Embrace Your Purpose: Don't Drop the Mic

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting in God's Timing and Purpose

God's timing and purpose are often beyond our understanding, but they are always perfect. Each person is here for a reason, and their journey has led them to this moment because God has something special planned for them. Even when the path seems unclear or filled with challenges, trusting in God's timing and purpose can bring peace and assurance. Just as Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace was filled with unexpected twists and turns, our lives may also take paths we do not anticipate. However, these paths are part of God's greater plan for us.

In moments of doubt or uncertainty, it is essential to remember that God is in control and has a purpose for every situation. Trusting in His timing means believing that He knows what is best for us, even when we cannot see the bigger picture. This trust allows us to move forward with confidence, knowing that God is guiding our steps and working everything out for our good. [01:18]

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you are struggling to understand God's timing. How can you trust Him more in this area today?

Day 2: Embracing Your Unique Identity

God created each of us uniquely, with specific thoughts, dreams, and personalities. Trying to be someone else not only diminishes our value but also leaves a void that only we can fill. Embracing our authentic selves means recognizing and valuing the unique contributions we bring to the world. It is about understanding that our individuality is a gift from God and that we are called to live out our true identity.

When we embrace who we are, we can fully utilize the gifts and talents God has given us. This authenticity allows us to connect with others in meaningful ways and to fulfill the purpose God has for our lives. It is a reminder that we do not need to conform to the expectations of others but rather to be the person God created us to be. [20:30]

Psalm 139:14 (ESV): "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."

Reflection: What unique gifts and talents has God given you? How can you use them to serve others and glorify Him today?

Day 3: Persevering Through Adversity

Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace teaches us that God's plans often look different from our expectations. Despite facing betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, Joseph's dreams were ultimately fulfilled because he trusted in God's greater purpose. This story reminds us that even in the midst of adversity, God is working through our challenges to bring about His greater plan.

Persevering through adversity requires faith and trust in God's sovereignty. It means believing that He is in control and that He can use even the most difficult circumstances for our good and His glory. By holding on to this truth, we can find strength and hope in the midst of trials, knowing that God is with us and that He has a purpose for our pain. [38:18]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you have faced. How can you see God's hand at work in that situation, and how can you trust Him more through it?

Day 4: Your Dreams Are Not Just for You

The dreams and gifts God has given us are meant to serve others. Just as Joseph's rise to power was not for his own glory but to save many, our dreams have a greater purpose beyond ourselves. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centered ambitions to a desire to bless and serve those around us.

Understanding that our dreams are meant to benefit others encourages us to seek ways to use our gifts for the greater good. It reminds us that our lives have a significant impact on those around us and that we are called to be a blessing to others. By aligning our dreams with God's purpose, we can make a meaningful difference in the world. [41:59]

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Reflection: How can you use your dreams and gifts to serve others today? What specific actions can you take to bless those around you?

Day 5: God Can Use Imperfection

The story of Keith Jarrett's concert on an imperfect piano reminds us that God can create something beautiful out of our perceived inadequacies. Even when we feel out of tune or inadequate, God can use us to make a profound impact. This truth encourages us to trust in God's ability to work through our imperfections and to embrace our weaknesses as opportunities for His strength to shine.

Recognizing that God can use our imperfections allows us to move forward with confidence, knowing that our worth is not based on our abilities but on God's power working through us. It is a reminder that we do not need to be perfect to be used by God; rather, we need to be willing and available for Him to work through us. [50:05]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: What areas of your life do you feel inadequate or imperfect? How can you trust God to use those areas for His glory today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, Fairlawn family. Today, we gathered with a sense of anticipation, believing that God has something special for each of us. We began with a light-hearted moment, celebrating birthdays and reminiscing about the 90s, but quickly transitioned into a deeper message about purpose and identity. The keychain microphones handed out at the door serve as a reminder of today's central theme: "Don't Drop the Mic."

We explored the story of Joseph from Genesis, a young man with dreams that seemed impossible and were met with skepticism and jealousy. Despite being betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and imprisoned, Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace illustrates that God's plans often look different from our expectations. His dreams were not just for his own glory but for the benefit of many, showing us that our dreams and gifts are meant to serve others.

We also discussed the importance of being true to ourselves. God created each of us uniquely, with specific gifts and dreams. Trying to be someone else not only diminishes our own value but also leaves a void that only we can fill. The world needs us to be our authentic selves, as God intended.

The story of Keith Jarrett, a pianist who almost canceled a concert due to an imperfect piano, but went on to create a masterpiece, serves as a powerful metaphor. Even when we feel inadequate or out of tune, God can use us to create something beautiful. Just as Jarrett's performance became a best-selling album, our lives can have a profound impact when we trust in God's plan and embrace our unique identity.

In conclusion, remember that you are some of God's best work. Your dreams, your personality, and your presence are needed. Don't let doubts or the opinions of others cause you to drop the mic. Embrace who you are and the journey God has set before you.

###

Key Takeaways

1. God's Timing and Purpose: Every person here today is here for a reason. Your journey has led you to this moment because God has something special planned for you. Trust in His timing and purpose, even when the path seems unclear. [01:18]
2. Embrace Your Unique Identity: God created you to be you, with your unique thoughts, dreams, and personality. Trying to be someone else not only diminishes your value but also leaves a void that only you can fill. Embrace your authentic self and the unique contributions you bring to the world. [20:30]
3. Persevere Through Adversity: Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace teaches us that God's plans often look different from our expectations. Even when faced with betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment, Joseph's dreams were ultimately fulfilled. Trust that God is working through your challenges to bring about His greater purpose. [38:18]
4. Your Dreams Are Not Just for You: The dreams and gifts God has given you are meant to serve others. Just as Joseph's rise to power was not for his own glory but to save many, your dreams have a greater purpose beyond yourself. Seek to use your gifts to bless those around you. [41:59]
5. God Can Use Imperfection: The story of Keith Jarrett's concert on an imperfect piano reminds us that God can create something beautiful out of our perceived inadequacies. Even when we feel out of tune or inadequate, God can use us to make a profound impact. Trust in His ability to work through your imperfections. [50:05]
### [50:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:18] - The Reason You're Here
[02:15] - Keychain Microphones
[03:12] - Celebrating Birthdays
[04:50] - Introduction and Welcome
[05:50] - A Trip Back to the 90s
[08:22] - Imagining the Sky Tower
[09:55] - The Birth of the Sky Jump
[13:33] - Sharing Your Dreams
[15:00] - The Value of Your Ideas
[18:33] - Don't Drop the Mic
[22:03] - The Story of Joseph
[31:41] - Joseph's Journey in Egypt
[38:18] - From the Pit to the Palace
[41:59] - The Purpose of Your Dreams
[50:05] - Keith Jarrett's Concert
[53:19] - Encouragement and Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were Joseph's dreams about, and how did his brothers react to them? ([22:03])
How did Reuben try to intervene when his brothers plotted against Joseph? ([28:38])
What was Joseph's response when he was asked to interpret the dreams of the cupbearer and the baker? ([35:42])
How did Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace unfold, and what were the key events? ([38:18])

Interpretation Questions

How does Joseph's story illustrate the concept of God's timing and purpose, even when the path seems unclear? ([01:18])
In what ways did Joseph embrace his unique identity and gifts, despite the challenges he faced? ([20:30])
How did Joseph's perseverance through adversity ultimately lead to the fulfillment of his dreams? ([38:18])
What does the story of Keith Jarrett's concert teach us about how God can use our imperfections to create something beautiful? ([50:05])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt like giving up on a dream or goal. How can Joseph's story encourage you to persevere through adversity? ([38:18])
Think about the unique gifts and dreams God has given you. How can you use them to serve others in your community or church? ([41:59])
Have you ever tried to be someone else to fit in or gain approval? How can you embrace your authentic self and the unique contributions you bring to the world? ([20:30])
When have you felt inadequate or out of tune, like the imperfect piano in Keith Jarrett's story? How can you trust God to use your perceived inadequacies for His greater purpose? ([50:05])
Joseph's dreams were not just for his own benefit but for the benefit of many. How can you shift your perspective to see your dreams and gifts as a way to bless others? ([41:59])
Identify a specific challenge or obstacle you are currently facing. How can you trust in God's timing and purpose as you navigate this situation? ([01:18])
How can you support and encourage others in your small group to embrace their unique identities and pursue their God-given dreams? ([20:30])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You know what that means? And he goes, yeah, the Lord's going to do something. I said, yep, absolutely. if you have a thought of, hey, man, I need to get home for this, or I want to leave for this, I'm just going to urge you not to leave, because I don't know what God has planned, but I believe it's something big. And I believe he has something for you as an individual and for us as a family." [01:18] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Just because that person or maybe a group of people they didn't get it just because that group of people or that person did not understand you that holds that does not mean that there is not value there that is not a reflection upon you and who you are you God our heavenly father when he created you he looked at the world and he said you are not a you know what? You know what that world needs? Jonathan. You know what that world needs? Desi." [15:00] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The very fact that you are here right now, and that you are breathing, means you're not done. God has a lot more for you. How many of you are here? All right. How many of you are breathing? Most of y'all. Okay. Then God has more for you. He has more to come." [18:33] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If God has given you a dream. If God has put you. In a position. And has elevated you. I know it may feel great. And it's awesome. That he's done that. But listen to me. It's not just for you. That position. That you are in. Is to help those not in that position. It's a beautiful thing." [44:31] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You my friend. You are some of God's best work. And I know you don't always feel like it. And. I know at times. You felt like giving up. For somebody here. Before you even got here. You called it quits. And it's only by the grace of God. That you are sitting right where you're at. And there's a reason. Because God wants you to know. You. Are some of his best work." [52:02] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "But oftentimes like we get all excited about it then somebody is like oh no that's not they don't see that vision and we let our dream go and maybe you that's where you're at this morning maybe you had a dream maybe you had a vision maybe you had an idea and you've just let it go because it's like well nobody agrees nobody can see it you just give up on that dream that somebody said no that's terrible that's unrealistic that's impossible." [14:00] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If you're too busy trying to be somebody else, who's going to be you? And the title of my message, is don't drop the mic. How many has ever heard that phrase? Drop the mic. What does that mean? If someone says drop the mic, it's over. It's ends right, right? Like in a dramatic fashion. Like if I got up here and I had a handheld mic and I got no speaking and then I was just like, and just walk off one, you'd know I'm done." [16:57] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So we're going to talk about that and we're going to, we're going to talk about the journey just watching those things unfold. In our lives, because I believe that there's some people here somewhere along the way, somebody convinced you that the world doesn't need you. So what you did is you started being somebody else other than you. But what you don't realize is there's a whole group of people over here that need you, but they don't have you because you're over here trying to be, be something other than you." [20:30] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "A lot of times we get this dream. And we picture this glorious thing. And it playing out in this glorious way. And we get all excited about it. And I'm telling you, I'm not saying you shouldn't. You should get excited about your dreams that God's given you. But sometimes your dream may look a little different than how you have pictured. Because check this out. A lot of times. How dreams look. Can we get this up there? Is it going to work? A lot of times. This is how dreams look." [40:18] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "May you experience the joy in this journey. May you trust the unfolding of your dreams. And may you always remember. May you always remember. God made you to be you. And you my friend. Is some of his best work. Grace and peace. I love you." [54:30] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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