REAL RESILIENCE BEGINS WITH... - SOUL GOOD SUMMER - JAMIL GILLEYLEN

Hey church, Jill and I are so grateful Hey church, Jill and I are so grateful for everything God is doing through for everything God is doing through for everything God is doing through Highlands this year and we believe he's Highlands this year and we believe he's Highlands this year and we believe he's going to keep moving this [music] summer going to keep moving this [music] summer going to keep moving this [music] summer through our small group summer blast through our small group summer blast through our small group summer blast serve day motion conference and [music] serve day motion conference and [music] serve day motion conference and [music] more. So we encourage you to stay more. So we encourage you to stay more. So we encourage you to stay connected and keep leaning in. Now I'm connected and keep leaning in. Now I'm connected and keep leaning in. Now I'm so excited to preach next week on so excited to preach next week on so excited to preach next week on Father's Day as we continue our soul Father's Day as we continue our soul Father's Day as we continue our soul good summer series. But today here in good summer series. But today here in good summer series. But today here in our second week, I cannot wait for us to our second week, I cannot wait for us to our second week, I cannot wait for us to hear from Pastor J from our Woodlong hear from Pastor J from our Woodlong hear from Pastor J from our Woodlong campus. Jamil and his wife Anna are such campus. Jamil and his wife Anna are such campus. Jamil and his wife Anna are such an important part of our Highlands an important part of our Highlands an important part of our Highlands family. Jamil is a Highlands College family. Jamil is a Highlands College family. Jamil is a Highlands College [music] graduate who first served on the [music] graduate who first served on the [music] graduate who first served on the team at our Birmingham Dream Center. And team at our Birmingham Dream Center. And team at our Birmingham Dream Center. And now for over a decade, he has served as now for over a decade, he has served as now for over a decade, he has served as our Woodlon campus [music] pastor. He our Woodlon campus [music] pastor. He our Woodlon campus [music] pastor. He leads with such a supernatural love for leads with such a supernatural love for leads with such a supernatural love for people. And I know we're all going to people. And I know we're all going to people. And I know we're all going to leave church today encouraged as he leave church today encouraged as he leave church today encouraged as he unpacks how [music] to find real unpacks how [music] to find real unpacks how [music] to find real resilience to help us flourish in every resilience to help us flourish in every resilience to help us flourish in every season. Our prayer is that this message season. Our prayer is that this message season. Our prayer is that this message [music] meets you right where you are [music] meets you right where you are [music] meets you right where you are today. So let's open up our hearts to today. So let's open up our hearts to today. So let's open up our hearts to the word, put our hands together, and the word, put our hands together, and the word, put our hands together, and welcome Pastor J to the platform.

welcome Pastor J to the platform. welcome Pastor J to the platform. [applause] Come on. Come on. DOES ANYBODY LOVE JESUS IN THE HOUSE DOES ANYBODY LOVE JESUS IN THE HOUSE DOES ANYBODY LOVE JESUS IN THE HOUSE TODAY? TODAY? TODAY? WOW. [applause] WOW. [applause] WOW. [applause] Good morning, church. Good morning, church. Good morning, church. >> Morning. >> Morning. >> Morning. >> So good to be with you. I want to look >> So good to be with you. I want to look >> So good to be with you. I want to look into the camera and say a big hello to into the camera and say a big hello to into the camera and say a big hello to all of our campuses that are watching us all of our campuses that are watching us all of our campuses that are watching us and everyone tuning online and and everyone tuning online and and everyone tuning online and especially a big hello to our men and especially a big hello to our men and especially a big hello to our men and women in the correctional facilities. We women in the correctional facilities. We women in the correctional facilities. We love you all so very much. Holland, can love you all so very much. Holland, can love you all so very much. Holland, can you do me a favor? Can you put your you do me a favor? Can you put your you do me a favor? Can you put your hands together? Help me welcome everyone hands together? Help me welcome everyone hands together? Help me welcome everyone who's joining us today. [applause] I do want to take a moment and give I do want to take a moment and give honor where honors do. I I do want to honor where honors do. I I do want to honor where honors do. I I do want to take a moment and honor our lead pastor, take a moment and honor our lead pastor, take a moment and honor our lead pastor, y'all. I mean, we we have a special y'all. I mean, we we have a special y'all. I mean, we we have a special special man of God leading us. Uh he special man of God leading us. Uh he special man of God leading us. Uh he loves Jesus so very much. It's the way loves Jesus so very much. It's the way loves Jesus so very much. It's the way that he loves us as a church, way he that he loves us as a church, way he that he loves us as a church, way he prays for us, has great vision for us as prays for us, has great vision for us as prays for us, has great vision for us as a church. I'm just telling you, the Lord a church. I'm just telling you, the Lord a church. I'm just telling you, the Lord smiled upon us when he blessed us with smiled upon us when he blessed us with smiled upon us when he blessed us with Pastor Mark as our lead pastor. Can you Pastor Mark as our lead pastor. Can you Pastor Mark as our lead pastor. Can you put your hands together and help me put your hands together and help me put your hands together and help me honor our lead pastor, Pastor Mark honor our lead pastor, Pastor Mark honor our lead pastor, Pastor Mark Pettis? [applause] And uh I y'all I got I got my mama here And uh I y'all I got I got my mama here with me today in this service. And so with me today in this service. And so with me today in this service. And so all the way from Mississippi, I just I all the way from Mississippi, I just I all the way from Mississippi, I just I got to give honor. Mom, I love you.

got to give honor. Mom, I love you. got to give honor. Mom, I love you. Thank [applause] you for everything. And Thank [applause] you for everything. And Thank [applause] you for everything. And a special honor to my queen, uh Miss a special honor to my queen, uh Miss a special honor to my queen, uh Miss Anna Gillan. And I got my two girls with Anna Gillan. And I got my two girls with Anna Gillan. And I got my two girls with me, Jamaiah and Jaylen. Thank you all me, Jamaiah and Jaylen. Thank you all me, Jamaiah and Jaylen. Thank you all for your your sacrifice allowing me to for your your sacrifice allowing me to for your your sacrifice allowing me to be able to do what we do here for be able to do what we do here for be able to do what we do here for Holland. So um y'all put your hands Holland. So um y'all put your hands Holland. So um y'all put your hands together. Help me honor my family. We together. Help me honor my family. We together. Help me honor my family. We [applause] just love you all. excited about this message series that excited about this message series that we're in. Soul, good summer. It's all we're in. Soul, good summer. It's all we're in. Soul, good summer. It's all about our our soul. And Pastor Mark about our our soul. And Pastor Mark about our our soul. And Pastor Mark really just teed us up well with part really just teed us up well with part really just teed us up well with part one, really just focusing on rest. I one, really just focusing on rest. I one, really just focusing on rest. I call it a timely word. Timely words when call it a timely word. Timely words when call it a timely word. Timely words when you receive something in season, you you receive something in season, you you receive something in season, you know, when you really need it most. And know, when you really need it most. And know, when you really need it most. And even though it's summer time, I think even though it's summer time, I think even though it's summer time, I think sometimes we have to learn how to rest. sometimes we have to learn how to rest. sometimes we have to learn how to rest. And so his message was really good and And so his message was really good and And so his message was really good and practical on really how to receive rest. practical on really how to receive rest. practical on really how to receive rest. So if you missed that message, strongly So if you missed that message, strongly So if you missed that message, strongly encourage you to go back and watch it encourage you to go back and watch it encourage you to go back and watch it online. It's certainly worth the time uh online. It's certainly worth the time uh online. It's certainly worth the time uh spent there. And today I have the spent there. And today I have the spent there. And today I have the opportunity and the honor to bring to opportunity and the honor to bring to opportunity and the honor to bring to you part two, part two of this message you part two, part two of this message you part two, part two of this message series of soul good summer. And I series of soul good summer. And I series of soul good summer. And I believe the word that the Lord has laid believe the word that the Lord has laid believe the word that the Lord has laid on my heart this morning is one that on my heart this morning is one that on my heart this morning is one that allow us to make a a great difference in allow us to make a a great difference in allow us to make a a great difference in any environment that we're in. And any environment that we're in. And any environment that we're in. And obviously I would also say help us to be obviously I would also say help us to be obviously I would also say help us to be able to overcome any circumstance or able to overcome any circumstance or able to overcome any circumstance or situation that we may face. Before I get situation that we may face. Before I get situation that we may face. Before I get into our topic, if you all would bow into our topic, if you all would bow into our topic, if you all would bow your heads with me just for a moment of your heads with me just for a moment of your heads with me just for a moment of prayer.

prayer. prayer. So Lord God, we we need you. So Lord God, we we need you. So Lord God, we we need you. We ask Lord that your spirit fills the We ask Lord that your spirit fills the We ask Lord that your spirit fills the room. That even if you whisper, may we room. That even if you whisper, may we room. That even if you whisper, may we hear it. If you nudge us, may we may we hear it. If you nudge us, may we may we hear it. If you nudge us, may we may we feel it. I pray Lord God that you allow feel it. I pray Lord God that you allow feel it. I pray Lord God that you allow us to be able to sit at your feet today. us to be able to sit at your feet today. us to be able to sit at your feet today. Allow your word that goes forth from out Allow your word that goes forth from out Allow your word that goes forth from out of this place today. I pray that it of this place today. I pray that it of this place today. I pray that it guides us and shapes us and molds us. guides us and shapes us and molds us. guides us and shapes us and molds us. Let it mark us today that our lives may Let it mark us today that our lives may Let it mark us today that our lives may be forever changed. We give you all the be forever changed. We give you all the be forever changed. We give you all the glory and all the praise. And Lord, glory and all the praise. And Lord, glory and all the praise. And Lord, right now I ask that you move me out of right now I ask that you move me out of right now I ask that you move me out of the way so that your spirit can have its the way so that your spirit can have its the way so that your spirit can have its way. We love you, Jesus. May all of this way. We love you, Jesus. May all of this way. We love you, Jesus. May all of this be for your name. We pray and ask all of be for your name. We pray and ask all of be for your name. We pray and ask all of this in Jesus mighty name. And everybody this in Jesus mighty name. And everybody this in Jesus mighty name. And everybody said, said, said, >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> "Amen." >> Amen. Amen. Our theme scripture for this >> Amen. Amen. Our theme scripture for this >> Amen. Amen. Our theme scripture for this series is really out of Psalms 23:3. It series is really out of Psalms 23:3. It series is really out of Psalms 23:3. It says this says, "He refreshes says this says, "He refreshes says this says, "He refreshes my soul." my soul." my soul." >> Yeah. and he guides me along the path of >> Yeah. and he guides me along the path of >> Yeah. and he guides me along the path of righteousness for his name's sake. You righteousness for his name's sake. You righteousness for his name's sake. You know, the Lord is a great shepherd. Can know, the Lord is a great shepherd. Can know, the Lord is a great shepherd. Can I get amen?

I get amen? I get amen? >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And he desires for your soul to be >> And he desires for your soul to be >> And he desires for your soul to be refreshed. refreshed. refreshed. >> But I think the challenge is we often >> But I think the challenge is we often >> But I think the challenge is we often times go through different scenarios, times go through different scenarios, times go through different scenarios, situations, circumstances in life. It situations, circumstances in life. It situations, circumstances in life. It kind of allows our once refreshed soul kind of allows our once refreshed soul kind of allows our once refreshed soul to be emptied, be drained or to be to be emptied, be drained or to be to be emptied, be drained or to be depleted. So here's the question. How do depleted. So here's the question. How do depleted. So here's the question. How do we retain the refreshness that the Lord we retain the refreshness that the Lord we retain the refreshness that the Lord desires to give? That's a great desires to give? That's a great desires to give? That's a great question. The answer to that question is question. The answer to that question is question. The answer to that question is what our topic today is all about. And what our topic today is all about. And what our topic today is all about. And the word is resilience. Everybody say the word is resilience. Everybody say the word is resilience. Everybody say resilience. resilience. resilience. >> Resilience. >> Resilience. >> Resilience. >> Resilience. It's the resilience in our >> Resilience. It's the resilience in our >> Resilience. It's the resilience in our souls that keeps us moving forward when souls that keeps us moving forward when souls that keeps us moving forward when it feels like life keeps pulling pulling it feels like life keeps pulling pulling it feels like life keeps pulling pulling you backwards. Resilience is having the you backwards. Resilience is having the you backwards. Resilience is having the faith that God's purpose still [snorts] faith that God's purpose still [snorts] faith that God's purpose still [snorts] will prevail even through difficult will prevail even through difficult will prevail even through difficult circumstances. The prophet Jeremiah circumstances. The prophet Jeremiah circumstances. The prophet Jeremiah tells us what it looks like for to have tells us what it looks like for to have tells us what it looks like for to have a soul that's resilient. have your a soul that's resilient. have your a soul that's resilient. have your Bibles, if you turn with me to Jeremiah Bibles, if you turn with me to Jeremiah Bibles, if you turn with me to Jeremiah chapter 17. I'm going to read verses chapter 17. I'm going to read verses chapter 17. I'm going to read verses seven and 8. Ask the team if they'll put seven and 8. Ask the team if they'll put seven and 8. Ask the team if they'll put it on the screens. And it reads as it on the screens. And it reads as it on the screens. And it reads as follows. But blessed is the one who follows. But blessed is the one who follows. But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted in him. They will be like a tree planted in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by by the water that sends out its roots by by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat the stream. It does not fear when heat the stream. It does not fear when heat comes. Its leaves are always green. Has comes. Its leaves are always green. Has comes. Its leaves are always green. Has no worries in a year of drought. It no worries in a year of drought. It no worries in a year of drought. It never fails to bear fruit. If Psalm 23 never fails to bear fruit. If Psalm 23 never fails to bear fruit. If Psalm 23 is the promise that God refreshes our is the promise that God refreshes our is the promise that God refreshes our soul, then Jeremiah 17 is the picture of soul, then Jeremiah 17 is the picture of soul, then Jeremiah 17 is the picture of what a resilient soul looks like.

what a resilient soul looks like. what a resilient soul looks like. Speaking of a picture of resilience, I Speaking of a picture of resilience, I Speaking of a picture of resilience, I asked the team if they'll show this asked the team if they'll show this asked the team if they'll show this photo. I came across this photo of a of photo. I came across this photo of a of photo. I came across this photo of a of a rose. a rose. a rose. Rose didn't get an opportunity to Rose didn't get an opportunity to Rose didn't get an opportunity to determine where it would be planted. determine where it would be planted. determine where it would be planted. And also it didn't know that it would be And also it didn't know that it would be And also it didn't know that it would be faced with conditions that would be so faced with conditions that would be so faced with conditions that would be so challenging to overcome. challenging to overcome. challenging to overcome. But somehow someway through it all it But somehow someway through it all it But somehow someway through it all it found a way to still thrive, blossom. found a way to still thrive, blossom. found a way to still thrive, blossom. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And flourish. And I think we all can >> And flourish. And I think we all can >> And flourish. And I think we all can relate to the rose. I think that often relate to the rose. I think that often relate to the rose. I think that often times we can find ourselves in some times we can find ourselves in some times we can find ourselves in some difficult situations that we didn't plan difficult situations that we didn't plan difficult situations that we didn't plan for. Maybe some challenging scenarios for. Maybe some challenging scenarios for. Maybe some challenging scenarios that we didn't expect. Uh, I don't know that we didn't expect. Uh, I don't know that we didn't expect. Uh, I don't know if anybody uh here in the room today uh if anybody uh here in the room today uh if anybody uh here in the room today uh watching has been a situation that I've watching has been a situation that I've watching has been a situation that I've faced where you're taking a trip and you faced where you're taking a trip and you faced where you're taking a trip and you are on a two-lane road, you get stuck are on a two-lane road, you get stuck are on a two-lane road, you get stuck behind someone who feels like the speed behind someone who feels like the speed behind someone who feels like the speed limit is just a suggestion, not a law. limit is just a suggestion, not a law. limit is just a suggestion, not a law. And they decide to go 20 m slower than And they decide to go 20 m slower than And they decide to go 20 m slower than the speed limit. Speed limit 55, they're the speed limit. Speed limit 55, they're the speed limit. Speed limit 55, they're going 35. And you're trying your best. going 35. And you're trying your best. going 35. And you're trying your best. Look, you want to pass them. You know Look, you want to pass them. You know Look, you want to pass them. You know how you do? You kind of nudge over the how you do? You kind of nudge over the how you do? You kind of nudge over the sane. See if you can take it. Like, sane. See if you can take it. Like, sane. See if you can take it. Like, should I risk it? Nah, I'mma move back.

should I risk it? Nah, I'mma move back. should I risk it? Nah, I'mma move back. I'mma move back. Right. [laughter] But I'mma move back. Right. [laughter] But I'mma move back. Right. [laughter] But it's challenging. You didn't plan for it's challenging. You didn't plan for it's challenging. You didn't plan for that to be the case. And in my case, it that to be the case. And in my case, it that to be the case. And in my case, it was like a long road trip. I was behind was like a long road trip. I was behind was like a long road trip. I was behind that car for about another hour and a that car for about another hour and a that car for about another hour and a half. I almost wanted to pull the car half. I almost wanted to pull the car half. I almost wanted to pull the car over myself and give them a ticket for over myself and give them a ticket for over myself and give them a ticket for impeding traffic. You know, you know, impeding traffic. You know, you know, impeding traffic. You know, you know, that's an actual ticket with that, that's an actual ticket with that, that's an actual ticket with that, right? [laughter] You get a ticket for right? [laughter] You get a ticket for right? [laughter] You get a ticket for going too slow. But maybe it's not going too slow. But maybe it's not going too slow. But maybe it's not something like traffic. Maybe you all something like traffic. Maybe you all something like traffic. Maybe you all have the unexpected circumstance of have the unexpected circumstance of have the unexpected circumstance of trying to potty train a toddler. I don't trying to potty train a toddler. I don't trying to potty train a toddler. I don't know if we got any parents out there know if we got any parents out there know if we got any parents out there with toddlers right now that are in a with toddlers right now that are in a with toddlers right now that are in a stage of potty training. But I'm telling stage of potty training. But I'm telling stage of potty training. But I'm telling you, slow traffic has nothing on trying you, slow traffic has nothing on trying you, slow traffic has nothing on trying to potty train a toddler. I'm just to potty train a toddler. I'm just to potty train a toddler. I'm just telling you. If any parents out there telling you. If any parents out there telling you. If any parents out there with toddlers, you know the struggle is with toddlers, you know the struggle is with toddlers, you know the struggle is real. You know the struggle is real, real. You know the struggle is real, real. You know the struggle is real, right? You're so excited about the right? You're so excited about the right? You're so excited about the milestone of them finally coming out of milestone of them finally coming out of milestone of them finally coming out of diapers and pull-ups so you can save diapers and pull-ups so you can save diapers and pull-ups so you can save some money. But what you weren't some money. But what you weren't some money. But what you weren't expecting was the mess it was going to expecting was the mess it was going to expecting was the mess it was going to make everywhere else. Now you bring a make everywhere else. Now you bring a make everywhere else. Now you bring a change of clothes everywhere you go. You change of clothes everywhere you go. You change of clothes everywhere you go. You know, it seemed like the kids are using know, it seemed like the kids are using know, it seemed like the kids are using it anywhere else but the toilet. I don't it anywhere else but the toilet. I don't it anywhere else but the toilet. I don't know what that's about. But maybe you know what that's about. But maybe you know what that's about. But maybe you don't have challenges like traffic and don't have challenges like traffic and don't have challenges like traffic and it's not a toddler, but it's an it's not a toddler, but it's an it's not a toddler, but it's an unexpected health diagnosis that you unexpected health diagnosis that you unexpected health diagnosis that you receive that you didn't expect that you receive that you didn't expect that you receive that you didn't expect that you can't stop thinking about. Maybe it's can't stop thinking about. Maybe it's can't stop thinking about. Maybe it's family issues that you're dealing with family issues that you're dealing with family issues that you're dealing with that seems to be pulling the the family that seems to be pulling the the family that seems to be pulling the the family apart. Or maybe it's the pain from your apart. Or maybe it's the pain from your apart. Or maybe it's the pain from your past that you still are navigating past that you still are navigating past that you still are navigating through. You still struggle with it and through. You still struggle with it and through. You still struggle with it and it's keeping you from moving forward.

it's keeping you from moving forward. it's keeping you from moving forward. You know, a plant has a difficult time You know, a plant has a difficult time You know, a plant has a difficult time being able to withstand and endure the being able to withstand and endure the being able to withstand and endure the challenges of something as difficult as challenges of something as difficult as challenges of something as difficult as concrete. And people often times have a concrete. And people often times have a concrete. And people often times have a challenge having the resilience in their challenge having the resilience in their challenge having the resilience in their soul to deal with a difficult soul to deal with a difficult soul to deal with a difficult circumstance they're placed in. But what circumstance they're placed in. But what circumstance they're placed in. But what the photo of the rose blooming through the photo of the rose blooming through the photo of the rose blooming through the concrete reveals to us that beauty the concrete reveals to us that beauty the concrete reveals to us that beauty can still arise from tough situations, can still arise from tough situations, can still arise from tough situations, >> right? and your soul can still prosper >> right? and your soul can still prosper >> right? and your soul can still prosper and thrive and be refreshed wherever and thrive and be refreshed wherever and thrive and be refreshed wherever you're planted. you're planted. you're planted. >> There's a couple verses I want to share >> There's a couple verses I want to share >> There's a couple verses I want to share with you out of um Genesis, out of the with you out of um Genesis, out of the with you out of um Genesis, out of the Old Testament of about a man named Old Testament of about a man named Old Testament of about a man named Joseph. Joseph found himself in Joseph. Joseph found himself in Joseph. Joseph found himself in situations he didn't plan for, situations he didn't plan for, situations he didn't plan for, circumstances he didn't expect, but yet circumstances he didn't expect, but yet circumstances he didn't expect, but yet his soul remained resilient and he was his soul remained resilient and he was his soul remained resilient and he was able to prosper wherever he was planted. able to prosper wherever he was planted. able to prosper wherever he was planted. Have your Bibles turn with me. I got Have your Bibles turn with me. I got Have your Bibles turn with me. I got quite a bit of text I want to share with quite a bit of text I want to share with quite a bit of text I want to share with you this morning. Chapter 39, start with you this morning. Chapter 39, start with you this morning. Chapter 39, start with verse one. And it says this. Now Joseph verse one. And it says this. Now Joseph verse one. And it says this. Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. Piper, an had been taken down to Egypt. Piper, an had been taken down to Egypt. Piper, an Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's Egyptian who was one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard, officials, the captain of the guard, officials, the captain of the guard, bought him from the Ishelites who had bought him from the Ishelites who had bought him from the Ishelites who had taken him there. Just to give you a taken him there. Just to give you a taken him there. Just to give you a brief synopsis of of kind of what brief synopsis of of kind of what brief synopsis of of kind of what brought us to this point, I do encourage brought us to this point, I do encourage brought us to this point, I do encourage just to read this story. It's a just to read this story. It's a just to read this story. It's a fascinating story. But Joseph's dad buys fascinating story. But Joseph's dad buys fascinating story. But Joseph's dad buys him a jacket that the other brothers him a jacket that the other brothers him a jacket that the other brothers didn't receive. The brothers get jealous didn't receive. The brothers get jealous didn't receive. The brothers get jealous of him and they begin to come up with a of him and they begin to come up with a of him and they begin to come up with a plan to betray him. They take his plan to betray him. They take his plan to betray him. They take his jacket. They basically give him to the jacket. They basically give him to the jacket. They basically give him to the Ishelite traders and then he's thrown Ishelite traders and then he's thrown Ishelite traders and then he's thrown into a pit where he's then later

into a pit where he's then later into a pit where he's then later purchased a potter. I guess you say with purchased a potter. I guess you say with purchased a potter. I guess you say with family members like that talking about family members like that talking about family members like that talking about family issues. Who needs enemies, right? family issues. Who needs enemies, right? family issues. Who needs enemies, right? [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Brother sold him. Nonetheless, Joseph >> Brother sold him. Nonetheless, Joseph >> Brother sold him. Nonetheless, Joseph finds himself in a place that he didn't finds himself in a place that he didn't finds himself in a place that he didn't expect. Let's see what happens next. Go expect. Let's see what happens next. Go expect. Let's see what happens next. Go to verses 2 through 4. It says the Lord to verses 2 through 4. It says the Lord to verses 2 through 4. It says the Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered and was with Joseph so that he prospered and was with Joseph so that he prospered and he lived in the house of the Egyptian he lived in the house of the Egyptian he lived in the house of the Egyptian master of his Egyptian master. When his master of his Egyptian master. When his master of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him master saw that the Lord was with him master saw that the Lord was with him that the Lord gave him success in that the Lord gave him success in that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in everything he did, Joseph found favor in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Piper his eyes and became his attendant. Piper his eyes and became his attendant. Piper put him in charge of all his household put him in charge of all his household put him in charge of all his household and entrusted to his care everything he and entrusted to his care everything he and entrusted to his care everything he owned. So now here Joseph even after owned. So now here Joseph even after owned. So now here Joseph even after being placed in the pit, he he being placed in the pit, he he being placed in the pit, he he prospered. Piper made him in charge of prospered. Piper made him in charge of prospered. Piper made him in charge of of everything. Things seem to be getting of everything. Things seem to be getting of everything. Things seem to be getting better for Joseph. Then all of a sudden, better for Joseph. Then all of a sudden, better for Joseph. Then all of a sudden, it took a turn for the worse. Well, the it took a turn for the worse. Well, the it took a turn for the worse. Well, the story goes, while Joseph is in the story goes, while Joseph is in the story goes, while Joseph is in the house, he has an encounter with Piper's house, he has an encounter with Piper's house, he has an encounter with Piper's wife. And during their exchange, Piper's wife. And during their exchange, Piper's wife. And during their exchange, Piper's wife takes his garment, but then she wife takes his garment, but then she wife takes his garment, but then she accuses him of something that he didn't accuses him of something that he didn't accuses him of something that he didn't do. But Piper finds out. Let's see what do. But Piper finds out. Let's see what do. But Piper finds out. Let's see what Piper's response is in verse 20.

Piper's response is in verse 20. Piper's response is in verse 20. Joseph's master being Piper took him and Joseph's master being Piper took him and Joseph's master being Piper took him and put him in prison, the place where the put him in prison, the place where the put him in prison, the place where the king's prisoners were confined. In king's prisoners were confined. In king's prisoners were confined. In prison, tough environment, something he prison, tough environment, something he prison, tough environment, something he didn't expect. He was once in a pit, now didn't expect. He was once in a pit, now didn't expect. He was once in a pit, now he finds himself in prison. I don't know he finds himself in prison. I don't know he finds himself in prison. I don't know if anyone can relate to Joseph's if anyone can relate to Joseph's if anyone can relate to Joseph's situation where it seems like once one situation where it seems like once one situation where it seems like once one thing was bad and it once it gets thing was bad and it once it gets thing was bad and it once it gets better, something else falls apart. When better, something else falls apart. When better, something else falls apart. When I grew up, they would always say the I grew up, they would always say the I grew up, they would always say the term, "If it's not one thing, term, "If it's not one thing, term, "If it's not one thing, >> it's another." You all grew up in the >> it's another." You all grew up in the >> it's another." You all grew up in the same neighborhood, it seems like. same neighborhood, it seems like. same neighborhood, it seems like. >> Yeah. It's not one thing, it's it's >> Yeah. It's not one thing, it's it's >> Yeah. It's not one thing, it's it's another. I don't know if you ever been another. I don't know if you ever been another. I don't know if you ever been there that it seems like the car breaks there that it seems like the car breaks there that it seems like the car breaks down. Once the car gets fixed, then it down. Once the car gets fixed, then it down. Once the car gets fixed, then it seems like the kids start acting crazy. seems like the kids start acting crazy. seems like the kids start acting crazy. You're getting calls from schools. Once You're getting calls from schools. Once You're getting calls from schools. Once you get the kids in line, all of a you get the kids in line, all of a you get the kids in line, all of a sudden you get a call that one of your sudden you get a call that one of your sudden you get a call that one of your parents is sick. Once they get better, parents is sick. Once they get better, parents is sick. Once they get better, now all of a sudden the marriage is now all of a sudden the marriage is now all of a sudden the marriage is falling apart. Once you get the marriage falling apart. Once you get the marriage falling apart. Once you get the marriage to be able to be improved, now you get a to be able to be improved, now you get a to be able to be improved, now you get a phone call from the jobs and they're phone call from the jobs and they're phone call from the jobs and they're laying off in your area. I don't know if laying off in your area. I don't know if laying off in your area. I don't know if anybody here other than me has lived anybody here other than me has lived anybody here other than me has lived life long enough that you realize that life long enough that you realize that life long enough that you realize that if it's not one thing, it's another. if it's not one thing, it's another. if it's not one thing, it's another. >> Joseph, he finds himself in a situation >> Joseph, he finds himself in a situation >> Joseph, he finds himself in a situation where it seems like if it's not one where it seems like if it's not one where it seems like if it's not one thing, it's a another. He was once in a thing, it's a another. He was once in a thing, it's a another. He was once in a pit and now he's in a prison. And I'm pit and now he's in a prison. And I'm pit and now he's in a prison. And I'm sure you're probably wondering, I wonder sure you're probably wondering, I wonder sure you're probably wondering, I wonder how he's going to hold up there. Wonder how he's going to hold up there. Wonder how he's going to hold up there. Wonder if he's able to prosper there. Let's if he's able to prosper there. Let's if he's able to prosper there. Let's keep reading in verses 21- 23. It says keep reading in verses 21- 23. It says keep reading in verses 21- 23. It says this, "The Lord was with him, showed him this, "The Lord was with him, showed him this, "The Lord was with him, showed him kindness, and granted him favor in the kindness, and granted him favor in the kindness, and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden eyes of the prison warden. So the warden eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held put Joseph in charge of all those held put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made

in the prison, and he was made in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done responsible for all that was done responsible for all that was done there." The warden paid no attention to there." The warden paid no attention to there." The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph's care because the anything under Joseph's care because the anything under Joseph's care because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him Lord was with Joseph and gave him Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. So here in success in whatever he did. So here in success in whatever he did. So here in prison, Joseph succeeds again, thrives prison, Joseph succeeds again, thrives prison, Joseph succeeds again, thrives again, he prospers. Just so you know how again, he prospers. Just so you know how again, he prospers. Just so you know how the story goes. while he's in prison, he the story goes. while he's in prison, he the story goes. while he's in prison, he Joseph meets the chief cup bearer that's Joseph meets the chief cup bearer that's Joseph meets the chief cup bearer that's associated with Pharaoh, but that cup associated with Pharaoh, but that cup associated with Pharaoh, but that cup bear is in prison and he interprets the bear is in prison and he interprets the bear is in prison and he interprets the cup bearer's dream. Well, when the cup cup bearer's dream. Well, when the cup cup bearer's dream. Well, when the cup bearer gets released from prison, he bearer gets released from prison, he bearer gets released from prison, he realizes that Pharaoh has dreams that realizes that Pharaoh has dreams that realizes that Pharaoh has dreams that needs interpreting. And he remembers needs interpreting. And he remembers needs interpreting. And he remembers Joseph. He says, "All right, I got to Joseph. He says, "All right, I got to Joseph. He says, "All right, I got to tell you about this man named Joseph." tell you about this man named Joseph." tell you about this man named Joseph." Well, then Pharaoh basically says, Well, then Pharaoh basically says, Well, then Pharaoh basically says, "Well, then let me bring Joseph to me." "Well, then let me bring Joseph to me." "Well, then let me bring Joseph to me." So, Pharaoh then gets introduced to So, Pharaoh then gets introduced to So, Pharaoh then gets introduced to Joseph. Joseph interprets Pharaoh's Joseph. Joseph interprets Pharaoh's Joseph. Joseph interprets Pharaoh's dream. Pharaoh becomes so impressed with dream. Pharaoh becomes so impressed with dream. Pharaoh becomes so impressed with Joseph that he releases him from prison Joseph that he releases him from prison Joseph that he releases him from prison and then he appoints him to be prime and then he appoints him to be prime and then he appoints him to be prime minister over all the land. minister over all the land. minister over all the land. >> So here it is. Wherever Joseph went, >> So here it is. Wherever Joseph went, >> So here it is. Wherever Joseph went, wherever he was planted, he prospered. wherever he was planted, he prospered. wherever he was planted, he prospered. In the pit, he prospered. In the prison, In the pit, he prospered. In the prison, In the pit, he prospered. In the prison, he prospered. In the palace of the prime he prospered. In the palace of the prime he prospered. In the palace of the prime minister, he prospered. He prospered.

minister, he prospered. He prospered. minister, he prospered. He prospered. Every place he was planted. So you may Every place he was planted. So you may Every place he was planted. So you may say, "All right, Jir, what's the big say, "All right, Jir, what's the big say, "All right, Jir, what's the big deal? Here's the big idea." Joseph's deal? Here's the big idea." Joseph's deal? Here's the big idea." Joseph's story basically demonstrates to us that story basically demonstrates to us that story basically demonstrates to us that just because we're God's elect does not just because we're God's elect does not just because we're God's elect does not mean we're exempt. mean we're exempt. mean we're exempt. >> We're not exempt from difficult >> We're not exempt from difficult >> We're not exempt from difficult circumstances. We're not exempt from circumstances. We're not exempt from circumstances. We're not exempt from challenging situations that we didn't challenging situations that we didn't challenging situations that we didn't plan for. plan for. plan for. >> But here's the deal. Joseph did >> But here's the deal. Joseph did >> But here's the deal. Joseph did everything right. He still found himself everything right. He still found himself everything right. He still found himself in prison. But the prison, what appeared in prison. But the prison, what appeared in prison. But the prison, what appeared to be a setback was actually a setup to be a setback was actually a setup to be a setback was actually a setup that led him to his purpose. that led him to his purpose. that led him to his purpose. >> Look, think of it this way. The prison >> Look, think of it this way. The prison >> Look, think of it this way. The prison basically, it looked like an basically, it looked like an basically, it looked like an interruption in his life, but it was interruption in his life, but it was interruption in his life, but it was actually an introduction to God's plans actually an introduction to God's plans actually an introduction to God's plans and purpose for his life. and purpose for his life. and purpose for his life. >> The prison was not BLOCKING HIM FROM HIS >> The prison was not BLOCKING HIM FROM HIS >> The prison was not BLOCKING HIM FROM HIS DESTINY. It was building a bridge to it. DESTINY. It was building a bridge to it. DESTINY. It was building a bridge to it. >> Yeah. You know, God can use your >> Yeah. You know, God can use your >> Yeah. You know, God can use your problem. Turn to the person beside you, problem. Turn to the person beside you, problem. Turn to the person beside you, say, "He can use it." He can use it. say, "He can use it." He can use it. say, "He can use it." He can use it. Yeah. He can use it. Use that, too. Yeah. He can use it. Use that, too. Yeah. He can use it. Use that, too. Yeah. I I want to I remember a time my Yeah. I I want to I remember a time my Yeah. I I want to I remember a time my my um my wife who's here with me today my um my wife who's here with me today my um my wife who's here with me today her her grandmother uh we called her her her grandmother uh we called her her her grandmother uh we called her Nana and uh Nana was teaching me Nana and uh Nana was teaching me Nana and uh Nana was teaching me something about being able to uh let me something about being able to uh let me something about being able to uh let me say let me say she she was teaching me say let me say she she was teaching me say let me say she she was teaching me how to garden. Let me just put it that how to garden. Let me just put it that how to garden. Let me just put it that way. All right. And her thought was and way. All right. And her thought was and way. All right. And her thought was and Nana passed away a couple of years ago.

Nana passed away a couple of years ago. Nana passed away a couple of years ago. But her thought was you know I want you But her thought was you know I want you But her thought was you know I want you all's yard to look nicer. all's yard to look nicer. all's yard to look nicer. That was her her hint of saying I'm That was her her hint of saying I'm That was her her hint of saying I'm going to bring rose bushes to you all's going to bring rose bushes to you all's going to bring rose bushes to you all's yard. Now, I'll admit I'll admit, all yard. Now, I'll admit I'll admit, all yard. Now, I'll admit I'll admit, all right, I'll go ahead and be on record. right, I'll go ahead and be on record. right, I'll go ahead and be on record. There was a season where our yard wasn't There was a season where our yard wasn't There was a season where our yard wasn't the nicest in the neighborhood. All the nicest in the neighborhood. All the nicest in the neighborhood. All right, we probably had one of those right, we probably had one of those right, we probably had one of those homes that when you're passing by, homes that when you're passing by, homes that when you're passing by, you're like, "Oh, Lord, they going to you're like, "Oh, Lord, they going to you're like, "Oh, Lord, they going to bring the property value of the bring the property value of the bring the property value of the neighborhood down." I can see it. I can neighborhood down." I can see it. I can neighborhood down." I can see it. I can see it. I can see it now. But I remember see it. I can see it now. But I remember see it. I can see it now. But I remember my wife would get on me a little bit my wife would get on me a little bit my wife would get on me a little bit more like, "Babe, you need to try to get more like, "Babe, you need to try to get more like, "Babe, you need to try to get in the yard a little bit more." Now, in the yard a little bit more." Now, in the yard a little bit more." Now, look, don't judge me, but I was like, look, don't judge me, but I was like, look, don't judge me, but I was like, "But baby, you know, I got allergies. I "But baby, you know, I got allergies. I "But baby, you know, I got allergies. I I got severe allergies. I can't, y'all. I got severe allergies. I can't, y'all. I got severe allergies. I can't, y'all. I'm telling you. I be I was on the I'm telling you. I be I was on the I'm telling you. I be I was on the struggle bus, y'all. I was I I'm telling struggle bus, y'all. I was I I'm telling struggle bus, y'all. I was I I'm telling you, I basically look like I had a you, I basically look like I had a you, I basically look like I had a hazmat suit on out there. I I had hazmat suit on out there. I I had hazmat suit on out there. I I had goggles for my eyes, face mask. I had so goggles for my eyes, face mask. I had so goggles for my eyes, face mask. I had so much protective layer. I think at least much protective layer. I think at least much protective layer. I think at least for a year, people probably thought I for a year, people probably thought I for a year, people probably thought I worked for the CDC, Center of Disease worked for the CDC, Center of Disease worked for the CDC, Center of Disease Control. They was like, "What is he Control. They was like, "What is he Control. They was like, "What is he doing out there?" Banana comes to give doing out there?" Banana comes to give doing out there?" Banana comes to give us a little help. And she teaches me a us a little help. And she teaches me a us a little help. And she teaches me a lot about planting. I think it ties into lot about planting. I think it ties into lot about planting. I think it ties into Jeremiah's scripture. I think it ties Jeremiah's scripture. I think it ties Jeremiah's scripture. I think it ties into the rose blooming through the into the rose blooming through the into the rose blooming through the concrete. I think it it ties into concrete. I think it it ties into concrete. I think it it ties into Joseph's story of how we can prosper Joseph's story of how we can prosper Joseph's story of how we can prosper where wherever we're planted. First where wherever we're planted. First where wherever we're planted. First thing that Nana tells me is I basically thing that Nana tells me is I basically thing that Nana tells me is I basically she tells me that where she wants to put she tells me that where she wants to put she tells me that where she wants to put the rose bushes and like nana you can't the rose bushes and like nana you can't the rose bushes and like nana you can't you can't place them over there. She you can't place them over there. She you can't place them over there. She like why? I said it won't grow. So you like why? I said it won't grow. So you like why? I said it won't grow. So you got rocks and dirt. It it it won't grow.

got rocks and dirt. It it it won't grow. got rocks and dirt. It it it won't grow. What she begins to do is she this is our What she begins to do is she this is our What she begins to do is she this is our first point. So if you're taking notes, first point. So if you're taking notes, first point. So if you're taking notes, I want you to take notes of this cuz a I want you to take notes of this cuz a I want you to take notes of this cuz a resilient soul gets watered resilient soul gets watered resilient soul gets watered and a waters the the area. and a waters the the area. and a waters the the area. So what I want you to realize is just as So what I want you to realize is just as So what I want you to realize is just as plants need to be watered, so do your plants need to be watered, so do your plants need to be watered, so do your souls. Jeremiah says it this way in his souls. Jeremiah says it this way in his souls. Jeremiah says it this way in his verse tells us 178 the image of a verse tells us 178 the image of a verse tells us 178 the image of a resilient soul. He says that they will resilient soul. He says that they will resilient soul. He says that they will be like a tree planted by the water. be like a tree planted by the water. be like a tree planted by the water. Everybody say water. Everybody say water. Everybody say water. >> Water. >> Water. >> Water. >> By the water. Your soul needs to be >> By the water. Your soul needs to be >> By the water. Your soul needs to be watered. You know, just because your watered. You know, just because your watered. You know, just because your environments are dry doesn't mean that environments are dry doesn't mean that environments are dry doesn't mean that your soul has to be. your soul has to be. your soul has to be. >> You know, we can be watered >> You know, we can be watered >> You know, we can be watered >> through meaningful relationships that >> through meaningful relationships that >> through meaningful relationships that help builds resilience in our souls. We help builds resilience in our souls. We help builds resilience in our souls. We need to be watered. And some of us, I need to be watered. And some of us, I need to be watered. And some of us, I know we have a lot of people sometimes know we have a lot of people sometimes know we have a lot of people sometimes that we're pouring out to, but do you that we're pouring out to, but do you that we're pouring out to, but do you have anybody that's pouring into you? have anybody that's pouring into you? have anybody that's pouring into you? >> You know, even the roads through the >> You know, even the roads through the >> You know, even the roads through the cracks in the concrete was receiving cracks in the concrete was receiving cracks in the concrete was receiving rain through the concrete. Through the rain through the concrete. Through the rain through the concrete. Through the cracks, it was being watered. Yeah. cracks, it was being watered. Yeah. cracks, it was being watered. Yeah. >> So even though the country was >> So even though the country was >> So even though the country was surrounding it, it had a watering system surrounding it, it had a watering system surrounding it, it had a watering system that caused it to flourish through it. I that caused it to flourish through it. I that caused it to flourish through it. I don't know if you know this or not, but don't know if you know this or not, but don't know if you know this or not, but God's watering system for your soul is God's watering system for your soul is God's watering system for your soul is healthy community.

healthy community. healthy community. >> That's why I love that we have small >> That's why I love that we have small >> That's why I love that we have small groups in the summer. It's not just so groups in the summer. It's not just so groups in the summer. It's not just so you can have something on your calendar, you can have something on your calendar, you can have something on your calendar, but it's to water you. but it's to water you. but it's to water you. >> It's to water you. So the question I I >> It's to water you. So the question I I >> It's to water you. So the question I I have for us today is what ways this have for us today is what ways this have for us today is what ways this summer are you planning to be watered by summer are you planning to be watered by summer are you planning to be watered by meaningful relationships? Is it a small meaningful relationships? Is it a small meaningful relationships? Is it a small group? I know you're on taking vacation group? I know you're on taking vacation group? I know you're on taking vacation and all that, but you still need and all that, but you still need and all that, but you still need community. Is there a spiritual mentor? community. Is there a spiritual mentor? community. Is there a spiritual mentor? If you don't have any, if you can answer If you don't have any, if you can answer If you don't have any, if you can answer the question of who's pouring into you, the question of who's pouring into you, the question of who's pouring into you, I want to challenge you. Ask God to I want to challenge you. Ask God to I want to challenge you. Ask God to reveal someone to you. [laughter] Make a reveal someone to you. [laughter] Make a reveal someone to you. [laughter] Make a phone call to someone. Say, "I just I phone call to someone. Say, "I just I phone call to someone. Say, "I just I just need someone pouring into me." just need someone pouring into me." just need someone pouring into me." Like, as strong as you are, I know this Like, as strong as you are, I know this Like, as strong as you are, I know this is the holy room, right? As holy as you is the holy room, right? As holy as you is the holy room, right? As holy as you are, still need to be watered. are, still need to be watered. are, still need to be watered. >> As smart as you are, still need to be >> As smart as you are, still need to be >> As smart as you are, still need to be watered. So, I want to encourage you, watered. So, I want to encourage you, watered. So, I want to encourage you, don't try to outlast a hard season don't try to outlast a hard season don't try to outlast a hard season alone. alone. alone. be watered by meaningful relationships. be watered by meaningful relationships. be watered by meaningful relationships. It'll help you to prosper wherever It'll help you to prosper wherever It'll help you to prosper wherever you're planted. Second thing that I want you're planted. Second thing that I want you're planted. Second thing that I want us to note down is a resilient soul us to note down is a resilient soul us to note down is a resilient soul grows deep roots. Nana was telling me grows deep roots. Nana was telling me grows deep roots. Nana was telling me that after she watered the soil, it was that after she watered the soil, it was that after she watered the soil, it was preparing it so that it would be able to preparing it so that it would be able to preparing it so that it would be able to have deep roots. You know, there's have deep roots. You know, there's have deep roots. You know, there's something to be said even with plants, something to be said even with plants, something to be said even with plants, even if they have a good watering even if they have a good watering even if they have a good watering system, if their roots are shallow. You system, if their roots are shallow. You system, if their roots are shallow. You know, they topple over anytime a storm know, they topple over anytime a storm know, they topple over anytime a storm comes. Storms have a way of really comes. Storms have a way of really comes. Storms have a way of really revealing the depth of your roots.

revealing the depth of your roots. revealing the depth of your roots. >> Not just with plants. You know, the same >> Not just with plants. You know, the same >> Not just with plants. You know, the same is true with us. Some of us all you can is true with us. Some of us all you can is true with us. Some of us all you can all it takes is for a storm to come by all it takes is for a storm to come by all it takes is for a storm to come by and we lost our hope, lost our faith. and we lost our hope, lost our faith. and we lost our hope, lost our faith. That's a re revelation of the fact that That's a re revelation of the fact that That's a re revelation of the fact that it's revealing that our roots just maybe it's revealing that our roots just maybe it's revealing that our roots just maybe need to be a little deeper. I want to need to be a little deeper. I want to need to be a little deeper. I want to encourage us to be able to have deep encourage us to be able to have deep encourage us to be able to have deep roots. Have deep roots. I put down this roots. Have deep roots. I put down this roots. Have deep roots. I put down this in my notes. We need to have deep roots in my notes. We need to have deep roots in my notes. We need to have deep roots in our faith in order for our souls to in our faith in order for our souls to in our faith in order for our souls to become resilient to withstand the storms become resilient to withstand the storms become resilient to withstand the storms we experience in life. Got to have deep we experience in life. Got to have deep we experience in life. Got to have deep roots. One of the ways that that occurs roots. One of the ways that that occurs roots. One of the ways that that occurs is through reading God's word. And if is through reading God's word. And if is through reading God's word. And if you all missed the message that Pastor you all missed the message that Pastor you all missed the message that Pastor Mark delivered on how to read my Bible, Mark delivered on how to read my Bible, Mark delivered on how to read my Bible, my goodness, I want to encourage you to my goodness, I want to encourage you to my goodness, I want to encourage you to go back and watch that online. It is go back and watch that online. It is go back and watch that online. It is worth the time spent. He really teaches worth the time spent. He really teaches worth the time spent. He really teaches us the practical way of using your Bible us the practical way of using your Bible us the practical way of using your Bible to help grow your roots deeper. It's a to help grow your roots deeper. It's a to help grow your roots deeper. It's a part of the Let's Talk About It series. part of the Let's Talk About It series. part of the Let's Talk About It series. And I want to make sure that you And I want to make sure that you And I want to make sure that you recognize the importance of growing your recognize the importance of growing your recognize the importance of growing your roots deeper because deep roots produces roots deeper because deep roots produces roots deeper because deep roots produces a soul that holds it shape under a soul that holds it shape under a soul that holds it shape under pressure. When you don't have deep pressure. When you don't have deep pressure. When you don't have deep roots, the problems you face always seem roots, the problems you face always seem roots, the problems you face always seem bigger than the God you serve. You know, bigger than the God you serve. You know, bigger than the God you serve. You know, thinking about Joseph's story a little thinking about Joseph's story a little thinking about Joseph's story a little bit, you know, some people believe that bit, you know, some people believe that bit, you know, some people believe that the greatest miracle wasn't that Joseph the greatest miracle wasn't that Joseph the greatest miracle wasn't that Joseph made it out of prison, but that the made it out of prison, but that the made it out of prison, but that the greatest miracle was that he didn't let greatest miracle was that he didn't let greatest miracle was that he didn't let the prison get inside of him. that his the prison get inside of him. that his the prison get inside of him. that his heart stayed tender even though his heart stayed tender even though his heart stayed tender even though his circumstances around him was hard. That circumstances around him was hard. That circumstances around him was hard. That he didn't allow his heart to be hardened he didn't allow his heart to be hardened he didn't allow his heart to be hardened just by the hard circumstances. You just by the hard circumstances. You just by the hard circumstances. You know, I want to say this. Just because know, I want to say this. Just because know, I want to say this. Just because it's around you doesn't mean you have to it's around you doesn't mean you have to it's around you doesn't mean you have to allow it affect what's in you.

allow it affect what's in you. allow it affect what's in you. >> Yeah, it may be around you, but don't >> Yeah, it may be around you, but don't >> Yeah, it may be around you, but don't let it don't let it get in you. Cuz let it don't let it get in you. Cuz let it don't let it get in you. Cuz whether he was in the pit, the prison, whether he was in the pit, the prison, whether he was in the pit, the prison, or the palace, his character stayed the or the palace, his character stayed the or the palace, his character stayed the same. But watch this. It wasn't because same. But watch this. It wasn't because same. But watch this. It wasn't because of where he was planted. It was because of where he was planted. It was because of where he was planted. It was because of where his faith was rooted. of where his faith was rooted. of where his faith was rooted. >> Yeah. He had deep roots in his faith. >> Yeah. He had deep roots in his faith. >> Yeah. He had deep roots in his faith. Deep roots. And when you have deep roots Deep roots. And when you have deep roots Deep roots. And when you have deep roots in your faith, you'll begin to realize in your faith, you'll begin to realize in your faith, you'll begin to realize that you're not shaken by what you see that you're not shaken by what you see that you're not shaken by what you see in your circumstance because you're in your circumstance because you're in your circumstance because you're settled by what God says in his word. settled by what God says in his word. settled by what God says in his word. >> You know, my girls who are here with me >> You know, my girls who are here with me >> You know, my girls who are here with me today, I I learned a lot for them from today, I I learned a lot for them from today, I I learned a lot for them from them. Actually, as they were growing up, them. Actually, as they were growing up, them. Actually, as they were growing up, I would learn some of the words that are I would learn some of the words that are I would learn some of the words that are trending at the time. And so they went trending at the time. And so they went trending at the time. And so they went through a phase that whenever something through a phase that whenever something through a phase that whenever something was final, whenever something was was final, whenever something was was final, whenever something was completed and nothing more need to be completed and nothing more need to be completed and nothing more need to be said about it, they would say the word said about it, they would say the word said about it, they would say the word period, period, period, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> Kids, right? >> Kids, right? >> Kids, right? >> So to give you a little bit of an >> So to give you a little bit of an >> So to give you a little bit of an example of what some of these example of what some of these example of what some of these conversations would sound like in in the conversations would sound like in in the conversations would sound like in in the house, it would be okay. All right. house, it would be okay. All right. house, it would be okay. All right. Well, Dad, the dress I want for Well, Dad, the dress I want for Well, Dad, the dress I want for homecoming, that it's a vibe. That is homecoming, that it's a vibe. That is homecoming, that it's a vibe. That is everything. Period. I'm like, okay, I everything. Period. I'm like, okay, I everything. Period. I'm like, okay, I guess the dress is nice. I'm trying to guess the dress is nice. I'm trying to guess the dress is nice. I'm trying to catch on to the language. Then I may catch on to the language. Then I may catch on to the language. Then I may ask, well, how did the dance recital go?

ask, well, how did the dance recital go? ask, well, how did the dance recital go? How did you do? Oh, Dad, I ate that up. How did you do? Oh, Dad, I ate that up. How did you do? Oh, Dad, I ate that up. Left no crumbs. Period. Left no crumbs. Period. Left no crumbs. Period. I'm like, I'm catching on. I think I I'm like, I'm catching on. I think I I'm like, I'm catching on. I think I understand. I think I understand. understand. I think I understand. understand. I think I understand. >> That anytime something was settled, they >> That anytime something was settled, they >> That anytime something was settled, they would say, period. would say, period. would say, period. >> Well, I want to encourage somebody >> Well, I want to encourage somebody >> Well, I want to encourage somebody today. I don't care what your today. I don't care what your today. I don't care what your circumstance is showing you. What's circumstance is showing you. What's circumstance is showing you. What's already settled about you is what God's already settled about you is what God's already settled about you is what God's word says. Period. word says. Period. word says. Period. Period. Period. Period. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> So, I don't know what your past may be >> So, I don't know what your past may be >> So, I don't know what your past may be saying, but what God's word says, he's saying, but what God's word says, he's saying, but what God's word says, he's chosen you and not rejected you. That he chosen you and not rejected you. That he chosen you and not rejected you. That he has plans to prosper you and not to harm has plans to prosper you and not to harm has plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans give you a hope and a future. you. Plans give you a hope and a future. you. Plans give you a hope and a future. Period. And if you're in one of the Period. And if you're in one of the Period. And if you're in one of the correctional facilities, YOU NEED TO correctional facilities, YOU NEED TO correctional facilities, YOU NEED TO KNOW GOD'S WORD SAYS THAT YOU'RE HIS KNOW GOD'S WORD SAYS THAT YOU'RE HIS KNOW GOD'S WORD SAYS THAT YOU'RE HIS MASTERPIECE. You're created TO DO GOOD MASTERPIECE. You're created TO DO GOOD MASTERPIECE. You're created TO DO GOOD WORKS. YOU'RE A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH WORKS. YOU'RE A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH WORKS. YOU'RE A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH KING AND YOU ARE GREATLY LOVED. PERIOD. KING AND YOU ARE GREATLY LOVED. PERIOD. KING AND YOU ARE GREATLY LOVED. PERIOD. [applause] [applause] [applause] And if you feel defeated by the And if you feel defeated by the And if you feel defeated by the environment THAT'S SURROUNDING YOU, environment THAT'S SURROUNDING YOU, environment THAT'S SURROUNDING YOU, GOD'S WORD SAYS YOU'RE MORE THAN A GOD'S WORD SAYS YOU'RE MORE THAN A GOD'S WORD SAYS YOU'RE MORE THAN A CONQUEROR. YOU'RE THE HEAD AND NOT THE CONQUEROR. YOU'RE THE HEAD AND NOT THE CONQUEROR. YOU'RE THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL. YOU'RE ABOVE AND NOT BENEATH. AND TAIL. YOU'RE ABOVE AND NOT BENEATH. AND TAIL. YOU'RE ABOVE AND NOT BENEATH. AND WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.

WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. PERIOD. PERIOD. PERIOD. WE NEED TO STOP PUTTING COMMAS IN OUR WE NEED TO STOP PUTTING COMMAS IN OUR WE NEED TO STOP PUTTING COMMAS IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE GOD HAS ALREADY CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE GOD HAS ALREADY CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE GOD HAS ALREADY PLACED A PERIOD. PLACED A PERIOD. PLACED A PERIOD. >> PERIOD. >> PERIOD. >> PERIOD. When you have deep roots and you're When you have deep roots and you're When you have deep roots and you're resilient in your soul, you realize the resilient in your soul, you realize the resilient in your soul, you realize the place that you're planted in can't limit place that you're planted in can't limit place that you're planted in can't limit the power of the God you serve. IF HE the power of the God you serve. IF HE the power of the God you serve. IF HE SAID IT, THAT SETTLES IT. PERIOD. SAID IT, THAT SETTLES IT. PERIOD. SAID IT, THAT SETTLES IT. PERIOD. >> PERIOD. >> PERIOD. >> PERIOD. >> YOU'RE GREATLY LOVED. >> YOU'RE GREATLY LOVED. >> YOU'RE GREATLY LOVED. >> PERIOD. >> PERIOD. >> PERIOD. WE'LL PROSPER WHEREVER WE'RE PLANTED. WE'LL PROSPER WHEREVER WE'RE PLANTED. WE'LL PROSPER WHEREVER WE'RE PLANTED. PERIOD. PERIOD. PERIOD. >> PERIOD. >> PERIOD. >> PERIOD. >> I know it can be tough. >> I know it can be tough. >> I know it can be tough. >> YEAH. >> YEAH. >> YEAH. >> BUT GOD says he's with you. >> BUT GOD says he's with you. >> BUT GOD says he's with you. >> You will make it through. >> You will make it through. >> You will make it through. >> Period. >> Period. >> Period. >> Period. We got to have deep roots. >> Period. We got to have deep roots. >> Period. We got to have deep roots. >> Deep roots. The other thing that Nana >> Deep roots. The other thing that Nana >> Deep roots. The other thing that Nana taught me, resilient soul produces fruit taught me, resilient soul produces fruit taught me, resilient soul produces fruit in its environment. in its environment. in its environment. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Come on. >> Yeah. Produce fruit. >> Yeah. Produce fruit. >> Yeah. Produce fruit. You know, a plant in order for it to You know, a plant in order for it to You know, a plant in order for it to grow, it needs plenty of water, deep grow, it needs plenty of water, deep grow, it needs plenty of water, deep roots, but you know, it also needs roots, but you know, it also needs roots, but you know, it also needs fruitful soil. She went over to the area fruitful soil. She went over to the area fruitful soil. She went over to the area that had the rocks and the dirt. After that had the rocks and the dirt. After that had the rocks and the dirt. After watering it, said, "Man, it's it's not watering it, said, "Man, it's it's not watering it, said, "Man, it's it's not going to going to change anything." and going to going to change anything." and going to going to change anything." and she opens this bag of top soil, she opens this bag of top soil, she opens this bag of top soil, pours it over the area. I'm like, "Why pours it over the area. I'm like, "Why pours it over the area. I'm like, "Why do you think that's going to change do you think that's going to change do you think that's going to change something?" She says, "Jal, the top soil something?" She says, "Jal, the top soil something?" She says, "Jal, the top soil is filled with fruitful nutrients is filled with fruitful nutrients is filled with fruitful nutrients that'll take an environment that was that'll take an environment that was that'll take an environment that was once dry and make it a healthy space once dry and make it a healthy space once dry and make it a healthy space where things can grow." You know, it's

where things can grow." You know, it's where things can grow." You know, it's at that moment I began to realize that at that moment I began to realize that at that moment I began to realize that if you change the soil, you can change if you change the soil, you can change if you change the soil, you can change an environment. an environment. an environment. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> You know, a soil's purpose for it >> You know, a soil's purpose for it >> You know, a soil's purpose for it existence isn't for its own self to existence isn't for its own self to existence isn't for its own self to thrive. It's to help everything else thrive. It's to help everything else thrive. It's to help everything else around it grow. around it grow. around it grow. >> Same is true with fruit. Fruit isn't >> Same is true with fruit. Fruit isn't >> Same is true with fruit. Fruit isn't produced by itself for its own benefit. produced by itself for its own benefit. produced by itself for its own benefit. It's produced for the benefit of others. It's produced for the benefit of others. It's produced for the benefit of others. I don't know if you know this or not, I don't know if you know this or not, I don't know if you know this or not, but you can change the condition of the but you can change the condition of the but you can change the condition of the soil that you're planted in by the fruit soil that you're planted in by the fruit soil that you're planted in by the fruit you're willing to produce in it. you're willing to produce in it. you're willing to produce in it. >> Yeah. So, I want to challenge us to >> Yeah. So, I want to challenge us to >> Yeah. So, I want to challenge us to produce a fruit of the spirit produce a fruit of the spirit produce a fruit of the spirit >> into the soil of every challenging >> into the soil of every challenging >> into the soil of every challenging environment that you're planted in. environment that you're planted in. environment that you're planted in. >> If your environment is is harsh, add >> If your environment is is harsh, add >> If your environment is is harsh, add gentleness to the soil. gentleness to the soil. gentleness to the soil. >> If your environment is unreliable, add >> If your environment is unreliable, add >> If your environment is unreliable, add faithfulness to the soil. If your faithfulness to the soil. If your faithfulness to the soil. If your environment is discouraging, add joy to environment is discouraging, add joy to environment is discouraging, add joy to the soil. Your environment is hateful, the soil. Your environment is hateful, the soil. Your environment is hateful, add a little bit of love add a little bit of love add a little bit of love >> to the soil. Regardless of the condition >> to the soil. Regardless of the condition >> to the soil. Regardless of the condition of your environment, the resilience of of your environment, the resilience of of your environment, the resilience of your soul is revealed by the fruit that your soul is revealed by the fruit that your soul is revealed by the fruit that you're still willing to produce in it.

you're still willing to produce in it. you're still willing to produce in it. Yeah. I'm I I'm afraid that some of us Yeah. I'm I I'm afraid that some of us Yeah. I'm I I'm afraid that some of us are walking away from environments that are walking away from environments that are walking away from environments that God has called us to change only because God has called us to change only because God has called us to change only because we didn't realize that we just simply we didn't realize that we just simply we didn't realize that we just simply need to add a little bit of fruit to the need to add a little bit of fruit to the need to add a little bit of fruit to the soil. soil. soil. >> Walking away from jobs when all it >> Walking away from jobs when all it >> Walking away from jobs when all it needed was a little bit of fruit needed was a little bit of fruit needed was a little bit of fruit produced in the soil. Yeah. produced in the soil. Yeah. produced in the soil. Yeah. >> Walking away from marriages >> Walking away from marriages >> Walking away from marriages and we didn't realize all it needed was and we didn't realize all it needed was and we didn't realize all it needed was just better soil. just better soil. just better soil. >> WALKING AWAY FROM HEALTHY COMMUNITY THAT >> WALKING AWAY FROM HEALTHY COMMUNITY THAT >> WALKING AWAY FROM HEALTHY COMMUNITY THAT GOD has called us to be a part of not GOD has called us to be a part of not GOD has called us to be a part of not understanding all it needed was just to understanding all it needed was just to understanding all it needed was just to improve the soil. We're walking away improve the soil. We're walking away improve the soil. We're walking away from the entire pot when God said, "I from the entire pot when God said, "I from the entire pot when God said, "I called you there to produce fruit into called you there to produce fruit into called you there to produce fruit into the soil." the soil." the soil." Often times it's not the location we're Often times it's not the location we're Often times it's not the location we're in that's the problem. It's just the in that's the problem. It's just the in that's the problem. It's just the soil that we're surrounded in. It's the soil that we're surrounded in. It's the soil that we're surrounded in. It's the soil. It's the soil. And what I love soil. It's the soil. And what I love soil. It's the soil. And what I love about Joseph's story is that he produced about Joseph's story is that he produced about Joseph's story is that he produced fruit in every place he was planted. He fruit in every place he was planted. He fruit in every place he was planted. He never waited for things to improve never waited for things to improve never waited for things to improve before contributing. He became the before contributing. He became the before contributing. He became the contribution. I want to encourage you contribution. I want to encourage you contribution. I want to encourage you all to be the change you are wanting to all to be the change you are wanting to all to be the change you are wanting to see in your place.

see in your place. see in your place. >> That's good. >> That's good. >> That's good. >> Yeah. Because a soul that keeps giving >> Yeah. Because a soul that keeps giving >> Yeah. Because a soul that keeps giving in a difficult place stays alive in ways in a difficult place stays alive in ways in a difficult place stays alive in ways that a closed off soul never does. that a closed off soul never does. that a closed off soul never does. Resilience in our soul grows the Resilience in our soul grows the Resilience in our soul grows the strongest not by what we receive. It strongest not by what we receive. It strongest not by what we receive. It grows by what we're willing to release. grows by what we're willing to release. grows by what we're willing to release. That's why we need to produce more. That's why we need to produce more. That's why we need to produce more. Every time, let me say it this way. Every time, let me say it this way. Every time, let me say it this way. Every time we produce love, joy, peace, Every time we produce love, joy, peace, Every time we produce love, joy, peace, and patience into our environment, and patience into our environment, and patience into our environment, whether you know it or not, your own whether you know it or not, your own whether you know it or not, your own soul becomes more resilient. soul becomes more resilient. soul becomes more resilient. >> So, we have opportunities like summer >> So, we have opportunities like summer >> So, we have opportunities like summer blast and serve day and motion blast and serve day and motion blast and serve day and motion conference. It's not that our kids and conference. It's not that our kids and conference. It's not that our kids and the students in our community don't need the students in our community don't need the students in our community don't need us, cuz they do. But producing fruit, us, cuz they do. But producing fruit, us, cuz they do. But producing fruit, y'all, it's just good for your soul. y'all, it's just good for your soul. y'all, it's just good for your soul. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> If you ever been in any of those spaces, >> If you ever been in any of those spaces, >> If you ever been in any of those spaces, you know what I'm talking about. Serve you know what I'm talking about. Serve you know what I'm talking about. Serve day, you walk out, you walk out feeling day, you walk out, you walk out feeling day, you walk out, you walk out feeling a little different. When you're in the a little different. When you're in the a little different. When you're in the arena, you see 17,000 plus students arena, you see 17,000 plus students arena, you see 17,000 plus students calling on the name of Jesus, lifting up calling on the name of Jesus, lifting up calling on the name of Jesus, lifting up the name above every other name. It the name above every other name. It the name above every other name. It builds something in you like I can builds something in you like I can builds something in you like I can endure this a little bit more. It gives endure this a little bit more. It gives endure this a little bit more. It gives you a perspective you didn't have before you a perspective you didn't have before you a perspective you didn't have before that somehow someway God is going to that somehow someway God is going to that somehow someway God is going to carry me through this.

carry me through this. carry me through this. Builds resilience Builds resilience Builds resilience in our soul. And I bring this question in our soul. And I bring this question in our soul. And I bring this question to you all today. What's one way this to you all today. What's one way this to you all today. What's one way this week that you can add value by being week that you can add value by being week that you can add value by being fruitful in the environments that God fruitful in the environments that God fruitful in the environments that God has placed you? What's one way this has placed you? What's one way this has placed you? What's one way this week? Maybe look at your calendars like, week? Maybe look at your calendars like, week? Maybe look at your calendars like, hey, you know what? I could do this. Be hey, you know what? I could do this. Be hey, you know what? I could do this. Be intentional about it. But I'm telling intentional about it. But I'm telling intentional about it. But I'm telling you, it'll change the condition of the you, it'll change the condition of the you, it'll change the condition of the soil. Maybe it's your home. Maybe it's soil. Maybe it's your home. Maybe it's soil. Maybe it's your home. Maybe it's your marriage. Maybe it's your job. But your marriage. Maybe it's your job. But your marriage. Maybe it's your job. But say, I'm going to produce fruit in it say, I'm going to produce fruit in it say, I'm going to produce fruit in it anyway. anyway. anyway. What Joseph realized and what's What Joseph realized and what's What Joseph realized and what's important for us to understand is that important for us to understand is that important for us to understand is that God has already placed inside of you God has already placed inside of you God has already placed inside of you everything you need to produce fruit everything you need to produce fruit everything you need to produce fruit into the soil of the environment into the soil of the environment into the soil of the environment surrounding you. surrounding you. surrounding you. >> It's in you already. Turn to the person >> It's in you already. Turn to the person >> It's in you already. Turn to the person beside you, tell them, say, "It's in beside you, tell them, say, "It's in beside you, tell them, say, "It's in you. It's in you." Yeah, I know it's you. It's in you." Yeah, I know it's you. It's in you." Yeah, I know it's challenging, but you can still produce challenging, but you can still produce challenging, but you can still produce fruit in it. And the fourth point that I fruit in it. And the fourth point that I fruit in it. And the fourth point that I want us to take notes on, a resilient want us to take notes on, a resilient want us to take notes on, a resilient soul stays under the sun. soul stays under the sun. soul stays under the sun. Stays under the sun. You know, even a Stays under the sun. You know, even a Stays under the sun. You know, even a rose with good water, deep roots, and rose with good water, deep roots, and rose with good water, deep roots, and fruitful soil, it still needs the fruitful soil, it still needs the fruitful soil, it still needs the sunlight.

sunlight. sunlight. >> That rose never would have made it >> That rose never would have made it >> That rose never would have made it through the concrete if the sun didn't through the concrete if the sun didn't through the concrete if the sun didn't shine on it. You know, I would say that shine on it. You know, I would say that shine on it. You know, I would say that same is true for us. Just like every same is true for us. Just like every same is true for us. Just like every physically every plant needs sunlight, physically every plant needs sunlight, physically every plant needs sunlight, spiritually every believer needs the spiritually every believer needs the spiritually every believer needs the sun. S O N being Jesus Christ in your sun. S O N being Jesus Christ in your sun. S O N being Jesus Christ in your life in order to have the resilience in life in order to have the resilience in life in order to have the resilience in your soul to be able to prosper anywhere your soul to be able to prosper anywhere your soul to be able to prosper anywhere that you're planted. Jeremiah says it that you're planted. Jeremiah says it that you're planted. Jeremiah says it this way this way this way 17:7. The first thing he says when he 17:7. The first thing he says when he 17:7. The first thing he says when he begins to give this image of what a begins to give this image of what a begins to give this image of what a resilient soul can look like, he says, resilient soul can look like, he says, resilient soul can look like, he says, "But blessed is the one who trusts." "But blessed is the one who trusts." "But blessed is the one who trusts." Everybody say, "Trust." Everybody say, "Trust." Everybody say, "Trust." who trust in the Lord, whose confidence who trust in the Lord, whose confidence who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. See, Joseph put all of his is in him. See, Joseph put all of his is in him. See, Joseph put all of his trust in the Lord. The only way Joseph trust in the Lord. The only way Joseph trust in the Lord. The only way Joseph made it out was because of the God he made it out was because of the God he made it out was because of the God he was under. Yeah. He made it over because was under. Yeah. He made it over because was under. Yeah. He made it over because of the Lord that he was under. When you of the Lord that he was under. When you of the Lord that he was under. When you stay under the sun, everything has stay under the sun, everything has stay under the sun, everything has purpose and nothing is wasted. purpose and nothing is wasted. purpose and nothing is wasted. You know, uh Nana, I don't know if she You know, uh Nana, I don't know if she You know, uh Nana, I don't know if she knows. Wow, I'm almost getting a little knows. Wow, I'm almost getting a little knows. Wow, I'm almost getting a little emotional thinking about her. it when emotional thinking about her. it when emotional thinking about her. it when many years ago she was with us. But uh many years ago she was with us. But uh many years ago she was with us. But uh she taught me a lot that day. Taught me she taught me a lot that day. Taught me she taught me a lot that day. Taught me a lot.

a lot. a lot. She told me um she said, "Jeal, you know She told me um she said, "Jeal, you know She told me um she said, "Jeal, you know the the manure of cows." And I said, the the manure of cows." And I said, the the manure of cows." And I said, "Well, wow. Now this this conversation "Well, wow. Now this this conversation "Well, wow. Now this this conversation take a drastic turn. I don't know where take a drastic turn. I don't know where take a drastic turn. I don't know where we're going with this." we're going with this." we're going with this." She said, "You know, even cow manure She said, "You know, even cow manure She said, "You know, even cow manure that when it's placed under the that when it's placed under the that when it's placed under the sunlight," she said, "you know what sunlight," she said, "you know what sunlight," she said, "you know what actually turns into fertilizer for the actually turns into fertilizer for the actually turns into fertilizer for the plants to grow." I said, "Wait a minute. plants to grow." I said, "Wait a minute. plants to grow." I said, "Wait a minute. that that doesn't make sense to me. How that that doesn't make sense to me. How that that doesn't make sense to me. How could something so bad that most people could something so bad that most people could something so bad that most people avoid like manure that when placed under avoid like manure that when placed under avoid like manure that when placed under the heat of the sun actually turn into the heat of the sun actually turn into the heat of the sun actually turn into something so good that would help the something so good that would help the something so good that would help the plant prosper. Then I thought about plant prosper. Then I thought about plant prosper. Then I thought about Joseph's story Joseph's story Joseph's story that every time he had a moment of that every time he had a moment of that every time he had a moment of adversity because he was under the sun s adversity because he was under the sun s adversity because he was under the sun s o n being Jesus Christ the Lord used it o n being Jesus Christ the Lord used it o n being Jesus Christ the Lord used it for his advancement. for his advancement. for his advancement. You say household J. Let me share with You say household J. Let me share with You say household J. Let me share with you. I don't know if you caught this you. I don't know if you caught this you. I don't know if you caught this pattern, but in Genesis 37, pattern, but in Genesis 37, pattern, but in Genesis 37, his brothers took his coat from him. The his brothers took his coat from him. The his brothers took his coat from him. The first time he was thrown into a pit, but first time he was thrown into a pit, but first time he was thrown into a pit, but because he was under the sun, the Lord because he was under the sun, the Lord because he was under the sun, the Lord used it as a promotion to allow him to used it as a promotion to allow him to used it as a promotion to allow him to come the primary attendant of Piper. But come the primary attendant of Piper. But come the primary attendant of Piper. But then two chapters later in Genesis 39, then two chapters later in Genesis 39, then two chapters later in Genesis 39, Piper's wife takes a garment from him.

Piper's wife takes a garment from him. Piper's wife takes a garment from him. Second time he's thrown into a prison, Second time he's thrown into a prison, Second time he's thrown into a prison, BUT BECAUSE HE STAYED UNDER the sun, BUT BECAUSE HE STAYED UNDER the sun, BUT BECAUSE HE STAYED UNDER the sun, the Lord used it for promotion, allowed the Lord used it for promotion, allowed the Lord used it for promotion, allowed him to become prime minister over all of him to become prime minister over all of him to become prime minister over all of Egypt. You may say, "Jimmy, what's the Egypt. You may say, "Jimmy, what's the Egypt. You may say, "Jimmy, what's the big deal?" I want to give you this big deal?" I want to give you this big deal?" I want to give you this revelation. Every time Joseph lost a revelation. Every time Joseph lost a revelation. Every time Joseph lost a coat, it was preparing him for a crown coat, it was preparing him for a crown coat, it was preparing him for a crown that he was about to receive. That means that he was about to receive. That means that he was about to receive. That means your problem is preparation for your problem is preparation for your problem is preparation for promotion. [applause] promotion. [applause] promotion. [applause] You can use it. Standing under the sun, You can use it. Standing under the sun, You can use it. Standing under the sun, being Jesus Christ, it strengthens in being Jesus Christ, it strengthens in being Jesus Christ, it strengthens in our soul the resilience we need to have our soul the resilience we need to have our soul the resilience we need to have to know that difficult moments of your to know that difficult moments of your to know that difficult moments of your life will ultimately be used to serve a life will ultimately be used to serve a life will ultimately be used to serve a greater purpose for your life. Joseph greater purpose for your life. Joseph greater purpose for your life. Joseph once he gets this realization, he gives once he gets this realization, he gives once he gets this realization, he gives his brothers this last verse. his brothers this last verse. his brothers this last verse. Genesis 50:20, he says, "You intended to Genesis 50:20, he says, "You intended to Genesis 50:20, he says, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for harm me, but God intended it all for harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so good. He brought me to this position so good. He brought me to this position so that I could save the lives of many that I could save the lives of many that I could save the lives of many people. Joseph basically saying that people. Joseph basically saying that people. Joseph basically saying that they meant it for evil, but God used it they meant it for evil, but God used it they meant it for evil, but God used it for my good. Now, I'm going to give you for my good. Now, I'm going to give you for my good. Now, I'm going to give you my translation what Joseph probably said my translation what Joseph probably said my translation what Joseph probably said when he saw his brothers.

when he saw his brothers. when he saw his brothers. He came into the room. He said, "You He came into the room. He said, "You He came into the room. He said, "You tried to throw manure on me, but God tried to throw manure on me, but God tried to throw manure on me, but God turned it into fertilizer for me. WHAT turned it into fertilizer for me. WHAT turned it into fertilizer for me. WHAT YOU THOUGHT would break me actually YOU THOUGHT would break me actually YOU THOUGHT would break me actually blessed me. What you thought would blessed me. What you thought would blessed me. What you thought would punish me actually prospered [music] punish me actually prospered [music] punish me actually prospered [music] me." I'm here to encourage somebody me." I'm here to encourage somebody me." I'm here to encourage somebody today that WHEN JESUS IS WITH YOU, today that WHEN JESUS IS WITH YOU, today that WHEN JESUS IS WITH YOU, THERE'S a circumstance on earth you THERE'S a circumstance on earth you THERE'S a circumstance on earth you can't prosper through. If problems can't prosper through. If problems can't prosper through. If problems around you, you'll prosper. If the around you, you'll prosper. If the around you, you'll prosper. If the styles are stacked against you, you'll styles are stacked against you, you'll styles are stacked against you, you'll prosper. If storms hit you, you'll prosper. If storms hit you, you'll prosper. If storms hit you, you'll prosper. If you're in a correctional prosper. If you're in a correctional prosper. If you're in a correctional facility, you can STILL PROSPER BECAUSE facility, you can STILL PROSPER BECAUSE facility, you can STILL PROSPER BECAUSE WHEN GOD IS WITH YOU, HIS FAVOR IS ALSO WHEN GOD IS WITH YOU, HIS FAVOR IS ALSO WHEN GOD IS WITH YOU, HIS FAVOR IS ALSO FOR YOU. HIS WORD SAYS YOU'LL BE BLESSED FOR YOU. HIS WORD SAYS YOU'LL BE BLESSED FOR YOU. HIS WORD SAYS YOU'LL BE BLESSED GOING IN AND YOU'RE BLESSED COMING OUT. GOING IN AND YOU'RE BLESSED COMING OUT. GOING IN AND YOU'RE BLESSED COMING OUT. That you're blessed in the city and That you're blessed in the city and That you're blessed in the city and you're blessed in the field. Eyes you're blessed in the field. Eyes you're blessed in the field. Eyes haven't seen, ears haven't heard what haven't seen, ears haven't heard what haven't seen, ears haven't heard what the Lord has in store. For those whose the Lord has in store. For those whose the Lord has in store. For those whose souls are resilient, how this summer, we souls are resilient, how this summer, we souls are resilient, how this summer, we going to prosper where we're planted. going to prosper where we're planted. going to prosper where we're planted. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. We can make it. Yeah. Yeah. We can make it. Yeah. Yeah. We can make it. Yeah. Period. [applause] Period. [applause] Period. [applause] Period. [cheering] Period. [cheering] Period. [cheering] >> Period.

>> Period. >> Period. >> Period. >> Period. >> Period. I don't know who's in the room with us I don't know who's in the room with us I don't know who's in the room with us today, today, today, >> but I came on an assignment. >> but I came on an assignment. >> but I came on an assignment. [panting] [panting] [panting] You can still make it. Have resilience You can still make it. Have resilience You can still make it. Have resilience in your soul. in your soul. in your soul. >> I don't know if someone's here today and >> I don't know if someone's here today and >> I don't know if someone's here today and maybe you're discouraged by the maybe you're discouraged by the maybe you're discouraged by the situation you're facing. Maybe you situation you're facing. Maybe you situation you're facing. Maybe you wanted to change and it it just hasn't. wanted to change and it it just hasn't. wanted to change and it it just hasn't. Maybe you've wanted your life to change. Maybe you've wanted your life to change. Maybe you've wanted your life to change. No matter how hard you try, you feel No matter how hard you try, you feel No matter how hard you try, you feel like you're stuck under the concrete. like you're stuck under the concrete. like you're stuck under the concrete. Can I Can I Can I question you with this? Have you ever question you with this? Have you ever question you with this? Have you ever tried completely putting yourself under tried completely putting yourself under tried completely putting yourself under the sun being Jesus Christ? the sun being Jesus Christ? the sun being Jesus Christ? Have you ever truly given him your your Have you ever truly given him your your Have you ever truly given him your your whole heart? Cuz when you do, what whole heart? Cuz when you do, what whole heart? Cuz when you do, what you'll see is the rose inside of you you'll see is the rose inside of you you'll see is the rose inside of you will be able to blossom and grow through will be able to blossom and grow through will be able to blossom and grow through the concrete surrounding you. If Joseph the concrete surrounding you. If Joseph the concrete surrounding you. If Joseph was here, he would tell you with Jesus was here, he would tell you with Jesus was here, he would tell you with Jesus Christ as your savior, you can prosper Christ as your savior, you can prosper Christ as your savior, you can prosper wherever you plant. Every head bowed and wherever you plant. Every head bowed and wherever you plant. Every head bowed and every eye closed.

every eye closed. every eye closed. Be here today and you're willing to open Be here today and you're willing to open Be here today and you're willing to open your heart. Let Jesus come in. If you've your heart. Let Jesus come in. If you've your heart. Let Jesus come in. If you've never received them, if you're having never received them, if you're having never received them, if you're having challenges where you are, if you feel challenges where you are, if you feel challenges where you are, if you feel like you're stuck where you are, like you're stuck where you are, like you're stuck where you are, I want to give you an opportunity to I want to give you an opportunity to I want to give you an opportunity to receive the greatest difference that receive the greatest difference that receive the greatest difference that your [music] life will ever encounter. your [music] life will ever encounter. your [music] life will ever encounter. It's a man named Jesus Christ. He can It's a man named Jesus Christ. He can It's a man named Jesus Christ. He can help you prosper wherever your heart is help you prosper wherever your heart is help you prosper wherever your heart is planted. I'm not going to ask you to planted. I'm not going to ask you to planted. I'm not going to ask you to stand. I'm not even going to ask you to stand. I'm not even going to ask you to stand. I'm not even going to ask you to come down front. All I'm simply going to come down front. All I'm simply going to come down front. All I'm simply going to ask is that you lift your hand to let me ask is that you lift your hand to let me ask is that you lift your hand to let me know and our campus pastors know that we know and our campus pastors know that we know and our campus pastors know that we can be praying for you. your Maxi campus can be praying for you. your Maxi campus can be praying for you. your Maxi campus pastor, join me on stage at this time. pastor, join me on stage at this time. pastor, join me on stage at this time. If you're here today and you're willing If you're here today and you're willing If you're here today and you're willing to say yes to Jesus, lift your hands to say yes to Jesus, lift your hands to say yes to Jesus, lift your hands when I count to three. 1 2 3. Anyone when I count to three. 1 2 3. Anyone when I count to three. 1 2 3. Anyone here today? Anyone? Awesome. I see you here today? Anyone? Awesome. I see you here today? Anyone? Awesome. I see you in the back. God sees you. He would do in the back. God sees you. He would do in the back. God sees you. He would do all of this just for you. Anyone else? all of this just for you. Anyone else? all of this just for you. Anyone else? He'll make a difference in the marriage. He'll make a difference in the marriage. He'll make a difference in the marriage. He'll make a difference in the job if He'll make a difference in the job if He'll make a difference in the job if give him a try. Put your heart under the give him a try. Put your heart under the give him a try. Put your heart under the sun. sun. sun. Watch him help you prosper through it Watch him help you prosper through it Watch him help you prosper through it all. All right. You can drop your hands all. All right. You can drop your hands all. All right. You can drop your hands and you can repeat after me. You can say and you can repeat after me. You can say and you can repeat after me. You can say your own words.

your own words. your own words. I just ask you speak from your heart. I just ask you speak from your heart. I just ask you speak from your heart. He's listening. Say something like this. He's listening. Say something like this. He's listening. Say something like this. Say, "Jesus, I need you. Say, "Jesus, I need you. Say, "Jesus, I need you. And thank you, Lord, for being with me And thank you, Lord, for being with me And thank you, Lord, for being with me through it all. I thought I was alone, through it all. I thought I was alone, through it all. I thought I was alone, but now I realize you you've been but now I realize you you've been but now I realize you you've been carrying me the whole time. So God, carrying me the whole time. So God, carrying me the whole time. So God, today I open my heart to you. Today I today I open my heart to you. Today I today I open my heart to you. Today I say yes to you. I ask you, Lord, to be say yes to you. I ask you, Lord, to be say yes to you. I ask you, Lord, to be my Lord and my Savior. my Lord and my Savior. my Lord and my Savior. I believe that you are the son of God. I I believe that you are the son of God. I I believe that you are the son of God. I believe that you died on the cross so believe that you died on the cross so believe that you died on the cross so that my sins may be forgiven. And I that my sins may be forgiven. And I that my sins may be forgiven. And I believe that [music] you still live. So believe that [music] you still live. So believe that [music] you still live. So I now ask, would you come and live I now ask, would you come and live I now ask, would you come and live inside of me? Use my life for your inside of me? Use my life for your inside of me? Use my life for your glory. Tell them this starting today. I glory. Tell them this starting today. I glory. Tell them this starting today. I am forever yours. Every head bowed and am forever yours. Every head bowed and am forever yours. Every head bowed and every eye continue to be closed. I want every eye continue to be closed. I want every eye continue to be closed. I want to pray for us all. But I ask Lord that to pray for us all. But I ask Lord that to pray for us all. But I ask Lord that you allow your word that went forth you allow your word that went forth you allow your word that went forth today to rest in our hearts. God, we ask today to rest in our hearts. God, we ask today to rest in our hearts. God, we ask would you give us the resilience we need would you give us the resilience we need would you give us the resilience we need in our soul that we can make a in our soul that we can make a in our soul that we can make a difference wherever we are. God, help us difference wherever we are. God, help us difference wherever we are. God, help us to be able to be watered with meaningful to be able to be watered with meaningful to be able to be watered with meaningful relationships. God, help our our roots relationships. God, help our our roots relationships. God, help our our roots to go deeper so that when the storms to go deeper so that when the storms to go deeper so that when the storms come, we're able to remain resilient in come, we're able to remain resilient in come, we're able to remain resilient in our faith to know what your word says our faith to know what your word says our faith to know what your word says about us. God, allow us to bear good about us. God, allow us to bear good about us. God, allow us to bear good fruit in every environment. May we live fruit in every environment. May we live fruit in every environment. May we live open-handed. May we keep tender hearts.

open-handed. May we keep tender hearts. open-handed. May we keep tender hearts. And Lord, lastly, we ask that you allow And Lord, lastly, we ask that you allow And Lord, lastly, we ask that you allow us to remain under the sun that even in us to remain under the sun that even in us to remain under the sun that even in this summer season and we forever be this summer season and we forever be this summer season and we forever be connected to you. We love you, Jesus, connected to you. We love you, Jesus, connected to you. We love you, Jesus, and we thank you for all that you've and we thank you for all that you've and we thank you for all that you've done here today. We pray and ask all done here today. We pray and ask all done here today. We pray and ask all these things in Jesus mighty name we these things in Jesus mighty name we these things in Jesus mighty name we pray. And all of God's people that agree pray. And all of God's people that agree pray. And all of God's people that agree said together. And all of God's people said together. And all of God's people said together. And all of God's people that agree said together. Now, come on that agree said together. Now, come on that agree said together. Now, come on church, let's put our hands together. church, let's put our hands together. church, let's put our hands together. The Lord has done here this morning.