Joseph's Storehouse is blessed with large truck loads of food each month to be a blessing to many in the community.
Cars begin lining up early before our gates open at 8:30 on giveaway day, which last until 11:30. There is plenty of food for everyone who comes during those times.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ The natural order of creation is GROWTH. Seeds grow into plants, calves into cows, acorns into oaks, minnows into fish, and infants into adults. This is the normal process of creation as God intended. When something doesn’t grow, it causes concern that something abnormal is happening. Growth is God’s expectation for us as Christ-followers in our spiritual life. 1 Peter 2:2 states, “Like newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the Word, so that we may grow up into the fulness of our salvation.” The same Word that causes us to be born again is the same Word that causes us to grow up spiritually. Unfortunately, if we do not have a steady diet of God’s Word, we become spiritually malnourished, and growth is stunted. We must desire the nourishment of the Word as a babe desires its milk. You don’t have to command a baby to eat; they know when they are hungry, and you will know it! Babies do not try to consume a large meal on Sunday for it to last them a week. They eat regularly for day-to-day nourishment.
Christ-followers need day-to-day spiritual nourishment. It is not helpful for us to try to consume God’s Word on Sunday morning and expect it to satisfy our spiritual hunger all week. Healthy spiritual growth happens as we have a steady diet and application of God’s Word daily. We must be careful as well to not let other resources or man’s opinion be a substitute for His Word. Just as in the natural order of creation, when we are not growing up spiritually, it is cause for concern that something abnormal is happening. We should all take a moment to assess our spiritual growth. Is it increasing? Is it declining? Has it plateaued? We can ask God to show us areas of our lives in which we can focus on for growth in the future. For it is His desire for us to continue growing up in our spiritual walk to become more like Him. As Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ Resurrection. What do you think of when you hear that word? Most people think of the past. Or of a stone rolled away. An empty tomb. And a risen Lord!
Praise God, Jesus is alive today! But He is not the only one who has been resurrected. We, as Christ followers, were spiritually resurrected the day we made Jesus Christ the Lord of our lives. That day, we passed from death to eternal life. The glory of the Lord came into our very being and it consumed the old, sinful man/woman that we were. Our old self spiritually died and a new creature in Christ was born. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if anyone be in Christ, they are a new creature: old things are passed away; and behold, all things are become new.”
As we enter this resurrection Easter season, let us look at ourselves as alive, filled with the life of Christ; filled with His power and His Spirit. This enables us to have victory over the earthly things we wrestle with every day. Sin, sickness, loss, lack, and failure, just to name a few. We are to become His representatives in everything we do while we live on this earth. The resurrection of Christ Jesus has given us His Name, His Spirit, and the Power of His Word to live this life for His glory. Because of His resurrection, there will be a day when these earthly bodies will be raised and glorified and we will live with Him forever! Praise God, Jesus is alive today, and so are we! ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ In the world of business, the letters “CEO” stands for Chief Executive Officer. A CEO is the highest-ranking executive in a company. One of the major responsibilities of the CEO is to serve as the public face of the company. A CEO may speak at conferences, address the public on notable changes to the company, or participate in community events. I recently heard a Pastor say that his wife was the CEO of his family. She was not the chief executive officer but the “Chief Encouragement Officer”. As I meditated on his comment, I recalled Hebrews 3:13, “Encourage one another daily while it is still today.” Encouragement is so vital in our world of uncertainty and chaos. It is support and help to those who face the challenges of life. Christ-followers have the opportunity to be the public face of God’s encouragement to those around us.
We have the privilege to pass on His encouragement by sharing with others as we know, words have the power to build up or tear down. Here are some ways we can build others up by reminding them of these biblical, time-tested truths:
* God’s strength shines brightest in our weakest moments. It is when we admit our limitations that God’s power is most evident. (Phil 4:13)
* Faith is about moving forward, even when the future is uncertain. Trusting God opens the door to what’s next. (Prov 3:5-6)
* God’s grace renews us. When we feel weary, His grace is the refreshment our souls need. (Psm 23)
* God has a purpose for each day. Living with purpose brings meaning to every moment. (Jer 29:11)
* When life’s storms hit, we can remain steady because our hope is anchored in Christ. (2 Tim 1:1)
* Difficult times can be overcome because of the hope that we have in God’s promises. (Heb 11:1)
* By trusting in God’s plan for our lives we can live in peace. (Phil 4:6-7)
* God is our strength in times of trouble. (Psm 46:1)
Encouragement is one of the most powerful tools that we have as believers. It is essential in the Christian walk. It strengthens us, helps us endure trials, and keeps us focused on God’s promises. Our words can make a difference in someone’s life, so let’s use them as CEO’s for His glory! ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ In the early morning of January 21, our last living founder, Mrs. Peggy Evans, went home to be with the Lord. “Ms. Peggy” and her husband, Bro. Bob, birthed this food ministry in 1999. For over 25 years she was engaged and served in a natural and spiritual leadership capacity. Her love, compassion, and wisdom will be sorely missed as we continue to fulfill the mission that they started. In her honor, I am attaching a portion of her obituary so that you may know about her life and the legacy that she leaves us.
Ms. Peggy was a 1955 graduate of Lebanon High School. She married the love of her life, Bro. Bob Evans, in the same year. They were married for 62 years. Loving and caring for her family was the joy of her life. She was very active in her church and community civic clubs over her lifetime. She studied art and took delight in creating beauty on canvas. Having grown up with parents who owned and operated Bellar Furniture Company in Lebanon, she developed a talent for Interior Design. She and her husband, after years of working at Bellar’s Furniture Store, opened Town and Country Home Furnishings in Lebanon, which they ran for many years. Later in Life, they entered the Full-time Ministry and planted and co-pastored two churches, Love One Another Church and Love’s Way Community Church in Lebanon. Peggy was a strong woman of faith and had a deep love for God and His Word. She taught the Bible for many years. Using her business knowledge again, later in her life, she owned and operated the Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio for several years. In 1999, having a desire to help people in need, she and her husband founded and operated Joseph’s Storehouse Food Ministry which provides food to those in Wilson County and surrounding areas. Joseph’s Storehouse Food Ministry just celebrated its 25th anniversary. After a lifetime of serving her Lord in church, business and ministry, she was eager to go home and be with Jesus, leaving a lasting legacy! ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ As we enter a New Year, none of us have a clear view of everything that 2025 has in store for us. We would have far less fear and stress in our lives if we did. The unknown of some of those events that we will face causes us to be anxious and concerned. For those of us who are Christ-followers, we may not know everything that might happen this year, but we do have a gift that can be a guiding light on our futures -- The Word of God. Psalms 119:105 tells us, “Your word is lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
One author has said, “God’s Word is a heavy-duty flashlight that lights up each day of the coming year. When our way is especially dark, it’s a floodlight. When we need God’s comforting presence, it’s a lamp on the table. When we have a dreary day, it’s our sunshine. When we need guidance, it’s a beacon. When we need courage, it’s a torch. When we share it with others, we ourselves become radiant.” This light, God’s Word, is available to us every day. What better way to start each day than equipping ourselves with the light of His Word. Light that will help and support us to meet the challenges and opportunities that we will face. God’s Word is one that we need to consider, research, dissect, and meditate on. Let us all, at the beginning of this new year, renew our commitment to the Word of God like never before. By doing so, we will be able to have everything that we need to live a victorious kingdom life. This is so critical now as we see the world in which we live growing darker and darker. We all are in need of the light of His Word to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given…” Isaiah 9:6a
On behalf of Joseph’s Storehouse many volunteers, staff, Community Advisory Council, and its Board of Directors, we want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.
May we all find time this season to embrace the true meaning of Christmas. It is because of the Father’s love for us that He sent His only Son into the world.
May all glory and honor go to Him as we celebrate His miracle birth. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ “All these blessings will come and overtake you, because you obey the Lord your God...” ~ Deuteronomy 28:2
When you walk in fellowship with God, you do not have to ask Him to bless you. He wants to bless you! Just as you enjoy surprising someone you love with unexpected gifts; God delights in giving you His gifts in time and ways that you might not expect. God’s blessings often come in the midst of your everyday life such as an encouraging telephone call in the middle of busy morning or a letter you receive at the end of a hard day. A friend may drop by to help when you are overwhelmed, or you may receive unexpected financial help at a time of need. Often God’s blessings do not come in spectacular ways but in the ordinary busyness of your life. They come just when you most need an expression of God’s love.
Blessings come as a result of obedience. When you walk closely with the Lord, blessings will come, regardless of whether you seek them. Blessings from your obedience will also come to those around you... to your children and to your grandchildren. Solomon enjoyed vast wealth during his reign, but God’s blessing upon him came largely as a result of his father David’s obedience in the previous generation. God promised Abraham that his obedience would bring blessing to all families of the earth (Genesis 12:2-3). Do not take God’s gifts for granted. When you receive an unexpected blessing, thank God for His continuing love and be alerted to recognize the next time His blessing overtakes you! (From a devotional by Henry Blackaby).
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, let us each remember to express our gratitude and thankfulness for God’s blessings. In our reflection, let us not spend as much time dwelling on what we may not have but let us focus on what we do have. This will allow each of us to be sincerely thankful and overtaken by the blessings that God has bestowed on us all. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving Season.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see that the work begin.” Zechariah 4:10 NLT
This month of October, Joseph’s Storehouse Food Ministry is celebrating 25 years of God’s blessings and faithfulness. What began with our Founders, Bro. Bob and Ms. Peggy Evans, and two (2) volunteers distributing 22 small boxes of food all those years ago, has now grown into providing food for over 800 families each month. We have seen an incredible increase in the number of families coming for food in the last 2 years. It is because of God’s blessings and direction for those who are dedicated to pray for us, those who give of their time to volunteer (almost 150 each month), and those committed individuals, families, churches, companies and many other who give financially are what makes it possible for us to meet the needs of these hurting families. As we take this time to remember our past and those who have laid a solid foundation for us to continue to build on, let us be found faithful stewards to what they and the Father has entrusted to us for His Glory.
We will be having a short celebration event at our Thursday, October 24 food distribution day. There will be special guests who will be here to recognize and celebrate with us of what God has done over the last 25 years. It will also be a time to be encouraged about the days that lie ahead and what the future holds for this ministry. Our event will start at 8:15am. If you have been (and still are) involved over the years with Joseph’s Storehouse, we would like to invite you to join us and attend if you can. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ What is involved in a person’s personal ambition? It is a strong desire to do or achieve something in someone’s life. It is deeply personal and is usually influenced by an individuals’ beliefs, values, and experiences. Here are some perspectives that people often consider when thinking about their ambition in life: it is to find meaning or purpose, have personal growth or fulfillment, connection and relationships, happiness, and well-being or legacy and impact. These perspectives may include pursuing one’s passion, becoming the best version of oneself, building and nurturing relationships, taking care of one’s physical and mental health, or creating something enduring or inspiring others. Ultimately, one’s ambition of life may evolve over time as an individual grows and changes.
Jesus himself had a personal ambition for His life. The world would have had Him come as a conquering King. One who would overthrow the Roman government. One who would have delivered the Jewish people from their oppression and persecution. Jesus’ ambition was different from the world’s view for Him. His life was to have meaning and purpose by doing the will of His Father. His life was to fulfill the law and the prophets. He came to build a connection and relationship with the human race. His existence was one that brought joy to the world. His life left a legacy and impact that has affected the life of man on Earth like none before or ever will. But He had one secret ambition. An ambition that was misunderstood by His family, His closest followers, and His devoted friends. It was one that would not be fully understood or realized until after His ultimate sacrifice for us all. It would ultimately be His claim to fame to all mankind for eternity. Mark 10:45b says, “the Son of Man came…to give His life a ransom for many.” Nobody knew it but His secret ambition was to give His life away. It was His secret ambition, His sacrifice that gives us eternal life and allows us to have a personal relationship with Him. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice. In the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:30The day before Billy Graham was scheduled to be interviewed on The Today Show, his director of public relations, Larry Ross, requested a private room for Graham to pray in before the interview. But when Mr. Graham arrived at the studio, his assistant informed Ross that Mr. Graham wouldn’t need the room after all. He said, “Mr. Graham started praying when he got up this morning, he prayed while eating breakfast, he prayed on the way over in the car, and he’ll probably be praying all the way through the interview.” Ross later said, “That was a great lesson for me to learn as a young man.”
Prayerfulness is not an event; it is a way of being in relationship with God. This kind of intimate relationship is developed when God’s people view prayerfulness as a way of life. The Psalms encourage us to begin each day by lifting our voice to the Lord (Psalm 5:3); fill our day with conversations with God (Psalm 55:17); and to face accusations and slander by giving ourselves totally to prayer (Psalm 109:4). We develop prayer as a way of life because we desire to be with God (Psalm 42:1-4; 84:1-2; and 130:5-6). Prayer is our way of connecting with God in all life’s circumstances. God is always listening! (from a devotional by Marvin Williams)
Let’s remember that talking with the Father should be as easy as discussing what’s for dinner with our spouse. God is listening and waiting because He wants to have an intimate personal relationship with us all. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
