Humbled Again!

Hello Everyone,
Greetings in Jesus Name,
I wanted to share what I was thinking about yesterday(Sunday), and most of today. I was thinking all day long about how God shows us how truly ridiculous we can be in our judgements. Well, some time ago I start checking out Lakewood Church online and on TV--when possible, and I started doing some investigation on brother Joel Osteen and his ministry. There is loads of information on this man and his church. I watched it all and read as much as I could. I confess to you that I was very disappointed in this brother and his ministry. According to the media, this very influenceal man hardly ever refered to the bible or even proclaimed the name of Jesus. All that came out of Joel's mouth was how "you" could be a better "you." I was very disgusted. This brother had to much power and was very far from "biblical principals" and it seemed as if he was teaching a new age doctrine. I even started to "warn" the brethren about this fallacy in the "Church."
Well, I found out, one day, that my mother-in-law was coming to visit and she was set on going to Lakewood Church and meeting her "beloved" Joel Osteen. OH NO! Now I have to go. I couldn't possibly deny this fine lady her opportunity to meet the man that God had used to change her life. It was terrible. I really didnt want to go and see this ridicoulus display of "easy believism" and shallow, impersonal christianity.
The dreaded "day" had arrived. It was time to take the long drive down town to the vulgar display of "church" that this place puts on. I was ready and had my "defences" up. Church service started and everything was pretty typical for an evanglical Sunday service. Then Joel came out to share prayers and eventually a message and that is when I began to realize that I was an idiot. This man was not the man I had seen on the various forms of media. This man called on the name of Jesus more than most pastors I know and gave glory to our heavenly Father for EVERYTHING! I was amazed. This was certainly not the same. It was a blessing and I was encouraged in my faith. This message was not "prosperity" and "easy living." It was challenging and strengthing. I was awstruck and I have not even mentioned the blessing the "people" of the church were to me and my family. You could see the love of Christ working in them and thru them. The brethren displayed the Love of Christ. Far more loving and compassionate than a lot of conservative "family" churches.

Well folks, you have probably already seen that I have been humbled again and was very convicted of my thoughts and words in regards to my brother Joel Osteen and God's Lakewood Church. The Lord is working there and love is certainly present. I believe it would be a blessing to any believer--that really loves Jesus. All I can do now is ask God to forgive me and try to remember all the people that I opened my BIG mouth to so I can ask for their forgiveness also. Oh yeah, and to remember to not be so hasty with my discernment, to realize I don't know what God is doing thru everyone and how He is doing it. (Like I can really understand His ways--I don't think so.)
Now, I still don't understand how a church that large can be effective and intimate but I don't have to understand it. I just have to let God do what He does best--Love.

I am very grateful that my Heavenly Father loves me enough to chasten me still, and correct me when I am wrong. To let me know that He is in control and that I need to love, love , love. I need to seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and His(Jesus Christ) righteousness and worry more about my life and my family than others.

Today I Am Thinking and I hope you are too. Remember, see things in God's perspective and not your own and things will be clearer than usual.

To God be the Glory,
Sam E