Free Republic

Higher Ways Today's Scripture “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Sometimes it’s easy to get focused on what’s happening in the world around us. We see things on the news or hear something about the economy, and we dwell on those thoughts. Before long, those thoughts start to drag us down. But when we choose to think higher thoughts, the way God thinks, and when we choose to meditate on God’s Word, His higher thoughts...

Without Wavering Today's Scripture “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23 NKJ). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God knew there would be times when we would be tempted to waver in our confession of hope. Maybe you are believing for something and you’re starting to think, “Is this really for me? Will this really ever happen?” If that’s you today, remember, He who promised is faithful! And His faithfulness doesn’t depend on your ability to figure it all out. His faithfulness doesn’t depend on the plans...

Pray God’s Promises Today's Scripture “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (I John 5:14 NIV). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Are you believing for God to do something specific in your life today? Do you need a miracle in your health, finances, or relationships? When you pray God’s promises found in His Word, you can be confident that He hears your prayers. The scripture tells us that there is power when two are in agreement, and no matter what you may be facing,...

When one really takes the time to look deeper into the “feel-good� message of smiling Joel Osteen it becomes crystal clear that his doctrine is actually far worse than spiritual junk-food. As you’ll see in this article, originally published August 30, 2005, it is indeed the spiritual poison of the Word Faith Movement which is seeping up through its decadent and decaying root in the metaphysical Mind Science cults and then thoroughly saturating Osteen’s own-far from innocuous-teachings.The “Cotton Candy� Appeal of Joel OsteenJoel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, is perhaps the fastest rising TV preacher in...

Praise Him in the Sanctuary Today's Scripture “I will give you thanks in the great assembly; I will praise you among a mighty throng” (Psalm 35:18). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria There is tremendous power available when we worship the Lord. The Bible says that God inhabits the praises of His people, and when God’s presence manifests, the enemy must flee. When we worship together in a corporate setting, at church or a prayer meeting or Bible study, that power is multiplied. The scripture says that one can put a thousand to flight, but two can put ten...

Eternity Is In Your Heart Today's Scripture He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men's hearts and minds, a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy (Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMP). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God has placed eternity in the hearts of mankind. Everything we experience not only serves a purpose here on earth, but it serves a purpose for eternity. Right now, God is working in you and putting inside of you everything you need to fulfill...

Fulfilling the Law of Christ Today's Scripture Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2 NIV). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria It pleases God when we live in peace and unity; when we love and serve others and put their needs above our own. The bible says we are fulfilling the law of Christ when we carry each other’s burdens, when we pray for them and when we are supportive in their time of need. There are many ways to reach out to people and help carry their burdens....

Experience His Love Today's Scripture “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38 KJV). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God loves you so much today. He wants you to know and experience His love. When you experience something, it becomes real to you. You “own” it, so to speak. For example, if you’ve never eaten chocolate,...

Be Still Today's Scripture "Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NIV). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria In this day and age, our culture has become so accustomed to having constant activity going on; computers, cell phones, television, email, video games. And there’s nothing wrong with that stuff but sometimes, we have to stop and be still so we can focus on knowing God. This is especially true during the difficult times in life. When you are facing a challenge, it’s easy to want to run to a friend or talk about it with a...

The Armor of God Today's Scripture Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm (Ephesians 6:13 NLT). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God has fully equipped you today with everything you need to stand strong in the midst of any battle you may be facing. He’s provided His full armor to protect your heart and mind. Ephesians 6:14-17, tells us about God’s spiritual armor that covers us—He’s given us the belt of truth, the...

A Place of Abundance Today's Scripture …We went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:12 NIV). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Everyone has times in life when they feel like they are going through the fire or perhaps feel overwhelmed with everyday life. If that’s you today, understand that God is going to bring you through those challenges; He’s going to bring you through the fire and the flood into a place of abundance. We serve a God of more than enough, and His heart is to always make sure...

He Increases Strength Today's Scripture He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength causing it to multiply and making it to abound (Isaiah 40:29 AMP). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Whatever you have need of today, know that God is your source and supply. Do you need strength? God promises that He increases our strength and causes it to multiply. One of the ways God fills us with His strength is by giving us His joy. When we have joy, we have strength to overcome. Joy is a...

The Jury returned a verdict today in the trial of Brown v. Osteen in favor of Mrs. Osteen. I suspect a lot of people here were praying for the Osteen family and it appears that the truth came out.The Jury deliberated about as long as it took to eat a ham sandwich.

Jurors reject claim that Osteen assaulted flight attendant 'Thank you, Jesus!' says Lakewood Church co-pastor By BRIAN ROGERS Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle Jurors have rejected a Continental Airlines flight attendant's lawsuit accusing Lakewood Church co-pastor Victoria Osteen of assault. "Thank you, Jesus!" Osteen said as she embraced her defense team, including high-profile lawyer Rusty Hardin, after hearing the verdict.Her husband, church pastor Joel Osteen, stood at her side and smiled after the verdict was announced. Brown and her sister also smiled and embraced after hearing the verdict. Judge Patricia Hancock had warned everyone in the packed courtroom against demonstrative reactions when the decision...

Handpicked by God Today's Scripture In His love He chose us, actually picked us out for Himself as His own, in Christ, before the foundation of the world that we should be holy… (Ephesians 1:4 AMP). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Before you were ever born, before the very foundations of the earth, God chose you. He approved you and called you His own. You may have been overlooked by people in your life; maybe you were passed up for a job or overlooked by someone whose opinion you valued; but remember, God won’t ever overlook you. In...

Blessings Are Coming Your Way Today's Scripture “May the Lord, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised” (Deuteronomy 1:11 NIV). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God wants to release favor and blessing in your life. He longs to be good to you. He has blessings in store for you simply because someone in your family line honored Him. It may have been a parent or grandparent, or maybe someone back in your history that you don’t even know; but because they lived a life of faith, now you...

A flight attendant testified Tuesday that the wife of megachurch TV pastor Joel Osteen attacked her without provocation. Continental Airlines flight attendant Sharon Brown said Tuesday that she was polite and courteous to Victoria Osteen before the start of a 2005 flight from Houston to Vail, Colo. Click here for photos. But Brown testified that the co-pastor of Houston's popular Lakewood Church suddenly, without explanation, threw her against a bathroom door and elbowed her in the left breast during an angry outburst over a spill on her first-class seat. Both Joel and Victoria Osteen have said on the stand that...

He Will Deliver You Today's Scripture “Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall honor and glorify Me” (Psalm 50:15) Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Are you facing trouble in any area of your life today? God is standing ready to deliver you. He promises in His Word that He is near to all those who call upon His name. No matter what you may be going through, have confidence knowing that God is working behind the scenes on your behalf. He promises to deliver you! Notice that this verse tells...

What a sad ordeal this Brown vs. Osteen trial is! Victoria Osteen appears to have behaved badly on the Continental plane in the December, 2005 incident. Sharon Brown, the flight attendant, claims that she endured physical, mental and even spiritual harm because of the incident. If indeed Sharon experienced all of the hurt she describes, she is to be pitied. Yet, did Sharon's treatment warrant a lawsuit against Victoria? I don't think so. This incident happened 2.5 years ago. In those thirty months, it seems that a mediator could have said something like this to both women: --"Victoria, a soft...

HOUSTON -- The wife of the pastor of globally-recognized Lakewood Chruch thanks thousands of church members for their support as she faces a civil lawsuit from a Continental Airlines flight attendant. Victoria Osteen told members of her congregation during a church service Sunday, "Your prayers and your support has so blessed me and I have felt it." "I've been going through this for 2 and a half almost 3 years," added Osteen. During the sermon, Osteen appeared to be referring to her pending civil trial. She told her congregants, "I believe that God is going to bring me this victory,...

Greater Than You Imagined Today's Scripture "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him" (I Corinthians 2:9). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Because God loves you, He has supernatural blessings in store for you; increase, favor, good breaks, supernatural opportunities. His dream for your life is so much greater than you ever imagined. You haven’t seen anything yet! You may have a dream to get well again, or to be able to walk without pain, but God’s dream for you is not only that you...

Evangelical pastor Joel Osteen defended his wife and co-pastor of the renowned Lakewood Church in a Houston court room Friday, testifying that she did not assault a flight attendant in 2005. Victoria Osteen has been sued by Continental Airlines flight attendant Sharon Brown, who claims the pastor assaulted her shortly before the start of a 2005 flight to Vail, Colorado, over discontent with her seat. Victoria Osteen, 47, claims she did not assault Brown. Her husband Joel Osteen was called as a witness Friday and he testified before the jury that Victoria did not assault Sharon Brown because there was...

That's the explanation her attorney made in court today about how she got crosswise with a flight attendant in an onboard dustup about a stain on her first-class seat. It's bound to be far better theater than any Joel Osteen preachfest in his Lakewood Church. The aggrieved flight attendant wants a mere 10 percent of the high-octane church lady's net worth. If she wins, that'll have flight attendants all over the skies picking fights with cranky first-class celebs.

What’s Chasing You? Today's Scripture “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria In the Bible, David was known as a man after God’s own heart. What kind of attitude did he have? Here in Psalm 23 he says, “Goodness and mercy are following me.” David lived with an attitude of expectancy. One translation says, “God’s kindness chases me everywhere that I go.” David’s attitude was, “Something good is going to happen to me. Everywhere...

HOUSTON -- As one of the leaders of Houston's popular Lakewood Church, Victoria Osteen, wife of nationally renown pastor Joel Osteen, is known for her charity and Christianity. But a Continental Airlines flight attendant is accusing the co-pastor of one of the nation's most prominent megachurches of committing some very unchristian-like behavior. Opening arguments were set for Thursday in a civil lawsuit that accuses Victoria Osteen of assaulting flight attendant Sharon Brown before the start of a 2005 flight from Houston to Vail, Colo. Brown alleges in her suit that Victoria Osteen threw her against a bathroom door and elbowed...

Approved Today's Scripture “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew and approved of you…” (Jeremiah 1:5). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Did you know God was thinking about you before you were ever even born? He knew everything about you before you were in your mother’s womb. He created you on purpose, for a purpose. He carefully planned who you would be, the color of your hair, the color your eyes and skin. He gave you gifts, talents, and abilities to be used for His glory. He took one look at you and said, “Approved.” No...

Can a crankiness land you in court? The case of Sandra Brown v. Victoria Osteen is the story of a chance encounter on an airplane that turned into a nasty legal battle. Osteen is the wife of popular self-help author and television minister Joel Osteen, who heads the Lakewood Church, Houston's largest congregation. Brown is a flight attendant for Continental Airlines. The lawsuit, filed in Harris County Civil Court in Houston, alleges that Victoria Osteen "shoved, grabbed and pulled the flight attendants." The suit goes on to claim that Osteen elbowed Brown, who was the flight manager, while allegedly trying...

God of the Suddenlies Today's Scripture “I foretold the former things long ago, My mouth announced them and I made them known; then suddenly I acted, and they came to pass” (Isaiah 48:3). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Our God is a God of the suddenlies! Suddenly, He can turn your situation around. Suddenly, He can give you the break you need. You may have been dealing with the same problem for ten years. It may look like it’s never going to change, but in a split second, God can totally resolve it. No matter how long it’s...

The Lord Is With You Today's Scripture "Be bold, be strong, for the Lord is with you" (Joshua 1:9). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria No matter what today has in store, as a believer, you can approach the day with boldness and confidence. Why? Because the Lord is with you, and in Him is everything you need in this life. That means that if you need provision for something today, provision is with you. If you need wisdom today, wisdom is with you. If you need strength, joy, or peace today, it's with you. You can be confident...

Come to the Father Today's Scripture "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. I will ease and relieve and refresh your soul.” (Matthew 11:28 AMP). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Does your soul need refreshing today? Then come to the Father. Are you overburdened by the cares of this world? Are you facing challenges in your relationships? Finances? Career? The Father wants to refresh you. He wants to cause you to rest. Think about that for a moment. What would cause you to rest? If you...

Refuse Bitterness Today's Scripture “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31 NIV). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Bitterness is an extremely destructive force. It seeps into the depths of your heart when you choose not to forgive someone. When you harbor unforgiveness, it closes the door to God’s working in your life. The Bible even tells us that if we choose not to forgive others, God cannot even hear our prayers. Thank God that He has empowered us to forgive and release bitterness! You have the...

The Land of Hope Today's Scripture “I’ve pitched my tent in the Land of Hope” (Acts 2:26 Message). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Where have you pitched your tent today? What are you expecting to happen in your life? What kind of attitude do you have? If you’re focused on what’s wrong, or what’s not working, it’s time to dig up your tent stakes! It’s time to pack up your belongings and move out of the land of discouragement. Move out of the “Not-going-to-happen” sub-division. Move out of “Can’t-do-it-ville.” It’s time to leave “Self-pity Estates.” Get out of...

Your Time is Coming Today's Scripture “For the vision is yet for an appointed time…though it tarry, wait for it” (Habakkuk 2:3 KJV). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Your time is coming! The dreams and desires, the things you want to accomplish, the situations you want to see changed will happen. Just because it has taken a long time, or because you’ve tried and failed, don’t give up on those dreams. Don’t be complacent about pursuing what God has placed in your heart. I encourage you today — get your fire back! It may be taking a long...

Closer Than You Think Today's Scripture “Do not cast away your confidence, for it carries a great reward” (Hebrews 10:35). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Have you been praying and believing for something that seems like it’s taking a lot longer than you thought? Many times, people can miss God’s best simply because they give up before they see their “due season” come. Don’t let that be you! Be encouraged today, your answer is closer than you think. If it seem like things are getting more difficult, remember, when the intensity heats up, that means you are closer...

Focus on His Freedom Today's Scripture “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (II Corinthians 3:17). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria All throughout the scriptures, God’s mission was to bring freedom, life, and blessing to those who followed Him. When Jesus walked the earth, He went around doing good and bringing healing; setting people free. If you feel overwhelmed by the pressures of the world today, remember, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom! When you accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, He makes His home on the inside of...

This is the Day Today's Scripture “This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Every day that we are given is a precious gift from Almighty God. We should wake up every morning with a grateful attitude, full of faith and expectancy for what the Lord has in store. Sure, you may be facing some challenges in your every day life, or maybe things aren’t going the way you planned, but remember, each new day is a chance to stand strong in the...

How Do You See Yourself? Today's Scripture “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Your imagination is extremely powerful. God created you as a visual being. Choosing the right images in your mind's eye is important because your life will move in the direction of your thoughts. The way you see yourself in your mind's eye, over time, will drop down into your heart and become your reality. If you'll create a picture in your imagination of something you want, or a dream coming to pass and keep...

Completely Satisfied Today's Scripture “Blessed, fortunate, happy and spiritually prosperous…are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, uprightness and right standing with God, for they shall be completely satisfied” (Matthew 5:6 AMP). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God longs to pour out his abundant blessing on every area of your life. He wants you to live completely satisfied. When you hunger and thirst for righteousness--God’s way of doing things--then you will live in complete satisfaction. You direct your hunger by choosing what you focus on. For example, if you focus on your favorite food, if you start thinking...

The Place of Blessing Today's Scripture “Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there” (I Kings 17:2-4). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria As a child of the Most High God, your steps are ordered by Him. He has a specific place of blessing prepared for you. When you live a life of obedience to the Word of God, He promises to supply every one of your needs....

Rest for Your Soul Today's Scripture “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God wants to give you rest. He wants to refresh and restore your soul, which is your mind, will and emotions. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, and before long, your mind, will and emotions are so “spun up” that you can barely think straight! But even among the hustle of life, you can find rest, ease and relaxation. God wants you to...

Avoid Strife Today's Scripture “ It is an honor for a man to cease from strife ” (Proverbs 20:3) Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Strife is a very destructive force. It can creep into relationships by starting small, maybe through a comment or a wrong look from someone, and can then escalate into something much bigger. But when you choose to cease from strife and overlook an offense, you are acting honorably, and you are honoring God. How do you avoid strife? The Bible tells us that love covers over many offenses. It means that you give people...

Give Cheerfully Today's Scripture “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7) Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God has set up a system to bless and prosper you; it’s the system of sowing and reaping. When you give, God promises that blessings will come back to you in greater measure. Just like sowing a seed in the ground produces an abundant harvest, when you sow financially, you will reap a harvest of blessing in your life in return. Notice in the verse...

The Power of Peace Today's Scripture “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria No matter what may be going on all around you today, you can still live in peace. The scripture encourages us to not let our hearts be troubled. In other words, don’t meditate on all the negative things in this world to the point that it steals your peace. If you have fear,...

Cast Your Cares Today's Scripture "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (I Peter 5:7). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God cares so much about you today. Not only does He love and care about you, He cares about the things that concern you as well. If you have concerns, worry or anxiety about something in your life today; finances, relationships, your job or anything else, know that your Heavenly Father already has a plan to take care of those things for you. It’s a good plan, and He wants to show Himself strong...

All Things Are Possible Today's Scripture "What is impossible with men is possible with God" (Luke 18:27). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Is there a situation in your life today that seems impossible? As a child of the Most High God, you are not limited by what you see. You are not limited by your circumstances, the economy, or what others say because with God all things are possible! It doesn't matter how it may look in the natural, when you see things through your eyes of faith, you will see new possibilities. You will see the answer...

You are An Example Today's Scripture "Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria You are God's representative in this earth. When you follow the Word of God and allow Him to work in your life, you are letting your light shine. When you are good to people and show them kindness, even when they don't deserve it, you are shining your light. When you smile and keep a good attitude, even when things don't go your way, you are...

Strong On Your Behalf Today's Scripture "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal toward Him" (II Chronicles 16:9). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God wants to show Himself strong on your behalf! He's looking for hearts that are faithful to Him. He wants to amaze you with His goodness, and make you an example of His faithfulness—especially when everything around you seems difficult. It's not much of a stretch to believe for blessing and promotion when everyone is being blessed....

He Meets Your Needs Today's Scripture "God will supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria Aren't you glad we serve a God who promises to supply all our needs! When you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and follow His commands, you have access to God and everything He is; peace, provision, protection and more. That means no matter what is happening in the world today, as you obey God's Word, your needs will be met. No matter what is going on with the...

Thriving Every Day Today's Scripture "...I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance, to the full, till it overflows" (John 10:10 AMP). Today's Word from Joel and Victoria God doesn't want you to live with a "barely-get-by" attitude. He has new seasons of increase in front of you. He wants you to thrive, to live an abundant, overflowing life. Sometimes when things seem difficult, it's easy to slip into a "survival mode." When times get tough, it's tempting to just hunker down and settle where you are. If you're not careful, you'll develop...