SHINE BRIGHTLY - JOEL OSTEEN

"God sends us into dark places so we can shine."

Pastor Joel Osteen

Joke: Phone calls to heaven were $10,000/min. at churches all over America. Calls were only 25 cents/min in Texas because "it was a local call".


Bible Confession 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 receptive, I will never be the same. I am 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.

Key Verse: Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Shine Brightly

How you live sends a message to those around you.
People are watching how you live.
How you respond to adversity.
Are you kind?
That’s the best witness.
Actions speak louder than words.
Your life is your message.
Scripture says we have the power to be witnesses.
When people see you living a life of excellence and integrity it has a greater impact than anything you could ever say.
If you complain your example will override what you say.

You can’t tell your kids to do right if you’re doing wrong.
Most people aren’t reading their bibles; their reading your life.
We should be so good-natured that people want what we have.
We come to church to get recharged but our real assignment begins when we leave here.
Our light isn’t very effective around other lights.
A boy was playing with flashlight on bright sunny day.
It seemed like it wasn't working because you couldn't see the light.
It was made to work in the darkness, not the light.
"I don’t like this job", etc.
Why do you think God put you there?
They need more light.
You can be a thermometer or a thermostat.
When you hear people complaining don’t join in - turn it around and express gratitude.
You are the light of the world; don’t add to the darkness.
Realize your light was designed to shine.
Scripture talks about wives with unbelieving husbands.
Your godly light will speak louder than any words.
Be happy, be friendly, be a person of excellence.
Shine with your actions, not just your words.
When others are slacking off give your best.
Happy in the good times, happy in the tough times.
Pastor John ministered at a dead church.
"God why am I here?" John asked.
Why do you think I sent you here?
I sent you to stir them up and ignite the flame.
God sends us into dark places so we can shine.
You’re not there by accident.
God’s counting on you to brighten things up.
Do the right thing even when the wrong things happen.
They need your light.
Dreading family reunion?
That’s an opportunity for you to shine.
The darker the situation, the brighter your light will shine.
Just be happy.
Don’t let negative people get to you.
People push buttons to get a certain response.
Turn your buttons off.
Keep being kind and respectful.
Love never fails.
Light will always overcome darkness.
They’ll get tired of living negative and want what you have.
Peace, excellence…
Don’t complain about your neighbors.
They curse, they don’t take care of their property.
Instead of complaining pray Lord help my light to shine with greater intensity.
Lord let Your love be seen in all I do.
King Saul was jealous of David.
Threw a spear at David.
David never complained about Saul.
David kept doing the right thing.
One night while on the run he saw Saul asleep.
He could’ve killed him but he didn’t.
He said "God I won’t touch your anointed, I’ll let You fight my battles."
Saul realized David was a better man than Saul.
David let his actions do the talking.
People believe a sermon that they see more than a sermon that they hear.
People don’t change overnight.
Saul chased David a long time but David stayed on the high road.
There may be people that are difficult a long time.
Be a consistent witness.
One day the light will overtake the darkness.
Jesus didn’t spend all his time in the temples and safe places.
He went to the people that weren’t on the right track.
He showed them mercy and was kind.
The religious people didn’t like it.
Light is the most effective in dark places.
Because Jesus let his light shine many became believers.
Too often we try to pray away the darkness.
It’s the sick who need a doctor not the healthy.
God will bring people across your path who need your light.
You’ve got the light.
You don’t have to be best friends but you can be kind and show you care.
Be a positive influence.
A minister friend of Joel’s had a young lady who cut his hair.
She was "a good person with issues."
She struggled with addictions.
She was uncomfortable with him being a minister.
She thought he would judge her.
He was kind and friendly and she was so relieved.
Most people already know what they’re doing wrong.
You don’t have to convict them of their sin.
Your job is to love people.
Joel’s friend noticed the girl like a certain kind of coffee.
He brought her the coffee every time he visited.
He bought gifts for her son.
About 2 years later she asked where his church was.
She and her boyfriend came to his church and gave their lives to Christ.
After the service they said we live together but we want to marry.
Jesus said let your light shine before men so they may see your good works.
It doesn’t say before people that have it all together.
Maybe they don’t have it together because they’re waiting on your light.
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
When people feel your love it opens the door to their hearts.
Where can you shine some light?
Will  you be a friend to sinners?
If it had not been for the grace of God that could be you and me.
Somebody showed you some mercy.
When Joel was in his twenties he played basketball with some rough guys.
He didn’t tell everybody what they were doing wrong.
He was kind and friendly.
They noticed he was different.
If there was ever a questionable call they would ask Joel – they knew he wouldn’t lie.
A young man there had anger and addictions.
Lost his temper and got into fights.
One day he asked for Joel’s help.
I’ve got anger issues causing me trouble. Can you give me advice?
He invited him to church.
Gave his life to Christ, got in classes and is doing well today.
Joel could’ve prayed get all these sinners out of the gym.
He knew his steps are ordered by the Lord.
Let me be a greater influence.
Many of those basketball players are at Lakewood now.
We all have a ministry.
Your life is sending out a message.
Kindness, respect, integrity speaks the loudest.
People are watching how you live.
2 Corinthians 5 says we have a ministry of reconciliation. [2 Corinthians 5:18]
People can’t see God — they see us.
Do people want what we have?
A few years ago Joel took 6 kids to the drive through at a fast food restaurant.
Ordered a plain hamburger for his nephew.
The server kept getting his order wrong. It was frustrating.
When Joel pulled up the window the girl recognized him and said “Pastor Joel!”
Thank you Jesus!
She was reading his book.
You never know who’s watching.
Every time you interact with someone you’re preaching a sermon.
Be careful about the example you set.
When Joel was little they went to Astrodome for baseball games.
People behind him were rude and cursing.
Joel thought his father would say something.
Father said smiling, listen fellas the name of the Lord is to be praised, not cursed.
Next time they shouted “Hallelujah!”
To represent God you don’t have to be mean.
Don’t be a fire hose, be a sprinkler.
Let people see your good works.
Your light is your message.
Don’t complain about the dark places.
Represent God in a great way.
If you’ll shine brightly you’ll have more favor and people will be drawn to you.

Prayer

Altar Call

Blessing

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