Welcome to West Haven on this Lord’s Day! Today we jump back into the series entitled “Divine Providence.” In Genesis 41, we see Joseph go from the pit to the palace. In these verses, we learn much about God. We also learn how to “take heart” as we go through the ups and downs of life. And ultimately we rest knowing that Jesus said, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.” Because Jesus has overcome, you will overcome. The world will not overcome you. You will overcome the world!

Many generations ago, critics of the Bible taught that this account of Pharoah’s birthday in this passage was not true. Research showed no evidence that birthdays were celebrated in ancient Egypt. Therefore, they taught that this account was nothing more than the imagination of a writer who surely wasn’t Moses. It was later discovered in one of the sections of the Rosetta Stone that there is a decree celebrating the birthday of a Pharoah. Ignore the critics of God’s Word. What you have before you is completely trustworthy! And it is through God’s Word that we learn to “take heart” in this world. And we always remember Jesus said, “Take heart, I have overcome the world.”

We’ve completed another year of AWANA and Student Ministry. I don’t really have the words to express my gratitude to you who lead and serve in these ministries. Thank you so much! Some of you have served faithfully every year since I’ve been here (which is 2006!) Only heaven will reveal the fruit of your work!

As we enter warmer weather, I encourage you to make every effort to connect with your friends and neighbors. Invite them to church. This is still the number one way people come to Jesus!