[lead dropcap="yes"]Thanksgiving Sunday was a special one as the Vous community gathered to hear Joel Houston of Hillsong United speak. His message was the perfect close to the Thanksgiving weekend as he shared the importance of God’s presence and light.[/lead]Light is an unstoppable force of nature with incredible power. Like light, God is unshakeable and unchanging, and nothing can separate God's light from us, not even near death experiences. God's light is love, illuminating and healing all of the dark areas of our lives. Pastor Joel shared that we are recognizable to the world around us by God's light that shines through us.

With the knowledge of God’s powerful light in our lives, it is important to change our perception of ourselves, beginning with the answers to these three questions:

Who is God?

God is more than a figurehead or a powerful being. He is more than a story or an idea. God is our creator, and he's interested in our personal lives and the intricate fabrics that make us who we are as individuals. His word is deep and expansive, full of infinite possibilities. God is all powerful, and with him, even the impossible is possible.

Who are we in God?

We are God's children. Even the most civil and wise of us are still growing and changing as we get to know God and his word better. God made no mistakes when he designed us. Each and every one of us was created with a purpose, and as we get to know God better, he beautifully reconfigures and transforms even the ugliest and messiest parts of our lives into beautiful works of art.

What does God desire of us?

God desires a real relationship with all of us. God wants to be close to us and unfold his perfect purpose in our lives. As believers, he commissions us to be his light and bring heaven down to earth to the broken world around us.

So how do we bring together the immensity of a light-filled God, creator of the universe, wanting to be in relationship with us, while we, as children, take on the responsibility of spreading his message?In Matthew 16, God tells us that in order to be a true follower we must deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him. Denying ourselves means clinging to his word and his will for our lives; dying to self, letting go of our opinions, our fleshly desires and our own selfish ambitions. It requires hearing God’s word to build faith that will connect us to God’s truth. No longer letting divisions, wondering, and confusion that exists in this world to cloud our lens on life. Make the choice today to change your point-of-view. Lean into God, allow his love and light to transform you into his image. Then the spiritual awakening that is happening on the inside will be made evident to you and and others around you.

Listen to the Full Message

VOUS Podcast

Just once is never enough! Listen to this week’s message and more by subscribing to the VOUS Church Podcast on iTunes.Get the Podcast

VOUS Basel

Art Basel is right around the corner! Annually, this international art fair brings artists, art lovers, and creatives together here in Miami. This Art Basel season, VOUS Church will launch its very first VOUS Basel event! VOUS Basel: Church KidsNov 28th - Dec 3rd2819 NE 2nd Ave

Crew Week

Crews are on this week! On Monday, Thursday, and Friday, our church will be gathering in small groups all over Miami to connect, hang, and laugh together.Get in a Crew

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