Sunday Reflections

Here are some thoughts from Sunday:

• It was week one in our Encore series.  We let people vote on their favorite messages they would love to hear and this week we talked about the Hope Filled Life.
• You can listen to the message here or on our Itunes Podcast.
• We talked about Hope as we looked at the life of Joseph.
• It is true that you either just got out, or going into, or in the middle of trouble.  Life isn't like the movies.  Jesus said you would have trouble but thankfully He has over come!
• Don't let your circumstances define who you are.  Let Jesus define who you are!  You are adopted by God, a child of God, forgiven by God, and deeply loved by God!
• You are not worthless you are priceless!  Actually, Jesus paid THE highest price for you: His very own life!
• The Scriptures said over and over that no matter Joseph circumstances that "The Lord was with Joseph."
• Read these verses and memorize them: Romans 15:13; Lamentations 3:19-25.  If you need hope right, let these verses truly sink in your heart.
• Be faithful here before you can get "there."  It is a biblical principle laid out in Matthew 25.  When you are faithful with a little God can entrust you with more.  We see this principle occur in the life of Joseph.
• He was a slave or in prison for 13 years before he was brought to a place of prominence!  Don't give up.  Keep pressing on for Jesus.  There is no victory without the battle!
• You can use your adversity to make you better or bitter.  Joseph used it to make him better.  He didn't get bitter at his brothers for selling him into slavery.  He embraced God's higher purpsoe through it all: "The saving of many lives."  (Genesis 45:3-8; 50:20)
• We watched the video of Zac Smith at the end of the message.  It is such a powerful testimony of someone embracing a higher purpose: God is God and God is good.  To God be the glory.
• It was awesome to have lots of new people there on the 4th.  
• By the way, I am very thankful for all of those who fight for the freedom in this country.  Thank you for the sacrifices you make.  
• Next Sunday we continue our Encore series with a message from the 5 Easy Steps series called How to Drift from God.  Join us for the remix!