An Evening With Joel Osteen...

Tonight I enjoyed "AN EVENING WITH JOEL OSTEEN" at Baltimore's 1st Mariner Arena. It was truly an awesome time of fellowship. The half hour tv show messages (you may or may not have seen) pale in comparison to the two and one-half hours that was such a personal "real time" blessing for all in attendance. Most importantly just to have the privledge to witness people responding to the gospel message as presented by Joel Osteen was moving.

He is obviously well-liked as he's pastoring what has become the largest church in the United States; I say he's a real firecracker! He has many critics both inside and outside of Christian circles. I have always been encouraged by his words and tonight I say without reservation, in my opinion, his ministry of encouragement is a vital part of the body of Christ!!! He spear-heads a very God-glorifying event.

Photography is a passion of mine and I took a ton of pics I must say! The multi-media backdrop with its lights, still photographs, graphics and video clips aestheically complimented the program's musicians, singers and speakers. Paul Osteen (Joel's brother) shared how God had him leave his medical practice and come to serve at Lakewood where he preaches for the midweek service. Dodie Osteen(Joel's Mama)testified of the Lord's healing power in her life as she was told she was dying with liver cancer...that was 20-some years ago! Victoria (Joel's wife)spoke to all the married folks about blessing one's spouse daily with both encouraging words and deeds. Johnathan (Joel & Victoria's teenage son) quoted a verse from Philippians.

Cindy Cruse Ratcliff and the worship team did a wonderful job on the popular, "I am a friend of God" (listen here for a Youtube clip from some previous event)...

Their contemporary rendition of the old classic "It Is Well With My Soul" was fabulous. That hymn coupled with other worship tunes REALLY touched my heart. In fact on my way home tonight I put in the CD I bought a few days back...I was excited to hear Lakewood team sing a unique eleven minute version of my personal favorite hymn!

You owe it to your spiritual man to buy the CD...
the words (minus Joel's prayer/recitation words that are in the middle)
are as follows!

When peace like a river attendth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot
Thou hast taught me to say
It is well
It is well with my soul

It is well (It is well)
With my soul (With my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul....

It is well (It is well)
With my soul (With my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul....

SOUL! OH!

Oh Lord you searched me
You know my way
Even when I fail you
I know you love me
Your Holy presence (Your Holy presence)
Surrounding me (Surrounding me)
In every season (In every season)
I know you love me (I know you love me)
I know you love me( i know you love me)

At the cross I bow my knees
Where Your blood was shed for me
There's no greater Love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?

Nothing can separate me from your love, Lord

You go before me Lord (You go before me)
You shield my way (Ya shield my way)
Your mighty hand upholds me Lord(Your hand upholds Me)
I know you love me (I know you love me)
I know you love me (I know you love me)
I know you love me (I know you love me)
I know you love me

At the cross Lord...
At the cross I bow my knees
Where your blood was shed for me
There's no greater love than this
You have overcome the grave
Your glory fills the highest place
What can separate me now?

You tore the veil
You made a way when you said that it is done!
You tore the veil
You made a way when you said that it is done!

(Joel's prayer/recitation)

You tore the veil
You made a way
When you said that it is done

You tore the veil
You made a way
When you said that it is done
When you said that it is done

Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save

Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save

Forever
Author of Salvation
He rules and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

Shine your light
Shine your light out
Let the whole world see -yeh
We're singing
For the glory of the risen King

My Jesus
Shine your light out
Let the whole world see
Were singing
For the glory of the risen king

My Jesus
Shine your light out
Let the whole world see
Were singing
For the glory of the risen king

Jesus

Shine your light out
Let the whole world see
Were singing
For the glory of the risen King

Saviour
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save

Forever and ever

Jesus conquered the grave
Author of salvation
He rules and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave....

HE'S A MIGHTY SAVIOUR TODAY

In addition, Joel started his alotted sermon time with a few customary jokes. But he shared on a serious level how the Lord brought him to the point of first preaching, with the prodding of his father. That very week his Dad passed on to glory! His testimony is one worth hearing. He delivered his message based on Romans 3:13;challenging us to think about what negative message(s) we are regularly playing in our minds! It spoke to me very personally and to my friends who sat beside me.

Lastly, Joel and Victoria's daughter, Alexandra, sang the invitation selection, "Come just as you are". Joel invited anyone who wanted to receive or renew their commitment to Jesus to unashamedly stand up. The sight of seeing and hearing thousands come to Christ for personal salvation is something that still moves me. I am thankful for ministers who bring the good news of Jesus Christ to the wayward soul. I heard the gospel presented in simplistic terms and responded, prayed the sinner's prayer and my life has never been the same since. This evening with Joel Osteen brought back memories of my own spiritual milestone over 22 years ago.