← Joel Osteen Podcast
Joel Osteen Podcast
Defining Moments | Joel Osteen
00:30:51
Temptation will always be there—and not just the temptation to compromise, but the temptation to get discouraged, to give up, the desire to make our wrongs right.
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- [00:01]
Joel Osteen
When work gets crazy, I like to stop by the bar after have a few cold ones.
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Victoria Osteen
I don't drink at all until 4 o'. Clock.
- [00:09]
Joel Osteen
We limit ourselves to one bottle of wine a night. Excessive drinking has a way of sneaking up on us. A few drinks, a few nights a week, it can add up and suddenly we're at greater risk for long term problems like heart disease, cancer and depression. Reason enough to rethink to Drink more@rethinkthedrink.com.
- [00:28]
Narrator/Advertiser
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- [01:02]
Joel Osteen
If your small business is booming. You might say Cha Ching. But you should say, like a good neighbor, State Farm is there and we'll.
- [01:10]
Narrator/Advertiser
Help your growing business. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
- [01:17]
Joel Osteen
Victoria and I are believing you're gonna have a blessed summer. Praying for you guys every day. And thanks for being with us today. Hey, I'm excited. Victoria's got a new book out. It's called Grace to Go and I know it's going to bless you. I'm excited because in this book you.
- [01:33]
Victoria Osteen
See how you are strengthened, that you are prepared and you are ready for anything that's in front of you.
- [01:39]
Joel Osteen
You are Grace to Go. Enjoy today's message. Well, God bless you. It's always a joy to come into your homes and if you're ever in our area, please stop by and be a part of one of our services. I promise you we'll make you feel right at home. But thanks so much for tuning in and thank you again for coming out today. I like to start with something funny. And I heard about this lady. She saw this little old man sitting on his front porch, rocking in his rocking chair. He always seemed to be so happy. She finally went over to him, said, can't help but notice you're always smiling, always in a good mood. Tell me, what is your secret for such a long happy life? He said, that's easy. I smoke three packs of cigarettes every day, I eat nothing but junk food and I never exercise. She said, that's amazing. How old are you? He said 26. Hold up your Bible. Say it like you mean it. This is my Bible. I am what it says I am. I have what it says I have. I can do what it says I can do. Today I will be taught the word of God. I boldly confess. My mind is alert. My heart is receptive. I will never be the same. In Jesus name. God bless you. I want to talk to you today about defining moments. We all make hundreds of decisions each day. Most of them are routine. We don't think much about them. But there are certain decisions that carry much more weight. They not only affect us, they affect our children and future generations. And sometimes what we think is. Is an ordinary decision. No big deal. It's really a defining moment. When you're in a situation where you're tempted to compromise, to get upset, to be bitter, you know, to make the right choice, you have to dig your heels in, be disciplined, not go by what you feel. That's not just another routine choice. That's a defining moment. The decisions you make in these tough times, when you feel like doing the easy thing, you feel like telling somebody off, you feel like being offended. You have to remind yourself, this is a defining moment. It's going to impact my destiny, so I'm going to dig my heels in and do the right thing, even though it's difficult. See, the pain of discipline is much less than the pain of regret. It's better to be uncomfortable for a little while than to make a poor choice and be uncomfortable for a long time. Giving in to what we feel, what we want, taking the easy way out. That pleasure is only temporary. The pain lasts much longer. But in the heat of the moment, every voice will tell you, it doesn't matter, it's no big deal. Just do it. Not going to hurt anything. Don't believe those lies. It's going to impact your destiny. Jesus said, pray that you don't enter into temptation. Whatever area that you struggle in before you leave the house, you need to pray, God help me to keep my cool today, or God help me to keep my eyes on the right things. God help me to resist this addiction, to not compromise. Then, all through the day, you have to guard your mind. Every temptation starts with a thought. This is where the real battle is taking place. And when those tempting thoughts come, don't dwell on it. Don't give it the time of day. If you allow it to stay, it'll draw you in and can lead you to compromise. This is what Joseph had to do. He was working as a slave at the house of a man named Potiphar. He continued to excel. Eventually, Potiphar put him in charge of his whole household. Well, Joseph was a good looking young man, tall, dark and handsome. One day he was walking through the house, minding his own business, when Potiphar's wife came up and tried to seduce him. She made advances toward him. Here, Joseph was a slave. He had been betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit. He could have thought, God's forgotten about me. What's it going to matter if I compromise? Besides, it's her idea anyway. I'm tired of being stuck as a slave. I'm ready to have some fun. He could have let his guard down, taken the easy way out. But he didn't do it. He realized it was a defining moment. He wouldn't compromise. She grabbed him by the sleeve and pulled him close. The scripture says he tore himself away and took off running. Notice how determined he was. Sometimes, to stay on the high road, you have to take drastic measures. Now, I know it's not very macho to run from a woman, but you got to do what you got to do. When he turned and ran away, she ripped part of his coat off. She lied about him. She falsely accused him. Joseph went to prison. But when it was all said and done, he was put in charge of all the affairs of Egypt. What you do in your defining moments will make you or break you. If Joseph would have taken the easy way out, given into the temptation, I'm not so sure he would have made it to the throne. God would have forgiven him. Of course, God always gives us another chance. But to reach your highest potential, you have to pass these certain tests. The scripture says to run from temptation. It doesn't say to just casually get away. Be careful. Watch out. God specifically says run. There's a sense of urgency. This means don't play games. Your destiny is at stake. That person at the office that's overly friendly toward you, they're making advances. God has a word from the Lord for you today. Run. Joel. I'm not going to do anything. I just like the attention they give me. No. If you mess with fire, you're going to get burned. That temporary pleasure is not worth the long term pain. He may be tall, dark, handsome and rich. She may be hot, fine, good looking, beautiful. It's not worth missing your destiny over. Let me make it more practical. Maybe you're trying to lose weight. You're up at the mall and you walk by the Cinnabom booth. Run. Don't go over there. Thinking you're just going to look and see. The spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. If you go over there, you're going to end up eating three and taking four to go. When you turn the computer on and that ad pops up that you know is not healthy, run, don't go. Check it out. You may need to turn the computer off and go take a good run. When your spouse says something that irritates you, you're ready to give him a piece of your mind. Tell him off right then. Just like Joseph, you need to turn, run away. You can explain it later. What am I saying? Get out of compromising situations as quickly as you can. God will give you the grace to overcome what you can't get away from. But he won't give you the grace to overcome what we can get away from. And sometimes we keep falling into the same temptation, the same compromise, again and again. It could all change if we would do our part and get out of those situations. One time, David was at home, and he'd been resting most of the day. And around dusk, he decided to go up on his rooftop and get some fresh air. When he did, he looked out and saw this beautiful young lady taking a bath. Instead of running from the temptation, he said, thank you, Jesus. The scripture says, with every temptation, God will make a way of escape. There will always be a moment of grace. There will be a time where you have the strength, the ability to resist and walk away. But here's the key. The moment of grace doesn't last hour after hour. Right at the start, you got to dig your heels in, be disciplined, to do the right thing. David let his guard down, had an affair with the woman. Then he had her husband killed. One compromise led to another. It could have all been avoided if he had done like Joseph, and simply ran from the temptation. Joseph's father was Jacob. Joseph had a twin brother named Esau. One time, Esau was very hungry. Been out hunting, couldn't find anything to eat. All of a sudden, he smelled this great aroma in the air. It was the stew that Jacob had made. He went over and said, jacob, I'm famished. Can I have some of your stew? I'm so hungry, you would think Jacob would say, sure, Esau, you're my brother. You can have as much as you want. But Jacob never missed an opportunity to take advantage of someone. He said, esau, I'll be glad to give you some stew if you'll trade me your birthright for it. The birthright was extremely valuable. It belonged to the Firstborn son. It gave them a double portion. Esau was the oldest son. He had the birthright. But he was so hungry. He said, what good is this birthright going to do me if I starve to death? When we let our feelings rule us, we never make good decisions. Esau wasn't going to starve. He was a skillful hunter. It was just a matter of time before he found something to eat. But he was so moved by his feelings, he said, okay, Jacob, you got a deal. I'll trade you my birthright for your pot of stew. Esau chose to satisfy a short term appetite, but it cost him a lifetime blessing. He gave away something extremely valuable because he was uncomfortable. He wanted to be happy right then. He didn't think about the long term. He didn't realize that was a defining moment. You can't get on board with your feelings. Your feelings will lead you down the wrong path. Hebrews says Esau had no chance to recall the choice he made, even though he sought for it with bitter tears. I wonder how many times we're missing God's best because we're making decisions based on the short term. What we want, what we feel. The flesh likes to be comfortable. I know I should bite my tongue, but it feels good to tell them off. I know I should be faithful in this relationship, but I like hanging with this other person. Or I know I should have integrity in my business dealings. But Joel, this is an easy way to get ahead. The decisions you make in your defining moments will determine how high you will rise. Will you be a Joseph, do the right thing when it's hard? Or will you be an Esau and compromise to accommodate how you feel? Esau was so furious with Jacob for tricking him out of his birthright. He was planning on killing him. Jacob got word that his life was in danger and took off running. Many years later, Jacob had become so prosperous that the land couldn't sustain all of his animals. He wanted to go back home. The problem was the only route was through the land that Esau owned. Jacob decided to take a chance. He sent messengers to give gifts to Esau. The messengers came back and said, jacob, Esau is coming to see you. And he's bringing 400 men with him. Jacob thought that means one thing. Revenge. He's going to pay me back. Jacob was so full of fear, so uptight. This time, he sent hundreds of animals ahead of him, hoping that when Esau saw all the sheep, the camel, the goats, that his heart would be softened. Finally, the big moment arrived. They see Esau and 400 men coming toward them. Jacob's heart starts beating 90 to nothing. The adrenaline is flowing. He's about to see the man. He cheated, deceived, stole his double portion. Jacob told someone to take his family, including his young son Joseph, over to the side, hopefully so they wouldn't get hurt. This little boy, Joseph, is watching all the drama take place. He knows his father cheated his uncle Esau. He knows his dad has done wrong. He's heard the stories. Esau's a couple hundred yards coming toward them. In an act of humility, Jacob went out and bowed down seven times before Esau. When Esau recognized it was Jacob, he took off running toward him. Jacob thought, oh great, I'm done. This is. It wasn't what he thought. When Esau got there, he grabbed Jacob, gave him a big hug. The scripture says he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him and embraced him. They both began to weep and weep. Finally, Esau looked up, said Jacob, who are all these people around us? Jacob said, this is my family. These are my children. In fact, there's your little nephew Joseph over there. I can imagine Esau going over and hugging Joseph. It was a defining moment, not only in Esau's life. This time he passed the test. But it was a defining moment in Joseph's life. He saw his uncle show mercy to his father. He saw him forgive a wrong, take the high road. This incredible act of kindness left an indelible mark. Joseph's heart. Fast forward many, many years later. This little boy, Joseph, is a grown man. He's been sold into slavery. He's been thrown into a pit. He's been through prison. Now he's the leader of a great nation, second in command only to the Pharaoh. There's a terrible famine throughout the land. Joseph is in charge of the food supply, one of the most powerful people of that time. One day, his brothers, the same ones that threw him into a pit, the same ones that sold him into slavery, made his life so miserable, were now standing right before him. They were trying to get food for their family. It had been so many years. They don't recognize that it's their brother Joseph. They all bow down before Joseph in humility. Joseph suddenly flashes back to that time when he was a little boy and he saw Jacob, his father, bow down to Esau. All these emotions come flooding up in his heart. It's like the same scene is playing out. But this time he's in Esau's position. He remembers how Esau showed his father mercy he remembers how Esau forgave the wrong, treated him with kindness, even though his father didn't deserve it. Joseph looked at his brothers when he could have gotten revenge, when he could have paid them back. But because of a defining moment that happened when he was a little boy, he too was full of mercy. He treated his brothers like Esau treated his father. Genesis says he threw his arms around their necks, hugged them, embraced them. They wept together. Joseph moved all of his brothers, 70 family members, including his father, back to Egypt. He gave them the best part of the land. What am I saying? The decisions you make in your defining moments not only affect you, they affect your children. How you respond to a wrong that's been done to you, how you handle a disappointment, your attitude in the tough times, that's leaving a mark on those around you. And sometimes you have to do the right thing, not because you feel like it, but because you're setting an example for your children. That defining moment will live on. Maybe you get a negative medical report, you feel like falling apart. But in that defining moment, you stay in peace. You know God's in control, the number of your days he will fulfill. When your children hit a tough time, you know what they'll do. Stay in peace. They'll follow your example. Your response in the defining moments speaks volumes. This is what's creating your legacy. What you did, difficult times, how you treated people that didn't treat you right. Any of us can do the right thing in the good times, that's easy. But to reach the fullness of your destiny, you have to pass the test of these defining moments. Years ago, my brother Paul was in Colorado skiing with his son Matthew. Matt was 8 years old, and they'd been out skiing all day. And that night they went out to eat. Paul drove his rental car to the big shopping center. After they finished eating, there was a big storm, was snowing really badly. The wind was blowing. You could hardly see anything like a blizzard. Hardly anyone else was out. While Paul was still in the parking lot, just maybe going five miles an hour, creeping along, trying to find his way out, he noticed these flashing red lights behind him. He pulled over. It was the security guard. He came up to Paul's window, and he thought this man was going to advise him about the storm and maybe encourage him not to leave since it was a blizzard. But this man was very curt, very matter of fact. He informed Paul that he had just run a stop sign there in the parking lot during the blizzard, and he was going to give him a ticket. When he saw Paul's driver's license. He said sarcastically, oh, I guess stop signs don't mean anything in Texas. Paul was so irritated, he was ready to give him a piece of his mind. See, Paul's not as holy as I am, Paul thought. Here I'm in a rental car in a different city, I don't know the roads in a parking lot in the middle of a blizzard and you're going to give me a ticket for running a stop sign? He had this big speech all planned out for when the officer came back to his window. Then he looked over and noticed little Matt was taking all this in. Even though he was a young boy, Matt knew this was an unfair situation. When Paul realized that Matt was watching, it totally changed his perspective. He knew this was a defining moment. How he responded in this unfair time would not only affect him, but it would affect his son. When the officer came back, Paul was as friendly as can be. He said, I'm sorry, officer, I'll do better next time. He took the ticket, then tore it up. No, I'm just kidding. But Paul never said a negative word to Matt about the officer. Didn't try to bad mouth him. He showed him respect. He showed and moved on. Today Matt is a grown man, has his own child. He's never been anything but respectful to people. But what if Paul would have been rude and thought, hey, you know what? He's sarcastic to me, I'm going to be sarcastic back to him. He would have been training his child that it's okay to be disrespectful, it's okay to buck the system. You don't have to listen to authority. The defining moments carry much more weight. Make sure you're passing the test. No person lives or dies unto himself. People are watching you. Not just your children, your co workers, your neighbors, that person at the gym. What makes the biggest impression is not what we do in the good times, but it's how we respond in the difficult times. The next time you have an unfair situation, somebody does you, wrong you, your plans don't work out. Instead of making a quick decision that you may regret later on, why don't you take a step back and say, okay? I recognize this is one of my defining moments. I'm not going to take the easy way out. I'm not going to be rude because they were rude to me. I'm not going to be discouraged because I went through a loss. I know God is still on the throne. This is not a surprise to him. So I'm going to Stay on the high road, you in peace and keep doing the right thing. When you do that, you're passing the test. That's what's creating your legacy more than your accomplishments, your character, your integrity, how you treat people. That's what's being passed down to your children, to future generations. And we may not always get it right. I'm not saying we should never make a mistake, but we should be improving. We should be better this year than we were five years ago. When I was 24 years old, I was in the TV control room at the church. My father had just finished ministering. The service was just over. I was standing there talking with some of my friends and we were laughing and just having a good time. My father came into the control room. I was very surprised to see him. He never came back after the service. But he was very upset. For some reason he thought we had been laughing and making fun of things during the service. But we weren't. We'd been working like normal. I was directing. The other guys were running the cameras. My father told us how we shouldn't be disrespectful, how we shouldn't be making fun like that, and how we should take it more seriously. On and on. There were six of us in the room. The other young men weren't about to open their mouth and defend themselves. They just took it all in like they were guilty and. But I said very politely, daddy, we didn't do anything wrong. It's not what you think. He didn't want to hear it. He kept chewing us out, letting us have it. I got home about an hour later. The phone rang. It was my father. He said, joel, I blew it tonight. I'm so sorry. I was uptight about some other things. I want you to forgive me. I said, of course I'll forgive you. Then he asked for the phone numbers of the other people in the room. He wouldn't go to bed until he made things right. I said, you don't have to call them. They're going to be fine. He said, no, I need to take care of it right now. 11 o' clock at night. Hear this. Well respected 65 year old pastor is calling these 20 year old young men to say that he was sorry. To this day my friends still talk about that time my father called to apologize. That was a defining moment. Made a huge impression upon me. God doesn't expect us to be perfect. But what we do after we make a mistake speaks volumes. Are you secure enough to call and apologize? Do you have the humility to say I was wrong. I blew it. Forgive me. I'm sorry. Your children, your relatives, your co workers, they'll never forget that. That defining moment will live on. When they make a mistake because of your example, they'll be inspired to do the right thing. 56 years ago was another defining moment in my family's life. My father had been the pastor of a large successful church. They had just built a beautiful new sanctuary. But my father knew there was more. He came back and talked to his congregation about how God can heal and restore and how we should live an abundant overcoming life. But some of the people in the congregation didn't like his new message of faith and hope and victory. Long story short, my father had to leave now. This church that he'd poured his life into for many many years was no longer his. He could have easily gotten discouraged and and thought God, I was doing the right thing. Why did this happen to me? But in that defining moment, he didn't give up. He didn't blame others. He didn't believe the lies that he was finished. He and my mother went out on Mother's Day in 1959. Started Lakewood Church with 90 people. Today we celebrate 56th anniversary because somebody made a right choice in a defining moment. Friends, we all have unfair situations. We all have setbacks. The flesh likes to get discouraged. Fall into self pity, blame others. Do like my father. Don't get stuck there. Move on to the next chapter of your life. That loss is to make room for a new beginning. Now all of us face these temptations. Not to just compromise, but a temptation to get discouraged. To give up on your dreams. God has made a way of escape. There is a moment of grace for every difficulty. I'm asking you to step into it. Pass that test. Remember, the decisions you make in the defining moments not only affect you, they affect your family line. Choose wisely. Stay on the high road. If you do this, I believe and declare. Your defining moments won't defeat you. They'll promote you. You and your children will rise higher, accomplish dreams and become everything God created you to be. In Jesus name. If you receive it, can you say Amen today? We never like to close our broadcast without giving you an opportunity to make Jesus the Lord of your life. Would you pray with me? Just say Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Come into my heart. I make you my Lord and Savior. Friends, if you prayed that simple prayer, we believe you got born again. Get in a good Bible based church. Keep God first place. He's going to take you places that you've never dreamed. Sometimes in life people don't choose us. We've all felt overlooked and like we're not good enough. It's easy to live inferior thinking we don't measure up. People may have left you out. The good news is God has chosen you. He's the one that matters and in my new book Chosen you. Life is marked for distinction. You'll discover. Before you were born, God not only knew you, but he handpicked you and placed a calling on your life. You are equipped and empowered to fulfill your destiny. When you understand that you're chosen, fear and doubt can't stay. You'll live with a boldness to step into the greatness God put in you. I'd love to send you my new book Chosen plus the Chosen T shirt from our friends at Copperfed as our.
- [29:37]
Victoria Osteen
Way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount. This month we would like to send you a copy of Joel's book Chosen you. Life is marked for distinction in the scriptures. Jesus encouraged us by saying, you didn't choose me, I chose you. This powerful guide will help you discover the abundant life you were designed to live as a child of God. You have a calling, a purpose, a destiny still to be fulfilled when you request your copy. We also want to send you our exclusive Chosen T shirt from Copperfit that will remind you that you've been chosen by Almighty God every time you wear it. Please request these gifts today and discover that God is moving on your behalf. Your next days are going to be your best days.
- [30:27]
Joel Osteen
You're not average. You're not ordinary. You've been chosen by Almighty God. Victoria and I want you to know how much we love you. We pray for you and your family every day and thanks so much for your prayer and support. Your generosity is helping people all over the world and a special thank you to our Champion of Hope partners for your monthly gifts. If you're not a partner, I hope you'll consider becoming one. Remember, you can watch the services online live every Sunday morning, download our daily podcast, watch on YouTube, the new Joel Osteen Network Social Media listen on Sirius xm. We'll keep you encouraged and inspired until we see you next time. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
- [31:11]
Victoria Osteen
Be sure to request your copy of Chosen. Your life is marked for distinction plus our exclusive Chosen T shirt from CopperFit. Visit jolostein.com or call 888-567-jOEL for an additional donation. This month we are also offering the NLT Large Print Thin line Reference Bible this Bible also enables you to connect through your smartphone or tablet to a vast, power packed array of study notes, devotionals, interactive maps, videos and worship music. You can request these inspiring resources by calling 888-567-JOEL or logging on to jolosteen.com today. Call or click anytime 24 hours a day. Yes, God has chosen you for a reason, for a purpose. Request your copies today.
- [32:08]
Narrator/Advertiser
Dreaming of a modern oasis, Allmodern has you covered with the best of modern furniture and decor, all in one place and all hand vetted by our design experts. Whether you're on the hunt for a new outdoor dining set or a versatile sofa, our premium quality designs bring form and function to any space. And they're available in every style of modern for real. Every single style. Oh, and did we mention it's all delivered for free in days, not weeks. That's modern made simple. Shop now@allmodern.com.
- [32:40]
Joel Osteen
Let'S say your small business has a problem.
- [32:42]
Narrator/Advertiser
Like maybe.
- [32:46]
Joel Osteen
One of your doggy daycare.
- [32:47]
Narrator/Advertiser
Customers had an accident. You might say something like doggone it.
- [32:51]
Joel Osteen
Hi Chihuahua. Holy schnauzers.
- [32:54]
Narrator/Advertiser
But if you need someone who can.
- [32:55]
Joel Osteen
Can actually help, just say like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
- [32:59]
Narrator/Advertiser
And get help filing a claim from your local State Farm agent for your small business insurance needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
- [33:09]
Victoria Osteen
Did you know? 39% of teen drivers admit to texting while driving. Even scarier, those who text are more likely to speed and run red lights. Shockingly, 94% know it's dangerous, but do it anyway. As a parent, you can't always be in the car, but you can stay connected to their safety with Greenlight. Infinity's driving reports. Monitor their driving habits. See if they're using their phone, speeding and more. These reports provide real data for meaningful conversations about safety. Plus, with weekly updates, you can track their progress over time. Help keep your teens safe. Sign up for Greenlight infinity@Greenlight.com podcast.