Our speaker during Family Bible Hour was Mr Ken Botton -- Adjunct Professor at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois. Mr Botton's other ministries are: Manager of the  Military Chaplaincy Program for the Brethren Assemblies; and Associate Chaplain at O'Hare Airport. His message today was based on Genesis 37: 18-36 

...And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out  of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit:  and the pit was empty, there was no water in it...Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver:  and they brought Joseph into Egypt...And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.  

Parallels between Joseph & Jesus:

1. Joseph was sent from the Father, Jacob, to bring comfort to his brothers.  Jesus was also sent by God the Father to bring comfort to our souls
2. Joseph was hated without a cause when he told the truth about his dream. Jesus, the ultimate TRUTH, was also hated without a cause
3. Joseph was sold for 20 pieces of silver; Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver
4. The horrible events that happened to Joseph and to Jesus eventually worked out for the best.  Joseph saved his family 13 years later during a great famine. Jesus saves us for eternity through His death on the cross.

Lessons from the pit:  The pit is an analogy of life's circumstances.  Note the Joseph's faith was intact through his horrible circumstances:

1. When tossed into the pit, you've got nothing but what you take with you as you're going in.  Joseph had nothing but his faith in God.  Be certain that you have plenty of God to take with you.  No one knows when a pit may occur; thus, get ready for the pit NOW.
2. Meditate long and hard on the love and sovereignty of God while in the pit.  Know for certain that God loves you and has a purpose for your circumstances
3. When you're out of the pit, remember the lessons and be a BLESSING to others.

Bottom line --- what is Satan's worse, can mean God's BEST!

The full message by Mr Botton, in context, is available through DVD. Please see Romy.

Mr Ken Botton

A hearty welcome to our guests today: Reverend Marlon Roldan, Community Development Adviser of OMF International (Philippines).  His wife Yoyit, is a Professor at the University of the Philippines, and currently on a 1-year sabbatical.  Mrs Pat Bollman was also in town to visit her daughter Julie, Son-in-Law Bob, and brand-new granddaughter, Haley.