This week we take a look at how God was with Joseph.  Sometimes we can feel like we are doing everything right and things still come against us.  It doesn't mean the Lord is not with us, but He in turn is with us while we are going through the storm and the hardships in life.  As long as we are in this fallen world we will face opposition.  Joseph faced rejection throughout his life even though it appears he did everything the right way.  On this side of the cross we can see that God was with Joseph, but what about Joseph when he was being rejected, betrayed. lied on, and thrown into prison.  Did he see God was with him through his storm? Do we know God is with us while we are going through the storm?

Fear, worry, and anxiousness will come against us, but that is not the sin.  What do we do when those feelings and emotions come upon us?  
2 Chronicles 20 gives us an example on what we should do when we become fearful or worried about a situation.  God is with us just like He was with King Jehoshaphat. Philippians 4, Matthew 28:16-20

God calls His children to things that may seem impossible for us, but He wants us to know that He is with us.  It is not about us and what we cannot do, but it is about what God can do through us.

Sister Joane

Ephesians 4 tells us that the Lord has given gifts unto men and they are gifts that are appointed and ordained by the Lord.  There is a purpose for these gifts and that purpose is described by the Apostle Paul.  Oftentimes Christians believe the purpose of the church is evangelism, but let's see what the Bible says.  Evangelism is not the purpose of the church by is a by product of a healthy church.

Isaiah 53, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Ephesians 4:20-24, Romans 6:17-23, Ephesians 5:18-21, John 15:2, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8, Isaiah 35:3-10, Hebrews 12:12-15

Being merciful is not optional for the Christian and is a test for true Christianity. 

Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."

Matthew 23;23, James 2:13, Luke:27-36, Matthew 18:21-35

Matthew 24:42-44, Matthew 24-50-51, Ephesians 5:1, Ephesians 5:6-17, 1 John 2:18-19. 1 John 4:1

Matthew 5:5-6

Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted"

Isaiah 61:1-3, James 4:17-21, Ezra 9:1-6, Ezra 10:1-61 Corinthians 6:9-12, Revelation 21:1-4