Prepared Days | Pastor Daniel Floyd

Well, welcome to church everybody. Glad Well, welcome to church everybody. Glad you're here today. Come on, let's put you're here today. Come on, let's put you're here today. Come on, let's put our hands together for Jesus one more our hands together for Jesus one more our hands together for Jesus one more time at all of our campuses. time at all of our campuses. time at all of our campuses. What a great day to be in church. What a great day to be in church. What a great day to be in church. >> Do you agree? >> Do you agree? >> Do you agree? >> Good. Uh women's night's coming up. You >> Good. Uh women's night's coming up. You >> Good. Uh women's night's coming up. You don't want to miss that. Women, make don't want to miss that. Women, make don't want to miss that. Women, make sure you get um registered. The sure you get um registered. The sure you get um registered. The registrations are going fast. And uh all registrations are going fast. And uh all registrations are going fast. And uh all the guys in the room, don't register, the guys in the room, don't register, the guys in the room, don't register, but make whatever you have to do for the but make whatever you have to do for the but make whatever you have to do for the lady in your life, make it easy for them lady in your life, make it easy for them lady in your life, make it easy for them to go watch the kids, pick them up, if to go watch the kids, pick them up, if to go watch the kids, pick them up, if you're an uncle, grandfather, husband, you're an uncle, grandfather, husband, you're an uncle, grandfather, husband, friend, uh make it super easy for them friend, uh make it super easy for them friend, uh make it super easy for them to be a part of that that evening. It's to be a part of that that evening. It's to be a part of that that evening. It's going to be a powerful time. And then going to be a powerful time. And then going to be a powerful time. And then September the 13th, everybody shout September the 13th, everybody shout September the 13th, everybody shout 13th. 13th. 13th. >> We begin a new series called This Is Us. >> We begin a new series called This Is Us. >> We begin a new series called This Is Us. Going to go for four weeks. We're going Going to go for four weeks. We're going Going to go for four weeks. We're going to be talking all about the vision of to be talking all about the vision of to be talking all about the vision of our church, where we believe God is our church, where we believe God is our church, where we believe God is taking us. What does the Bible teach us taking us. What does the Bible teach us taking us. What does the Bible teach us that the purpose of the church is, you that the purpose of the church is, you that the purpose of the church is, you know, we don't get to decide that. Um know, we don't get to decide that. Um know, we don't get to decide that. Um there's one there's one chief shepherd, there's one there's one chief shepherd, there's one there's one chief shepherd, his name is Jesus, and he's already told his name is Jesus, and he's already told his name is Jesus, and he's already told us what mission we should be on. So, us what mission we should be on. So, us what mission we should be on. So, we're going to be unpacking that from we're going to be unpacking that from we're going to be unpacking that from the word of God. So, if you call Gateway the word of God. So, if you call Gateway the word of God. So, if you call Gateway Home or you're like, man, I wonder what Home or you're like, man, I wonder what Home or you're like, man, I wonder what the future holds, then make sure you're the future holds, then make sure you're the future holds, then make sure you're here for those four weeks. It's going to here for those four weeks. It's going to here for those four weeks. It's going to be a great time together. You ready for be a great time together. You ready for be a great time together. You ready for the word today?

the word today? the word today? >> The word of God. I'm ready to jump in. >> The word of God. I'm ready to jump in. >> The word of God. I'm ready to jump in. We've been in this series called Best We've been in this series called Best We've been in this series called Best Days and we're in week number three. If Days and we're in week number three. If Days and we're in week number three. If you've missed it, I encourage you to go you've missed it, I encourage you to go you've missed it, I encourage you to go back and get it online. Do want to say back and get it online. Do want to say back and get it online. Do want to say hello to all of our campuses and of hello to all of our campuses and of hello to all of our campuses and of course everyone joining us online or on course everyone joining us online or on course everyone joining us online or on demand later in the week or some other demand later in the week or some other demand later in the week or some other time and our gateway gatherings and a time and our gateway gatherings and a time and our gateway gatherings and a big hello to our prison campuses. I get big hello to our prison campuses. I get big hello to our prison campuses. I get so much great feedback from you guys and so much great feedback from you guys and so much great feedback from you guys and women. We love you. You're not a women. We love you. You're not a women. We love you. You're not a project. You're a part of our family. project. You're a part of our family. project. You're a part of our family. And um somebody they told me whenever I And um somebody they told me whenever I And um somebody they told me whenever I said we visited all the campuses I got said we visited all the campuses I got said we visited all the campuses I got word back from the prison campus said word back from the prison campus said word back from the prison campus said you haven't come here yet. We are you haven't come here yet. We are you haven't come here yet. We are working on it. I promise you we are working on it. I promise you we are working on it. I promise you we are working on it. So we will come see you working on it. So we will come see you working on it. So we will come see you and uh love to see that part of our and uh love to see that part of our and uh love to see that part of our church family. I want to bring a message church family. I want to bring a message church family. I want to bring a message today entitled this this thought. Your today entitled this this thought. Your today entitled this this thought. Your best days are what they're your prepared best days are what they're your prepared best days are what they're your prepared days. How do you prepare for the days days. How do you prepare for the days days. How do you prepare for the days ahead? I want to look at the story of ahead? I want to look at the story of ahead? I want to look at the story of the life of Joseph from the Old the life of Joseph from the Old the life of Joseph from the Old Testament. One of my favorite stories in Testament. One of my favorite stories in Testament. One of my favorite stories in all of scripture. We're going to jump in all of scripture. We're going to jump in all of scripture. We're going to jump in in chapter 41:37. And it says this, "The in chapter 41:37. And it says this, "The in chapter 41:37. And it says this, "The plans seem good to Pharaoh and to all plans seem good to Pharaoh and to all plans seem good to Pharaoh and to all his officials." So, Pharaoh asked them, his officials." So, Pharaoh asked them, his officials." So, Pharaoh asked them, "Can we find anyone like this man? One "Can we find anyone like this man? One "Can we find anyone like this man? One in whom is the spirit of God?" Then in whom is the spirit of God?" Then in whom is the spirit of God?" Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you," I I'll give made all this known to you," I I'll give made all this known to you," I I'll give you the context in a little bit of what you the context in a little bit of what you the context in a little bit of what all this is, there is no one so all this is, there is no one so all this is, there is no one so discerning and wise as you, you shall be discerning and wise as you, you shall be discerning and wise as you, you shall be in charge of my palace, and all my in charge of my palace, and all my in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders.

people are to submit to your orders. people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I Only with respect to the throne will I Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you." So Pharaoh said to be greater than you." So Pharaoh said to be greater than you." So Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of Joseph, "I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt." How many of the whole land of Egypt." How many of the whole land of Egypt." How many of you know that is a good promotion day? you know that is a good promotion day? you know that is a good promotion day? It's a big job. Let's pray together. It's a big job. Let's pray together. It's a big job. Let's pray together. Father, our hearts and minds are open to Father, our hearts and minds are open to Father, our hearts and minds are open to you. So, Holy Spirit, would you speak to you. So, Holy Spirit, would you speak to you. So, Holy Spirit, would you speak to us? We believe your word has the power us? We believe your word has the power us? We believe your word has the power to change us today and we'll never be to change us today and we'll never be to change us today and we'll never be the same because of it in Jesus' name. the same because of it in Jesus' name. the same because of it in Jesus' name. And everybody said, "Amen." And everybody said, "Amen." And everybody said, "Amen." >> Amen. How many of you um by show of >> Amen. How many of you um by show of >> Amen. How many of you um by show of hands, come on, every campus hands, come on, every campus hands, come on, every campus participate, you would say you hate participate, you would say you hate participate, you would say you hate showing up somewhere unprepared. showing up somewhere unprepared. showing up somewhere unprepared. You hate Okay. How many of you you by You hate Okay. How many of you you by You hate Okay. How many of you you by show of hands would say this? you had a show of hands would say this? you had a show of hands would say this? you had a reoccurring nightmare that you got to reoccurring nightmare that you got to reoccurring nightmare that you got to class and you had not studied for the class and you had not studied for the class and you had not studied for the test. test. test. I never had that nightmare. Sometimes I I never had that nightmare. Sometimes I I never had that nightmare. Sometimes I had that reality. had that reality. had that reality. Never had that nightmare. [laughter] Never had that nightmare. [laughter] Never had that nightmare. [laughter] Sometimes I showed up and just wasn't Sometimes I showed up and just wasn't Sometimes I showed up and just wasn't ready. I have this reoccurring. You want ready. I have this reoccurring. You want ready. I have this reoccurring. You want to know my reoccurring nightmare? It has to know my reoccurring nightmare? It has to know my reoccurring nightmare? It has been for decades. I have this dream been for decades. I have this dream been for decades. I have this dream often. I've had it since we've been here often. I've had it since we've been here often. I've had it since we've been here in Texas. That I get up to preach and in Texas. That I get up to preach and in Texas. That I get up to preach and I'm not prepared. that I've get up and I I'm not prepared. that I've get up and I I'm not prepared. that I've get up and I haven't studied and I don't know what haven't studied and I don't know what haven't studied and I don't know what I'm gonna say and I'm fumbling over my I'm gonna say and I'm fumbling over my I'm gonna say and I'm fumbling over my words making a fool of myself. It is my words making a fool of myself. It is my words making a fool of myself. It is my reoccurring nightmare. I wake up and my reoccurring nightmare. I wake up and my reoccurring nightmare. I wake up and my heart rate is racing. It feels so real heart rate is racing. It feels so real heart rate is racing. It feels so real to me. Are y'all with me? Somebody just to me. Are y'all with me? Somebody just to me. Are y'all with me? Somebody just said a thank you. Thank you. I said a thank you. Thank you. I said a thank you. Thank you. I appreciate that. Feel like I'm love. How appreciate that. Feel like I'm love. How appreciate that. Feel like I'm love. How many of you know those showing up many of you know those showing up many of you know those showing up unprepared is just bad in life. Like unprepared is just bad in life. Like unprepared is just bad in life. Like showing unprepared for the meeting, showing unprepared for the meeting, showing unprepared for the meeting, unprepared for the sales proposal,

unprepared for the sales proposal, unprepared for the sales proposal, unprepared for the school, whatever it unprepared for the school, whatever it unprepared for the school, whatever it may be. Showing up unprepared is not may be. Showing up unprepared is not may be. Showing up unprepared is not good. And it creates an a lot of anxiety good. And it creates an a lot of anxiety good. And it creates an a lot of anxiety in our life. But how many of you also in our life. But how many of you also in our life. But how many of you also know that there are some things in life know that there are some things in life know that there are some things in life you cannot prepare for? you cannot prepare for? you cannot prepare for? You can't prepare for the job loss. You You can't prepare for the job loss. You You can't prepare for the job loss. You can't prepare for the injury that took can't prepare for the injury that took can't prepare for the injury that took you out from the season you thought you you out from the season you thought you you out from the season you thought you would have. You can't prepare for the would have. You can't prepare for the would have. You can't prepare for the wrecked car, the sick child. Like you wrecked car, the sick child. Like you wrecked car, the sick child. Like you just you can't prepare for these things just you can't prepare for these things just you can't prepare for these things in life. And the question I want us to in life. And the question I want us to in life. And the question I want us to wrestle with is what do we do in the wrestle with is what do we do in the wrestle with is what do we do in the unprepared moments? Let me say it this unprepared moments? Let me say it this unprepared moments? Let me say it this way. Who do we become in the unprepared way. Who do we become in the unprepared way. Who do we become in the unprepared moments? Not just what is happening moments? Not just what is happening moments? Not just what is happening around us, but maybe what happens in us around us, but maybe what happens in us around us, but maybe what happens in us in the moments where we are not prepared in the moments where we are not prepared in the moments where we are not prepared for what life throws at us. And it's for what life throws at us. And it's for what life throws at us. And it's going to happen to all of us. Jesus said going to happen to all of us. Jesus said going to happen to all of us. Jesus said it himself in this world. You will have it himself in this world. You will have it himself in this world. You will have trouble. You're going to have trouble in trouble. You're going to have trouble in trouble. You're going to have trouble in this life. you know, not to discourage this life. you know, not to discourage this life. you know, not to discourage you on this beautiful Sunday, but you're you on this beautiful Sunday, but you're you on this beautiful Sunday, but you're going to have trouble. But Jesus says, going to have trouble. But Jesus says, going to have trouble. But Jesus says, "But take heart. I've overcome the "But take heart. I've overcome the "But take heart. I've overcome the world." So, we have victory in the world." So, we have victory in the world." So, we have victory in the middle of our troubles. But the reality middle of our troubles. But the reality middle of our troubles. But the reality is we're all going to face unprepared is we're all going to face unprepared is we're all going to face unprepared moments in life. And so, what do we do moments in life. And so, what do we do moments in life. And so, what do we do in those moments? Now, Joseph was facing in those moments? Now, Joseph was facing in those moments? Now, Joseph was facing a moment in his life where from the look a moment in his life where from the look a moment in his life where from the look of the con of the text, it doesn't match of the con of the text, it doesn't match of the con of the text, it doesn't match the setup of the message. We're talking the setup of the message. We're talking the setup of the message. We're talking about challenging moments, trouble about challenging moments, trouble about challenging moments, trouble moments. And then we read this passage moments. And then we read this passage moments. And then we read this passage of Joseph going to prominence. He's of Joseph going to prominence. He's of Joseph going to prominence. He's basically the prime minister of Egypt.

basically the prime minister of Egypt. basically the prime minister of Egypt. Only Pharaoh is higher than him. I mean, Only Pharaoh is higher than him. I mean, Only Pharaoh is higher than him. I mean, think about this scene for a moment. think about this scene for a moment. think about this scene for a moment. Joseph comes in. I'll give you a little Joseph comes in. I'll give you a little Joseph comes in. I'll give you a little more context in a moment, but Pharaoh more context in a moment, but Pharaoh more context in a moment, but Pharaoh and all the officials and all the officials and all the officials say, "It's good for you to have this say, "It's good for you to have this say, "It's good for you to have this job." Think about that for a moment. job." Think about that for a moment. job." Think about that for a moment. Pharaoh and all the officials. So, all Pharaoh and all the officials. So, all Pharaoh and all the officials. So, all the officials are like, "We want you to the officials are like, "We want you to the officials are like, "We want you to be our boss." be our boss." be our boss." This is the moment he's happening This is the moment he's happening This is the moment he's happening right here. He's put over all the prime right here. He's put over all the prime right here. He's put over all the prime minister of Egypt. But if all you do is minister of Egypt. But if all you do is minister of Egypt. But if all you do is read a segment of Joseph's story, you read a segment of Joseph's story, you read a segment of Joseph's story, you could be misled to think that is the could be misled to think that is the could be misled to think that is the totality of his story. If all you read totality of his story. If all you read totality of his story. If all you read is the highlight reel of his story, you is the highlight reel of his story, you is the highlight reel of his story, you don't know that there's a backstory. And don't know that there's a backstory. And don't know that there's a backstory. And sometimes we do this to people in our sometimes we do this to people in our sometimes we do this to people in our life. We see the highlight moments life. We see the highlight moments life. We see the highlight moments because how many of you know we only because how many of you know we only because how many of you know we only post the highlight reels? Nobody posted post the highlight reels? Nobody posted post the highlight reels? Nobody posted this week when you yelled at your kid, this week when you yelled at your kid, this week when you yelled at your kid, right? Nobody posted this week when you right? Nobody posted this week when you right? Nobody posted this week when you cut off the driver, right? We don't post cut off the driver, right? We don't post cut off the driver, right? We don't post that. We post the highlight reels, the that. We post the highlight reels, the that. We post the highlight reels, the smiling moments. And we can begin to smiling moments. And we can begin to smiling moments. And we can begin to think that God people God uses greatly think that God people God uses greatly think that God people God uses greatly or even people we admire that it's all or even people we admire that it's all or even people we admire that it's all the highlight reels. And I would tell the highlight reels. And I would tell the highlight reels. And I would tell you that there is always a backstory.

you that there is always a backstory. you that there is always a backstory. That there's always some valleys before That there's always some valleys before That there's always some valleys before there are some mountain tops. That there are some mountain tops. That there are some mountain tops. That there's always some challenges before there's always some challenges before there's always some challenges before there are some victories. There's always there are some victories. There's always there are some victories. There's always a backstory. So, you got to put it in a backstory. So, you got to put it in a backstory. So, you got to put it in context. Everybody shout context. If context. Everybody shout context. If context. Everybody shout context. If you're new to Bible study, this is you're new to Bible study, this is you're new to Bible study, this is important because context means I don't important because context means I don't important because context means I don't cherry pick a verse out and make it say cherry pick a verse out and make it say cherry pick a verse out and make it say what I want it to say. That's how weird what I want it to say. That's how weird what I want it to say. That's how weird things get started. things get started. things get started. That's how cults begin. Everybody like That's how cults begin. Everybody like That's how cults begin. Everybody like [laughter] I take one little verse out. [laughter] I take one little verse out. [laughter] I take one little verse out. You got to put it in context. Context is You got to put it in context. Context is You got to put it in context. Context is simply what's it said before the text? simply what's it said before the text? simply what's it said before the text? What is saying after the text? Who's the What is saying after the text? Who's the What is saying after the text? Who's the original audience it's written to? What original audience it's written to? What original audience it's written to? What is the context that is happening around is the context that is happening around is the context that is happening around the text? And so, here's the context of the text? And so, here's the context of the text? And so, here's the context of the life of Joseph. If you're with me, the life of Joseph. If you're with me, the life of Joseph. If you're with me, say amen. say amen. say amen. >> So, here's Joseph. Joseph is born to a >> So, here's Joseph. Joseph is born to a >> So, here's Joseph. Joseph is born to a mom and a dad named Jacob and Rachel. mom and a dad named Jacob and Rachel. mom and a dad named Jacob and Rachel. Jacob with Rachel. That's an interesting Jacob with Rachel. That's an interesting Jacob with Rachel. That's an interesting story because he goes to marry Rachel story because he goes to marry Rachel story because he goes to marry Rachel and the father-in-law tricks him and and the father-in-law tricks him and and the father-in-law tricks him and slips Leah into the tent.

slips Leah into the tent. slips Leah into the tent. And Leah wasn't as uh nice on the eyes. And Leah wasn't as uh nice on the eyes. And Leah wasn't as uh nice on the eyes. This is all in the Bible. I'm not making This is all in the Bible. I'm not making This is all in the Bible. I'm not making this up. You need to read your Bible. this up. You need to read your Bible. this up. You need to read your Bible. Like, was it? So, then Joseph waited Like, was it? So, then Joseph waited Like, was it? So, then Joseph waited around so he could marry Rachel, who he around so he could marry Rachel, who he around so he could marry Rachel, who he really wanted to marry anyways before he really wanted to marry anyways before he really wanted to marry anyways before he got tricked, which is a whole another got tricked, which is a whole another got tricked, which is a whole another story because his name mean trickster. story because his name mean trickster. story because his name mean trickster. And he got tricked. The trickster got And he got tricked. The trickster got And he got tricked. The trickster got tricked. And so, he gets married. Well, tricked. And so, he gets married. Well, tricked. And so, he gets married. Well, Jacob and Rachel have only two sons. And Jacob and Rachel have only two sons. And Jacob and Rachel have only two sons. And it is Benjamin and it is Joseph. All it is Benjamin and it is Joseph. All it is Benjamin and it is Joseph. All right. Now, he has 11 brothers. Only one right. Now, he has 11 brothers. Only one right. Now, he has 11 brothers. Only one biological brother. the other 10 are biological brother. the other 10 are biological brother. the other 10 are half brothers and there's a lot of half brothers and there's a lot of half brothers and there's a lot of tension between Joseph and his brothers tension between Joseph and his brothers tension between Joseph and his brothers because Joseph is the favorite of Jacob because Joseph is the favorite of Jacob because Joseph is the favorite of Jacob and there's no discussion. I mean he and there's no discussion. I mean he and there's no discussion. I mean he just Jacob kind of makes it known. You just Jacob kind of makes it known. You just Jacob kind of makes it known. You know how in a family they're like I'm know how in a family they're like I'm know how in a family they're like I'm your favorite. I'm your favorite. I'm your favorite. I'm your favorite. I'm your favorite. I'm your favorite. I'm you know I'm always like Jonas is my you know I'm always like Jonas is my you know I'm always like Jonas is my favorite when he was little cuz he favorite when he was little cuz he favorite when he was little cuz he didn't talk like he don't talk back. He didn't talk like he don't talk back. He didn't talk like he don't talk back. He don't roll his eyes to me. He's never don't roll his eyes to me. He's never don't roll his eyes to me. He's never asked me to Apple pay him any amount of asked me to Apple pay him any amount of asked me to Apple pay him any amount of money. Yeah. I mean, just the whole like money. Yeah. I mean, just the whole like money. Yeah. I mean, just the whole like he's my favorite little it's changed he's my favorite little it's changed he's my favorite little it's changed now. He has he's learned vocabulary. Um, now. He has he's learned vocabulary. Um, now. He has he's learned vocabulary. Um, but this really was legitimately like he but this really was legitimately like he but this really was legitimately like he like like Jacob made Joseph a coat of like like Jacob made Joseph a coat of like like Jacob made Joseph a coat of many colors.

many colors. many colors. He like loved Jacob. All right. So, He like loved Jacob. All right. So, He like loved Jacob. All right. So, there's already tension between the there's already tension between the there's already tension between the brothers. Well, one day Joseph has a brothers. Well, one day Joseph has a brothers. Well, one day Joseph has a dream or he has a vision and it really dream or he has a vision and it really dream or he has a vision and it really is from the Lord. It's a God vision. And is from the Lord. It's a God vision. And is from the Lord. It's a God vision. And he decides that he's going to go share he decides that he's going to go share he decides that he's going to go share this with his brothers. And the dream is this with his brothers. And the dream is this with his brothers. And the dream is this. Hey all y'all, you're going to bow this. Hey all y'all, you're going to bow this. Hey all y'all, you're going to bow down to me one day. down to me one day. down to me one day. You imagine how that escalated the You imagine how that escalated the You imagine how that escalated the tension. Then he has a second dream and tension. Then he has a second dream and tension. Then he has a second dream and he tells his mom and dad and all of his he tells his mom and dad and all of his he tells his mom and dad and all of his brothers, "All of y'all are going to bow brothers, "All of y'all are going to bow brothers, "All of y'all are going to bow down before me one day." Can I tell you down before me one day." Can I tell you down before me one day." Can I tell you something? Time out. Even if it is a God something? Time out. Even if it is a God something? Time out. Even if it is a God dream, you don't have to share it with dream, you don't have to share it with dream, you don't have to share it with everybody. Some of you may have a dream in your Some of you may have a dream in your heart, but you don't need to tell heart, but you don't need to tell heart, but you don't need to tell everybody about it. You don't need to everybody about it. You don't need to everybody about it. You don't need to post about it. You don't you may need to post about it. You don't you may need to post about it. You don't you may need to tell the right people about it, but you tell the right people about it, but you tell the right people about it, but you don't need to go around telling don't need to go around telling don't need to go around telling everybody because not everybody can everybody because not everybody can everybody because not everybody can handle the dream that God puts in your handle the dream that God puts in your handle the dream that God puts in your heart. And so his brothers couldn't heart. And so his brothers couldn't heart. And so his brothers couldn't handle the dream. And so they decided handle the dream. And so they decided handle the dream. And so they decided they want him dead. they want him dead. they want him dead. So Jacob sends Joseph out to check on So Jacob sends Joseph out to check on So Jacob sends Joseph out to check on his brothers one day out in the fields. his brothers one day out in the fields. his brothers one day out in the fields. And whenever he is coming at a distance, And whenever he is coming at a distance, And whenever he is coming at a distance, they see him coming and they decide they see him coming and they decide they see him coming and they decide we're going to devise a plan to kill we're going to devise a plan to kill we're going to devise a plan to kill him. And so they decide they want to him. And so they decide they want to him. And so they decide they want to kill him. But instead of killing him, kill him. But instead of killing him, kill him. But instead of killing him, Reuben steps up and he says this, one of Reuben steps up and he says this, one of Reuben steps up and he says this, one of the halfb brothers. When Reuben heard the halfb brothers. When Reuben heard the halfb brothers. When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their this, he tried to rescue him from their this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. He says, "Let's not take the his hands. He says, "Let's not take the his hands. He says, "Let's not take the his life." He said, "Don't shed any blood.

life." He said, "Don't shed any blood. life." He said, "Don't shed any blood. Let's throw him in this sistern in a pit Let's throw him in this sistern in a pit Let's throw him in this sistern in a pit and leave him here in the wilderness, and leave him here in the wilderness, and leave him here in the wilderness, but don't lay hands on him." Reuben said but don't lay hands on him." Reuben said but don't lay hands on him." Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take this to rescue him from them and take this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. So, here was the him back to his father. So, here was the him back to his father. So, here was the plan. I'm going to we're just going to plan. I'm going to we're just going to plan. I'm going to we're just going to put him in a pit. I'm gonna let put him in a pit. I'm gonna let put him in a pit. I'm gonna let everybody else cool down. Whenever no everybody else cool down. Whenever no everybody else cool down. Whenever no one else is looking, I'll get him out of one else is looking, I'll get him out of one else is looking, I'll get him out of the pit and I'll take him back to dad the pit and I'll take him back to dad the pit and I'll take him back to dad and everything will be cool. But that's and everything will be cool. But that's and everything will be cool. But that's not what happened at all. And Joseph not what happened at all. And Joseph not what happened at all. And Joseph would go from the pit to a guy named would go from the pit to a guy named would go from the pit to a guy named Piper's house to a prison to ultimately Piper's house to a prison to ultimately Piper's house to a prison to ultimately be in front of Pharaoh. be in front of Pharaoh. be in front of Pharaoh. And so, Joseph couldn't have prepared And so, Joseph couldn't have prepared And so, Joseph couldn't have prepared for that moment. But I think there's for that moment. But I think there's for that moment. But I think there's some things Joseph did in those three some things Joseph did in those three some things Joseph did in those three moments and seasons of his life that moments and seasons of his life that moments and seasons of his life that give us some clues of things. We may not give us some clues of things. We may not give us some clues of things. We may not be able to prepare for the moment, but be able to prepare for the moment, but be able to prepare for the moment, but listen to me. You can predetermine how listen to me. You can predetermine how listen to me. You can predetermine how you will behave in the moment. you will behave in the moment. you will behave in the moment. >> You can't always prepare for the moment. >> You can't always prepare for the moment. >> You can't always prepare for the moment. You can't always prepare for the phone You can't always prepare for the phone You can't always prepare for the phone call you get and the betrayal that call you get and the betrayal that call you get and the betrayal that happened. You can't always prepare for happened. You can't always prepare for happened. You can't always prepare for that. But what you can do is determine, that. But what you can do is determine, that. But what you can do is determine, I'm going to predetermine in my heart I'm going to predetermine in my heart I'm going to predetermine in my heart that whenever life happens to me, these that whenever life happens to me, these that whenever life happens to me, these are some non-negotiables that I will run are some non-negotiables that I will run are some non-negotiables that I will run to even in the unprepared moments of to even in the unprepared moments of to even in the unprepared moments of life. So the first thing we see in the life. So the first thing we see in the life. So the first thing we see in the life of Joseph that I think we can life of Joseph that I think we can life of Joseph that I think we can predetermine in our heart is this is predetermine in our heart is this is predetermine in our heart is this is that we will do this. We will submit to that we will do this. We will submit to that we will do this. We will submit to God.

God. God. That we'll submit to God. You'll see it That we'll submit to God. You'll see it That we'll submit to God. You'll see it as we go on through the life of Joseph as we go on through the life of Joseph as we go on through the life of Joseph that Joseph never got bitter. that he that Joseph never got bitter. that he that Joseph never got bitter. that he never got revengeful, that that he never never got revengeful, that that he never never got revengeful, that that he never allowed that to to get into his heart. allowed that to to get into his heart. allowed that to to get into his heart. So, there had to come a moment, and we So, there had to come a moment, and we So, there had to come a moment, and we see it from his actions, where he see it from his actions, where he see it from his actions, where he yielded himself to whatever God was yielded himself to whatever God was yielded himself to whatever God was doing, even if he didn't understand it. doing, even if he didn't understand it. doing, even if he didn't understand it. Joseph's dream wasn't to be in a pit. Joseph's dream wasn't to be in a pit. Joseph's dream wasn't to be in a pit. His dream is that his brothers are His dream is that his brothers are His dream is that his brothers are bowing down, that he's in a place of bowing down, that he's in a place of bowing down, that he's in a place of authority, that that he has some kind of authority, that that he has some kind of authority, that that he has some kind of power, and all of a sudden, he finds power, and all of a sudden, he finds power, and all of a sudden, he finds himself in a pit. I wonder if you've himself in a pit. I wonder if you've himself in a pit. I wonder if you've ever been there that God burst something ever been there that God burst something ever been there that God burst something in your heart or gave you a dream in in your heart or gave you a dream in in your heart or gave you a dream in your heart, gave you a vision, and all your heart, gave you a vision, and all your heart, gave you a vision, and all of a sudden you're like, "This does not of a sudden you're like, "This does not of a sudden you're like, "This does not look like that at all." And you get to look like that at all." And you get to look like that at all." And you get to determine in that moment when it doesn't determine in that moment when it doesn't determine in that moment when it doesn't look like it's going the way you thought look like it's going the way you thought look like it's going the way you thought it would. How do you respond? it would. How do you respond? it would. How do you respond? And I would propose that submitting to And I would propose that submitting to And I would propose that submitting to God is the right response. Let me say it God is the right response. Let me say it God is the right response. Let me say it this way. Yielding to God.

this way. Yielding to God. this way. Yielding to God. >> That God, I yield to you. I don't >> That God, I yield to you. I don't >> That God, I yield to you. I don't understand it. I don't know why this is understand it. I don't know why this is understand it. I don't know why this is turning out this way. I don't know why turning out this way. I don't know why turning out this way. I don't know why the events are playing out in this way. the events are playing out in this way. the events are playing out in this way. But God, I yield to you. I submit to But God, I yield to you. I submit to But God, I yield to you. I submit to you. And can I tell you, yielding you. And can I tell you, yielding you. And can I tell you, yielding doesn't mean agreeing. doesn't mean agreeing. doesn't mean agreeing. Some of us are waiting until we can get Some of us are waiting until we can get Some of us are waiting until we can get to a place where we go, "Oh, I get it. I to a place where we go, "Oh, I get it. I to a place where we go, "Oh, I get it. I agree, God. You did it right." agree, God. You did it right." agree, God. You did it right." Listen to me. That may never come. Listen to me. That may never come. Listen to me. That may never come. You may never understand it this side of You may never understand it this side of You may never understand it this side of eternity. eternity. eternity. Do I understand why my dad who served Do I understand why my dad who served Do I understand why my dad who served the Lord his whole life was sick for the Lord his whole life was sick for the Lord his whole life was sick for seven years, then God healed him, then seven years, then God healed him, then seven years, then God healed him, then ended up with Alzheimer's, and now has ended up with Alzheimer's, and now has ended up with Alzheimer's, and now has been in heaven 10 years. I don't been in heaven 10 years. I don't been in heaven 10 years. I don't understand that. But I yield that God is understand that. But I yield that God is understand that. But I yield that God is good. I submit that God knows what he's good. I submit that God knows what he's good. I submit that God knows what he's doing, that God sees a bigger picture doing, that God sees a bigger picture doing, that God sees a bigger picture that I don't understand. And matter of that I don't understand. And matter of that I don't understand. And matter of fact, yielding to God is surrendering fact, yielding to God is surrendering fact, yielding to God is surrendering the need to know.

the need to know. the need to know. Proverbs 3:5 and 6, trust in the Lord Proverbs 3:5 and 6, trust in the Lord Proverbs 3:5 and 6, trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on with all of your heart and lean not on with all of your heart and lean not on your own your own your own understanding. understanding. understanding. So trusting in the Lord means I'm giving So trusting in the Lord means I'm giving So trusting in the Lord means I'm giving up understanding. up understanding. up understanding. I'm not always going to understand what I'm not always going to understand what I'm not always going to understand what is happening and I'm not always going to is happening and I'm not always going to is happening and I'm not always going to understand why the outcome isn't coming understand why the outcome isn't coming understand why the outcome isn't coming in the way that I thought it should. But in the way that I thought it should. But in the way that I thought it should. But I'm trusting God. I'm yielding to God. I'm trusting God. I'm yielding to God. I'm trusting God. I'm yielding to God. I'm submitting to God. I'm not I'm not I'm submitting to God. I'm not I'm not I'm submitting to God. I'm not I'm not disengaging from my faith. No, I'm going disengaging from my faith. No, I'm going disengaging from my faith. No, I'm going to lean in in an even greater way into to lean in in an even greater way into to lean in in an even greater way into my faith and go, "God, I don't get it. I my faith and go, "God, I don't get it. I my faith and go, "God, I don't get it. I don't agree with it, but I yield to don't agree with it, but I yield to don't agree with it, but I yield to you." you." you." But also, yielding isn't passivity. But also, yielding isn't passivity. But also, yielding isn't passivity. Trusting God, submitting to him, Trusting God, submitting to him, Trusting God, submitting to him, yielding to him also doesn't mean that yielding to him also doesn't mean that yielding to him also doesn't mean that I'm passive, that I just disconnect. I'm passive, that I just disconnect. I'm passive, that I just disconnect. Well, God, whenever you get your act Well, God, whenever you get your act Well, God, whenever you get your act together, I'll, you know, it's not turning out the way I you know, it's not turning out the way I thought it would turn out, so I'll come thought it would turn out, so I'll come thought it would turn out, so I'll come to church, but I'm not going to sing.

to church, but I'm not going to sing. to church, but I'm not going to sing. I'm not going to engage. I'm not going to engage. I'm not going to engage. How many of you know you can be in the How many of you know you can be in the How many of you know you can be in the room and not be present? room and not be present? room and not be present? How many of you know you can be at the How many of you know you can be at the How many of you know you can be at the dinner table, but not be parenting? It's not passive. It's not passive. Yielding isn't disengaged. Just going, Yielding isn't disengaged. Just going, Yielding isn't disengaged. Just going, "God, I don't get it, but I'm gonna lean "God, I don't get it, but I'm gonna lean "God, I don't get it, but I'm gonna lean into the process. I don't like the pit, into the process. I don't like the pit, into the process. I don't like the pit, but if this is where you have me right but if this is where you have me right but if this is where you have me right now, I know you have measured the walls now, I know you have measured the walls now, I know you have measured the walls because nothing nothing that comes my because nothing nothing that comes my because nothing nothing that comes my way doesn't go through your hand." It's way doesn't go through your hand." It's way doesn't go through your hand." It's the life of Job, right? Even though he the life of Job, right? Even though he the life of Job, right? Even though he slay me, yet will I trust him. Right? slay me, yet will I trust him. Right? slay me, yet will I trust him. Right? Even in the God, I don't understand it. Even in the God, I don't understand it. Even in the God, I don't understand it. Job I didn't like it. He didn't agree Job I didn't like it. He didn't agree Job I didn't like it. He didn't agree with it. I'm sure he lost family. lost with it. I'm sure he lost family. lost with it. I'm sure he lost family. lost income, lost business, lost livestock, income, lost business, lost livestock, income, lost business, lost livestock, all of it's gone. And he goes, "But I all of it's gone. And he goes, "But I all of it's gone. And he goes, "But I trust him." Even in the middle of it, trust him." Even in the middle of it, trust him." Even in the middle of it, when the unprepared moments come in your when the unprepared moments come in your when the unprepared moments come in your life, it is the wrong time to decide life, it is the wrong time to decide life, it is the wrong time to decide whether or not you're going to submit to whether or not you're going to submit to whether or not you're going to submit to God. That is the wrong time to decide God. That is the wrong time to decide God. That is the wrong time to decide whether or not you're going to yield to whether or not you're going to yield to whether or not you're going to yield to God. You have to determine before those God. You have to determine before those God. You have to determine before those moments ever come that God, no matter moments ever come that God, no matter moments ever come that God, no matter what life throws my way, I am yielding what life throws my way, I am yielding what life throws my way, I am yielding to you. I am submitted to you. I have to you. I am submitted to you. I have to you. I am submitted to you. I have already determined what I will bow my already determined what I will bow my already determined what I will bow my knee to and it is to you alone.

knee to and it is to you alone. knee to and it is to you alone. I think about Shadrach, Meshach, and I think about Shadrach, Meshach, and I think about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego we talked about in week one, Abednego we talked about in week one, Abednego we talked about in week one, right? Our God will save us from the right? Our God will save us from the right? Our God will save us from the fiery furnace, but even if he doesn't, fiery furnace, but even if he doesn't, fiery furnace, but even if he doesn't, we still will not bow to you. Why? They we still will not bow to you. Why? They we still will not bow to you. Why? They deter they predetermined in their heart, deter they predetermined in their heart, deter they predetermined in their heart, I am not bowing to a golden image. I've I am not bowing to a golden image. I've I am not bowing to a golden image. I've already determined who I submitted to. already determined who I submitted to. already determined who I submitted to. I'm submitted to King Jesus and to him I'm submitted to King Jesus and to him I'm submitted to King Jesus and to him alone. alone. alone. We see a submitted heart in the life of We see a submitted heart in the life of We see a submitted heart in the life of Joseph. What can you predetermine in Joseph. What can you predetermine in Joseph. What can you predetermine in your heart before unprepared moments your heart before unprepared moments your heart before unprepared moments ever come? That you're going to submit ever come? That you're going to submit ever come? That you're going to submit to God. The story goes on to tell us to God. The story goes on to tell us to God. The story goes on to tell us that he's in the pit and before Reuben that he's in the pit and before Reuben that he's in the pit and before Reuben can get to him, his brother Judah said can get to him, his brother Judah said can get to him, his brother Judah said this. Judah said to his brothers, "What this. Judah said to his brothers, "What this. Judah said to his brothers, "What will we gain if we kill our brother and will we gain if we kill our brother and will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?" cuz they had this cover up his blood?" cuz they had this cover up his blood?" cuz they had this whole thing. They were going to slay an whole thing. They were going to slay an whole thing. They were going to slay an animal. They were going to, you know, animal. They were going to, you know, animal. They were going to, you know, they were going to bring like a bloody they were going to bring like a bloody they were going to bring like a bloody coat to his dad. They had this whole coat to his dad. They had this whole coat to his dad. They had this whole plan. And and he says, "What would it do plan. And and he says, "What would it do plan. And and he says, "What would it do if we if we kill him?"

if we if we kill him?" if we if we kill him?" He said, "Come, let's sell him to the He said, "Come, let's sell him to the He said, "Come, let's sell him to the Ishelites. These are like vagabons. Ishelites. These are like vagabons. Ishelites. These are like vagabons. They're traveling all around. And let's They're traveling all around. And let's They're traveling all around. And let's not lay our hands on him. After all, he not lay our hands on him. After all, he not lay our hands on him. After all, he is our brother, our own flesh and is our brother, our own flesh and is our brother, our own flesh and blood." His brothers agreed. So when the blood." His brothers agreed. So when the blood." His brothers agreed. So when the Midionite merchants came by, his Midionite merchants came by, his Midionite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the brothers pulled Joseph out of the brothers pulled Joseph out of the sistern and sold him for 20 shekels of sistern and sold him for 20 shekels of sistern and sold him for 20 shekels of silver to the IshRaelites who took him silver to the IshRaelites who took him silver to the IshRaelites who took him to Egypt. So they were his to Egypt. So they were his to Egypt. So they were his transportation to Egypt. Then if you transportation to Egypt. Then if you transportation to Egypt. Then if you jump jump down to chapter 37:36, it says jump jump down to chapter 37:36, it says jump jump down to chapter 37:36, it says this. Meanwhile, this. Meanwhile, this. Meanwhile, sounds like a sounds like a sounds like a a team show. a team show. a team show. Anybody remember a team? Anybody remember a team? Anybody remember a team? >> Come on. That's when television was >> Come on. That's when television was >> Come on. That's when television was great. Mr. great. Mr. great. Mr. I love it when a plan comes together. I love it when a plan comes together. I love it when a plan comes together. All right. Meanwhile, the Midianites All right. Meanwhile, the Midianites All right. Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Piper, one of sold Joseph in Egypt to Piper, one of sold Joseph in Egypt to Piper, one of Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the Pharaoh's officials, the captain of the guard. Number two, what can we guard. Number two, what can we guard. Number two, what can we predetermine in our heart? Is this is predetermine in our heart? Is this is predetermine in our heart? Is this is that we will remain faithful to God. So, that we will remain faithful to God. So, that we will remain faithful to God. So, we're going to submit to God, but we'll we're going to submit to God, but we'll we're going to submit to God, but we'll remain faithful to God.

remain faithful to God. remain faithful to God. If we were writing the story, imagine if If we were writing the story, imagine if If we were writing the story, imagine if Joseph was writing the story. This isn't Joseph was writing the story. This isn't Joseph was writing the story. This isn't the story he'd write. the story he'd write. the story he'd write. Some of us look at things in our life Some of us look at things in our life Some of us look at things in our life and go, "This isn't the story that I and go, "This isn't the story that I and go, "This isn't the story that I would write." We would have written that would write." We would have written that would write." We would have written that Joseph got out of the pit, his brothers Joseph got out of the pit, his brothers Joseph got out of the pit, his brothers apologized, he put them all in jail, and apologized, he put them all in jail, and apologized, he put them all in jail, and he's back with his family. Or maybe the he's back with his family. Or maybe the he's back with his family. Or maybe the story could have been written on this story could have been written on this story could have been written on this side. Could have been and Joseph got side. Could have been and Joseph got side. Could have been and Joseph got bitter and forever played the victim bitter and forever played the victim bitter and forever played the victim card. card. card. But that's not at all what we read in But that's not at all what we read in But that's not at all what we read in the life of Joseph. We read a guy that the life of Joseph. We read a guy that the life of Joseph. We read a guy that remained faithful to God no matter what remained faithful to God no matter what remained faithful to God no matter what was going on. If you take some time this was going on. If you take some time this was going on. If you take some time this week to read the story of Joseph, it week to read the story of Joseph, it week to read the story of Joseph, it says this that when he went to Piper's says this that when he went to Piper's says this that when he went to Piper's house, the Lord was with him and the house, the Lord was with him and the house, the Lord was with him and the favor of the Lord was on him and he goes favor of the Lord was on him and he goes favor of the Lord was on him and he goes to the prison and the favor of God is to the prison and the favor of God is to the prison and the favor of God is with him and God is with him in the with him and God is with him in the with him and God is with him in the prison. So there's this hand of God on prison. So there's this hand of God on prison. So there's this hand of God on Joseph and Joseph remains faithful to Joseph and Joseph remains faithful to Joseph and Joseph remains faithful to who he is and to the God that he serves who he is and to the God that he serves who he is and to the God that he serves even in the middle of hard times. Think even in the middle of hard times. Think even in the middle of hard times. Think about it for a moment. He's been about it for a moment. He's been about it for a moment. He's been dejected by his family. That's trauma.

dejected by his family. That's trauma. dejected by his family. That's trauma. He's been sold into slavery by his He's been sold into slavery by his He's been sold into slavery by his brothers. brothers. brothers. He's been transported out of his country He's been transported out of his country He's been transported out of his country into Egypt. He's been resold to into Egypt. He's been resold to into Egypt. He's been resold to potterer's house. He's lost all freedom. potterer's house. He's lost all freedom. potterer's house. He's lost all freedom. He's been stripped of all of his rights. He's been stripped of all of his rights. He's been stripped of all of his rights. And here he is in Piper's house. And the And here he is in Piper's house. And the And here he is in Piper's house. And the scripture tells us that he ends up scripture tells us that he ends up scripture tells us that he ends up becoming to Piper his right-hand man and becoming to Piper his right-hand man and becoming to Piper his right-hand man and leading the entire house and everything leading the entire house and everything leading the entire house and everything that was underneath him. that was underneath him. that was underneath him. Some of us, if we'd have found ourselves Some of us, if we'd have found ourselves Some of us, if we'd have found ourselves in that situation, we've been like, I in that situation, we've been like, I in that situation, we've been like, I ain't doing nothing for nobody. ain't doing nothing for nobody. ain't doing nothing for nobody. But this was at the heart of Joseph. But this was at the heart of Joseph. But this was at the heart of Joseph. There was a character part of Joseph There was a character part of Joseph There was a character part of Joseph that said, "No, I'm going to be who I that said, "No, I'm going to be who I that said, "No, I'm going to be who I am. And who I am is faithful to my God. am. And who I am is faithful to my God. am. And who I am is faithful to my God. I'm going to remain faithful no matter I'm going to remain faithful no matter I'm going to remain faithful no matter what. I'm going to work what God has put what. I'm going to work what God has put what. I'm going to work what God has put in my hands. This may not be what I in my hands. This may not be what I in my hands. This may not be what I wanted. I may not be with my family, but wanted. I may not be with my family, but wanted. I may not be with my family, but I'm going to work what God put in my I'm going to work what God put in my I'm going to work what God put in my hands." And can I tell you that is the hands." And can I tell you that is the hands." And can I tell you that is the pattern of scripture. It is the parable pattern of scripture. It is the parable pattern of scripture. It is the parable of the talents, is it not? The master of the talents, is it not? The master of the talents, is it not? The master came back to the par to those he gave um came back to the par to those he gave um came back to the par to those he gave um money to and the question wasn't how money to and the question wasn't how money to and the question wasn't how much do you have? The question was what much do you have? The question was what much do you have? The question was what did you do with what you had?

did you do with what you had? did you do with what you had? What did you do with what I put into What did you do with what I put into What did you do with what I put into your hand? Did you multiply it or did your hand? Did you multiply it or did your hand? Did you multiply it or did you squander it? Did you multiply it or you squander it? Did you multiply it or you squander it? Did you multiply it or did you bury it? And the ones that did you bury it? And the ones that did you bury it? And the ones that multiplied it, he blessed even more. The multiplied it, he blessed even more. The multiplied it, he blessed even more. The one that buried it, he called him wicked one that buried it, he called him wicked one that buried it, he called him wicked and lazy. Not just lazy, but wicked and lazy. Not just lazy, but wicked and lazy. Not just lazy, but wicked because he didn't take what God had put because he didn't take what God had put because he didn't take what God had put in his hands and make more out of it. in his hands and make more out of it. in his hands and make more out of it. What did uh what did Elisha say to the What did uh what did Elisha say to the What did uh what did Elisha say to the woman, the widow who was in debt over woman, the widow who was in debt over woman, the widow who was in debt over her head? He asked her this. What do you her head? He asked her this. What do you her head? He asked her this. What do you have in your house? He didn't ask her, have in your house? He didn't ask her, have in your house? He didn't ask her, "Can you go make more money? Can you go "Can you go make more money? Can you go "Can you go make more money? Can you go do something else?" He said, "What do do something else?" He said, "What do do something else?" He said, "What do you have in your house?" And she said, you have in your house?" And she said, you have in your house?" And she said, "I just have a little bit of oil." And "I just have a little bit of oil." And "I just have a little bit of oil." And the oil was enough in God's hands. What the oil was enough in God's hands. What the oil was enough in God's hands. What about the five loaves and two fishes? about the five loaves and two fishes? about the five loaves and two fishes? Was it enough to feed 15, 20,000 people? Was it enough to feed 15, 20,000 people? Was it enough to feed 15, 20,000 people? No. But the little boy brought what he No. But the little boy brought what he No. But the little boy brought what he had. Some of us are waiting for God to had. Some of us are waiting for God to had. Some of us are waiting for God to put more in our lives before we're put more in our lives before we're put more in our lives before we're faithful. And God is going, "Be faithful faithful. And God is going, "Be faithful faithful. And God is going, "Be faithful with the little that you have. And with the little that you have. And with the little that you have. And whenever you're faithful with little, whenever you're faithful with little, whenever you're faithful with little, then I'll give you more. When I can then I'll give you more. When I can then I'll give you more. When I can trust you with a little bit, I'll trust trust you with a little bit, I'll trust trust you with a little bit, I'll trust you with a lot." you with a lot." you with a lot." Well, God, when you get me out of this Well, God, when you get me out of this Well, God, when you get me out of this situation, then I'll be faithful. Well, situation, then I'll be faithful. Well, situation, then I'll be faithful. Well, God, whenever you line up all things God, whenever you line up all things God, whenever you line up all things when this season of life is over, then when this season of life is over, then when this season of life is over, then I'm going to be faithful to you, God.

I'm going to be faithful to you, God. I'm going to be faithful to you, God. I'm going go all in. I'm I'm going I'm going go all in. I'm I'm going I'm going go all in. I'm I'm going serve. I'm gonna love people. I'm serve. I'm gonna love people. I'm serve. I'm gonna love people. I'm God is going, "Can you just work what God is going, "Can you just work what God is going, "Can you just work what you got? May not be the job you want, you got? May not be the job you want, you got? May not be the job you want, but work the one you got. Everybody, the but work the one you got. Everybody, the but work the one you got. Everybody, the marriage not may not be where you want marriage not may not be where you want marriage not may not be where you want it to be, but work the one you got. The it to be, but work the one you got. The it to be, but work the one you got. The grass isn't greener on the other side. grass isn't greener on the other side. grass isn't greener on the other side. It's astroturf. The grass is greener where you water it. The grass is greener where you water it. So, water the one you got. So, water the one you got. So, water the one you got. Work with what you've got in your hand. Work with what you've got in your hand. Work with what you've got in your hand. Remain faithful. And some of us are Remain faithful. And some of us are Remain faithful. And some of us are going, "But I'm just waiting on the going, "But I'm just waiting on the going, "But I'm just waiting on the Lord." Lord." Lord." >> Could I propose that maybe God's waiting >> Could I propose that maybe God's waiting >> Could I propose that maybe God's waiting on you? Could on you? Could on you? Could I propose that this waiting on the Lord I propose that this waiting on the Lord I propose that this waiting on the Lord and I get it. I'm not saying it's bad. and I get it. I'm not saying it's bad. and I get it. I'm not saying it's bad. Wait on the Lord. You'll man up the Wait on the Lord. You'll man up the Wait on the Lord. You'll man up the wings like eagles. You swore. I know the wings like eagles. You swore. I know the wings like eagles. You swore. I know the Bible. But could I propose that we Bible. But could I propose that we Bible. But could I propose that we spiritualize stubbornness? Well, when God does this, I'll do that. Well, when God does this, I'll do that. I'm gonna start giving whenever the I'm I'm gonna start giving whenever the I'm I'm gonna start giving whenever the I'm waiting on the Lord.

Could I say this? Sometimes we Could I say this? Sometimes we spiritualize laziness. I don't want to get burned out. I'm I don't want to get burned out. I'm concerned some of us are going to rust concerned some of us are going to rust concerned some of us are going to rust out before we ever burn out. This is this is I'm trying to I'm I'm This is this is I'm trying to I'm I'm your friend. I'm trying to help you. your friend. I'm trying to help you. your friend. I'm trying to help you. Love you so much. I pray for you every Love you so much. I pray for you every Love you so much. I pray for you every day. We see him remaining faith. Just We see him remaining faith. Just faithfulness. faithfulness. faithfulness. Faithfulness. I'm going to serve God in Faithfulness. I'm going to serve God in Faithfulness. I'm going to serve God in this house. I'm going to be the very this house. I'm going to be the very this house. I'm going to be the very best. I'm going to rise. The favor of best. I'm going to rise. The favor of best. I'm going to rise. The favor of God is on my life, and I'm a slave, but God is on my life, and I'm a slave, but God is on my life, and I'm a slave, but I'm giving it my best. I'm giving it my best. I'm giving it my best. That's faithfulness. That's faithfulness. That's faithfulness. You can't always prepare for moments in You can't always prepare for moments in You can't always prepare for moments in life, but you can predetermine who life, but you can predetermine who life, but you can predetermine who you'll be. You can determine that I'm you'll be. You can determine that I'm you'll be. You can determine that I'm going to be one that is submitted to God going to be one that is submitted to God going to be one that is submitted to God no matter what life throws at me. I'm no matter what life throws at me. I'm no matter what life throws at me. I'm going to be one that remains faithful to going to be one that remains faithful to going to be one that remains faithful to God even when it doesn't make sense. God even when it doesn't make sense. God even when it doesn't make sense. The story goes on to tell us that Joseph The story goes on to tell us that Joseph The story goes on to tell us that Joseph ended up being falsely accused by ended up being falsely accused by ended up being falsely accused by Piper's wife. She was attracted to him.

Piper's wife. She was attracted to him. Piper's wife. She was attracted to him. She wanted him. I don't know if there's She wanted him. I don't know if there's She wanted him. I don't know if there's kids in the room. She really wanted him. kids in the room. She really wanted him. kids in the room. She really wanted him. Okay. Okay. Okay. And day after day, she made advancements And day after day, she made advancements And day after day, she made advancements to him. Day after day, Joseph resisted to him. Day after day, Joseph resisted to him. Day after day, Joseph resisted the advancements. Day after day she made the advancements. Day after day she made the advancements. Day after day she made advancements. Finally she grabbed him advancements. Finally she grabbed him advancements. Finally she grabbed him cloak and was like his clothes and was cloak and was like his clothes and was cloak and was like his clothes and was like sleep with me. And he like got out like sleep with me. And he like got out like sleep with me. And he like got out of his jacket and he took off running of his jacket and he took off running of his jacket and he took off running from her and she's holding the his his from her and she's holding the his his from her and she's holding the his his robe and potterer comes in and she says robe and potterer comes in and she says robe and potterer comes in and she says he tried to take advantage of me. Sold into slavery. Dejected by his Sold into slavery. Dejected by his family. Losing all his rights. Falsely family. Losing all his rights. Falsely family. Losing all his rights. Falsely accused. accused. accused. You know what I love about Joseph is he You know what I love about Joseph is he You know what I love about Joseph is he didn't let injustice rewrite his didn't let injustice rewrite his didn't let injustice rewrite his character. >> Just because he was treated unfairly, he >> Just because he was treated unfairly, he didn't become an unfair person. didn't become an unfair person. didn't become an unfair person. He didn't let the hard times in life, He didn't let the hard times in life, He didn't let the hard times in life, listen to me, you can't let you got to listen to me, you can't let you got to listen to me, you can't let you got to remain faithful to God, faithful to who remain faithful to God, faithful to who remain faithful to God, faithful to who you are in God, and not let injustices you are in God, and not let injustices you are in God, and not let injustices in life or pain in life rewrite the in life or pain in life rewrite the in life or pain in life rewrite the character. Yes, let it shape you more character. Yes, let it shape you more character. Yes, let it shape you more resilient, but don't let it rewrite your resilient, but don't let it rewrite your resilient, but don't let it rewrite your character where where you become bitter character where where you become bitter character where where you become bitter or revengeful or or mad or angry or so or revengeful or or mad or angry or so or revengeful or or mad or angry or so triggered so easy by different things in triggered so easy by different things in triggered so easy by different things in life. Joseph didn't let it rewrite his life. Joseph didn't let it rewrite his life. Joseph didn't let it rewrite his character. Jesus didn't let it rewrite character. Jesus didn't let it rewrite character. Jesus didn't let it rewrite his character.

his character. his character. He just remained faithful He just remained faithful He just remained faithful step by step, day by day, remaining step by step, day by day, remaining step by step, day by day, remaining faithful to God. And so because he was faithful to God. And so because he was faithful to God. And so because he was falsely accused, his master Piper took falsely accused, his master Piper took falsely accused, his master Piper took him to prison. But if you remember, it's him to prison. But if you remember, it's him to prison. But if you remember, it's a specific prison because potterer is a specific prison because potterer is a specific prison because potterer is the captain of the guard of Pharaoh. the captain of the guard of Pharaoh. the captain of the guard of Pharaoh. And so it's a specific prison he's going And so it's a specific prison he's going And so it's a specific prison he's going into. And it's the prison that Pharaoh into. And it's the prison that Pharaoh into. And it's the prison that Pharaoh would use. So the Bible says in Genesis would use. So the Bible says in Genesis would use. So the Bible says in Genesis 39 20-23, y'all still with me? 39 20-23, y'all still with me? 39 20-23, y'all still with me? >> Yes. Says Joseph's master took him and >> Yes. Says Joseph's master took him and >> Yes. Says Joseph's master 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. But king's prisoners were confined. But king's prisoners were confined. But while Joseph was there in the prison, while Joseph was there in the prison, while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him and he showed him the Lord was with him and he showed him the Lord was with him and he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the kindness and granted him favor in the kindness and granted him favor in the prison warden, in the eyes of the prison prison warden, in the eyes of the prison prison warden, in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in warden. So the warden put Joseph in warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in prison. So charge of all those held in prison. So charge of all those held in prison. So now, not only was he leading Piper's now, not only was he leading Piper's now, not only was he leading Piper's house, now he's in prison and he's the house, now he's in prison and he's the house, now he's in prison and he's the man in prison. So he's leading all of man in prison. So he's leading all of man in prison. So he's leading all of it. And he was made responsible for all it. And he was made responsible for all it. And he was made responsible for all that was done there. And the warden, that was done there. And the warden, that was done there. And the warden, listen to this, paid no attention to listen to this, paid no attention to listen to this, 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 him and gave him success Lord was with him and gave him success Lord was with him and gave him success in whatever he did.

in whatever he did. in whatever he did. How amazing is that? The warden didn't How amazing is that? The warden didn't How amazing is that? The warden didn't even worry about it. The warden's like, even worry about it. The warden's like, even worry about it. The warden's like, "I'm going on vacation. You got this. "I'm going on vacation. You got this. "I'm going on vacation. You got this. Joseph's a prisoner." Joseph's a prisoner." Joseph's a prisoner." And while Joseph is in prison, And while Joseph is in prison, And while Joseph is in prison, Pharaoh's cupbearer and uh baker, I Pharaoh's cupbearer and uh baker, I Pharaoh's cupbearer and uh baker, I always want to call him the bread maker, always want to call him the bread maker, always want to call him the bread maker, but it's Baker. but it's Baker. but it's Baker. Pharaoh gets mad with them and throws Pharaoh gets mad with them and throws Pharaoh gets mad with them and throws them in prison. So now these two guys them in prison. So now these two guys them in prison. So now these two guys are in prison and they have a dream and are in prison and they have a dream and are in prison and they have a dream and they can't interpret the dream. Well, they can't interpret the dream. Well, they can't interpret the dream. Well, here's the dreamer. Joseph knows how to here's the dreamer. Joseph knows how to here's the dreamer. Joseph knows how to interpret dreams. In verse 40:8 says interpret dreams. In verse 40:8 says interpret dreams. In verse 40:8 says this, they they said to him, "We both this, they they said to him, "We both this, they they said to him, "We both have dreams," they answer, but there's have dreams," they answer, but there's have dreams," they answer, but there's no one to interpret them. And then no one to interpret them. And then no one to interpret them. And then Joseph said to them, "Do not Joseph said to them, "Do not Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God. Tell me interpretations belong to God. Tell me interpretations belong to God. Tell me your dreams." So he interpreted their your dreams." So he interpreted their your dreams." So he interpreted their dreams. dreams. dreams. So thought number three, what we can So thought number three, what we can So thought number three, what we can predetermine in our heart is not just predetermine in our heart is not just predetermine in our heart is not just we'll submit to God or remain faithful we'll submit to God or remain faithful we'll submit to God or remain faithful to God, but we will serve God. to God, but we will serve God. to God, but we will serve God. Think about this for a moment.

Think about this for a moment. Think about this for a moment. Joseph is helping them understand their Joseph is helping them understand their Joseph is helping them understand their dream while his is unfulfilled. So catch this. He is serving someone So catch this. He is serving someone else's dream still waiting on his. else's dream still waiting on his. else's dream still waiting on his. And that is the kingdom of God. And that is the kingdom of God. And that is the kingdom of God. That is the kingdom of God. That is the kingdom of God. That is the kingdom of God. That is kingdom math everybody. That is kingdom math everybody. That is kingdom math everybody. World math. World math. World math. Get what's yours. Climb over whoever you Get what's yours. Climb over whoever you Get what's yours. Climb over whoever you have to climb over. Make sure you keep have to climb over. Make sure you keep have to climb over. Make sure you keep your goals the number one in your life. your goals the number one in your life. your goals the number one in your life. Don't get distracted by anybody else. Don't get distracted by anybody else. Don't get distracted by anybody else. Focus on you. Focus on where you're Focus on you. Focus on where you're Focus on you. Focus on where you're going. Focus on what you're trying to going. Focus on what you're trying to going. Focus on what you're trying to get. That's world's math. God math. get. That's world's math. God math. get. That's world's math. God math. Serve someone else and I'll fulfill your Serve someone else and I'll fulfill your Serve someone else and I'll fulfill your dream through the service of their dream through the service of their dream through the service of their dream. That's God's math. That's kingdom dream. That's God's math. That's kingdom dream. That's God's math. That's kingdom way. way. way. [music] So watch this. He interprets their So watch this. He interprets their dream. dream. dream. Pharaoh calls them back up.

Pharaoh calls them back up. Pharaoh calls them back up. And when he calls them back up, Joseph And when he calls them back up, Joseph And when he calls them back up, Joseph says, "Hey, will you remember me?" says, "Hey, will you remember me?" says, "Hey, will you remember me?" That's all he asked of them. Turboser That's all he asked of them. Turboser That's all he asked of them. Turboser Jim, will you just remember me? And the Jim, will you just remember me? And the Jim, will you just remember me? And the saddest line in the whole story of saddest line in the whole story of saddest line in the whole story of Joseph is this. It's not that he's Joseph is this. It's not that he's Joseph is this. It's not that he's thrown in the pit, not that he got in thrown in the pit, not that he got in thrown in the pit, not that he got in potter's house. The saddest line, it potter's house. The saddest line, it potter's house. The saddest line, it says this. And they forgot about Joseph says this. And they forgot about Joseph says this. And they forgot about Joseph for two years for two years for two years until Pharaoh has a dream. And Pharaoh until Pharaoh has a dream. And Pharaoh until Pharaoh has a dream. And Pharaoh has a dream and he has no idea how to has a dream and he has no idea how to has a dream and he has no idea how to interpret the dream. And all of a interpret the dream. And all of a interpret the dream. And all of a sudden, the cup bearer goes, "Wait, sudden, the cup bearer goes, "Wait, sudden, the cup bearer goes, "Wait, there's a guy in your prison that knows there's a guy in your prison that knows there's a guy in your prison that knows how to interpret dreams. how to interpret dreams. how to interpret dreams. Why don't we call on him?" So, they Why don't we call on him?" So, they Why don't we call on him?" So, they clean Joseph up, shave him, give him a clean Joseph up, shave him, give him a clean Joseph up, shave him, give him a hairo, put on new clothes, bathe him. hairo, put on new clothes, bathe him. hairo, put on new clothes, bathe him. And he comes before Pharaoh. And Pharaoh And he comes before Pharaoh. And Pharaoh And he comes before Pharaoh. And Pharaoh tells him the dream. And then he says tells him the dream. And then he says tells him the dream. And then he says the dream. And Joseph said, "Here's what the dream. And Joseph said, "Here's what the dream. And Joseph said, "Here's what the dream is telling you. There's going the dream is telling you. There's going the dream is telling you. There's going to be seven years of prosperity in Egypt to be seven years of prosperity in Egypt to be seven years of prosperity in Egypt and then seven years of famine. And in and then seven years of famine. And in and then seven years of famine. And in the seven years of prosperity, you the seven years of prosperity, you the seven years of prosperity, you better prepare so that you're ready for better prepare so that you're ready for better prepare so that you're ready for the seven years of famine." And then the seven years of famine." And then the seven years of famine." And then that's what we read this morning. And that's what we read this morning. And that's what we read this morning. And Pharaoh goes, "It seemed good to him and Pharaoh goes, "It seemed good to him and Pharaoh goes, "It seemed good to him and all the officials that Joseph be put in all the officials that Joseph be put in all the officials that Joseph be put in charge of all the land of Egypt and do charge of all the land of Egypt and do charge of all the land of Egypt and do what he said should be done."

what he said should be done." what he said should be done." So, Joseph is 15 years since he's had So, Joseph is 15 years since he's had So, Joseph is 15 years since he's had his dream, and now he's serving his dream, and now he's serving his dream, and now he's serving Pharaoh's dream, but his is still Pharaoh's dream, but his is still Pharaoh's dream, but his is still unfulfilled. unfulfilled. unfulfilled. Let me ask you this. Can you serve Let me ask you this. Can you serve Let me ask you this. Can you serve somebody else's dream somebody else's dream somebody else's dream while you wait on yours to come to pass? while you wait on yours to come to pass? while you wait on yours to come to pass? While you're waiting on your child to While you're waiting on your child to While you're waiting on your child to come back to God, can you pray for come back to God, can you pray for come back to God, can you pray for somebody else's child somebody else's child somebody else's child to come back to God? While you're to come back to God? While you're to come back to God? While you're waiting on the healing in your own body, waiting on the healing in your own body, waiting on the healing in your own body, can you pray for somebody else's can you pray for somebody else's can you pray for somebody else's healing? This is the kingdom of God, healing? This is the kingdom of God, healing? This is the kingdom of God, everybody. everybody. everybody. While you're waiting on your job While you're waiting on your job While you're waiting on your job opportunity to open up, can you pray and opportunity to open up, can you pray and opportunity to open up, can you pray and help someone else connect to someone help someone else connect to someone help someone else connect to someone that maybe will give them the job that that maybe will give them the job that that maybe will give them the job that they've been looking for? This is the they've been looking for? This is the they've been looking for? This is the kingdom of God. Because God does his kingdom of God. Because God does his kingdom of God. Because God does his best work. When you are serving the best work. When you are serving the best work. When you are serving the dreams of others, he will begin to dreams of others, he will begin to dreams of others, he will begin to fulfill the dream in you. Because here's fulfill the dream in you. Because here's fulfill the dream in you. Because here's what happened. Seven years of prosperity what happened. Seven years of prosperity what happened. Seven years of prosperity came just like Joseph said. And seven came just like Joseph said. And seven came just like Joseph said. And seven years of famine came just like Joseph years of famine came just like Joseph years of famine came just like Joseph said they would. And in the seven years said they would. And in the seven years said they would. And in the seven years of famine, his brothers in Israel heard of famine, his brothers in Israel heard of famine, his brothers in Israel heard that Egypt had prepared for this. And so that Egypt had prepared for this. And so that Egypt had prepared for this. And so they come over to Egypt and they come they come over to Egypt and they come they come over to Egypt and they come before the prime minister Joseph, not before the prime minister Joseph, not before the prime minister Joseph, not knowing it's their brothers, and they knowing it's their brothers, and they knowing it's their brothers, and they kneel down before him because they are kneel down before him because they are kneel down before him because they are asking for some food. And Joseph's dream asking for some food. And Joseph's dream asking for some food. And Joseph's dream is revealed and accomplished right is revealed and accomplished right is revealed and accomplished right before his very eyes. But it wasn't before his very eyes. But it wasn't before his very eyes. But it wasn't because Joseph worked harder at his because Joseph worked harder at his because Joseph worked harder at his dream. It's because Joseph was serving

dream. It's because Joseph was serving dream. It's because Joseph was serving Pharaoh's dream that his dream became Pharaoh's dream that his dream became Pharaoh's dream that his dream became reality. Listen to me. It's not about reality. Listen to me. It's not about reality. Listen to me. It's not about what you can get, who you can step over. what you can get, who you can step over. what you can get, who you can step over. It's God. How can you use me to be a It's God. How can you use me to be a It's God. How can you use me to be a blessing in the lives of those around me blessing in the lives of those around me blessing in the lives of those around me so that in that moment through me you so that in that moment through me you so that in that moment through me you can [music] be seen. God will fulfill can [music] be seen. God will fulfill can [music] be seen. God will fulfill your dream. You take care of others. God your dream. You take care of others. God your dream. You take care of others. God will take [music] care of you. Can I give you one more thought? Can I give you one more thought? And I want to propose to you that the And I want to propose to you that the And I want to propose to you that the pit and potterer's house and the prison pit and potterer's house and the prison pit and potterer's house and the prison were not roadblocks to Joseph's dream, were not roadblocks to Joseph's dream, were not roadblocks to Joseph's dream, but they were pulling him towards his but they were pulling him towards his but they were pulling him towards his dream. dream. dream. Because some of you think that the pit Because some of you think that the pit Because some of you think that the pit moments and the potterer house moments moments and the potterer house moments moments and the potterer house moments and the prison, whatever that looks like and the prison, whatever that looks like and the prison, whatever that looks like in your life, that those are the in your life, that those are the in your life, that those are the barriers to what God wants to do in your barriers to what God wants to do in your barriers to what God wants to do in your life. I want to propose that they are life. I want to propose that they are life. I want to propose that they are not the barriers. They are actually the not the barriers. They are actually the not the barriers. They are actually the things that are pulling you towards it. things that are pulling you towards it. things that are pulling you towards it. Because Joseph would have never been in Because Joseph would have never been in Because Joseph would have never been in front of Pharaoh if he hadn't have been front of Pharaoh if he hadn't have been front of Pharaoh if he hadn't have been in Pharaoh's prison. And he never in Pharaoh's prison. And he never in Pharaoh's prison. And he never [music] would have been in Pharaoh's [music] would have been in Pharaoh's [music] would have been in Pharaoh's prison if he hadn't have been in prison if he hadn't have been in prison if he hadn't have been in Potterer's house and got wrongly Potterer's house and got wrongly Potterer's house and got wrongly accused. But he'd have never been in accused. But he'd have never been in accused. But he'd have never been in Potterer's house and got wrongly accused Potterer's house and got wrongly accused Potterer's house and got wrongly accused if he'd never been thrown in a pit. And if he'd never been thrown in a pit. And if he'd never been thrown in a pit. And he never would have got thrown in a pit he never would have got thrown in a pit he never would have got thrown in a pit if his brothers didn't have it out for if his brothers didn't have it out for if his brothers didn't have it out for him and want to kill him. [music] So the him and want to kill him. [music] So the him and want to kill him. [music] So the pit was moving him to Potterer's house pit was moving him to Potterer's house pit was moving him to Potterer's house to get him in Egypt. And it was not only to get him in Egypt. And it was not only to get him in Egypt. And it was not only in Egypt, but he was putting him in the in Egypt, but he was putting him in the in Egypt, but he was putting him in the captain of the guard of Pharaoh so that captain of the guard of Pharaoh so that captain of the guard of Pharaoh so that whenever he ended up in the prison, he whenever he ended up in the prison, he whenever he ended up in the prison, he could interpret a dream for a cup bearer could interpret a dream for a cup bearer could interpret a dream for a cup bearer and a baker. And two years later, they

and a baker. And two years later, they and a baker. And two years later, they would remember him so that he could end would remember him so that he could end would remember him so that he could end up standing before Pharaoh when Pharaoh up standing before Pharaoh when Pharaoh up standing before Pharaoh when Pharaoh was in need of a word from the Lord. And was in need of a word from the Lord. And was in need of a word from the Lord. And whenever he stood before Pharaoh, he whenever he stood before Pharaoh, he whenever he stood before Pharaoh, he interpreted the dream. He saved Egypt. interpreted the dream. He saved Egypt. interpreted the dream. He saved Egypt. He saved his family. And his dream He saved his family. And his dream He saved his family. And his dream became fulfilled. It was always pulling became fulfilled. It was always pulling became fulfilled. It was always pulling him towards his dream. not away from his him towards his dream. not away from his him towards his dream. not away from his dream. [music] So, it's all in how you dream. [music] So, it's all in how you dream. [music] So, it's all in how you see it. see it. see it. Some of you feel like, man, I'm in a pit Some of you feel like, man, I'm in a pit Some of you feel like, man, I'm in a pit of life right now. You can see it as a of life right now. You can see it as a of life right now. You can see it as a pit pit pit or you can see it as something that is or you can see it as something that is or you can see it as something that is propelling you propelling you propelling you to the purpose of God in your life. to the purpose of God in your life. to the purpose of God in your life. So you can't prepare for unprepared So you can't prepare for unprepared So you can't prepare for unprepared moments, moments, moments, but you can predetermine in your heart but you can predetermine in your heart but you can predetermine in your heart who are you going to be. who are you going to be. who are you going to be. And I would encourage you to determine And I would encourage you to determine And I would encourage you to determine today, I'm going to be submitted today, I'm going to be submitted today, I'm going to be submitted to God.

to God. to God. I'm gonna remain faithful to God I'm gonna remain faithful to God I'm gonna remain faithful to God and I'm gonna serve God no matter the and I'm gonna serve God no matter the and I'm gonna serve God no matter the circumstance. circumstance. circumstance. I'm going to live with a servant's I'm going to live with a servant's I'm going to live with a servant's heart. Is that not the life of Jesus? heart. Is that not the life of Jesus? heart. Is that not the life of Jesus? Everybody. Everybody. Everybody. Philippians 2:6, who being in the very Philippians 2:6, who being in the very Philippians 2:6, who being in the very nature God. Don't get it wrong. Jesus nature God. Don't get it wrong. Jesus nature God. Don't get it wrong. Jesus wasn't just a good man. He was the God wasn't just a good man. He was the God wasn't just a good man. He was the God man. Being in very nature God did not man. Being in very nature God did not man. Being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to consider equality with God something to consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. be used to his own advantage. be used to his own advantage. What did he do? Being in found in the What did he do? Being in found in the What did he do? Being in found in the appearance of a man. He humbled himself appearance of a man. He humbled himself appearance of a man. He humbled himself and he became obedient to death even and he became obedient to death even and he became obedient to death even death on a cross. Do you know what that death on a cross. Do you know what that death on a cross. Do you know what that that humbled himself? It was an emptying that humbled himself? It was an emptying that humbled himself? It was an emptying of himself. He did not empty his divine of himself. He did not empty his divine of himself. He did not empty his divine nature. nature. nature. He emptied his status and role He emptied his status and role He emptied his status and role to become a man, humbled himself. What to become a man, humbled himself. What to become a man, humbled himself. What does the Bible Paul goes on to write does the Bible Paul goes on to write does the Bible Paul goes on to write what he says? Therefore, God exalted him what he says? Therefore, God exalted him what he says? Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and he gave him the to the highest place and he gave him the to the highest place and he gave him the name that is above every name. That idea name that is above every name. That idea name that is above every name. That idea of exalted himself is a rare compound of exalted himself is a rare compound of exalted himself is a rare compound Greek word in the scriptures that means Greek word in the scriptures that means Greek word in the scriptures that means a hyperexaltation a hyperexaltation a hyperexaltation and it is a result of his hypersvthood.

and it is a result of his hypersvthood. and it is a result of his hypersvthood. The two are connected. It is the pattern The two are connected. It is the pattern The two are connected. It is the pattern of the kingdom of God. Jesus himself, of the kingdom of God. Jesus himself, of the kingdom of God. Jesus himself, humble servant, exalted by God. Joseph humble servant, exalted by God. Joseph humble servant, exalted by God. Joseph going through all the things he went going through all the things he went going through all the things he went through, exalted by God. Moses, serving through, exalted by God. Moses, serving through, exalted by God. Moses, serving Jethro and sheep that he did not own so Jethro and sheep that he did not own so Jethro and sheep that he did not own so he could become the shepherd of Israel he could become the shepherd of Israel he could become the shepherd of Israel to lead him out of slavery. Humble to lead him out of slavery. Humble to lead him out of slavery. Humble servant, God exalted him. David served servant, God exalted him. David served servant, God exalted him. David served Saul after he had been anointed king. Saul after he had been anointed king. Saul after he had been anointed king. And Saul wanted him dead. And Saul was And Saul wanted him dead. And Saul was And Saul wanted him dead. And Saul was this thing that stood between him and this thing that stood between him and this thing that stood between him and the palace. But David served him with a the palace. But David served him with a the palace. But David served him with a humble heart, played music for him, and humble heart, played music for him, and humble heart, played music for him, and at the right time, God exalted him. at the right time, God exalted him. at the right time, God exalted him. This is the pattern of the kingdom. This is the pattern of the kingdom. This is the pattern of the kingdom. You serve, You serve, You serve, then you become great. You serve, then then you become great. You serve, then then you become great. You serve, then God fulfills your dream. you serve and God fulfills your dream. you serve and God fulfills your dream. you serve and then in due season he will exalt you then in due season he will exalt you then in due season he will exalt you with his mighty right hand. That's what with his mighty right hand. That's what with his mighty right hand. That's what the Bible says.

the Bible says. the Bible says. So you can't prepare for unprepared So you can't prepare for unprepared So you can't prepare for unprepared days, but you can predetermine in your days, but you can predetermine in your days, but you can predetermine in your heart who will you be. So that's what I heart who will you be. So that's what I heart who will you be. So that's what I ask you. Who will you be? ask you. Who will you be? ask you. Who will you be? And I pray your answer is I'm going to And I pray your answer is I'm going to And I pray your answer is I'm going to be submitted. I'm going to be faithful. be submitted. I'm going to be faithful. be submitted. I'm going to be faithful. and I'm going to be a servant. Do you and I'm going to be a servant. Do you and I'm going to be a servant. Do you receive the word of God today? Is that receive the word of God today? Is that receive the word of God today? Is that helpful? [music] Will you pray with me at all of our Will you pray with me at all of our locations? Bow your head, close your locations? Bow your head, close your locations? Bow your head, close your eyes if you can, right where you're at eyes if you can, right where you're at eyes if you can, right where you're at online. Maybe you're here today and you've never Maybe you're here today and you've never taken a first step of submitting your taken a first step of submitting your taken a first step of submitting your life to God. life to God. life to God. You've never really had a moment in your You've never really had a moment in your You've never really had a moment in your life where you said, "God, life where you said, "God, life where you said, "God, I'm going to live life your way. I'm I'm going to live life your way. I'm I'm going to live life your way. I'm going to submit my life. I'm going to going to submit my life. I'm going to going to submit my life. I'm going to make you the Lord of my life." In other make you the Lord of my life." In other make you the Lord of my life." In other words, I want you to call the shots. words, I want you to call the shots. words, I want you to call the shots. I've been doing it my way for long I've been doing it my way for long I've been doing it my way for long enough.

enough. enough. Maybe you've never come to that moment. Maybe you've never come to that moment. Maybe you've never come to that moment. That would be the first step for you That would be the first step for you That would be the first step for you today. today. today. The Bible says that we all have a The Bible says that we all have a The Bible says that we all have a problem that none of us can solve. It's problem that none of us can solve. It's problem that none of us can solve. It's called sin. We miss the mark. We don't called sin. We miss the mark. We don't called sin. We miss the mark. We don't meet the standard. meet the standard. meet the standard. But the scripture also tells us that But the scripture also tells us that But the scripture also tells us that Jesus came and he lived the life you and Jesus came and he lived the life you and Jesus came and he lived the life you and I could never live. He lived a perfect I could never live. He lived a perfect I could never live. He lived a perfect life and he died the death we really life and he died the death we really life and he died the death we really deserved. He paid the penalty for our deserved. He paid the penalty for our deserved. He paid the penalty for our sin so that we could have relationship sin so that we could have relationship sin so that we could have relationship with him now with him now with him now and make sure our home is in heaven in and make sure our home is in heaven in and make sure our home is in heaven in eternity. eternity. eternity. And so some of you here today at all of And so some of you here today at all of And so some of you here today at all of our locations, you need to take that our locations, you need to take that our locations, you need to take that step today. You would say, "Pastor, step today. You would say, "Pastor, step today. You would say, "Pastor, today I need a fresh start with God." today I need a fresh start with God." today I need a fresh start with God." And some of you, you're here today and And some of you, you're here today and And some of you, you're here today and there there's a moment in your life there there's a moment in your life there there's a moment in your life where you were really walking with the where you were really walking with the where you were really walking with the Lord. But you know in your heart you're Lord. But you know in your heart you're Lord. But you know in your heart you're far from him right now. And so in just a far from him right now. And so in just a far from him right now. And so in just a moment, we're going to pray together. moment, we're going to pray together. moment, we're going to pray together. There's nothing [music] necessarily There's nothing [music] necessarily There's nothing [music] necessarily special about the words I say, but it's special about the words I say, but it's special about the words I say, but it's about the faith in your heart and your about the faith in your heart and your about the faith in your heart and your intent. So if you say, "Pastor, that's intent. So if you say, "Pastor, that's intent. So if you say, "Pastor, that's me." When I count to three, I just want me." When I count to three, I just want me." When I count to three, I just want you to shoot your hand up long enough you to shoot your hand up long enough you to shoot your hand up long enough for myself or the pastor at your campus for myself or the pastor at your campus for myself or the pastor at your campus to see. No one's going to come to you or to see. No one's going to come to you or to see. No one's going to come to you or point you out. You say, "I need a fresh point you out. You say, "I need a fresh point you out. You say, "I need a fresh start in God today." If that's you on start in God today." If that's you on start in God today." If that's you on three, you lift your hand. One, two, three, you lift your hand. One, two, three, you lift your hand. One, two, three. Just shoot it up high. Just keep three. Just shoot it up high. Just keep three. Just shoot it up high. Just keep it up all over the room. God bless you.

it up all over the room. God bless you. it up all over the room. God bless you. God bless you. Lots of hands. Lots of God bless you. Lots of hands. Lots of God bless you. Lots of hands. Lots of hands. hands. hands. God sees you and heaven is rejoicing God sees you and heaven is rejoicing God sees you and heaven is rejoicing over you. Just so you know. over you. Just so you know. over you. Just so you know. You can put them down. Church, will you You can put them down. Church, will you You can put them down. Church, will you pray this out loud with me for the pray this out loud with me for the pray this out loud with me for the benefit of those who slip their hand up? benefit of those who slip their hand up? benefit of those who slip their hand up? Just say, "Jesus, I need you. I ask you Just say, "Jesus, I need you. I ask you Just say, "Jesus, I need you. I ask you to forgive me of all my sin. I believe to forgive me of all my sin. I believe to forgive me of all my sin. I believe you died for me. I believe God raised you died for me. I believe God raised you died for me. I believe God raised you from the dead. Today I make you my you from the dead. Today I make you my you from the dead. Today I make you my Lord and Savior. Lord and Savior. Lord and Savior. Thank you for a brand new beginning in Thank you for a brand new beginning in Thank you for a brand new beginning in Jesus name. [music] Jesus name. [music] Jesus name. [music] Everybody said a big amen. Amen. Can we Everybody said a big amen. Amen. Can we Everybody said a big amen. Amen. Can we put our hands together and celebrate put our hands together and celebrate put our hands together and celebrate those who made that decision? those who made that decision? those who made that decision? Incredible.