The Danger of Self-Powered Faith: A Critique of ‘Clothed with Love’

• Divine Care and Attention [00:34:34 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor emphasizes that God is personally invested in individual struggles, citing scripture that He counts the hairs on our head and is touched by our infirmities.
• Steps to a Miracle [00:35:24 ▶️ 📄]
  > The speaker outlines a three-step process for experiencing miracles, starting with the necessity of making specific petitions known to God rather than remaining silent or 'careful'.
• Authentic Prayer [00:36:05 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor encourages total honesty in prayer, stating believers do not need to deny their problems but should open their hearts to God.
• Divine Care and Intimacy [00:34:46 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor emphasizes that God is personally involved, counting hairs and being touched by human infirmities, countering the idea that He is distant.
• The Three Steps to a Miracle [00:35:24 ▶️ 📄]
  > A structured homiletic point outlining the process: 1. Make petitions known (honesty), 2. Step into praise (faith), 3. Prophesy (declaration).
• The Danger of Persistent Petition Without Praise [00:37:00 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor warns that continuously asking without praising can 'talk yourself out of your faith,' urging a transition to thanksgiving.
• Spiritual First Responders [00:44:56 ▶️ 📄]
  > The concept of spiritual support systems (prayer partners, ministries) acting as 'first responders' to crisis, mirroring physical emergency services.
• Inclusion of Special Needs Families [00:47:01 ▶️ 📄]
  > A testimonial highlighting the need for churches to make room for children with severe autism and intellectual disabilities, not just high-functioning ones.
• Cultural Noise and Desensitization [01:10:47 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor describes how society has become desensitized to harshness, judgment, and divisiveness, where opinions become weapons and being rude becomes normal.
• Intentional Virtue ([Colossians 3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3&version=KJV)) [01:11:38 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor uses the metaphor of dressing to explain the need to actively choose to put on virtues like mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience daily.
• The Primacy of Love [01:12:44 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor argues that while faith, truth, and justice are good, love is the essential 'most important piece of clothing' without which other virtues become ineffective 'noise' or 'clanging cymbals.'
• Effective Communication and Influence [01:13:24 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor contrasts being 'right' with being 'effective,' asserting that truth spoken without love is just noise, whereas truth spoken with love and gentleness has power.
• Jesus as the Model of Strength and Kindness [01:15:04 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor illustrates that Jesus was strong and had truth but walked in humility and served others, showing that passion should stem from love rather than ego or anger.
• The Ineffectiveness of Harshness [01:15:54 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor argues that being right or having truth does not excuse harsh, argumentative, or loud behavior, which he likens to 'clanging cymbals'—noisy but without impact.
• The Metaphor of Spiritual Clothing [01:19:24 ▶️ 📄]
  > Using an analogy of physical attire, the pastor explains that just as clothes send a message about a person's status and style, spiritual attitudes (love, pride, bitterness) project an invisible message to others before words are spoken.
• Rejecting 'Knockoff' Sin [01:22:55 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor warns against the enemy's 'fake merchandise' such as pride, jealousy, and greed, urging listeners to discard inherited or habitual sins like bitterness and harshness in favor of God's designed 'wardrobe' of love and mercy.
• Love as Action and Judgment [01:24:59 ▶️ 📄]
  > Citing James 2, the pastor asserts that believers will be judged not by doctrinal perfection or winning arguments, but by whether they wore the 'coat of love' through merciful, forgiving, and humble actions.
• Avoiding Unnecessary Conflict [01:27:10 ▶️ 📄]
  > Referencing Jesus' silence before Pilate, the pastor advises against getting baited into arguments with those determined to misunderstand, emphasizing that love heals and restores while conflict is often a distraction from God's purpose.
• Spiritual Wardrobe Metaphor [01:29:44 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor uses the metaphor of changing clothes to describe adopting Christian virtues like kindness, gentleness, and humility, while discarding negative traits like bitterness and jealousy.
• Love as Action [01:30:12 ▶️ 📄]
  > Emphasizes that love is not merely verbal but requires evidence through deeds, such as forgiving others, showing mercy, and performing small acts of kindness.
• Judgment vs. Mercy [01:31:49 ▶️ 📄]
  > Contrasts the human tendency to judge and criticize with the call to be healers and restorers, illustrated by the story of the slow grocery store cashier.
• Biblical Examples of Jesus' Love [01:33:32 ▶️ 📄]
  > Cites Jesus' interactions with Zacchaeus, the leper, and his prayer for forgiveness on the cross as the ultimate model of 'love in action' and breaking social protocols to show mercy.
• Call to Repentance and Prayer [01:35:21 ▶️ 📄]
  > Concludes with an exhortation to change one's 'wardrobe' from pride to love, followed by a corporate prayer for strength to forgive and live out these virtues.

• Sermon Illustration [00:32:20 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor references the biblical story of Moses parting the Red Sea and God shutting the mouths of hungry lions as historical precedents for God's power to heal and deliver today.
• Sermon Illustration [00:37:49 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor uses the analogy of an elevator: pressing the button (petition) turns on the light (God's response), but you must then praise to engage the faith that moves you to the destination (miracle).
• Sermon Illustration [00:38:23 ▶️ 📄]
  > The biblical account of Jesus raising Lazarus (John 11) is used to illustrate the three steps: Jesus wept (petition/empathy), thanked the Father (praise), and called Lazarus forth (prophecy).
• Sermon Illustration [00:43:00 ▶️ 📄]
  > The story of Daniel in the lion's den is recounted to show God sending angels as 'first responders' to rescue His people and bring them out better than before.
• Sermon Illustration [00:45:44 ▶️ 📄]
  > A personal anecdote about a disheveled man who was suicidal, heard a message from Pastor Joel via media, came to Lakewood, and was prayed for, illustrating the impact of spiritual first responders.
• Sermon Illustration [00:47:01 ▶️ 📄]
  > The testimony of Camille and Marcus Robinson, whose son Mason has congenital heart disease and autism. They shared a viral video about being rejected by a church for not having space for severe autism, only to be welcomed by Lakewood's Champions Club.
• Sermon Illustration [01:17:07 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor shares a personal anecdote about being in his backyard watering plants in workout clothes when his wife Victoria asked him to run to the store, using this to transition into a discussion about everyday interactions.
• Sermon Illustration [01:17:07 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor shares a personal anecdote about wearing old, stretched-out gym clothes to a nice store with his wife. He felt self-conscious and out of place compared to the elegantly dressed staff and customers, illustrating how physical appearance communicates a message and affects one's internal state before any words are spoken.
• Sermon Illustration [01:23:47 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor recounts his father's experience of being asked to leave his traditional denomination in the 1950s. Instead of becoming bitter or argumentative, his father responded with mercy and forgiveness, famously stating that while others drew a circle to shut him out, he drew a bigger circle to shut them in.
• Sermon Illustration [01:31:49 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor shares a personal anecdote about encountering a slow, new grocery store cashier who was being criticized by impatient customers. Instead of joining in, he encouraged her, leading to her revealing she was worried about her hospitalized baby, illustrating the need for mercy over judgment.
• Sermon Illustration [01:34:01 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor recounts the biblical story of Jesus touching the leper, highlighting how Jesus broke safety protocols and social norms to heal someone considered unclean, demonstrating visible love.
• Sermon Illustration [01:34:43 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor references Jesus on the cross, forgiving those who crucified him ('Father, forgive them'), as the ultimate example of love that involves forgiving wrongs rather than holding grudges.

• Pastoral Charge [00:29:30 ▶️ 📄]
  > Verbal affirmation of faith and agreement with the prayer.
• Pastoral Charge [00:29:51 ▶️ 📄]
  > Recite a specific declaration of identity and blessing over oneself.
• Pastoral Charge [00:33:12 ▶️ 📄]
  > Come to the front of the church to meet with prayer partners for individual prayer.
• Pastoral Charge [00:39:44 ▶️ 📄]
  > To prophesy/speak faith over their situations throughout the week to experience victory and miracles.
• Pastoral Charge [00:39:56 ▶️ 📄]
  > To applaud Jesus.
• Pastoral Charge [00:56:43 ▶️ 📄]
  > Clap hands in praise to affirm belief in God's answers to prayer.
• Pastoral Charge [01:29:10 ▶️ 📄]
  > To actively adopt and display gentleness and kindness as a deliberate choice of character.
• Pastoral Charge [01:30:12 ▶️ 📄]
  > To move beyond verbal declarations of love and demonstrate it through concrete deeds.
• Pastoral Charge [01:36:12 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor asks the congregation to verbally affirm ('say amen') their acceptance of the promise of peace, confidence, and better relationships through loving others.
• Pastoral Charge [01:36:34 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor invites the congregation to remain for a closing prayer.

[00:02:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]
[00:02:58] Welcome to Lakewood. Thanks for coming out today. How many of you are ready to worship the Lord this morning? God's been good to us. I love walking in here and I've got the victory, you know, just reminding us that God's in control, that he's on the throne, that he's got each one of us in the palm of his hand. And I know this, God saw you take time to come today. So many things you could be doing. He saw you take time to watch, to tune in, but the scripture says God rewards those that seek after him. And I know that's you guys.
[00:03:28] you know that God's smiling down on you right now. Even the scripture says that God holds victory in store for the upright. Just what we're singing about. You guys are the upright. So I hope and I
[00:03:40] believe you came just ready to receive, ready to thank God for what he's done in your life. And really, I think the right attitude is I'm not focused on what's wrong in my life. God, I'm
[00:03:50] thanking you for what's right in my life. And I'm not focused on all that I don't have. Lord, I want to thank you for what I do have. I like even this thought. Sometimes instead of looking
[00:04:00] at how far you have to go, you need to look back and thank God for how far he's already brought you.
[00:04:05] So God's brought us this far. And you know, it's just, it's an attitude of, you know what? I want to, I want to live this day in faith. I'm going to live this day in praise. God, I'm going to thank
[00:04:14] you for what you've done. Well, I believe that's what allows us to receive what God has in store for each one of us. So I don't know if there's anything that's trying to, you know, steal your
[00:04:23] joy, take your peace, you know, something you could be worried about, something didn't work out last week. Well, this is a perfect time to say, God, I'm turning that over to you right now. I'm gonna
[00:04:32] come back to a place of peace and trust, knowing that you're in control. I've learned when you do that, God will fill you afresh and anew with fresh joy and fresh vision. And here's always my prayer
[00:04:43] that not one of us will go out of here the same way we came in. We're going to go out of here with more joy, more peace, more victory in Jesus' name. Thanks for coming out. If you're visiting,
[00:04:53] a special welcome to you, but we're going to get started with a prayer and then we'll go into praise. Lord, thank you for all that you've done and the opportunity to be here with friends and
[00:05:02] family. Lord, as we praise and worship you, Lord, we do it because we love you and we recognize that all comes from you. So Lord, I just thank you for this time together. I thank you that you're
[00:05:13] blessing your people as well. In Jesus' name, amen. God bless you today.

[00:23:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]
[00:23:58] Jesus, for my family, I speak the...

[00:26:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]
[00:26:00] Lord, we thank you for all that you do.
[00:26:02] We do shout your name.
[00:26:04] We praise you.
[00:26:05] Lord, we recognize every good thing has come from you.
[00:26:09] Lord, you woke us up this morning and gave us another day to be alive.
[00:26:13] And we don't take it for granted, Lord.
[00:26:15] It's your goodness, your mercy, your provision.
[00:26:18] You've watched after us.
[00:26:20] You've protected us.
[00:26:21] Lord, we look back in our lives and we see how you've made ways where we didn't see a way.
[00:26:26] and Lord you've done it in the past we thank you that you're doing it again right now Lord as we start the new week off we put you first place we say it publicly that
[00:26:36] you're our Lord, our God, our Savior make us and mold us into who you want us to be Lord I thank you you're going before us right now making crooked places straight, opening right doors, closing wrong
[00:26:50] doors, weeding out the wrong people and Lord bringing the right people across our path thank you that we can clearly hear your voice father that we have the mind of christ a spirit of wisdom discernment lord that we have clear direction for our lives the power to obey lord
[00:27:08] that will make decisions that honor you and move us toward our god-given destiny father i thank you that as we were worshiping you this morning that every force that's tried to stop us has been
[00:27:21] broken in the name of Jesus. Lord, we believe what we were seeing in depression, anxiety, addictions, trouble at work. Maybe it's a sickness, chronic pain. Lord, I thank you today is a breakthrough day that you're doing what only you can do. Lord, our eyes are upon you today and we
[00:27:41] know you have greater things in store for each one of us. And Lord, I just speak fresh vision over your people, fresh strength and energy and fresh momentum, fresh growth, Lord, that we'll never get
[00:27:54] stuck or stagnant, but we'll keep growing and moving closer to you and becoming all that you've created us to be. And Father, I do lift up those that are fighting battles in their health, some
[00:28:06] in the building, some watching, listening from hospitals. Lord, you said you'd restore health back to your people. Lord, we've seen you do it in the past. We think even right now that healing is flowing into all those that need it. Lord, even maybe doing what the medicine cannot do.
[00:28:22] Lord, we know you have the final say. So I speak healing, wholeness, strength, vitality, that the number of our days you will fulfill, that nothing will snatch us away in Jesus name.
[00:28:35] And Lord, not just physically, but I lift up those that are in tough times, those that have gone through loss and heartache. Father, you said you're close to the brokenhearted. Let them feel your presence right now. Lord, I thank you that you are comforting them and giving them peace
[00:28:52] that only you can give. Even though it may seem like it's an end, Lord, let them see it's a new beginning, that you are still in control, that you have beauty for the ashes, that this too shall
[00:29:04] pass and they will come into good days. Lord, you said weeping endures for a night, but joy is coming in the morning. So Lord, I thank you for the joy that's on the way, the new beginnings or just new
[00:29:16] chapters in their life in Jesus name. Lord, we thank you for all you've done in the past, but we believe declared 2026 won't be a get by year, but a blessed prosperous favor filled year that

[00:29:30] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]
[00:29:30] we are victors and never victims in Jesus name. And if you receive it, can you say amen today?

[00:29:37] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]
[00:29:37] so glad to have you at lakewood today what an honor we make a declaration of faith every service to remind ourselves who god says we are so come on say it like you mean it i am blessed
[00:29:51] prosperous redeemed forgiven healthy whole talented creative confident secure disciplined focused prepared qualified motivated valuable free determined equipped empowered anointed accepted and approved not average not mediocre i am a child of the most high god i will become

[00:30:20] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]
[00:30:20] all i was created to be in jesus name amen and amen come on keep your shoulders back

[00:30:30] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]
[00:30:30] your head held high, not average. You are children of the most high God. He handpicked each one of us and even says in Psalms that God has crowned you with his favor. Sometimes, you know, life will
[00:30:43] try to push you down and crown you with failure and crown you with mistakes and crown you with a lot of other things, but you just by faith, you need to reach up there and straighten your crown
[00:30:52] of favor from the most high God. Remember who you are and remember whose you are, who you belong to.
[00:31:00] And I love that scripture too. It's in the new Testament somewhere. I forgot where, but it's in the Bible, but it says this, it says, looking away from all that will distract unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith. And I love that. It's got a lot of great.
[00:31:16] One thing is what God started. He's going to finish, but notice our part. We have to look away from all that will distract. So, you know, there's, you know, what, what that means is, you know, there's doubt, there's fear. Here's the medical report, Joel, here's my financial
[00:31:29] situation. If you stay dwelling on all the facts and all the doubt, you know what? You're going to talk yourself out of it. And it don't, I don't mean you deny the facts, but sometimes you just
[00:31:39] look away. In other words, you don't magnify the problem. You magnify our God. God, I'm looking under you. I know what you started. You will finish. Let me tell you, God is bigger than anything you're facing today. The enemy would love to talk you out of the promise, talk you out of
[00:31:55] your dream, talk you out of your, you know, your child coming back home, whatever it is, but no, let's don't talk yourself out of it. Talk yourself back into it. God, I'm in agreement with you. And
[00:32:06] I'm going to look away from what distracts and I'm going to look at, at the creator of the universe.
[00:32:10] And you look back at, you know, you can look back at your history, see what God's done in your life, the times he's made a way. And sometimes it's good to look back in the scripture and say, God,
[00:32:20] you parted the red sea for Moses. You can do it for me. And God, you shut the mouths of hungry lines. You can shut some mouths today and just different things. God, you healed back then. You
[00:32:29] are a healer now. Let's be believers and not doubters. Can I tell you, God did not bring you this far to leave you where you are. There are greater things in front of you, but this is
[00:32:40] important with your greater purpose. There's going to be greater challenges. There's going to be greater enemies because the enemy doesn't want you to fulfill your purpose. But let me tell you greater is he that's for you than he that's coming against you. Be strong, be of good courage,
[00:32:55] The Lord your God is fighting your battles. We're going to look away from all that distract, believe in, declare in 2026. God's going to show out in your life. Do something unusual, uncommon, out of the ordinary. Let's be believers and not doubters and watch what God can do. Amen.
[00:33:12] Well, we'll take a moment to pray today. If you would like for us to agree with you in prayer about anything, we'd be honored to pray for you one-on-one. There's prayer partners at the front
[00:33:21] of your section, all over the building. Anyone's welcome to come down for prayer during this next song. Again, we'd love to pray for you. Rest of you, you're welcome to be seated if you'd like.
[00:33:30] We'll take this moment to pray. And our beautiful online family listening live on Sirius XM, thanks for being a part. My friend, Pastor Phil Muncy is there and he's going to speak a blessing

[00:33:40] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_13]
[00:33:40] over you as well. We're believing God to do great things in your life today, right now. You know, God is a good God. He's a good father. And he loves to give good gifts to his children. And I
[00:34:00] believe the gifts that we need today is for God to come through and answer our prayers. We're available to take your request. We're available to join in agreement with you that God today will move on your behalf. I believe with all of my heart that it is the good pleasure of God to do
[00:34:22] mighty works today. And many of you I know are facing financial challenges. You're facing challenges in your health. You're facing difficulties in your family, your relationships.
[00:34:34] And I want you to know that God cares. That's one of the most important things that I think for us to have faith when we pray is to know that God cares. The scripture says he counts the number of
[00:34:46] hair on our head. He's into you. He understands and he's touched by what you're going through.
[00:34:53] And I want you to know that. And though this is being aired around the world and there are thousands of people here today, God is zooming in on you. What do you need? We've gotten praise
[00:35:05] reports from people that have been healed. We're getting prayer requests for people that are facing some very traumatic reports from the doctor. We have people and parents that are hurting because their children are away. All of these needs, God is able. There's a principle that I've been
[00:35:24] following over the years, and I've been honored to be in the ministry for now 53 years full-time.
[00:35:30] And I've learned something about how to step into a miracle. There are three steps that if you'll follow their scriptural that will put you in that realm of a miracle. The first is that when you
[00:35:44] come to God is to make your petitions known to God. In other words, we know that he knows all things, but the scripture says not to be careful, but to make everything known to God. That's making
[00:35:58] your petition known. That's letting God know, I need you. This is what I'm needing from you.
[00:36:05] The Bible tells us that he's touched with the feelings of our infirmities.
[00:36:10] In other words, you don't have to deny.
[00:36:13] You don't have to act like nothing's wrong.
[00:36:15] But you can actually open your heart, be totally honest, and let God know, God, I need you.
[00:36:23] God, I'm afraid of what the doctors are going to tell me.
[00:36:26] God, I'm weary hanging in there for my family.
[00:36:30] God, I need a financial miracle.
[00:36:32] and know as you open up your heart that God is touched with the feelings of your infirmities.
[00:36:40] And that's such a beautiful promise to hold on to.
[00:36:44] But you can't stay there as you release your petitions, as you turn in your prayer requests.
[00:36:50] As some of you are now are on the chat and you're saying, please pray for this, do that.
[00:36:55] But then the next step you take is you step in from petition to praise.
[00:37:00] this is when you stop asking God for something and you start praising God for it you see because prayer is releasing both petition and faith and when you begin to thank God God thank you
[00:37:17] that my family's being restored thank you that you're opening the doors financially for my life thank you that you're healing my body and as you begin to praise God you're releasing your faith see if you just keep asking over and over God I need a job God I need a healing you're gonna
[00:37:36] actually talk yourself out of your faith so you have to know when to say I'm ready to take that next step and then you just begin to praise God it's like you're at an elevator and you press the
[00:37:49] button and the light goes on what does that mean God's touched by your infirmities God has heard your prayer request and though he's touched by your feelings he's moved by your faith and how do you engage your faith praising him thank you for healing me thank you for the miracle and when
[00:38:09] you do that you're stepping into your miracle and then there's one last step you take and that is the step of prophesying. This is where you go from petition, letting God know, to praising, giving Him
[00:38:23] praise. And prophecy is when you set in motion what you know God has decreed. Jesus did this. In John 11, we see a pattern of how Jesus dealt with Lazarus being dying. And the Bible says that he wept. Jesus was
[00:38:43] touched he was moved by the fact that his friend lazarus had died so we know that his feelings were made known to god and then when he came to the grave and they removed the stone he began to
[00:38:56] praise god he said father thank you that you heard my petition step one thank you that you heard me step two i'm giving you praise in advance and then he reached down deep from his heart and he
[00:39:10] began to prophesy. And he called forth Lazarus. He said, Lazarus, come forth. It was as if it was up to Christ to speak it before he could manifest. Friends, that's what I want you to do today.
[00:39:25] You've made your request known. Now you're going to sustain praise in your mouth and in your heart.
[00:39:31] And now go forth and just begin all week long to prophesy. My son's coming back to the Lord.
[00:39:38] My finances are turning around.
[00:39:40] The doctor's report is not the final report.
[00:39:44] And if you'll do that, you're going to walk in victory.
[00:39:47] You're going to see God do a miracle in your life.
[00:39:50] Know we love you.
[00:39:51] We're standing with you.
[00:39:52] And God is up to something good in your life.

[00:39:56] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]
[00:39:56] Come on, let's give Jesus another big hand clap this morning.

[00:41:14] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_10]
[00:41:14] We've been talking a lot about him through worship.
[00:41:17] He's so good.
[00:41:18] you know we're all going to come to a place in our lives when we face a crisis we're in need of assistance we need help and we need it now you know a cry for help is a signal for rescue support
[00:41:35] or divine intervention we've all been there the key is to find help and not carry the burden on your own sometimes we let embarrassment or fear of what people might think talk us out of
[00:41:49] getting the help we need. We think our situation sometimes is beyond hope. It's just not true.
[00:41:57] That's what the enemy wants you to think. God hears your prayers today, and he silences heaven so he won't miss a word. There is so much power when you call for help. I've learned that when
[00:42:10] the enemy attacks, God is on call, ready to respond to you. God knows when you've gotten a bad medical report. He knows when you're struggling in your finances. He knows when you've been mistreated. You may not see anything happening, but you can be assured that God is not only aware
[00:42:29] He's going to work for you. He already has the solution. You know, 2 Chronicles 32.8, it says this, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles. If you'll call out to
[00:42:45] him and stay in faith at the right time he will release his angels to fight for you. You know in the Bible we see a dire situation when Daniel is thrown into a lion's den because of jealous
[00:43:00] officials. These officials tricked the king into making a decree that Daniel could not obey. The decree was to stop openly praying to God and despite the king's fondness of Daniel he had to throw him in a den with lions because Daniel broke the decree. The king said to Daniel,
[00:43:21] may your God whom you serve continually rescue you. Then Daniel was thrown into the den of lions, never to be seen again. But the king got up the next morning. He went to the den in great distress
[00:43:35] and he said, Daniel, has God rescued you from the lions? And all of a sudden a voice yells out, may the king live forever. God sent his angel and he shut the mouths of the lions. You see,
[00:43:52] not only was Daniel left unharmed, but King Darius honored Daniel and put him in a high position of authority while his enemies were put to death. You see, God will not only bring you out,
[00:44:05] he will bring you out better than you were before. Now this angel that we speak of would be what I call a first responder. When someone is in need of help, they are usually met by first responders.
[00:44:20] These are people of specialized training that are ready to respond. Behind me are a few uniforms of amazing types of first responders. We have many right here in our church who have served or serve in that capacity, like Denise Davis, who is a lifelike paramedic from Memorial Hermann.
[00:44:42] and now leads our SMART team that handles medical emergencies here at Lakewood.
[00:44:48] We're so thankful for you, Denise.
[00:44:51] You know, there are also spiritual first responders.
[00:44:56] These people respond to crisis through prayer, walking alongside someone and meeting needs.
[00:45:03] I can think of our prayer partners, crisis care, marriage ministry, hospital ministry, relief and outreach ministry, freedom and comfort ministry just to name a few they are on the front lines when people desperately need help now you may not realize this but some of our greatest spiritual first responders
[00:45:27] are pastor joel and victoria every time one of their messages goes out over direct media platforms they are impacting people in dire need i'll never forget i was praying for people in the 11 o'clock
[00:45:44] service a while back and a disheveled man walked up to me and said, this morning I was sitting in my bed ready to take my life. When all of a sudden I look up at the TV in my room and I hear Joel
[00:45:57] saying, no matter what you've done, don't give up. God has a plan for your life. So he said, I got up and came to Lakewood and I'd like you to pray for me now. You know, today, if you're watching here
[00:46:18] or if you're here or you're watching online, I want to encourage you that you don't have to have it all together when you're hanging by a thread.
[00:46:27] Help is on the way.
[00:46:29] God will use people, first responders, to throw you a rope. Because even at your worst, God is at His best.
[00:46:38] And our pastor always says your lowest points are launching pads to God's greatest promotions. You know, that's what happened to Lakewood members Camille and Marcus Robinson. When Camille sent out a cry for help, our church responded. Now Camille and Marcus
[00:46:54] are touching the world and being spiritual first responders for millions around the globe. I want

[00:47:01] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]
[00:47:01] you to watch this story. We got married and we got pregnant with our first child whose name is Mason. We went on to have our first ultrasound and the doctor came in to tell us that he would
[00:47:13] be born with congenital heart disease, that he had several areas of his heart that are not normal and they wouldn't be normal. And so he asked us would we like to terminate the pregnancy right there because we only had a limited amount of time left. That's a lot to for him to deal with

[00:47:29] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_09]
[00:47:29] and it's probably gonna be a lot for us to deal with. But I also don't like being told what we

[00:47:37] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]
[00:47:37] need to do. So Mason did in fact end up needing surgery. He had his first heart surgery when he was five days old, another one at five months, and then at one and a half, he had open heart surgery.
[00:47:50] Shortly after that, right before he was two years old, he got diagnosed with autism. And I always say that it was autism that knocked the wind out of me. She had a whole career that she had to

[00:48:01] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_09]
[00:48:01] give up basically when we moved here because someone had to be the caregiver for Mason while the other one worked. And that put a lot of stress and pressure on me. I was an entrepreneur trying
[00:48:11] to get out there and establish myself here in Houston, and it was a lot.

[00:48:16] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]
[00:48:16] My heart broke for the families that need the Lord, and they really, you know, like many of us, are going through a hard time, but there was nowhere to turn.
[00:48:25] So I posted this video that went super viral.
[00:48:30] It's Sunday, and I'm bawling because I brought Mason to a church here in the Houston area that has a special needs ministry and the woman said that they don't really have space for children like mason in so many words she said that they take children who are a little bit more able
[00:48:58] what are we doing so this is a clarion call to all the pastors and leaders make room for autistic children, not the ones that are high functioning, the ones that might carry severe or profound
[00:49:14] autism and intellectual disabilities. I had so many DMs, churches reaching out to say, come to our church. We have a special needs ministry. Parents are saying, look here, look there. But one thing stood out. One day my phone rang and my phone said Champions Club.
[00:49:31] And I was like, oh my goodness, the Champions Club is calling me. I picked up the phone, And we got a personal invite to come visit Lakewood Church's Champions Club.
[00:49:41] And we were absolutely blown away.
[00:49:44] I visited Champions Club.
[00:49:46] We then went to the banquet, I believe maybe a week or two later, for special needs children, special needs families.
[00:49:53] And then it was maybe the following week, we saw Pastor Craig and his wife share about the impact that special needs families really go through because of a diagnosis.
[00:50:06] and marriages, and it was that Sunday where my husband looked at me and was like, this is it.

[00:50:12] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_09]
[00:50:12] We need to join this church. My biggest reason for saying we should go and we should continue

[00:50:18] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]
[00:50:18] to keep coming back was Mason. But if it wasn't for the phone call and the reaching out, I feel like that was a representation of what Lakewood is. It was like a hand that reached out to say,
[00:50:31] we got you, come here. Mason is nonverbal, so he's not going to tell us about his day, but when we pull up now, he laughed the other day when we pulled up and I turned around and I was
[00:50:43] like, I looked at my husband, I was like, you know where we are, Mason? That he knows that he's coming to Champions Club. I remember telling my husband, I think the Lord wants me to talk
[00:50:53] about autism more often. I said, I just feel this, you know, desire to talk about it more.
[00:51:00] and he was like, you should. And so online, I just started sharing the things that we typically keep to ourselves. And then other parents are like, me too, me too. Oh my gosh, you know, I'm going through that too. Wow. How many other parents have gone through this?
[00:51:19] So I recorded a video and I just gave them encouragement. Special needs parents, you know, You stay strong, going to the doctor's appointments, through meltdown, God sees you, he is with you, he will never leave you. And I encouraged those parents and that went viral,
[00:51:36] 6 million. The next post, 7 million. And over the years, we have reached millions of people across the globe, literally. That's how intentional God is. He will lead you along the path that you're supposed to go on. I just believe that God is still with us.
[00:51:55] it's still purposeful because Jeremiah 29 and 11 says that he has a plan to give us a hope in the

[00:52:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_10]
[00:52:00] future come on let's give Marcus and Camille amazing family a big hand today I'm so proud of you guys and Camille you know what's incredible you guys don't know this but Camille just got signed by the largest publisher in America, Random Penguin, Random House Penguin, to do a book. And
[00:52:32] it's up there, I think. Moments of Joy, it's coming out in March. And we're so proud of you.
[00:52:38] And Camille, just tell the people, just look out there and tell the people, you know, God has helped you reach millions of people now. And you've got a new book coming out. What would you

[00:52:48] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_11]
[00:52:48] say to people right now? God is faithful. You know, when I saw you standing here with the first responders me and my sister have a favorite movie Miss Doubtfire and I could I was just thinking of
[00:52:58] how she started running saying help is on the way when somebody was choking and that's literally what happens whatever you're going through we might not see the angels at work but he sends help and sometimes through physical people you guys help me and even if you don't have a child
[00:53:15] with special needs we all go through trials and sometimes we don't see him working but have confidence and know that he's working. Jeremiah 29 and 11 says he always, he has a plan. He has
[00:53:27] a plan to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a future and a hope. So you hold on and you know that help is on the way. Come on. That's awesome. You know, Marcus,

[00:53:41] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_10]
[00:53:41] you know, when you have a special needs child, you know, there's a lot of times you cry for help, you know, but you know, you really were sharing with me just how your son and this situation is

[00:53:52] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_09]
[00:53:52] changed you? It's changed me a lot. One thing I've learned, two things I learned. One was for the fellas, you know, the fathers that are raising kids that are on the spectrum or just with special
[00:54:02] needs, it's okay to be soft. It's okay to be loving. It's okay to be nurturing. It's okay to, you know, put your guard down as a man and love up on your child a little bit more possibly
[00:54:15] than you was loved up on. And the second thing I learned that, you know, through it all, through the challenges. My old, my pastor from back home used to always say, if it's God's will, it's God's

[00:54:25] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_10]
[00:54:25] bill. So he'll get you through it because he brought you to it. Oh, that's awesome. That's awesome. That's awesome. You know, just seeing their life, you know, maybe there's people here a day and you feel like you're hanging by a thread. You know, you, you're, you maybe last
[00:54:44] night or the day before you were calling out for help. And if that's you today, if you're going through a really difficult situation, I want you to lift your hands wherever you are. Yeah, we see you all over this building. You know, I also think about maybe like that person that came
[00:55:04] on that sunny morning, you know, that they were going to take their life and then they saw Pastor Joel. I just want to speak this over you right now. If you have those thoughts, don't give
[00:55:18] up. God has a plan for your life. He's not through with you. Help is on the way. Amen.
[00:55:29] And so we want to pray for you right now. If you've lifted up your hand or you're going through a difficult time, let's just pray and just reach out to people right now. Father, I just pray for
[00:55:39] each and every person. Father, God so many lift up their hands. Father, some feel like they're hanging on a thread, but Father, you're going to bring those spiritual first responders. God, you're going to send your angels down to them right now. And God, not only are you going to
[00:55:56] help them through this, they're going to come out better than they were before. Just like you've done for Camille and Marcus, God, you're going to do for them. And God, you have a plan for them.
[00:56:07] You have a hope and a future for them. And I just ask right now that they will lay down that burden.
[00:56:13] They'll call you for help. And Father, you will send your angels. You will send somebody in their life that's going to encourage them, strengthen them, build them up, Father, that it's not over, that God, what they're going through isn't impossible with you because nothing is impossible
[00:56:30] for you, God. And God, you want to do a work in them just like you've done for the Robinsons. So Father, we pray it, we declare it, we believe it, that God, things are turning around, that God,
[00:56:43] you're answering their prayers and help is on the way and we believe it and declare it in Jesus name come on church if you believe it let's tell the Lord right now give him a hand clap of praise

[00:56:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]
[00:56:55] God bless you today hey Lakewood family we just finished M3 2026 it was a great conference we had lots of people from all over the country come I think people left refreshed encouraged inspired and challenged to be a part of this great work that God's doing around the world
[00:57:14] by advancing his kingdom and being the hands and feet of Jesus all around the world.
[00:57:19] I'm really excited this year that we were able to support the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons.
[00:57:25] It's an institution that's training Christian surgeons, 210 of them right now, in Africa in 12 different countries.
[00:57:32] They're truly making an impact and changing the landscape of healthcare in Africa.

[00:57:37] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]
[00:57:37] We are so thankful. This is what the body of Christ looks like.
[00:57:41] It's collaboration. It's working together. We all do our part. We're not trying to do the same things. We do our work in Africa, and you do your work here. And your contributions, your donations, your tithes, your time, your hosting us at this conference allows us to do the work of Jesus
[00:57:58] around the world together. Our part in Africa of training and discipling Christian surgeons and your partnership has allowed us and will allow us and enable us to do that more effectively than we have in the past. For the years that come, this project of the year going for three years
[00:58:14] of contribution, so thankful for that. Allows us to sustain this ministry that we call Pax.

[00:58:21] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]
[00:58:21] Huge thank you to Lakewood Church. Lakewood, thank you for being so generous and by you guys, your faithfulness, your consistency, it's making a difference all over the world. And we always like to say thank you and just speak God's blessing over you. And we take time every
[00:58:37] service and we'll do it now to worship the Lord with our ties and our offerings. So again, you know, here in the building and watching just the consistency, I think about how Lakewood, what are
[00:58:48] we going to this, this mother's day, I think we'll be 67 years old. And you know, it started with 90 people and just faithful people consistent and just who would have ever thought we would be here
[00:58:59] today. So we just appreciate you being faithful. I think of the scripture that says, when you put God first place, He will crown your efforts with success.
[00:59:09] That's what we, that's what you're doing, being here at service and watching, you know, I know you serve in your community and just, you know, you're a giver, you help others. Well, you're putting God first
[00:59:19] place. And so, we just believe God is going to crown, you know, different areas of your life, but how about in your financial area, where you can be a blessing. I mean, do you hear Camille there, that
[00:59:29] book, that book deal that she got and God knows how to open doors that you can't open, but I say this probably every service, but the economy is not our source. God is our source.
[00:59:40] You are connected to a supply line that will never run dry. And we love our jobs. And you know, a lot of you have great places of employment. We thank God and we're grateful for that, but
[00:59:50] don't look to people, look to God. You keep being consistent. And as you give, you know, I think another thing you don't give God, okay, God, they talked me into it. God, I got to do
[01:00:00] this. No, let's give joyfully. God, we get to give today. We thank you, Lord, for life that you've given us. When you give joyfully and you put God first place, I know you can see in your own life,
[01:00:11] but God makes things happen that you couldn't make happen. And we just believe 2026. I know I talk about other areas, but how about in your finances, God doing something unusual and out of the
[01:00:21] ordinary. And here's the purpose so that we can fulfill our purposes and so that we can build the kingdom. When God can trust you to be a good steward of what he gives you, you'll be a good
[01:00:33] steward of what you have now. God will give you more. So you keep being a good steward. We just pray and declare what the scripture says that you live under the open windows of heaven. Blessings
[01:00:43] that you cannot contain in Jesus name. Father, I thank you for all of our awesome givers here in the building, watching, listening. Lord, I just pray what you say as you, as they put you first,
[01:00:54] that you will crown their efforts with success.
[01:00:56] Lord, ideas and creativity and let their gifts and talents come out.
[01:01:01] Lord, draw in opportunities to them.
[01:01:04] And Lord, I just speak your blessing over them and all they put their hands to that they will lend and not borrow, that they do live under the open windows of heaven, things that they couldn't make happen.
[01:01:16] Lord, for your glory to build your kingdom, to fulfill the purpose that you put in our lives, in Jesus' name.
[01:01:23] God bless you today as you give.

[01:01:54] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_12]
[01:01:54] or call us toll-free at 888-567-JOEL.
[01:01:59] Good morning, church.
[01:02:04] So good to worship with you all today.
[01:02:07] This morning, we're going to sing a new song that we wrote that was inspired by the healing scriptures we read in the Word of God.
[01:02:14] My grandmother used to read these scriptures every single morning.
[01:02:17] She called them her medicine.
[01:02:19] When she was facing cancer and even after she received her healing, she would pray these scriptures every single day as a way to stir her faith and to stand on the promises of God.
[01:02:31] This morning, we wanna sing those promises over each and every one of you, that you will live and not die and declare the works of the Lord, that the number of your days he will fulfill
[01:02:42] and by the stripes of Jesus, you are healed.

[01:02:45] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]
[01:02:45] Come on, let's stand one last time if you don't mind.

[01:06:54] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]
[01:06:54] But so awesome to have you here.
[01:06:56] And I love that song.
[01:06:57] is just speaking the scriptures over your life.
[01:07:00] And most of you know, my mom lived 44 years after she was given a terminal diagnosis of cancer.
[01:07:07] And like Alexandra, our daughter said, you know what, she spoke God's word.
[01:07:11] She chose to believe.
[01:07:12] And so I hope you'll do the same thing.
[01:07:15] That song by Lakewood Music is out now.
[01:07:17] If you want to download it, you can just play it during the week.
[01:07:19] And no, if it's not that, play something else, but feed your spirit man faith.
[01:07:24] There's a lot of negativity in the world and you just can't keep it on the news all the time and stay in faith.
[01:07:30] So I hope you'll do that.
[01:07:31] But so honored to have you here.
[01:07:32] And again, if you're visiting with us today, just a special welcome to you.
[01:07:36] And I'd love to meet you after service.
[01:07:38] I'm in the lobby back there by the bookstore, but thanks for coming out.
[01:07:41] And we just speak blessings over you all.
[01:07:44] I think I have one quick thing.
[01:07:46] Well, first off, I wanted to say Camille and Marcus, I love your story.
[01:07:49] So powerful.
[01:07:50] And we just thank you for staying in faith.
[01:07:53] and I don't know where they went there.
[01:07:56] Right over there, there they are.
[01:07:58] Camille, you're a preacher, man.
[01:08:00] You're a powerful preacher.
[01:08:01] Marcos, you too, but you know, it's just a testimony that, you know what?
[01:08:06] We're not limited by the natural.
[01:08:08] We serve a supernatural God.
[01:08:10] You think about Camille speaking to millions of people and you know, she never saw that coming.
[01:08:14] You don't know where God's going to take you.
[01:08:16] Let's just keep being faithful, consistent and like you're doing, but it's great to have you here today.
[01:08:22] Hey, real quick to our online audience, If you've never been to Lakewood, how about coming out on our homecoming weekend, coming up here in a couple of weeks in March.
[01:08:29] Love for you to meet all these awesome people at Lakewood right here, be a part of the service.
[01:08:33] We'll see you on that Saturday as well, but God, thanks for being here.
[01:08:37] When you see yourself, can you give our TV audience a great big Lakewood welcome?
[01:08:43] God bless you.
[01:08:45] It's great to be with you today and I hope you'll stay connected with us during the week through our daily podcast or YouTube channel and social media, and you can come visit us in person.
[01:08:55] We'd love to have you be a part of one of our services, but I'd like to start with something funny. And I heard about this husband and wife. They were celebrating their 60th birthdays together
[01:09:05] when an angel suddenly appeared and said that God was going to grant them each one special request.
[01:09:11] And they were so excited. The wife said, my request is that we'd be able to travel all over the world. And poof, when the smoke cleared, she had tickets in her hand. Well, her husband put his
[01:09:23] head down in shame and said, my request is that I would be married to a woman 30 years younger than me. And poof, when the smoke cleared, he was 90 years old. All right, y'all say it like you mean
[01:09:38] 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 my mind is alert. My heart is
[01:09:52] 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 Bibles to Colossians chapter
[01:10:15] three and verse 12, Colossians three and verse 12, and we'll put it up on the screen as well and some other scriptures. And don't forget, we have great services during the week. And Wednesday night, we're back here in person if you want to come out. We've got a power-packed
[01:10:29] one-hour service. Love to have you be a part. And of course, the Spanish-speaking service today at two, Bible study on Monday night. That's online, but very honored to have you with us today.
[01:10:41] I want to talk to you today about clothed with love. There's so much noise in our society.
[01:10:47] opinions can become like weapons. People that are argumentative, judgmental, divisive. Everyone has a platform. Through social media, you can speak your mind, set people straight, call them out, insult them. Being harsh, rude, shocking can become normal to us. The more we see it, the more
[01:11:09] desensitized we are. If we're not careful, we'll become like what's around us. We'll think it's okay to attack, belittle, insult. Everyone's doing it. But God has called us to live by a higher standard, to be the exception. Don't let all the noise, the hate, the disrespect, people who are
[01:11:31] loud and abrasive, don't let that poison get in you. Don't become like your environment.
[01:11:38] And Colossians 3 says, you must clothe yourself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowances for people's faults and forgive the person who offends as Christ has forgiven you. Paul was saying you have to get dressed each morning in the right
[01:11:59] clothes. Clothe yourself. Clothes don't jump on you. You have to choose to put them on.
[01:12:06] Put on kindness. I'm going to be nice and friendly today. Put on gentleness. I'm going to be easy going and understanding. Put on mercy. I'm going to make allowances when people don't perform perfectly. I'm going to give them grace when they make mistakes. Put on humility. I'm not going to
[01:12:26] go around arrogant, looking down on people. I'm going to treat everyone with respect. Put on patience. I'm going to stay in peace when things don't go my way. Put on forgiveness. I'm not going to hold a grudge, living offended. I'm going to forgive those that do me wrong. After Paul listed
[01:12:44] all these qualities that we need to put on each day, he finished by saying, and the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. You would think he would say the most important thing is
[01:12:57] faith. You can't please God without faith or truth. It's the truth that sets people free or justice. You have to stand up for those that don't have a voice. Help the less fortunate.
[01:13:10] Those are all good. We should put them on, but the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Because without love, the others aren't as effective. You can be right. You know the other
[01:13:24] person is wrong. You have the facts. Here's the truth. But without love, it's just noise.
[01:13:30] That's what paul said in first corinthians If I speak with the tongue of men or the tongue of angels and have not love I am only a loud clanging cymbal One version says a noisy gong
[01:13:46] He was saying you can be gifted articulate powerful Have all this impressive knowledge But without love you're just a lot of noise Just a lot of clanging not effective not changing anything A lot of people are sincere. They're passionate, but they're not speaking the truth in love
[01:14:08] They're not putting on the most important piece They become offended argumentative Disrespectful they wonder why they're not effective why they don't have more influence. There's no love. It's ego pride competition Making others look bad. So they'll look good
[01:14:26] those are not things God is going to bless. You may be right, but where's the love? Where's the kindness? Where is being merciful and understanding? You can be gentle without being weak.
[01:14:41] You can be kind and strong at the same time. You don't have to be harsh and condescending and hateful because someone doesn't agree and start attacking, confronting. Love is more powerful than loudness. Truth spoken softly is more powerful than yelling at someone. Being offensive,
[01:15:04] insulting to prove a point, criticizing someone back, that's sinking down to their level.
[01:15:10] Do yourself a favor, put on your coat of love. See, Jesus was strong, but he was kind. He had the truth, but he was merciful. He was God, better than any of us, never made a mistake,
[01:15:24] but he walked in humility. He washed people's feet and served others when he could have been served. And yes, he got upset. He threw people out of the temple, but it wasn't out of bitterness
[01:15:37] and hatred. I'm going to prove to you and push you down. He didn't want to see people being taken advantage of. And I'm not saying to not be passionate and to never stand strong, But you should do it out of love and not out of anger and ego and competition
[01:15:54] If you don't have love your good intentions are going to turn into clanging cymbals a lot of noise, but little impact Being loud doesn't equate to being effective Being harsh Argumentative trying to force your opinion
[01:16:10] You may be right you have the truth But you can do it the wrong way and still be wrong and I'm not talking about just in a debate or with someone online. How about in your marriage?
[01:16:24] How about with your children, your co-workers? Are you putting on love, making allowances for their weaknesses, or are you harsh, looking for reasons to correct and prove that you're right?
[01:16:37] Are you forgiving the wrongs as Christ forgave us? Are you holding a grudge, making them pay, Giving them the cold shoulder after all they were at fault. They deserve it How about putting on some mercy?
[01:16:52] How about putting on some gentleness be an understanding the mercy you show others is the mercy god is going to show you I was in my backyard one afternoon watering the plants we have some flowers in these big pots and
[01:17:07] I'd gotten some of the weeds out and put new dirt in I was hot and sweaty and i'd worked out earlier that morning exercise, rode my bike. Victoria came out and said, Joel, we need to run up to the store and
[01:17:20] pick something up. Piece of equipment she had ordered. Well, I was in my workout clothes, my gym shorts, and this blue t-shirt that I always wear. My children kid me that it's my uniform. I've had it like 47 years and the collar's all stretched out, faded, straggly on one side.
[01:17:38] I have other shirts, but that's the one I like. And I told Victoria, I can't go anywhere. I'm not dressed. I'd have to go in, take a shower, put some better clothes on. She said, no, Joel,
[01:17:49] you don't have to get out of the car. They're going to put it in the back for us. So we got there. They loaded it in the trunk. All was good. But as we were driving away, Victoria saw this
[01:17:59] other store. When she gets close to a mall, there's an unseen force that tries to pull her in.
[01:18:06] She said, Joel, let's go in there real quick. I've been wanting to, there's something I really want to see. I said, no, Victoria, I am not dressed. That's a nice place. I'll go in Home
[01:18:17] Depot. I'll go to Walmart, but I'm not going in there. She said, Joel, you're fine. You look great. I'm either so dumb or so naive. She talked me into going. When she said I look great,
[01:18:31] I lost all sense of reasoning. We walked in and it was a nice store. There were three salespeople there to greet us. Two men and a woman. The men were in dressed, dressed in the finest suits,
[01:18:46] impeccable shoes shined. The woman was in a beautiful pantsuit, elegant, sophisticated, looked like they had just stepped out of a fashion magazine and looked like I'd just stepped out of a farming magazine. The first thing the man said was, oh, Pastor Joel, we've never seen you like
[01:19:04] this. We all laughed and laughed. I thought, yeah, and you're about to have never seen me another way if you keep laughing. Here's my point. When I walked in, I hadn't said a word, but my clothes sent a message. What I was wearing communicated something to them.
[01:19:24] Not only that, what I had on was affecting me. I didn't feel good about going in. I knew I wasn't dressed appropriately. People read your clothing before you say a word. They form impressions before you open your mouth, depending on how you dress, casually, fun, sophisticated, dressy.
[01:19:45] That's all communicating something. If you dress sloppy, clothes wrinkled, don't fit, out of style, risque, those are all sending a message about you. Well, that's the physical in the seen, but it's the same in the unseen. When you put on kindness, gentleness, humility,
[01:20:03] mercy, you're sending a message to people. Before you say a word, they can sense who you are.
[01:20:10] It's creating this impression, love, goodness, respect, that draws people in, that gives you favor, that brings healthy relationships. And sure, the opposite is true. If you get dressed with pride, competition, bitterness, sarcasm. That's how people are reading you. You're projecting it
[01:20:29] without saying a word. You know how it is. You can sense when someone is arrogant, when they're unfriendly, when they have a chip on their shoulder. You can sum them up in no time by the feeling and
[01:20:43] how they carry themselves. In the same way, you know when you have the wrong clothes on. I knew my shirt was old. I knew my gym shorts were dirty. It's the same way in the unseen. You know,
[01:20:56] when you have a bad attitude, when you're condescending, when you're harsh, you won't forget. It's not just sending a message to others, but it doesn't feel right to you.
[01:21:06] You don't like who you are. You may get used to it, talk yourself into it, but deep down there's an unrest, an uneasiness. It's because that's not who you were created to be. You were created to
[01:21:20] put on love, kindness, gentleness, being merciful, overlooking faults. And sometimes you have clothes that don't fit anymore. You've grown out of the too small, the wrong style. You put them away and get clothes that fit. Maybe you've worn being judgmental, critical, and jealous for a long time,
[01:21:42] Or you put on a coat of pride bitterness hard to get along with That was fine for a while, but now you're growing out of them God is calling you up to a higher standard. Now. You have to do your part and have a wardrobe change
[01:21:57] Can I tell you bitterness doesn't look good on you?
[01:22:02] That sour attitude smells bad You don't have to say anything. You're pushing people away The pride or having to always be right that doesn't fit you anymore The jealousy holding on to an offense that's out of style. Those clothes are over and done
[01:22:18] How about a spring cleaning?
[01:22:21] Don't even send them to goodwill put them in the trash put on love put on kindness gentleness friendliness understanding respect That's the wardrobe god designed for you He's your tailor He knows what fits what's in style what's going to make you look good. What's going to be effective
[01:22:41] Do you know how it is in fashion? There's always some knockoff brands and some imitations Not quite the same, but they're good enough. It's kind of close No, don't be fooled. The enemy has his own clothing line
[01:22:55] He'll tell you hey this pride is going to look better on you This jealousy. It's the hottest thing going This greed being self-centered only thinking about you. This will look amazing on you This judgment being critical insulting people. This is just your size
[01:23:13] Look how flashy it is Don't put on that integrity. That's boring Kindness patience mercy. That's old school. That's outdated Don't fall for his lies. He has fake merchandise When you put on the wardrobe god designed for you
[01:23:29] You'll not only feel better, but you are projecting the right things to those around you You'll draw in good people favor and opportunity You'll be more effective I saw this with my father. He taught me by example how to put on a coat of love
[01:23:47] He was kind and merciful even back in the 1950s when he is pastoring that church and They didn't understand his new direction and they didn't want him anymore They asked him to leave he was never bitter he never talked bad about the people didn't go around with a chip on his
[01:24:05] shoulder he was merciful he forgave them and moved on he wasn't accepted anymore in his traditional denomination there were friends and colleagues he'd gone to school with and they were no longer for him they didn't want to have any contact like they would be contaminated
[01:24:24] couldn't get around him. He said, Joel, they drew a circle to shut me out, but I drew a bigger circle to shut them in. You can't stop hurt from coming, betrayal, people that are unfair, but when you
[01:24:38] have your coat of love on, when you're merciful, forgiving, making allowances for people's shortcomings, it doesn't poison you. You keep enjoying your life, being good to people, drawing in the favor of God. And James two says, whatever you say and whatever you do, remember, you will
[01:24:59] be judged by the law of love. It doesn't say we're going to be judged by how many arguments we won, how many people we corrected, how perfect our doctrine was, how successful we were.
[01:25:12] No, we're going to be judged by, were you wearing your coat of love? Were you good to people, kind, merciful, forgiving? Did you walk in humility, patience, and generosity? James said, whatever you do and whatever you say, that means before you post it on social media,
[01:25:32] before you express your opinion, before you confront someone, ask yourself, am I doing this out of love, out of kindness, gentleness, or are you doing it out of hurt, out of anger, jealousy?
[01:25:46] I don't want them to look better than me. I'm gonna say something demeaning Or i'm not gonna let this co-worker get away with being rude to me. I'm gonna be rude back to him There's no blessing when you're doing things out of spite
[01:26:00] Ill-willed bitterness that's going to drag you down and make life more difficult And this is the way many people live disrespect for disrespect you hurt me i'm gonna hurt you They're a loud clanging symbol
[01:26:14] We try to answer back with loud clanging symbols. Let's be louder Harsher more disrespectful. That's not the way to win The scripture says you overcome evil with good When you're kind to those that are not kind to you proverbs says it's like you're heaping coals of fire on their head
[01:26:34] When you stay in love god will fight your battles. He'll vindicate you better than you can vindicate yourself first corinthian says love never fails Doesn't say strength never fails being right never fails proving your point. No love never fails love brings down walls
[01:26:53] Love heals restores protects love will help you keep your heart pure Jesus had a lot of people against him critics naysayers religious leaders that were jealous But he didn't spend a lot of time arguing with people
[01:27:10] getting into heated debates, trying to prove who he was. He let his actions speak. When he was brought before Pilate, all these false accusations, the scripture says he answered him, not a word.
[01:27:25] He knew they weren't going to change their mind, that they were determined to misunderstand him.
[01:27:30] And sometimes we're trying to win over people that are never going to be for us. We're getting all riled up trying to convince them to change and see it from our point of view. We have to accept
[01:27:42] it's okay if someone doesn't agree. It's okay if they're not for us. You don't need everyone to be for you to fulfill your destiny. And it's really easy to get baited into conflict, argumentative, angered, frustrated, because they're not changing their mind. They're insulting, saying things that
[01:28:03] aren't true. Some battles you're not supposed to fight. It's a distraction to try to get you off course, wasting time, stressed over something that you can't control. In the big picture, it's not going to stop your purpose. Jesus didn't answer every critic. He didn't try to change every
[01:28:22] person's mind. The enemy would love to deceive us into becoming loud, clanging cymbals. You have the truth. You know you're right, but you got bent out of shape, aggravated. It takes maturity to not get drawn into the wrong battles because human nature wants to fight, defend, stand up. There
[01:28:43] are times that's important, but do it with love. Don't let the poison of other people get in you.
[01:28:51] If you take it all personally, you try to straighten everyone out, prove your point. You get is loud and trade insult to insult. That's what the enemy wants. Now you're not effective. It's a clanging cymbal, a lot of noise with no results. Go put your coat of love on the gentleness,
[01:29:10] the kindness. That's who God created us to be. Those are the clothes he's designed for us to wear. But sometimes we're wearing knockoffs or hand-me-downs. I got this pride jacket, Joel, from my relatives. This temper, this harshness, it was passed down from my family. My father used to
[01:29:32] wear it. He was angry. My grandmother gave me this coat. She was jealous. She was bitter. No, those clothes don't look good on you. Their day is over. It's time to get a new wardrobe. Your heavenly
[01:29:44] father is an amazing designer. He's already created custom-made clothing just for you.
[01:29:52] kindness, gentleness, humility, forgiveness, patience, and the most important piece that you must wear your clothing of love. Don't leave home without it. If you forget to put that on bitterness will show up offense, judgment, jealousy. First John says, let us stop saying
[01:30:12] we love each other and let us start showing it by our actions. Paul was saying, talk is cheap.
[01:30:19] You can say all day long, you love me, but if you won't forgive me, if you won't quit being jealous, if you won't stop talking behind my back, there's no proof that you love me. Love is action. There
[01:30:33] should be evidence that you love people. Express your love all through the day. It may just be a smile to a stranger, someone passing by. You could ignore them, look down, but you acknowledge them.
[01:30:47] You're saying I see you you're valuable. I care about you You just deposited something in them it may be bringing your co-worker a cup of coffee in the morning or Filling your wife's car up with gasoline so she doesn't have to
[01:31:02] Love should be seen People that god's put in your life should have some evidence that you love them. It's good to tell them Words are important, but words alone are not enough There should be some good deeds of how you're being a blessing
[01:31:18] It may be when that friend makes a mistake and hurts your feelings You could be upset make them pay But you're merciful you let it go and don't try to make them feel guilty. That's love in action
[01:31:33] I was at the grocery store one time and this young woman was at the cash cash register and it's very crowded Lines were backed up and she was very slow She was new and didn't know how to work. Everything is taking forever
[01:31:49] Well, there were several people in front of me and they were getting very upset Very impatient and they let her know making comments harsh condescending But I want to live my life being a part of the solution and not the problem
[01:32:05] Lifting people up and not putting them down people already have enough hurts enough things to overcome and things that we don't know anything about. They don't need another condemning voice, judgment.
[01:32:19] Come on, do better. Can't you get it right? No, God put them in your path so you can be a healer, a lifter, a restorer. When I got up there, I simply said, you're doing great. Everything's
[01:32:33] going to be fine. And we appreciate you being here. I'll never forget. Tears started running down her cheeks. She said, my baby is in the hospital. I'm so worried. I can't really concentrate on what I'm doing. We took a moment to pray right then and there. You don't know what
[01:32:53] people are going through. We can be quick to judge, quick to criticize, but if you were to walk in their shoes, you'd probably have more mercy. You'd be more understanding. The world needs more love.
[01:33:05] We have a lot of division, strife, people arguing, trying to push them down, prove their point.
[01:33:12] God is counting on us to express his love, to show his kindness, his mercy.
[01:33:19] You can help heal, restore, and put people back on their feet.
[01:33:24] Doesn't happen through judgment, pride, impatience, holding grudges, that's the wrong clothing.
[01:33:32] All through the scripture, we can see how Jesus didn't just teach about love but he wore love he modeled it when he saw Zacchaeus a despised tax collector they were known for their dishonesty society had written him off
[01:33:48] but Jesus called him out of the crowd and said I want to go to your house and have dinner with you today Jesus went to others Jesus went to people that others thought were too far gone love in
[01:34:01] action. Or how about when the leper came to Jesus, fell at his feet and said, Jesus, if you want to, you can heal me. Well, lepers were unclean, contagious. They were supposed to keep their
[01:34:14] distance. Here, this man put Jesus at risk. He'd broken protocol and gone against safety requirements. Jesus could have been upset. Get him away from me. You're going to get me infected.
[01:34:26] but Jesus bent down and touched the man.
[01:34:30] I can hear the gasp in the crowd.
[01:34:33] Can you believe it?
[01:34:33] He's gonna get leprosy.
[01:34:35] The scripture says instantly the man's skin was made whole.
[01:34:40] Love that can be seen.
[01:34:42] How about on the cross?
[01:34:43] After being betrayed and mocked, Jesus was up there in great pain.
[01:34:48] He could have been bitter, angry, but he said, Father, forgive them.
[01:34:52] They don't know what they're doing.
[01:34:54] Showing love is not just being kind to people but it's forgiving wrongs Not holding grudges being merciful Is there someone you need to forgive today?
[01:35:07] Family member you need to let off the hook joel. They're guilty. They did me wrong Only the guilty need mercy We're not going to be judged by how right we are how much faith we have but by the law of love
[01:35:21] Just like you get dressed each morning physically you need to get dressed spiritually put on kindness humility gentleness respect and then the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love let all you do and all you say
[01:35:38] run through the filter of love not pride not judgment not offense but love maybe today you need to change your wardrobe you've been wearing a sour attitude being harsh jealous none of that looks good on you. That's outdated. That's the wrong designer. The good news is there's a new
[01:35:59] wardrobe waiting just for you already paid for just your size. Now do your part and start clothing yourself in love. If you'll do this, I believe and declare you're not only going to feel better
[01:36:12] about who you are, more peace, more confidence, but you're going to be more effective, have better relationships and see the goodness of God in greater ways in Jesus name. And if you receive it, can you say amen? Let's pray together. If you have five minutes, if you can stick with me and
[01:36:34] I appreciate it, but let's pray. Lord, thank you for what we've heard. I know it falls on great ground. Faithful people here at Lakewood here to honor you and those listening and watching. And Lord, just, I ask for all of us, show us areas where we need to change the wardrobe. Show us
[01:36:49] areas where we have things that are hindering our growth and keeping us from becoming who we've created to be. Holy Spirit, we don't take it as condemnation, but rather as conviction so that we can change. And Lord, we're not going to go out of here wearing the wrong clothing. We're going to
[01:37:06] leave it right here. We're going to go out of here with kindness and with humility and with faith and knowing that you're in control. Father, help us do what we can't do on our own. Help those that
[01:37:18] have been through great hurts and it's hard to forgive. Lord, I thank you that you're working in their life, giving them the power to do what you've called them to do. Lord, I thank you that
[01:37:28] we're all coming up higher. And Lord, that we will be bright lights that you can shine through. And Lord, that we will be vessels of honor that will keep the right clothes on, clothing of love.
[01:37:38] Lord, bless your people this week as they go out at work, their children at school. Thank you that your angels are protecting them. You're watching after them. Let it be a blessed week in Jesus name
[01:37:49] with their heads bowed in prayer. Just a quick question. If your heart stopped beating in the next few minutes, are you at peace with God? Do you know where you'd spend eternity? If you died
[01:38:02] a little while from now, if not, I would love to pray with you. I'm not here to condemn anybody.
[01:38:09] I'm here to help you find a new beginning. I know this comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and in just a moment if you're not at peace with the Lord or maybe you are a
[01:38:22] Christian but you've grown cold toward God you know you need to rededicate recommit your life to Christ if that's you in just a moment I'm going to ask you to take a step of faith and stand
[01:38:35] right where you are and we'll pray together. I can't think of a better time to get on the road to victory than right now. God is not mad at you. Your sins have already been forgiven. Will you
[01:38:48] accept the free gift of Christ's salvation? The enemy will whisper, I'll do it next week.
[01:38:54] Do it another time. Listen, the Bible says today is the day of salvation. Don't put it off. Well, Joel, it's embarrassing to stand in front of everyone.
[01:39:05] Have people at the house.
[01:39:06] I can't lift my hand.
[01:39:07] Listen to what Jesus said.
[01:39:08] If you won't be ashamed of me before people, then I won't be ashamed of you before my father in heaven.
[01:39:16] I'm going to give you a great opportunity to show God that you're not ashamed of him.
[01:39:21] If you're not at peace with the Lord, or you just need to rededicate and recommit your life to Christ, you need a fresh new start, a new beginning.
[01:39:30] If that's you, would you be bold?
[01:39:32] take that step of faith and stand right where you are and we'll pray together. Would you do that? Come on, Lakewood. Let's give them

[01:39:38] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]
[01:39:38] a hand as they stand all over the building. Come on, don't put it off. I feel like there ought to be others. Your heart's beating fast.
[01:39:51] Anybody else? Watching, listening? Up top, anybody else?
[01:39:57] Still time for you.

[01:40:01] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]
[01:40:01] Well, God bless you.
[01:40:03] Please remain standing if you don't mind.
[01:40:05] I want to tell you how proud we are of you.
[01:40:07] I know that took courage to stand. More importantly, I know God's never going to be ashamed of you because you took this step of faith.
[01:40:15] The scripture says that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Let me help you to call.
[01:40:21] Do you mind all praying this after me if you would please? Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins.
[01:40:29] Come into my heart.
[01:40:31] I make you my Lord and Savior. Amen.
[01:40:35] Remain standing one more moment. I want to tell 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 even a challenge to come back
[01:40:45] and be with us on a regular basis.
[01:40:47] This next year of your life is incredibly important.
[01:40:51] We'd love to have you come out and get plugged in.
[01:40:54] Maybe you can join some of our teams if you're here in the building, the ushers, the greeters, the choir, always, I'd love for you to meet some good faith-filled people from Lakewood.
[01:41:03] And I know Sundays, a lot of times it's a day off and man, Joel, I could be running errands or I need to rest.
[01:41:08] But let me tell you this, when you put God first place and you get into that community of faith, there is a blessing on your life and your new week will go better because you've honored God.
[01:41:20] So I hope you'll come back out, be a part, we'd love to have you.
[01:41:23] I'd love to meet you after service.
[01:41:25] I'll be out there.
[01:41:26] There's a booth over here, ways that you can get connected.
[01:41:29] But know this, the moment you stood up, God washed away all your sins, your mistakes, your failures.
[01:41:34] You are starting with a fresh, clean slate.
[01:41:38] Write it down in your Bible, March 1st, 2026, a new day of victory in your life in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Well, let's all stand together if you would, please. Thanks for coming out today. How many of you are going home better off than you
[01:41:52] were before? Amen. All right, let me speak the blessing. Until we meet again, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord show you His favor and have mercy on you. And may the Lord watch over
[01:42:04] you and give you His peace. God bless you. We love you very much. Have an amazing week, a favor-filled Good week.