. There's a lot of great ones here at Lakewood. I hope to meet you over there.
[01:36:03] Know this, the moment you stood up, God washed away all your sins, your mistakes, your failures.
[01:36:09] you are starting with a fresh clean slate write it down in your Bible April 19, 2026 a new day of victory in your life in Jesus name, amen well let's all stand together if you would please
[01:36:23] thanks for coming out today how many of you going home better off than you were before amen, we love you guys I'll speak the blessing number 6 until we meet again may the Lord bless you and keep you
[01:36:36] may the Lord show you His favor and have mercy on you and may the Lord watch over you and give you his peace.
[01:36:43] God bless you.
[01:36:44] Have an amazing favor-filled week.
[01:36:46] See you back real soon.