Hebrews 1:8-9 NKJV

INTRODUCTION

1. JOY HAS COME

Luke 2:8-14 NKJV

Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV

Psalm 45:6–8 NKJV

2. THE OIL OF GLADNESS

Acts 10:38 NKJV

3. THE ANOINTING TO RESTORE

Isaiah 61:1–4 NKJV

Isaiah 61:3 NKJV

4. PUT IT ON

Isaiah 9:6–7 NKJV

This day marks the moment when:

• Hope, redemption, and peace entered the world

Jehovah-shalom, “The Lord Our Peace,”

PEACE WITH GOD

Ephesians 2:14–18 NKJV

Romans 5:1–2 NKJV

PEACE WITH OTHERS

Galatians 5:22–23, NKJV

Romans 12:18 NKJV

Ephesians 4:1–3 NKJV

Revelation 12:10 NKJV

PEACE WITH MYSELF

Romans 8:1 NKJV

CONCLUSION

Colossians 3:12–17 NKJV

1. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE

Psalm 139:1–12 TPT

God Understands Loneliness

Jesus Himself experienced loneliness:

Because Jesus experienced loneliness, He can comfort us in ours.

2. OUR DEEPEST NEED IS EMMANUEL

Matthew 1:22–23 NKJV

Psalm 68:5-6 TPT

Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

3. BE THE ANSWER

Serving Others breaks the cycle of isolation.

Galatians 6:2 NKJV

4. STAY CONNECTED

Hebrews 10:24–25 NKJV

IT IS GOOD TO GIVE THANKS

Psalm 92:1–2, NKJV

A landmark study from the University of Southern California (USC, 2015) found that when people

experience or express gratitude, it activates the:

Meaning:

A study from the University of North Carolina found that expressing gratitude to a partner increases oxytocin levels in BOTH people — the giver and the receiver. Gratitude increases oxytocin, the hormone associated with:

• bonding

Saying “thank you” actually releases the same hormone a mother releases when bonding with a newborn.

A study from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) found that daily gratitude practices:

• lower blood pressure

Saying “thank you” doesn’t just heal relationships — it heals you.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

Hebrews 13:15 NKJV

Psalm 91:1–2 NKJV

MY REFUGE

Genesis 2:8–9 NKJV

MY FORTRESS

Root Word – “to hunt to capture, To lay hold of to secure something.

• A stronghold

The idea is that God Himself becomes your inaccessible defense, your safe place where nothing can reach you. He is the One who surrounds, secures, and defends you.

Psalm 91:2 NKJV

MY GOD

IN HIM I WILL TRUST

Psalm 103:1–5 NKJV

“Can God trust you with power without it corrupting you?”

INTRODUCTION

Joseph’s journey shows why God blessed him:

Genesis 41:37–45 NKJV

1. POWER REVEALS THE HEART

Joseph’s promotion exposed:

Genesis 50:17–21 NKJV

2. POWER IS FOR SERVING PEOPLE, NOT ELEVATING SELF

John 13:1 NKJV

John 13:12–15 NKJV

In the world: power = privilege

3. PROMOTION COMES FROM GOD ALONE

God can lift someone from the prison to the palace in a single day.

• God is the source of all influence.

Leaders who empower others receive greater power from God.

Ephesians 4:12–13 AMP

4. TRUE POWER REQUIRES ACCOUNTABILITY

Joseph remained:

• Submitted to Pharaoh

Authority without accountability becomes dangerous.

• Humility

The Power Test teaches that influence is given to fulfill God’s purpose, not to build our own platform. Leaders who steward authority well become vessels God can trust with destinies.

ACTION-ITEM HOMEWORK

2. Empower Someone—Delegate a responsibility or opportunity to someone who needs to grow. Help them succeed.

3. Conduct a Heart Check—Ask the Holy Spirit: “Is there any pride, insecurity, or self-promotion in my leadership?” Write down what He shows you.

4. Choose Accountability—Share one area of leadership or decision-making with a spiritual mentor or overseer. Invite feedback and correction.

Take action

Galatians 5:16 KJV

Galatians 5:16 NLT

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”

It’s not enough to try to not do what we shouldn’t do.  We must be occupied doing what we should do.

1 Corinthians 13:1 NKJV

Ephesians 3:16 AMPC

The more from God we want, the more we have to get ourselves out of the way. Whenever God wants to bring us into something, we have to _____ ____ of something else.

The choice is yours. 

You’re constantly sowing.

Galatians 6:7-8 AMPC

“Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked [a]by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and [b]that only is what he will reap.

For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”

Life is all about making the decision that you’re gonna sow to the spirit and not to the flesh.

You’ll never become so spiritual that your flesh never gives you any trouble.

Sow to the _______ and you’ll reap life.

Sow to the _______ and you’ll reap ruin, decay, destruction.

The decision is ours and we’re making that decision several times, every day, as long as we live.

Depend on God and allow Him to work in your life.

Revelation 3:19 AMPC

Those whom I [dearly and tenderly] love, I tell their faults and convict and convince and reprove and chasten [I discipline and instruct them]. So be enthusiastic and in earnest and burning with zeal and repent [changing your mind and attitude].

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears and listens to and heeds My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he [will eat] with Me.

He who overcomes (is victorious), I will grant him to sit beside Me on My throne, as I Myself overcame (was victorious) and sat down beside My Father on His throne.

Which door in your life is God knocking at?

Matthew 26:41

God can use your situation to make you a better believer.

It’s already out of your control so you just have to __________ how you’re gonna respond.

It helps to ask God for His help.

Be patient with the process.

We have to allow God to prepare us for the dreams and desires we have.

How you act in the ___________ matters.

We’re not ready to have a thing until we can be happy _________ it.

God wants us to have as much as we can handle.

James 1:2-4 AMPC

When you got born again, you received the __________ of God and all of its fruit into your spirit. It just has to be ______________.

Genesis 39:1–10 (NKJV)

…7 And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.”

Purity Defined

• The condition or quality of being free from contamination, corruption, or mixture — morally, spiritually, or physically.

• Living with undivided devotion to God — keeping your heart clean from sin, your motives right, and your life aligned with His Word.

1. TEMPTATION ALWAYS COMES BEFORE PROMOTION

Joseph’s temptation wasn’t just _____________; it was _________l. The enemy wanted to derail his purpose before his season of influence. If Satan can’t get you with pride, he’ll try to get you with impurity.

1 Peter 5:8 (AMC)

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.

2. KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED

Yielding to temptation opens the door to sin.

Temptation itself isn’t sin — yielding to it is.

When we __________ with the thought instead of ___________ it, it triggers a spiritual chain reaction:

1. Desire – the thought enters.

James 1:13–15 (NKJV)

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

3. PURITY IS ABOUT CHARACTER

Not Just Conduct

True purity isn’t just avoiding outward sin — it’s maintaining a pure heart and motive before God.

Joseph didn’t resist Potiphar’s wife out of fear, but out of reverence for God.

“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” — Genesis 39:9

Joseph’s moral compass was rooted in _______________, not religion.

4. THE REAL TEST

What do you do when no one is ______________

Joseph was alone. He could have easily justified compromise — no one would have known.

Hebrews 4:13 (NKJV)

And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

Purity is proven in ___________ decisions, not public ones.

Private purity always precedes public promotion.

5. PURITY PROTECTS GOD’S PRESENCE

When we walk in purity, we guard the sense of God’s presence and favor in our lives.

Genesis 39:2 (NKJV)

The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

6. PURITY POSITIONS YOU FOR DESTINY

Every destiny requires discipline. God will not promote what He cannot trust.

Purity isn’t about perfection; it’s about a ___________ pattern of obedience and repentance.

When we choose purity, we choose long-term blessing over short-term gratification.

Psalm 119:9–11 (NKJV)

How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.

STEP #1

–

Guard Your Gates

This week, be intentional about what you allow into your heart and mind through your eyes, ears, and conversations.

Ask yourself daily: “Is what I’m watching, listening to, or saying drawing me closer to God or dulling my sensitivity to His presence?”

STEP #2

–

Make a Pre-Decision

Before temptation comes, decide in advance where you stand.

Write down one area where you’ve been tempted to compromise and declare your conviction out loud:

“I choose to honor God in this area, even when no one is watching.”

STEP #3

–

Hide the Word in Your Heart

Memorize Psalm 119:9–11 or another verse on purity.

Spend a few minutes each day meditating on it and praying,

“Lord, let Your Word cleanse my thoughts and guide my choices.”

STEP #4

–

Practice Private Integrity

Do one thing this week that no one else will see — an act of honesty, kindness, or

obedience — simply because you know God sees it.

Micah 7:8 NKJV

Genesis 37:20 NKJV

1. IT MATTERS WHAT YOU BELIEVE

“Faith begins where the will of God is known.”

God’s ________ is His _______. Find the promises that cover your situation.

Read them, meditate on them, and get them down in your spirit.

Romans 10:17 NKJV

Psalm 40:1–2 NKJV

Hebrew Word Study:

Crying — Shav‘ah (שַׁו ְﬠָה) — Strong’s H7775

– To cry out for help, to plead, or to call earnestly — especially in distress or

deep need.

– It’s a faith-filled cry, not hopeless, but trusting that God will respond.

LET’S LOOK AT THE WILL OF GOD FOR YOU

Psalm 37:23–24 NKJV

Proverbs 24:16 NKJV

12. WHAT ARE YOU MAGNIFYING?

Don’t magnify the pit — magnify the Word.

Too many believers talk more about the _________ than the ___________.

What you ___________ grows!

You can either magnify your pit or magnify your Deliverer!

Psalm 34:3 (NKJV)

Praise brings you out faster than pity ever will.

Acts 16:25–26 (NKJV)

When you praise in the pit, God prepares your promotion.

3. THIS IS TEMPORARY

You have to look past your pit! Keep an ___________ perspective

2 Corinthians 4:18 NKJV

This reminds us to fix our eyes not on our current circumstances — which are fleeting — but on the unseen promises of God, which are everlasting.

Question: What have you been saying?

Job 22:28 NKJV

Romans 4:17–21 NKJV

Mark 11:24 NKJV

GOD WILL TURN IT AROUND FOR YOUR BENEFIT

Genesis 50:20 NKJV

Even when others meant __________, God had a higher __________.

REMEMBER:

Your pit is not punishment

it’s preparation.

When you fall, you will arise, and your testimony will lift others

out too.

3STEP #1

Speak Faith Daily, Not the Pit

Write down one Scripture that declares victory and speak it out loud throughout the week. (Ex. Micah 7:8, Psalm 40:2, or Mark 11:24)

STEP #2

Magnify God, Not the Problem

Remember: Worship changes your atmosphere faster than worry ever will.

STEP #3

See Beyond the Temporary

STEP #4

Help Someone Else Up

The Place Between The Promise & The Palace

Today, we’re focusing on how we respond when life doesn’t go as planned—when everything seems to fall apart without reason.

Genesis 37:18–28 NKJV

The pit represents those seasons when:

The pit _________ the condition of our ______ —especially how we handle pain, rejection, and betrayal—before God can trust us with greater influence or promotion. Your _____ today can become your __________ tomorrow.

1. EVERYONE WILL FACE A PIT

Pits are the low places of life—times of disappointment, rejection, betrayal, financial struggle, or failure. But the pit doesn’t mean God has ___________ you.

Romans 8:28 NKJV

2. PITS REVEAL WHAT’S IN OUR HEART

The dream reveals your ________, but the pit reveals your _______.

Psalm 105:17–19 NKJV

Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him.

1 Peter 1:6–7 NKJV

What comes out of us when we’re squeezed in the pit—bitterness or trust—reveals what’s truly inside.

Many people fail the pit test by blaming others, becoming bitter, or doubting God’s goodness.

God wants us to _____ ____ even when we don’t understand what going on. “God doesn’t test us to find out what’s in our heart—He already knows.

He tests us so that we can see what’s in ____ _____.

3. DON’T LET BITTERNESS TAKE ROOT

Proverbs 4:23 NKJV

Hebrews 12:15 NKJV

Watch your heart closely. A “root of bitterness” refers to deep-seated resentment or unforgiveness that, if left unchecked, grows like a root and spreads—affecting not only you but everyone around you.

Guard your heart against bitterness.

When you hold on to bitterness, you stay in the pit. When you forgive, God lifts you out. Unforgiveness keeps us _______ where we are; forgiveness allows God to _____ ____ forward.

STEP #1

Reflect on Your Response

Take time this week to identify an area in your life where you feel “stuck in a pit.” Ask yourself honestly: How am I responding— with trust or with frustration?

“Search me, O God, and know my heart…” — Psalm 139:23–24

Goal: Let God reveal what’s in your heart during hard seasons.

STEP #2

Release Those Who Hurt You

Write down the names of anyone you may still feel bitterness or resentment toward. Pray over that list and make a conscious decision to forgive them, even if your feelings haven’t caught up yet.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:31–32

Goal: Uproot bitterness and invite freedom into your heart.

STEP #3

Reaffirm Your Trust in God

Every morning this week, speak this declaration aloud:

“Lord, even when I don’t understand, I trust that You are working all things together for my good.” — Romans 8:28

Goal: Build spiritual endurance and strengthen trust during uncertainty.

STEP #4

Respond with Faith, Not Feelings

Ask yourself: Am I responding out of faith or out of feelings?

Journal or share with a friend how your going to respond to the setback in your destiny.

Choose to act based on what you know God has promised — not on what you see or feel in the moment.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

Goal: Develop spiritual maturity by trusting God’s Word above your emotions, even when you’re still in the pit.