Apply before you come for food here: new_application This will make the drive-thru process go more smoothly.
NO INDIVIDUAL APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR GROUP HOME PARTICIPANTS:
If you live in a Group Home (recovery, step, sober living, transitional, etc.) please do not apply online. Your organization's Director or Administrator must be the person to apply at our office with the organization's name and 501c3 paperwork. Please have them call our office at 615-453-5777 during our normal business hours. No Group Home Applications will be processed during our monthly distribution days.
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 ~ Christ-followers have the biblical mandate to “love one another.” Since Jesus stated in John 13:34b, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another,” loving one another has been recognized as the definitive characteristic of our Christian identity. While the Old Testament commanded loving neighbors as oneself, Jesus’ “new commandment” raised the standard to a sacrificial level. The love that we are to have as Christ-followers is not merely a feeling but a supernatural overflow of God’s grace. With Christ as our example, it should be a love that sacrifices itself for the sake of others, one that humbly considers others interests more important than our own, one that treats others with dignity and respect, and a love that is extended to others without expecting anything in return. This kind of mutual love between believers would be the primary evidence of our devotion to our Heavenly Father. It will serve as a “counter-cultural” testimony, showing a divided world a community united across many differences that our society has deemed so divisive. This kind of love is put into action by forgiving one another (“forgive one another and you will be forgiven,” Luke 6:37b), bearing with one another (“bearing with one another in love,” Ephesians 4:2b), encouraging one another (“but encourage one another daily,” Hebrews 3:13), and watching over one another (“may we spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” Hebrews 10:24). In a time marked by chaos, political and social division, outrage, and “cancel culture,” genuine Christian love requires a deliberate effort on our part. It must first be rooted in a devoted love for the Father, as the depth of one’s love for others is directly tied to our relationship with God. As we grow and mature ourselves in God’s love for us, we as Christ-followers gain the ability and capacity to love others as He loves us. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all!
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ Doctors don’t use the term “perfect” to describe vision. Rather, they use the term normal-referred to as “20/20”. Some individuals have better than normal vision and some have worse. Doctors tell us that only 35 percent of all people have normal vision. Those who have worse than 20/20 vision wear glasses, contact lens or have corrective surgery to achieve normal vision.
While it is important to have clear vision in the physical world, it’s even more important to have clear vision in the spiritual world. The “50/20 Vision” refers to one of the most important verses in the Bible when it comes to seeing clearly what God is doing and will do in the future of our lives. Joseph declared to his brothers in Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” This verse is a statement he uttered near the end of his life – a life filled with twists, turns, and tribulation. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, he was wrongly accused by a royal official and thrown into prison, he was betrayed by a fellow prisoner and then released from prison to rise to the second highest position in the land. After Joseph’s fathers’ death, he addressed his brothers with what they meant to harm him, God used his circumstances to save his entire family from famine. After decades of trials, Joseph saw that God had been at work the whole time. He had a clear vision for what it meant to trust God and reclaim the story of his life. (Dr. David Jeremiah article paraphrased).
We must realize that we all live lives that are filled with twists, turns, and tribulation. Knowing this, as God did in Joseph’s life, we know that He is at work in our lives. As we embark on this New Year, may we strive to have a clear spiritual vision to trust our heavenly Father and reclaim the story of our lives for His glory. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ "GOD WITH US"“Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel”- which means, “God with us.” Isaiah 7:14. As we look at the unrest in the world, in our country and in the challenges of our own personal lives, the true meaning of Christmas can bring us hope. Hope that begins with Immanuel, “God is with us.”Hope that brings love in times of rejection and loneliness so overwhelming that we cannot begin to describe it. Hope that brings peace into our chaos that is beyond our understanding. Hope that motivates us in times of stress and conflict to extend mercy and grace to others. Hope that compels us no matter the harm or hurt to forgive as He has forgiven us. Hope that inspires some even out of their lack or their abundance to sacrificially give of their time and resources to help provide support for those in need. Hope that we find in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ that guides us to experience and do things that we are unable to do within ourselves. It is because of the miracle birth of Christ and His sacrifice that we have this Divine hope that only He can give. Hope for today, tomorrow, and forever. For “God is with us.” We at Joseph’s Storehouse want to wish everyone a Merry Christ-centered Christmas and a Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Thank you for your continued prayers, commitment and support of this ministry. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ In Plymouth, Massachusetts 1621, the first Thanksgiving is recorded. The colonists went out hunting for food like geese or duck because turkeys were too hard to catch. Besides the fowl, they had vegetables, stews, shellfish, and other fish to eat. This all led to the first Thanksgiving dinner. As they celebrated, a group of Wampanoag Native Americans presented at the gathering. They contributed venison as they were included in the feast. The celebration of Thanksgiving has changed over the centuries. As the colonist, who were Christian Separatists, celebrated that first feast, it was an expression of praise to God for His goodness and faithfulness. Unfortunately, that expression is not the central focus of most of the world today as Thanksgiving Day approaches.
But how should we as Christ followers’ approach and celebrate this Thanksgiving? As those early settlers did, we need to focus on the Father’s goodness and faithfulness by taking time to give Him thanks. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, and His love endures forever,” Psalm 107:1. Let us celebrate God’s goodness and love as we enter this season of reflection. God’s goodness concentrates on what He does: He offers us His kindness, His mercy, His grace, His love, His forgiveness, His generosity and the list goes on and on. His goodness is what He does, and His love is who He is. His love is a love that never gives up. It accepts us without reserve and expects nothing in return. It does not change if we are a failure or have success. It does not matter how we appear in the eyes of others. His love endures forever. The ultimate example of His enduring love for us is that He gave His Son Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. As we reflect on these thoughts, when we gather with our families and loved ones this Thanksgiving, let us all offer our heartfelt praise to God for His goodness, His love and His faithfulness! ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to alls who He is. His love is a love that never gives up. It accepts us without reserve and expects nothing in return. It does not change if we are a failure or have success. It does not matter how we appear in the eyes of others. His love endures forever. The ultimate example of His enduring love for us is that He gave His Son Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. As we reflect on these thoughts, when we gather with our families and loved ones this Thanksgiving, let us all offer our heartfelt praise to God for His goodness, His love and His faithfulness! ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Philippians 4:11 NIV.
Our world promotes dissatisfaction with our lives. We are constantly bombarded with newer and better things that will make our lives more complete if only we could obtain them! If we listen to the world, we will always compare the lifestyles and possessions of others with our own, and we will always be dissatisfied. If our contentment comes from possessions, activities, or other people, these can be altered or removed. If our contentment comes from our relationship with Christ, there is nothing that can take that away. Paul had enjoyed power and status among his people. He had also been imprisoned and bound in stocks in the depths of a jail cell. He had stood before a king and been stoned almost to death by an angry mob. Paul had enjoyed the benefits and pleasures of life, yet he could give them all up and still be filled with the joy of the Lord. His contentment did not depend on his environment but on his relationship with Christ. Contentment frees you to enjoy every good thing God has given you. Contentment demonstrates your belief that God loves you and had your best interest in mind. Discontent stems from the sin of ingratitude and a lack of faith that God loves you enough to provide for all that you need. Strive to be grateful for all that God has given you. A grateful heart has no room for envy. (from a devotional by Dr. David Jeremiah)
1 Timothy 6:6 also tells us that, “Yet true godliness (devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to Him) with contentment (a state of peace and satisfaction with one’s circumstances, rooted in trust and faith in God) is itself great wealth.” May we all strive to live a life that is pleasing to Him and be at peace with our circumstances as we are rooted in our trust and faith in God. Knowing that doing so, we all have great wealth. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ In Greek and Roman times if a package was to be dispatched to another location, it first went through a series of investigations to make sure the contents were not flawed, broken, or shattered. The sender would examine every single piece of the contents to make sure each one was whole and intact. If everything was whole and intact, the sender would pour hot wax on the crease of the package and then carefully push the insignia of the owner into the wax, signifying that all the contents were in perfect order. The insignia on the package was important for several reasons. It was the insignia of the owner of the package. No one would dare break into the sealed package to disturb the contents. The insignia or “seal” was the guarantee that the package would be delivered to its final destination unharmed. It was like the highest security that someone could place on a package. The insignia or “seal” also guaranteed that everything in the package was in order – nothing broken, inferior, or shattered. Everything was whole and complete.
The “seal” was called a sphragidzo – the exact same word used in Ephesians 1:13b-14a, “Having believed, you were marked in Him with a “seal”, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” This tells us that when we believed and were born again, God examined us to make sure we were made completely new and whole, and He found no flaws, no defects, and no shattered places. God saw that we were truly a product of Christ’s own making and were complete in Him. In fact, we were so complete that, figuratively speaking, Christ poured His “wax” onto our hearts and spirits. He then pressed the insignia of the Holy Spirit into us, giving guaranteed proof through the Spirit’s indwelling presence that we belong to God, and we will make it to our ultimate destination – Heaven! (from a word study by Rick Renner). We all have had our struggles, disappointments, and failures along the way, but the Holy Spirit is guaranteed proof that we will eventually make it to our heavenly home, whole and complete. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ THE STORY OF FREEDOM - In 1941, as Hitler’s reign was expanding across Europe, novelist John Steinbeck was asked to help with the war effort. He wasn’t asked to fight or visit troops on the front line but to write a story. The result was "The Moon Is Down", a novel about a peaceful land that gets invaded by an evil regime. Printed on underground presses and secretly distributed throughout occupied countries, the novel sent the message: "The Allies are coming!" And by imitating the novel’s characters, readers could help secure their freedom. Through "The Moon Is Down", Steinbeck brought good news to people under Nazi rule that their liberation and freedom was near.
Since the fall in the Garden of Eden, mankind has existed in a world that has been invaded by an evil regime. Satan and his evil forces have occupied what was once the perfect environment that God created. But God has sent the entire human race a story of redemption through men and women inspired by His Holy Spirit. The story was written by 40 different authors over 1,500 years in what we know as The Word of God. From beginning to end, it is a story about God’s love for all humanity and His redemptive plan of reconciliation through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the main character in this incredible story, gives each one of us a guide and a pattern to how we should live our lives. By doing so, it helps us overcome the struggles of life that we all face. This is good news to everyone who chooses to follow after and imitate His perfect example. This story has spread throughout the world bringing freedom and peace to whomever accepts it. It is our responsibility as Christ-followers to see that this wonderful message continues to reach those around us. By sharing God’s love, forgiveness, and redemptive plan to those who choose to embrace it, it is the power to set the captives free. “Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed” ~ John 8:36. God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ The Bible tells us that God is our peace, and we can know the peace of God. This is good news, as finding peace is one of our deepest needs. In John 14:24-31, v. 27 Jesus tells us “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you.” If we don’t have the peace Jesus promised, this passage offers three (3) possible explanations:
1) We lose our peace when circumstances are unchangeable. Much of life is beyond our control. We can only control our responses and our decisions, but we can’t control the grand narrative of our lives. When this reality sets in, we become frustrated and lose our peace of mind.
2) We lose our peace when people are unchangeable. The quickest way to lose our peace is to try to change somebody else. Most people are just not going to change the way you want them to be. Even when we know it won’t work, we still try to do it! And it keeps us from being peaceful.
3) We lose our peace when problems are unexplainable. We know life isn’t fair. Things don’t always turn out right. And when we don’t know why, we get anxious, nervous, and stressed. (paraphrased from devotional on the “Glorify” app)
How do we get God’s peace in our lives? Answers lie in the promises in God’s Word. Philippians 4:6-7 gives us five (5) distinct ways we can know God’s peace:
1) Pray about everything. We need to trust in God’s guidance as we present our request to Him.
2) Always be thankful. We need to express our gratitude to God as we reflect and recognize the good in our lives.
3) Keep our minds fixed on God. We must focus on God’s promises and trust in His control over our circumstances.
4) We must remember that God is good. Acknowledge God’s goodness and trust in His faithfulness.
5) Cast off worry. Make a willful choice to put our cares on God and let go of worries to find peace. These virtues, incorporated into our daily lives, allow us to grow a deeper sense of peace that brings us reassurance and comfort. ~ God’s blessings, protection, and favor to all.
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.
