3 10 95 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/222f376f2dad44008fb42dd2c5d7b6a4.png 17e9bc383e3ae22253ef981aae7d1e20 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/adee43729c0f76e923eadf5f4a4c703f.mp4 69d39b03ce2aecce8f38c395a5709766 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound CODE V: COURAGE Acts 4:12-14 Have you ever noticed... Courage almost always looks ordinary... ...until history looks back on it. Peter and John weren't superheroes. They weren't famous. They weren't educated. They weren't powerful. They were just two ordinary men... ...who had been with Jesus. The best definition of courage is the mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty. It is not the total absence of fear, but rather the choice and willingness to act in pursuit of what is right, despite that fear. In Acts 3, Peter and John, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, healed the lame man. “Silver and gold have I none…” Acts 4 gives us one of the most remarkable moments in the early church. Peter and John had just healed a man who had been unable to walk since birth. As crowds gathered in amazement, they didn't take the credit—they pointed everyone to Jesus. The religious leaders didn't like that. So they arrested them, threw them in jail overnight, and the next day brought them before the highest court in the land. Imagine that. Two ordinary fishermen standing before the most educated and powerful religious leaders of their day. The council demanded, "By what power... and in whose name have you done this?" Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter didn't hesitate. He boldly declared that the man had been healed by the power of Jesus Christ—the very One they had crucified, but whom God had raised from the dead. then the Word says: "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John... they were amazed." Why were they amazed? Because these weren't polished scholars. They hadn't been through the prestigious rabbinical schools. They were ordinary, everyday men. But something about them was unmistakable. The leaders recognized that these men had been with Jesus. That's the difference. Not a diploma. Not a title. Not natural talent. They had spent time with Jesus. And being with Jesus had given ordinary people extraordinary courage. "When you've been with Jesus... courage becomes your new code." Here's the truth for us today: Wherever God is calling you to go... it will require courage. Whether it's leading your family, standing for your faith, forgiving someone who hurt you, starting something new, or stepping into God's purpose for your life... Godly leadership always requires courage. Deut. 31:6: Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you Daniel 11:32 states: "The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." My coffee cup: “Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone” Heb 11:8: Faith motivated Abraham to obey God’s call and leave the familiar to discover the territory he was destined to inherit from God. So he left with only a promise and without even knowing ahead of time where he was going, Abraham stepped out in faith. Abraham walked away from certainty... toward a promise. from our scripture today… The leaders realized that the source of this POWER and AUTHORITY that Peter and John had was due to the time they had spent walking and living with Jesus. Where WE are CALLED to GO will require Boldness… it will require COURAGE Where YOU are CALLED to GO will require Boldness… it will require COURAGE “To boldly go where no man has gone before…” Courage is the CODE God writes into the hearts of people who have been with Jesus. Courage doesn’t deny the emotion of fear… it just means we ACT ANYWAY. “Do the thing, and you shall have the power.” Wherever YOU are called to go... it will require courage. Imagine Peter and John – ushering in a New Covenant – totally moving people away from what they have known – and from what their culture and religion had taught them and their ancestors Q: Did you ever have a slingshot? Ever shoot a bow & arrow? The force that pulls backward eventually launches the projectile forward. Throughout history... whenever churches become more concerned about pleasing culture (obeying the global mindset) rather than pleasing Christ... God raises up courageous men and women who lovingly call people back to the Gospel. (bow and arrow) The tension pulling us back toward the world is transformed into the release of our Divine Destiny in Christ Jesus says, “Repent and believe the Gospel” When I was young, the challenge to stand for biblical truth wasn’t nearly as challenging. …but here we are today. What will we do with what we (now) have to work with? The Mission is still the same. “Good times create weak people. Weak people create bad times. Bad times create strong people. And strong people create great times.” Napoleon Hill: “The Crucible of Purpose” (the #1 regret…) Forged in Private - Shaped by Adversity - Definiteness of Purpose Napoleon Hill's philosophy treats purpose not as an accidental discovery, but as something forged in the private discipline and hard tests of life. (the crucible) The ultimate regret in this framework is reaching the end of life having surrendered your potential to the expectations of others. ( ) A crucible is a vessel used for melting and purifying metals at high temperatures. In biblical literature, the term "crucible" is often used metaphorically to describe a process of testing, refining, and purifying individuals We must have the Corgae or communities through trials and tribulations. Proverbs 17:3 A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts. Godly Leadership Requires COURAGE Declaration of Independence: "we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor" What are we willing to pledge? Think about how words like “CODE” and “Alignment” fit this situation We must have courage to stand for this CODE – this ultimate truth: (Acts 4:12) "There is no one else who has the power to save us, for there is only one name to whom God has given authority by which we must experience salvation: the name of Jesus.” “I am not ashamed…” Maybe we need to be picked up again today… so we can try again. It takes courage to try again. Recommit to the purpose (the mission) we have for being here… …both as individuals and as a church Maybe you’re disappointed by your previous results. A failed attempt at change. Somebody needs to hear this today... One disappointing result... is not... a divine verdict. That disappointment has been pulling back your bow string… …but there comes a point when the tension is just too much and you say, “That’s it. I’ve had it! I will not compromise with the world any longer!” About 6 years ago we experienced together - a radical worldwide shift that impacted every part of our lives (yes – your life) At times it felt like the end, but it actually propelled Hillside (bow and arrow) into what is literally a humble but global online ministry. Now the string of the bow again pulls our churches back, saying, “Be like the world… think like the world… conform to the pattern of this world…” If we are bold and act with courage, the same thing happens now. Notice the release – the launch into the NEW thing… it happens when we let go. Sometimes our strength, our courage … comes out of our stillness To “Be Still and KNOW” If we listen, we hear God speaking to us as He did in Joshua 1:9: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Will you pull back the bow today? To prepare to release those things that have tried to hold you back? Feel the tension one more time… it is time to let go and let GOD. The Sanhedrin remembered Peter and John because they had been with Jesus. I hope our time here together will be remembered the same way. Prayer: Father, prepare my heart and strengthen my faith for the opportunities You have ordained. Help me recognize my moment and give me the courage to act without fear. Keep me diligent in preparation so I am ready when You open the door. May I honor You by making the most of every opportunity You bring into my life. 2 Tim 1:6: This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. Romans 1:11: For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you… Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Code V: Courage 生命密码5: 勇气 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/02/2026 Description An account of the resource Acts 4:12 “There is no one else who has the power to save us, for there is only one name to whom God has given authority by which we must experience salvation: the name of Jesus.” 使徒行传 4:12 “除他以外，别无拯救；因为在天下人间，没有赐下别的名我们可以靠着得救，只有耶稣。” Acts 4:13 “When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and ordinary men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” 使徒行传 4:13 “他们看见彼得、约翰的胆量，又看出他们是没有学问的小民，就希奇；又认出他们是与耶稣同过的。” Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” 申命记 31:6 “你们要刚强壮胆，不要惧怕，也不要惊惶；因为耶和华 — 你的神必与你同去，他必不撇下你，也不丢弃你。” Daniel 11:32 “The people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” 但以理书 11:32 “认识他们神的百姓必刚强行事。” Hebrews 11:8 “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” 希伯来书 11:8 “亚伯拉罕因着信，蒙召的时候就遵命出去，往将来要承受为业之地去；他出去的时候，还不知道往哪里去。” Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” 约书亚记 1:9 “我岂没有吩咐你吗？你当刚强壮胆！不要惧怕，也不要惊惶，因为你无论往哪里去，耶和华 — 你的神必与你同在。” Proverbs 17:3 “A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts.” 箴言 17:3 “银子要在炉中炼过，金子要在熔炉中炼过；惟有耶和华熬炼人心。” 2 Timothy 1:6 “This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.” 提摩太后书 1:6 “我提醒你，使你将神藉我按手所赐的恩赐再如火挑旺起来。” Romans 1:11 “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you…” 罗马书 1:11 “因我切切地想念你们，要把一些属灵的恩赐分给你们，使你们坚固…” Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/ad5c57601a19ee87040218a0bf7dd747.png 556fc46a3053dbf27e31a4fb58e3600f https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/ab809632bf8f2df06c7c3c2472ccf672.mp4 4a74e8ecd72f630debdde6d7a5128f34 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Updating the Code: God's Predictive Coding and Spiritual Transformation Let me ask you something.Have you ever decided how a conversation was going to go — before it even happened? You walk into a room and already know what to expect. You already know how your spouse is going to respond. You meet someone new, but something about them reminds you of someone who hurt you — and before they've done anything, you've already made a judgment. And sometimes we even do this with God. We've already decided what God thinks about us before we've even given Him a chance to speak. Why do we do that? Because your brain isn't just a recording device. Your brain is a prediction machine. There's a concept in neuroscience called predictive coding. The basic idea is actually very simple: Your brain uses what has happened before to predict what is going to happen next. And most of the time, that's helpful. Your brain is constantly making predictions based on everything you've experienced before. Then it compares those predictions with what is actually happening. If everything happens the way you expected, your brain basically says, "Yep. I knew it." But when something happens that doesn't fit your prediction, your brain has a decision to make: Do I hold onto my old understanding... or do I update it? It's like a software update running in the background of your mind. Here's a simple example. Have you ever sung the wrong words to a song for years? Creedence Clearwater Revival sang: "There's a bad moon on the rise." But thousands of people heard: "There's a bathroom on the right." And once your brain decided those were the words, that's what you kept hearing! You weren't really listening anymore. You were hearing what you expected to hear. And that's where this gets important. Because we don't just do this with song lyrics. We do it with life. We do it with people. We do it with ourselves. And sometimes... we even do that with God. Something happened to you years ago. Someone hurt you. Someone labeled you. You failed at something. A prayer wasn't answered the way you expected. And your brain took that experience and wrote a prediction: "This is just the way life works." "People can't be trusted." "I'll never be good enough.""Nothing is ever going to change." "Maybe God has forgotten me." And without realizing it, you can spend years interpreting today's reality through yesterday's prediction. So here's the question I want us to wrestle with today: What predictions are running in the background of your life right now? And an even more important question: What happens when God gives you new information? Because sometimes God doesn't immediately change your circumstances. Sometimes God challenges the mental model through which you interpret your circumstances. Your brain uses what happened before to predict what will happen next. But what happens when God says something that doesn't fit your prediction?” And that's exactly what He did with a man named Gideon. (more on that in a few moments… stay tuned) Today is the sixth edition of this CODE journey we have taken together Our KEY Verse: He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. We often think we have things figured out, but...Predictive Coding can only work so far... GOD is sovereign CODE I - God's Code Is Written on Our Hearts God doesn't merely give rules; He transforms us from the inside out. Hebrews 10:16: This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds. Jeremiah 31:33 "I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts.\" CODE II – KNOWN - Before we understand God's ways, we discover God's heart-and we realize He already knows us. Psalm 139:1: Lord, you have searched me and known me. John 10:14: "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me." CODE III – Alignment - The Christian life is not merely believing in Jesus, but allowing our lives to align with His. Romans 12:2 : Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind... Amos 3:3: "Can two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?" CODE IV - The Greatest - God's definition of greatness is completely different from the world's. Matthew 23:11: "The greatest among you will be your servant." Mark 10:45: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." CODE V – Courage - Courage isn't personality-it is the result of being with Jesus. Acts 4:13: "...They recognized that they had been with Jesus." Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." God writes His Code on our hearts.(Hebrews 10:16) Then we discover we are fully known by Him.(Psalm 139:1) Knowing His heart leads us into alignment with His will.(Romans 12:2) Alignment changes our priorities-greatness becomes service.(Matthew 23:11) And serving Christ faithfully produces courageous living.(Acts 4:13) Eccl 3:11: He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. This verse is remarkable because it says two things simultaneously: God placed eternity in us. We still cannot fully comprehend His plans. In other words...We were created to keep learning God rather than assuming we've already figured Him out. (a continuous, lifelong process) God continually updates His people. The danger isn't ignorance.The danger is believing yesterday's revelation is the end of today's conversation. Predictive Coding says: "I've seen this before.” Faith says: "God may do something I've never seen before." Your future will largely be determined by which voice you allow to make your predictions. Will it be:your past? your failures? your culture? your fears? Or... the voice of the Holy Spirit? Judges 6:11:16 (read) Gideon's situation is a clear illustration of "predictive coding. The angel says: "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior." (Judges 6:12) Gideon's internal predictive model immediately pushes back: "If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened?\" (v.13) \ "My clan is the weakest...\" (v.15) \ "I am the least in my family.\" (v.15) Notice what's happening psychologically. God isn't merely giving Gideon a command - God is challenging the mental model through which Gideon interprets reality. Gideon isn't seeing facts objectively. He's filtering everything through years of Midianite oppression, family insignificance, disappointment, and fear. His predictions about himself determine what he believes is possible. God doesn't begin by changing Gideon's circumstances. He begins by changing Gideon's identity. Gideon's Predictive coding: "I'm the weakest." God identifies him as: "Mighty warrior." When the angel calls Gideon a "mighty warrior," God is not describing Gideon's present performance. GOD is speaking to the identity He intends to develop. (God's perspective) Most of us aren't trapped by our circumstances. We're trapped by the story we've been telling ourselves about our circumstances. Look at Gideon's encounter with the angel of the Lord: Nothing had changed. Midian was still there. Israel was still oppressed. Gideon was still hiding in a winepress. The only thing that changed was the conversation. Our brains continually predict our future from our past. God speaks our future into our present. Think about the life stories of Moses… Abraham… Gideon… Peter Every major biblical transformation required someone to let God rewrite their internal predictions. "Don't become so committed to yesterday's understanding of God that you miss today's invitation." We never abandon truth. But we need to expand our understanding of it. For six weeks we've talked about God's Code. But God's Code isn't static — it's relational. He is still speaking, still shaping, still calling us into what's next. Don't let yesterday's assumptions become tomorrow's limitations. Keep your heart open, your spirit teachable, and your life available, because the Author of your story is still writing. Predictive coding says, "I've always been this way, so I'll probably always be this way." God says, "I know who you are becoming, even before you do." The question was never whose prediction is more convincing — the question is whose prediction you will believe. God writes a new code on our hearts so we begin to see ourselves, others, and the world the way He does. He knows you. He aligns you. He reshapes your values. He gives you courage. He continues to update you. The goal of the Christian life isn't to become a better version of who you were. It's to become the person God has always seen. Hebrews 8:1 promises, "I will put My laws in their minds and write them on their hearts." And Isaiah reminds us, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength." Psalm 31:24: Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Code VI : Updating the Code 生命密码6: 更新你的代码 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/09/2026 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States Description An account of the resource Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 传道书 3:11 神造万物，各按其时成为美好；又将永恒安置在世人心里。然而神从始至终的作为，人不能参透。 Isaiah 43:18 19 Forget the former things;do not dwell on the past.See, I am doing a new thing!Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wildernessand streams in the wasteland. 以赛亚书 43:18 19不要记念从前的事，也不要思想古时的事。看哪，我要做一件新事！如今要发现，你们岂不知道吗？我必在旷野开道路，在沙漠开江河。 Philippians 3:13 14 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.But one thing I do:Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 腓立比书 3:13 14 弟兄们，我不是以为自己已经得着了；我只有一件事，就是忘记背后，努力面前的，向着标竿直跑，要得神在基督耶稣里从上面召我来得的奖赏。 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here! 哥林多后书 5:17 若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人；旧事已过，都变成新的了。 Romans 12:1 2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy,to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 罗马书 12:1 2 所以，弟兄们，我以神的慈悲劝你们，将身体献上，当作活祭，是圣洁的，是神所喜悦的；你们如此侍奉，乃是理所当然的。不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化，叫你们察验何为神的善良、纯全、可喜悦的旨意。 Psalm 31:24 Be strong and take heart,all you who hope in the Lord. 诗篇 31:24 你们要刚强，与主相交的，都当壮胆！ GOD CONTINUES TO UPDATE HIS PEOPLE. STAY TEACHABLE. STAY AVAILABLE. STAY CLOSE TO HIM. 神不断更新祂的子民。保持谦卑，保持顺服，始终亲近祂。 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/92296573fc6c4178e4f163c9a9af9eae.jpg eb2db9155416b8af7ba0fe475152b3e3 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/96860948748aa66e1c1961b2f44ab64b.mp4 779c98d81587360933ae141f0138b612 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound CODE VII — WONDER Psalm 62:5–8 Norman Vincent Peale once used a humorous illustration about problems. He asked an audience how many had problems — hands went up everywhere. Then he asked how many would like to live somewhere with absolutely no problems — just as many hands went up. Peale said such a place existed nearby: nobody there worried about money, work, or tomorrow. Nobody had any problems whatsoever. Then he revealed the place: THE CEMETERY. Suddenly, getting rid of all our problems didn't sound quite so appealing. Because problems are part of being alive. As long as we're living, we're going to encounter problems. Maybe when we're running short of them, as Peale said, it's time to get on our knees and say: "God...don't You trust me anymore?" The goal of life isn't to eliminate difficulty — it's to learn how to live fully in the middle of it. And maybe God wants us to rediscover something many of us lost along the way. Something children understand naturally. Something called... WONDER. Monday morning, I woke up thinking this CODE series was finished. Six messages. Done. And then God surprised me. God has a way of doing that for us… if we stop long enough to notice. I started thinking about Monday mornings. How do we greet them? “Oh no…another Monday”? Same job. Same responsibilities. Same problems. Same routine. Or could we wake up and say: “Lord…what do You have for me today?” Same Monday. Same circumstances. But an entirely different way of seeing them. When we really start living from God's CODE, something begins happening inside us. We become more aware. More grateful. More expectant. More alive. And gradually our hearts begin opening to this extraordinary experience called WONDER. Wonder is that mixture of surprise, admiration and amazement we experience when we encounter something beautiful, unexpected or beyond our understanding. What would happen if we began living our ordinary lives with amazed admiration? Not because everything was perfect, but because we began looking for God in everything. Paul prays in Ephesians 3 that God's people would have the power to understand how wide, long, high and deep God's love really is. God's love, goodness, and presence were already there. We simply needed the ability to perceive it. That's what gratitude does. Gratitude isn't merely saying "thank you." Gratitude is noticing. Psalm 63: "I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night... I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely." Pause in life. Reflect on God's goodness and mercy. When you practice gratitude, you stop letting life rush past unnoticed. You start seeing what you used to take for granted: the person beside you, a sunrise, another morning. Ordinary things stop feeling quite so ordinary. The other night I was talking face-to-face with someone in Melbourne, Australia — thousands of miles away, no delay, like they're in the next room. We nowadays call that "normal." Show that to somebody 150 years ago, and they'd call it a miracle. We call it “Tuesday.” Maybe the world hasn't become less amazing. Maybe we've just become harder to amaze. Gratitude wakes us up. It says: "Look. Notice. Pay attention." But Wonder needs something else: HOPE. Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today. Psalm 62:5 says, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him.” Another translation captures the thought: “My expectation is from Him.” Expectation means something is still possible. God is still working. God isn't finished. Mark 9:23: (Jesus)“If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” And this is where gratitude and hope come together: WONDER IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GRATITUDE FOR WHAT GOD HAS DONE MEETS EXPECTATION FOR WHAT GOD WILL DO. Gratitude looks backward and says, “God has been faithful.” Hope looks forward and says, “God isn't finished.” And Wonder stands right in the middle and says: “I can't wait to see what He does next.” Sometimes living with hope reminds me of using GPS. You put in the destination. It calculates the route. Everything looks good. …And then… you miss the turn. Imagine if your GPS responded like some of us respond to life: “THAT'S IT! YOU MISSED THE TURN! YOUR ENTIRE TRIP IS RUINED!” Thankfully, GPS doesn't do that. It simply says: “Recalculating.” Maybe somebody needs to hear this today: YOU HAVE MISTAKEN A RECALCULATION FOR A CANCELLATION. Something didn't happen the way you expected. A relationship changed. A door closed. A plan failed. Life took a turn you never expected, and you thought: “It's over.” But maybe God is saying: “No. We're recalculating.” Sometimes our hopes have to adjust to the changing highway. And what God has in mind may be better than the best route we could have calculated ourselves. You may not understand the road you're traveling right now. But that doesn't mean God has abandoned the destination. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 doesn't say everything that happens is good. It says that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. That's different. The event itself may not be good. But God can still work through it. God can redeem it. Teach through it. Redirect through it. Develop something inside us through it. The closed door becomes a redirection. The setback becomes preparation. The wound becomes wisdom. Sometimes… the mess becomes the message. So instead of only asking, “Why is this happening to me?” we begin asking: “God…what can You do with this? Where is the lesson? Where is the opportunity? Where is the gift?” That doesn't deny pain. It simply means pain doesn't get the final word. Psalm 62:8 says: “Trust only in God every moment! Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him… Pause in his presence.” Notice: it doesn't say pretend you don't have problems. Tell Him your troubles. It doesn't say figure everything out. It says trust. And then… pause. Maybe that's where we've lost some of our wonder? We don't pause anymore. We're moving. Scrolling. Planning. Worrying. Reacting. But wonder requires enough stillness to notice. Maybe the world isn't short on miracles. Maybe we're short on awareness. Maybe God hasn't stopped surprising us. Maybe we've stopped noticing. So today, can we take life exactly as it is right now? Not the life you wish you had. Not the life you thought you would have by now. This life. With its blessings and disappointments. Victories and unanswered questions. Open doors and closed doors. Joys and problems. Can we place all of it into the loving hands of our Savior and allow Him to replace fear with trust, anxiety with expectation, disappointment with hope, routine with gratitude—and certainty with something even more beautiful: WONDER? You don't have to understand everything God is doing to trust that God is doing something. You don't have to know the entire route to take the next step. And you don't have to have a problem-free life to have an abundant one. So tomorrow morning, when your eyes open—before you reach for the phone, before you start rehearsing your problems—pause for a moment. Breathe. Recognize: “I'm alive. God is here. This day has never happened before.” And instead of GROANING, “it's Monday again,” maybe we could say: “God…it's Monday. I wonder what You have for me today.” Maybe that's the final piece of the CODE: Not having everything figured out, but trusting the One who does. Living awake. Living grateful. Living hopeful. Living expectant. Living with our eyes open to the possibility that God may be doing something extraordinary right in the middle of what looks ordinary. And when the road changes, instead of immediately asking, "God, why is this happening to me?" maybe we learn to ask: "God...what are You doing with this? Where are You taking me? How will You turn my mess into Your message?" So before we leave this moment, let's do something with it - not just hear it. If you're running on empty, tired of white-knuckling your way through disappointment, do one simple thing right now: open your hands. Palms up, right where you're sitting. Let that be your prayer – even before you say a word: "I'm done gripping this so tightly. I'm placing it in Your hands." And if you're ready, pray this with me: "God, I don't have it all figured out, and I'm done pretending I do. I place my disappointments, my questions, my unfinished story into Your hands. I surrender to YOU as a branch. Replace my fear with trust, my routine with gratitude, my certainty with wonder. Starting today, I want to live awake to what You're doing. Amen." If you meant that, tell someone this week. Say it out loud: "I'm choosing to live in wonder." A decision spoken out loud is harder to walk away from. And then... we watch. We trust. We expect. And we live... IN WONDER. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Code VII : Wonder 生命密码7: 奇妙 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/16/2026 Description An account of the resource Psalm 62:5 Yes, my soul, find rest in God;my hope comes from Him. 诗篇 62:5 我的心啊，你当默默无声，专等候神；我的盼望是从祂而来。 Psalm 62:8 Trust only in God every moment!Tell him all your troubles andpour out your heart longings to him;God is our refuge. 诗篇 62:8 你们要时时刻刻信任祂！在祂面前倾心吐意；神是我们的避难所。 Psalm 63:6 8 I lie awake thinking of you,meditating on you through the night.Because you are my helper,I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.I cling to you;your strong right handholds me securely. 诗篇 63:6 8 我一生一世在你面前敬拜，在你名下举手。我渴想你，如旱地渴想水。我在床上记念你，夜间思想你；因你是我的帮助，我要在你翅膀的荫下欢呼。我紧紧跟随你；你的右手扶持着我。 Ephesians 3:18 19 May have power, together withall the Lord’s holy people,to grasp how wide and long andhigh and deep is the love of Christ,and to know this love that surpassesknowledge—that you may be filledto the measure of all the fullnessof God. 以弗所书 3:18 19 并且能够以和众圣徒一同明白基督的爱是多么长阔高深，并且知道这爱是超过人所能测度的，便叫神一切所充满的，充满了你们。 Romans 8:28 And we know that in all thingsGod works for the good of thosewho love him, who have been calledaccording to his purpose. 罗马书 8:28 我们晓得万事都互相效力，叫爱神的人得益处，就是按祂旨意被召的人。 GRATITUDE LOOKS BACK. HOPE LOOKS FORWARD. WONDER EXPECTS GOD. 感恩回顾过去。盼望展望未来。惊奇期待神的作为。 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/5c94cc80d963f84c975a66475292cc5c.jpg 3b782b9775a49423b0dc392499837ce0 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/e50201d796b5ffdb50898dca4d39674e.mp4 5278e34b8e29db4fc7abd6a41ffcc26c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Spiritual Compass Aligning Our Words and Thoughts with God Our Spiritual Alignment Like a compass that guides a hiker through wilderness, God's Word provides direction for our spiritual journey. When we lose alignment, we experience consequences in body, mind, and spirit. Our Guiding Verse "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Two Things We Can Control In a world spinning out of control, we can still control our thoughts and our words. These are the compass points that keep us aligned with God's purposes. Using Your Spiritual Compass Daily <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Realign regularly 2. Drive on (looking forward, not repeating cycles) 3. Watch your words 4. Guard your thoughts 5. Expect good things</li> </ol> Scripture References Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." (KJV) Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (NIV) 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here." (NIV) Romans 6:11 "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." (NIV) Proverbs 4:25-26 "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Decide carefully where you are going in life. Then you will be on a good, safe path." (NIV/NLT)       Discussion Questions <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">In what areas of your life do you feel most out of alignment with God's purposes?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">What old patterns or labels are you holding onto that God may be asking you to release?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">How can you better align your words and thoughts with God's truth this week?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">What specific scripture can serve as your compass point when you feel lost or disoriented?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">How might your life change if you consistently applied the five daily practices mentioned in the sermon?</li> </ol> Key Takeaways <ul style="font-weight: 400;"> <li>Your words and thoughts are your spiritual compass — they determine your direction and destination (Psalm 19:14)</li> <li>You cannot enter a new season with yesterday's mindset — transformation requires releasing old patterns (2 Corinthians 5:17)</li> <li>Being 'in Christ' means the old is already gone, even when you still feel familiar — walk in who God says you are (Romans 6:11)</li> <li>Alignment requires regular maintenance — realign your thoughts and words with God's truth daily (Romans 12:2)</li> <li>Expect God's goodness as you walk in alignment — He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11)</li> </ul>   The Spiritual Compass: Aligning Our Words and Thoughts with God Traveling with my mother in the pre-GPS days taught me an important lesson. We decided, "Just keep going in the same direction and somewhere the road will open up again." That's what alignment is all about—staying on track and continuing to move in the right direction. Isn't that how a compass works? It points us in the right direction even when there is no outward indication that we are moving forward properly. A hiker might use a compass while in the wilderness to ensure they're following the correct path, even when there is no visible trail. In our spiritual journey, we need a reliable spiritual compass to guide us through life's wilderness. Our key verse today gives us clear guidelines on how we can keep on track with God. Psalm 19:14 - "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." In a world spinning out of control, we may somehow find ourselves disoriented, unsure of which direction to take. Many of us have grown up in church, hearing Scripture our whole lives. But familiarity can breed complacency. If we're not careful, we filter what we hear based on our previous understanding. That could be good—but it could also be dangerous to our spiritual growth. We find ourselves emotionally attached to outdated versions of ourselves, wearing labels God never gave us, and defending patterns that destroy our potential. We say, "That's just who I am," but at that point, we're not following our spiritual compass—we're following a comfortable pattern, a routine, our old programming. We get stuck in cycles of: - Insecurity – Judgmental attitudes - Procrastination - Spiritual laziness - Negative thought patterns - Harmful speech habits Our Bible talks about how we are to walk in a way pleasing to God: - Psalm 15:2: "The one who walks with integrity, who does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart..." Ephesians 4:1: "...walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." But how do we maintain this alignment when life constantly tries to pull us off course? We need a compass “May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my defender.” When we lose our spiritual alignment, we experience consequences in all three parts of our lives: - Body - Mind - Spirit We become incomplete, fragmented, unable to experience the fullness God intends for us. As Myles Munroe wisely observed: "You can't enter your next season wearing yesterday's mindset. People pray for God to elevate them while still holding on to the insecurities, habits, and fears that define who they used to be. They want resurrection without crucifixion. They want promotion without preparation." When our compass is pointed in the wrong direction, we: - Remain trapped in old patterns - Miss divine opportunities - Speak words that tear down rather than build up - Fill our minds with thoughts that limit rather than liberate - Fail to reflect true Kingdom living God won’t pour fresh oil into an old vessel. Something has to break. Something has to be released. Our key verse reveals that in a world out of control, there are two things we can control: our thoughts and our words. "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." This is our spiritual compass—aligning both our speech and our thoughts with God's truth. When properly calibrated, this compass works in all three parts of our lives: body, mind, and spirit, making us "complete in Him." Romans 6:11 provides a powerful recalibration point: "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." This verse emphasizes our identity in Christ, highlighting a shift from a life dominated by sin to one alive in God's grace. When we're making critical life decisions, when we're being tempted to make less-than-wise choices, our compass should always redirect our thoughts with this truth: "alive to God in Christ Jesus." Meditate on that truth. Declare that truth. When we follow this spiritual compass, our lives begin to reflect true Kingdom living. This is being "transformed by the renewing of our minds" (Romans 12:2). God is always calling us out of darkness, out of the ritual, habitual patterns that are holding us down in life. Your compass should always redirect you with Divine Thoughts that are full of faith, hope, and expectancy. "When you lose your path, you get an opportunity to discover a world you have never known—and better worlds are often found this way!" 2 Cor 5:17 declares: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here." It doesn't say the old will go when you feel ready. It doesn't say the new will come when it's convenient. It boldly affirms that the moment you are in Christ, the old is over—the old habits, the old mindset, the old pain, the old narrative. That means God sees you as new, even if you still feel familiar. And the journey of growth is choosing to walk in who God says you are, even when it's uncomfortable. How do we practically implement this spiritual compass in our daily lives? 1. **Realign regularly**: Sometimes we get off-track. We need realignment. Acts 20:24 reminds us: "None of these things move me." Set your face like a stone with no compromise. 2. **Drive on**: Sometimes the best you can do is just "drive on." But "Drive On" does NOT mean repeating the cycle again. It means looking forward. As Proverbs 4:25-26 instructs: "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Decide carefully where you are going in life. Then you will be on a good, safe path." 3. **Watch your words**: Your words are seeds. (the sower sows the word) Ask yourself: "How should I be speaking about myself? What words am I planting in my own heart and the hearts of others?" 4. **Guard your thoughts**: What should we be letting dominate our thought life? Fill your mind with God's promises. ReFire – ReWire (put LIFE in) (Today’s Verse) Psalm 19:14 says: "So may the words of my mouth, my meditation-thoughts, and every movement of my heart be always pure and pleasing, acceptable before your eyes." 5. **Expect Good Things**: (this is a great example of refiring – rewiring) If you are using your spiritual compass properly, you are always looking for and confessing the Good Things of God over your life and your family. Psalm 84:11 assures us: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." The version of you that's called to impact nations, to lead in your generation, to glorify God boldly, cannot be built on the blueprint of fear, shame, or self-doubt. Eventually, you have to look yourself in the mirror and say, "I've stayed here long enough." Long enough in insecurity. Long enough in procrastination. Long enough in spiritual laziness. long enough in cycles that drain my joy. Not because you feel ready, but because God has already made you new. Use the compass—use the tools God gave you to navigate out of the old and into the new: - Your thoughts - Your words Jesus said, "The person who has will have more, and they will have an abundance." When we align our thoughts and words with God's truth, we position ourselves to receive His abundance. The Posture of Faith So today, I challenge you to reset your spiritual compass. Let the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be acceptable in God's sight. Follow His direction, even when the path isn't clear. Follow Jesus’ two commands Keep moving forward in faith, knowing that He is your strength and your redeemer. " Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource COMPASS 罗盘 Description An account of the resource Psalm 19:14: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. 诗篇 19:14: 耶和华——我的磐石、我的救赎主啊，愿你喜悦我口中的言语、心中的意念 (page 897) Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 罗马书 12:2: 你们不可追随世界的潮流，要随着思想的不断更新而改变，这样就能明辨上帝的旨意，知道什么是良善、纯全、蒙祂悦纳的。 (page1839) 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here. 哥林多后书 5:17: 若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人，旧事已过，看啊，一切都更新了。(page 1875) Romans 6:11: In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 罗马书 6:11: 这样，你们应当看自己是向罪死了，但向上帝则看自己是活在基督耶稣里 (page 1829) Proverbs 4:25-26: Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Decide carefully where you are going in life. Then you will be on a good, safe path. 箴言 4:25,26: 眼睛要正视前方，双目要向前直看。要铺平脚下的路，使所行之道稳妥。 (page 1038) Psalm 84:11: For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 诗篇 84:11: 因为耶和华上帝是太阳，是盾牌；祂赐下恩惠和尊荣，不留下任何好处不赐给行为正直的人 (page 968) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/10/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 美国凤城山坡堂 3739 US 80 PO Box 8513 Columbus, Georgia 31908 Phenix City AL 36870 United States Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Video Language A language of the resource English audio and Chinese subtitles https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/ec8143f89df132d99bdc0639c04289ec.jpg 988cb79d099d6fa5753f838b54ea2b85 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/5993e6af532f642a19b0f7bdff29b437.mp4 24ea9fe56df96243ee20f3d4bcad9550 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Choice Three: Consciously Commit Matthew 11:28-30 Psalm 55:6: “Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest!” Can you relate? Everyone feels the need to escape sometimes. That’s why we take vacations and retreats. It’s not a denial – it’s a way to refresh and restore. …but what if we consistently ignore our problems and difficulties? Do they go away on their own? That’s how some of us try to live our lives. We try so hard to keep up a good front – pretending that everything is okay – when in reality we’re struggling with real pain and real issues that we desperately try to ignore. Then we get stuck. We get stuck trying to keep it all together while our world is falling apart. We get stuck, and we cannot get un-stuck in our own power – so despair sets in. First week: “I am powerless to control my own tendency to do the wrong thing – and my life is unmanageable.” Last week: “Earnestly believe that God exists and that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.” Jesus taught: “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.” We had to first recognize our emptiness without God – and how without leaning on God, our lives can become unmanageable. “When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” God loves us and wants to lead us out of our pain and into His healing. ( ) Choice 2 is made up of three magnificent truths about GOD: 1. He exists 2. I matter to Him 3. He has the power to help me Jesus said: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” …from the Beatitudes of Matthew 5:5 means that people who exhibit controlled strength, patience, and a humble submission to God's will will ultimately be blessed and possess the kingdom of God on earth. It takes humility to sincerely reach out for help. Today’s Choice: “Consciously choose to commit your life and will to Christ’s care and control.” We can get stuck trying to keep it all together while our world is falling apart. We get stuck, and we cannot get un-stuck in our own power – so despair sets in. de·spair : the complete loss or absence of hope. Our unwanted behavior leads us to guilt. We wish we could get out of our mess (on our own,) but we can’t. We may eventually get angry – “I should be able to change. I ought to be able to get out of this.. I know the harm it’s causing.” Our anger turns into a fear that things are never going to change. We slowly begin to realize our hurts, hang-ups and habits are controlling us, and our fear eventually turns into depression. We start feeling sorry for ourselves and we become filled with even more guilt. Finally we give up and we say, “I can’t change. I quit!” – and the cycle of despair starts all over again. Guilt – Anger – Fear – Depression So – how do we break this cycle of despair? We’ve already worked through admitting our need for help – and our unmanageable life. We called that The Reality Choice. We’ve also taken The Hope Choice believing that we matter to God and that He has the power (and the desire) to help us. NOW we’re ready for The Commitment Choice when we make the decision to walk across the line. We take a step across the line of decision – a step toward GOD that says we’re willing to give it all to Him and to take a step away from the old way of doing it all ourselves. It’s a time for letting go – - a time to consciously commit all your life and will to Christ’s care and control. “It’s easy to blame others for our struggles, but real growth begins when we acknowledge our own responsibility. Many of the battles we face are not caused by enemies outside but by choices within. When we confess honestly before God, He doesn’t condemn us—He cleanses us. Taking ownership opens the door to freedom, peace, and transformation” Understand this… Through the Old Testament Law you could never break free… history shows us that. WE live in a New Testament “dispensation of GRACE” (Eph 3:2) Romans 6:14: You are not governed by law but governed by the reign of the grace of God. Acts 20: 32,33: And so now, I entrust you into God’s hands and the message of his grace, which is all that you need to become strong. All of God’s blessings are imparted through the message of his grace, which he provides as the spiritual inheritance given to all of his holy ones. Maybe for you that means itn will be your first time to actually give your heart to Jesus Christ – to turn from your old way of doing things and choose to live for Him. To truly accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” For some of us, maybe this choice will mean a renewed commitment to let go of your life and give it over to Christ’s care and control. So, what’s holding you back from making this choice? What is delaying your decision to surrender your problems and life to the care and control of Christ? “Choices determine circumstances and our decisions determine our destiny.” Today’s Choice: “Consciously choose to commit your life and will to Christ’s care and control.” 12 Steps: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God” There are five things that keep us from making this third choice: Pride – Guilt – Fear – Worry – Doubt Pride: “Pride first, then the crash, but humility is precursor to honor.” “The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.” ? How low do you go before your pride is consumed in disaster? Jesus said: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Guilt: Maybe you’ve tried to escape your problems before, and you promised God that if He’d help you this one time you’d never do it again – and then you “backslid?” ( ) God knows everything about you – including your short-comings. He wants to forgive all your of your guilt. That’s why Jesus went to the cross! Fear: Sometimes we’re afraid to simply “trust God.” Sometimes we’re afraid of losing control. Your habits may be such a part of your life – your identity – that letting it all go and letting God take over seems like a scary thing indeed. Isaiah 44:22: I have removed the guilt of your sins, like the wind blows away a cloud. When you turned against me, I have quickly forgiven you. Return to me now, because I have rescued you. So, what are you afraid of? What are now holding on to that makes you think, “I can’t let go?” Is it a relationship, an ambition, a habit, a lifestyle or a possession? Jesus: ”And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Maybe you could just start by praying, “God, I don’t even know what I don’t want to give up. I just know I don’t want to live this way anymore, and I know I want my life to be under Your control. God – here’s a blank check – here’s my life.” All you have to do is trust Him. He will take care of the rest. “Only Trust Him” Worry: Worry causes us to confuse the decision-making phase with the problem-solving phase. Just make the decision – let God worry about the problem solving. Doubt: Have you ever thought, “I want to believe, but my faith is too small?” Mark 9:24: "Lord, I do believe, but help me overcome my un-belief!" (he was sincerely trying) Mark 5:36: Jesus told Jairus, "Don't be afraid. Just have faith…” It’s not the size of your faith that matters; it’s the Who or what you put your faith in that matters. Your decision must be, “I open my life to the care and control of Christ. I don’t know how it’s all going to be worked out, but I know it’s the right thing to do. So I’m just going to do it.” Are you worried that in this battle of life you won’t be able to hold on? Don’t worry – it’s not your job to hold on. GOD will do the holding – and He won’t ever let go. Eph 1:13, 14: And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory. So make the decision today – The Commitment Choice - and dare to step over the line 1. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior 2. Accept God’s Word as your standard 3. Accept God’s Will for your life as your new purpose for living 4. Accept God’s Power as your strength Jesus stands at the door of your heart today and knocks. Will you let Him in? You’ve fought hard – you never gave up NOW it’s time to give up – to surrender Jesus says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Lord, I humble myself before You and admit that many of my struggles are the result of my own choices. Forgive me where I’ve fallen short and cleanse me from unrighteousness. Teach me to walk in humility, accountability, and wisdom so that I can grow in Your grace. Help me to take responsibility and live in Your truth, in Jesus’ name, amen. Romans 6:17,18: And thanks be to God, for in the past you were servants of sin, but now your obedience is heart deep, and your life is being molded by truth through the teaching you are devoted to. And now you celebrate your freedom from your former master—sin. You’ve left its bondage, and now God’s perfect righteousness holds power over you as his loving servants. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Consciously Commit 有意识地交托 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/14/2025 Description An account of the resource Matthew 11:28-30: Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. 马太福音 11:28-30: 所有劳苦困乏、背负重担的人啊，到我这里来吧！我要赐给你们安息。我心柔和谦卑，你们要负我的轭，向我学习，这样你们的心灵必得享安息。因为我的轭容易负，我的担子很轻省。 (page 1577) Romans 6:17,18: And thanks be to God, for in the past you were servants of sin, but now your obedience is heart deep, and your life is being molded by truth through the teaching you are devoted to. And now you celebrate your freedom from your former master—sin. You’ve left its bondage, and now God’s perfect righteousness holds power over you as his loving servants. 羅馬書 6:17,18: 过去，你们是罪的奴仆，罪恶控制你们，但是感谢上帝，你们一心一意地听从了传给你们的教导。你们已从罪恶中被解放出来，现在你们是正义的奴仆。 (page 1829) Romans 6:14: You are not governed by law but governed by the reign of the grace of God. 羅馬書 6:14: 因为你们生活在上帝的恩典里，而不是生活在律法之下，所以，罪将不会成为你们的主宰。 (page 1829) Ephesians 1:13-14: And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory. 以弗所书 1:13,14: 你们既听见真理的道，就是那叫你们得救的福音，也信了基督，既然信他，就受了所应许的圣灵为印记。这圣灵是我们得基业的凭据[b]，直等到神之民[c]被赎，使他的荣耀得着称赞。 (page 1894) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/1f6d87359191e1d0fea11fcf7186ce8d.jpg da873cb12abb972d2a4782109b7b678d https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/56e30a476b09a641cb6d6fa6e6c77a79.mp4 c4959c9363ea9d895998250229840f52 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound CONTINUE Living From the Finished Work Colossians 2:6 (I believe in the power of new beginnings, but…) Every morning when you wake up, you don’t start your life over. You don’t reintroduce yourself to your family. You don’t relearn your name. You simply step back into the life you already have. You don’t earn the new day — you receive it. The sun doesn’t ask whether you’re ready. It rises because that’s what it does. And grace works the same way. You don’t wake up each morning to become a Christian all over again. You wake up to walk in what you already received. That’s why Paul says: “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” Have you ever noticed how easy it is to start something one way… and then slowly switch methods? You begin relaxed. You begin trusting. You begin hopeful. And somewhere along the way, without realizing it, you begin trying harder, managing more, and carrying weight you were never meant to carry. Paul is writing to believers when he says this — not to unbelievers. And what he’s really asking is simple: Why would you change the way you live, when the way you began was working? We should live each day with Presence, Peace & Purpose Col 2:6: In the same way you received Jesus our Lord and Messiah by faith, continue your journey of faith, progressing further into your union with him! Let’s pause there for a moment - How did you receive Christ? Not with a plan. Not with all the answers. Not with everything cleaned up. You received Him by: • trusting • opening your heart • admitting need • letting go You didn’t negotiate grace. You didn’t earn forgiveness. You didn’t prove anything. You simply received. And Paul says: “That way right there — don’t abandon it.” Heb 2:1 - We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. When you look at today’s key scripture, you recognize that it is a verse that contains a gentle caution: “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” Walking speaks of daily life. Ordinary moments. Normal pressures. Real relationships. Paul is saying: “Don’t switch systems after salvation. Don’t trust Jesus for eternity and then trust yourself for today. Don’t receive grace freely and then live under pressure.” Walking in Him means: • the same dependence you started with • the same openness • the same receiving heart Grace is not just how we enter the Christian life. Grace is how we continue. Here’s the drift most of us don’t notice: We don’t reject grace — we just somehow try to supplement it. We start saying things like: • “I should be stronger by now.” • “I should know better.” • “I shouldn’t still be struggling with this.” And suddenly the weight is back on us. But striving doesn’t make us mature — it makes us tired. …And tired hearts don’t flow well. That’s why Paul warns elsewhere: “Having begun by the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by the flesh?” Galatians 3:2,3: “Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” So what does this look like practically? It looks like: • bringing weakness to God instead of hiding it • trusting grace in the middle of the day, not just on Sunday • letting Christ be the daily source, not just a one-time Savior (HE is the Vine) Psalm 119:130: The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. We need compounded interest – and compounded trust Psalm 23:1: The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want… This is not just about provision (although that is included) but it is also about identity. Jesus said in John 15:8: When your lives bear abundant fruit, you demonstrate that you are my mature disciples who glorify my Father! It’s all about abiding It’s waking up each day and saying: “Lord, I’m still receiving today.” Not dramatic. Not complicated. Just honest. Hebrews 4:10-11: For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. And when we live this way: our hearts stay soft - joy stays near - flow continues This week, there’s no new technique. No added burden. No spiritual upgrade required. Just this invitation: Live the way you started. The irony is: Living this way actually facilitates our spiritual growth. Grace is not static—it develops as you walk faithfully with God. As favor increases, so does responsibility, visibility, and reach. God expands your capacity so your life can serve more people for His purpose. As you received Him — with trust, humility, and open hands — - so walk in Him. Because we don’t graduate from grace. We learn how to live from it. “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” Lord, thank You for reminding us that the way in is also the way forward. Help us to stop striving where You invite us to trust. To rest in your strength Teach us to walk the same way we received — dependent, open, and at rest in You. Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource CONTINUE 继续 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/25/2026 Description An account of the resource Colossians 2:6: So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him 歌羅西書 2:6: 所以，正如你们接受了耶稣为基督和主一样，你们应该继续生活在他之中。(page 1910) Heb 2:1 - We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 希伯來書 2:1: 因此，我们必须更加重视所听的道，以免随流漂去 (page 1940) Galatians 3:2-3: Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 加拉太書 3:2-3: 我只问你们一件事：你们是通过遵守律法，还是通过听到并相信福音才领受到圣灵的恩赐的呢？ 3 你们真会这么蠢吗？你们以圣灵开始了你们生活，现在想要靠自己的力量来继续它吗？ (page 1887) Psalm 119:130: The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 詩篇 119:130: 你的言语一解开就发出亮光，使愚人通达。(pg 1010) Hebrews 4:10,11: For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall. 希伯来书 4:10,11: 因为那进入　神安息的人，就歇了自己的工作，好象　神歇了自己的工作一样。所以，我们要竭力进入那安息，免得有人随着那不顺从的样子就跌倒了。(pg 1943) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/e841d03111033cd09483ecd082190420.jpg aaa1587ec30d90cebc03687ab3be13fd https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/765922e5b21b3185d412449e6dc53e9b.mp4 179317969371d2ff8fd62a66798470c9 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Death = LIFE John 12:24 Have you seen that funny meme going around? "The calendar says 'Tuesday' but it still feels like Monday." Tuesday mornings can sometimes be harder than Monday mornings. Waking up around 4am, not feeling particularly enthused about the new day ahead. I found myself thinking, "I need a new attitude. I need a fresh perspective." But where does that perspective come from? HOW can we hear from GOD unless we take time to be quiet before Him? To "Be Still and Know that HE is GOD"? In those quiet moments, God whispers to our hearts: "This is a new beginning. You didn't expect it today, but here it is." A few weeks ago, I shared something I firmly believe: "We were made for expansion and fuller expression. God wants to take you beyond your current limitations into places of greater impact for His kingdom." I truly believe our DNA comes complete with a desire for expansion and greater expression. As the saying goes, "The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are." Remember when we talked about the power of decision? (definition) But here's the truth—it can be hard to say "Goodbye." Growth often has a component of grief to it. What may feel like a "loss" may really a transformation. What may feel like "death" can really be a "rebirth." For your new life to truly begin, the old life must end. In Romans 6:11, we're instructed to "reckon the old man as dead." This isn't just poetic language. The term "reckon" is an accounting term meaning to consider, account for, or take inventory. It implies a deliberate act of faith— …aligning our beliefs and actions with the truth of our spiritual death to sin and new life in Christ. Jesus expressed this profound truth in John 12:24-25. In The Message translation, it reads: "Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal." Death equals Life. This is the divine paradox at the heart of our faith. “funeral for a friend” You basically need to have a funeral for your old self. That "friend" you're burying may be comfort. It could be called "security." It might be familiar patterns that no longer serve God's purpose for your life. Romans 6:7-8 reminds us: "For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him." Romans 6:11: "So you also should think about yourselves in the same way. Sin has no power over you, as if you were dead. In your new life, you live to serve God, because you belong to Christ Jesus." A seed will just remain a seed unless it is planted. After it is planted, there is a complete transformation. Jesus said it clearly: "Verily, verily I say unto you, unless a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit." Eph 3:19 offers this beautiful prayer: "May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God." Or as another translation puts it: "May you be filled through all your being with God himself!" To be filled with one thing requires being emptied of another. Does that make sense? Watchman Nee wrote in The Normal Christian Life: "God never intended for man to live by himself. Man was created with a spirit capable of containing God and depending on God. And until God is everything to man, man will never be what God intended him to be." Think about the tabernacle in the Old Testament. It was a physical structure designed for the Presence of God to dwell among his people. But now, under the New covenant, we do not have a tabernacle made of wood and fabric. We are the tabernacle. As Paul says in 1 Cor 3:16, "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" This is the revolutionary truth that changes everything. As Nee puts it: "You are not a seeker of God. You are a bearer of God. You are not trying to reach the divine presence. You are manifesting the divine presence. You are not searching for life. You are expressing the life that is already within you." Jesus himself said in Luke 17:21: "the Kingdom of God is within you." Faith is not feeling. Faith is accepting what God has said. ( ) ...and God said that “Christ lives in you.” That you are "Complete in Him." That you have received His fullness. Accepting this by faith is to make the transition from seeking to knowing. Romans 6:11 instructs us: "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." Remember that ad from that sweatshop shoe company: “Just Do It” Last week, we discussed that your decision must be: "I open my life to the care and control of Christ. I don't know how it's all going to be worked out, but I know it's the right thing to do. So I'm just going to do it." Hebrews 11:8 reminds us: "By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." Jesus told his disciples in John 16:7: "I assure you that it is a good thing for you that I should go away. For if I did not go, the divine helper would not come to you. But if I go, then I will send him to you." The disciples didn't want Jesus to leave—can you imagine how that felt? —even though He told them it was necessary so that the next part of the church could really begin. Charlie Kirk: "Jesus died so we can live." And Jesus himself told us: "I tell you this: A seed of wheat continues to be only a single seed unless it falls into the ground. It must fall into the ground and then it must die. If it dies like that, it will grow to give a lot of seeds." Gal 2:20 captures this beautiful exchange: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Death = Life Make room in your life for the arrival of new life. Ask yourself: “What must I die to in order to obtain the abundant, purposeful life God has prepared for me?” If comfort is your aim, then change will always be just beyond your reach. vs 25: “ …the one who detaches his life from this world and abandons himself to me, will find true life and enjoy it forever!” Jesus: “Let me make this clear: A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died.” We must "reckon the old man as dead." You already know what that old man looks like— …but do you have a revelation of what the new man (who you are in Christ) should look like? 1 Tim 6:12 tells us to “fight the good fight of faith” Run hard and fast in the faith. Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses. (just yesterday) “it’s better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.” We were talking at work the other day about how fast college football season goes. With less than four months left in 2025, what can we do to ensure this season of your life becomes the very best part of the year? Proverbs 3:6 guides us: "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." ? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the things you need to do? Find in your heart one single step of faith that you know you need to take in your life. Focus on that one thing — not the whole world. One baby step is worth much more than just “thinking” about a dozen things we could/should be doing. Give it (now) to God without fear or hesitation. Jesus said: A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat—all because one grain died. fear has no rightful place in your future you As Spurgeon wisely noted: "The fear of God is the death of every other fear," - and "He who fears God has nothing else to fear." Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living just because He lives! Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource DEATH = LIFE 死亡=生命 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/21/2025 Description An account of the resource John 12:24 – “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” 約翰福音 12:24: 我实话告诉你们，如果一颗麦粒没有落在地里死去，它依然是一粒种子，但是，一旦它死了，它就会结出许多麦粒 (page 1744) Romans 6:11: So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. 羅馬書 6:11: 同样，你们应该明白自己已死于罪的势力，并且通过耶稣基督为上帝而活着。 (page 1829) Gal 2:20: My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 加拉太书 2:20: 我已经与基督一同被钉在十字架上，现在活着的不再是我，而是基督活在我里面。我现在是靠信上帝的儿子而活着，祂爱我，为我舍命。(page 1887) 1 Cor 3:16 - Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 哥林多前书 3:16: 岂不知你们就是上帝的殿，上帝的灵住在你们里面吗？ (pg 1850) Col 2:9,10: For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 歌罗西书 2:9,10 -因为上帝完全的神性有形有体地蕴藏在基督里，你们在基督里得到了丰盛的生命。祂是一切执政者和掌权者的元首。(page 1910) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/5f28e117f5a68f323955e38b5bb95139.jpg 3030674d993b40a0d9b98abaabc8261c https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8c723b8a1b52d620931e71ef0fabc539.mp4 90d87758c998209e3ff7ee544bc00582 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound DECLARE 2 Cor 4:13-15 2 Corinthians 4:15: All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. If we are not overflowing with thanksgiving to God, it must be that we are not aware – or at least, are not focusing on God’s grace. His Goodness. His mercy toward us. Phil 4:8: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Think about all the things you can still be thankful for. “He who has…” (is your heart filled with gratitude today? are you declaring these blessings over your life – or your family?) ? Maybe there is an inner battle going on in you right now that is causing you to struggle? Is there a struggle – a sin – an addiction - that you want freedom from but cannot seem to overcome? Does it maybe even seem hopeless? TODAY: Recognize that all things are possible to those who believe. From a scriptural standpoint, you already have the victory because Jesus won it for you. You have to accept this by faith and now begin to thank Him for that victory. (reality) YOU cannot conquer it. You must surrender it – and your will – to GOD.Be thankful today – and surrender your life to God’s Grace. Bill Johnson: “Faith comes from surrender – not striving. It is the product of yielding to the Spirit of God and the Word of God. This causes us to think and to see differently.” “Everything happens through you, nothing happens from you.” Apart from Jesus we can do nothing. Thankfulness (expressed in faith) is a KEY to getting past yourself and allowing God to do for you what you cannot do yourself. This message is all about thanking GOD – even in advance – by faith – for the things that only God can do for us. It’s time to thank God that, when we are weak, He is strong when you surrender your struggles, you must have faith that God is fully able to not only remove it but carry you through it this is huge, because it is by the Victory of the Cross we can put to death the things of the flesh Romans 6:14: For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. you have to come to a realization that you are utterly weak that you cannot conquer this the positive in this is that it's going to teach you humility that we all really need – to fall down on your face in complete surrender with a full knowledge that God is able to make a way “Thank You, God” - you get to learn the art of surrendering through this struggle remember - we are not meant, we are not created to carry heavy burdens on our own. it destroys us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually worry, burdens, anxiety - all of that we were meant to give over to God in an act of Faith why? because we know who He is. His Word reveals to us that He is reliable. He will not go back on his word, and anyone who puts their full trust in Him will never be let down Ø Transform these feeling of hopelessness into thankfulness and right-thinking so I just want to encourage you - you who are worn down by this constant struggle that you just can't seem to shake out of your life you have in front of you an opportunity to witness the power of God and one day you'll be sharing your testimony and encouraging somebody else regarding those same struggles 1 Cor 15:10: But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. so remember, you cannot conquer it. You must surrender it to God in full faith that He is able to make a way through it just like He took his people out of Egypt and he made a way for them God does the same thing for us in our life today. Be thankful. Romans 6:14 Remember this: sin will not conquer you, for God already has! You are not governed by law but governed by the reign of the grace of God. You may have battles today, but God is not fighting for your battles. He is fighting for YOU. He's going to lift the heavy end but you have a responsibility to walk forward in faith, in obedience to Him You can take the next step of faith by thanking God for the grace that allows us to rise above our circumstances. If “according to your faith it is done unto you,” – where are you directing your faith? ? Are your words lining up with what you think you believe? “A double-minded person is unstable in all their ways” ? Is your faith moving in the same direction as what Jesus paid the price for you to have today? Jesus always prepared the atmosphere of faith by beginning His prayer with thanks to God. “and when He had given thanks” “Father, thank you that you have heard my prayer, for you listen to every word I speak.” It’s time to follow Jesus’ example and thank God in advance for what He is about to accomplish in your life beginning today. FOCUS on Jesus’ finished work – not on yourself. Remember: Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. 2 Corinthians 4:15: All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. (let us) Declare GOD’s promises over every situation. • “Thank You, GOD, that YOU are my deliverer “ • “Thank You, GOD, that You are able…” • “Thank You, GOD, that by the victory of the cross I can overcome. • Thank You, GOD, that because of Jesus’ Blood I have been made the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.” • “GOD, thank you for never leaving me.” (even on my rough times) “He who has will be given more…” A thankful heart keeps us aware of God's Presence and causes us to live with the realization of our need for Him as we remember His goodness in our lives. Living from this place keeps us connected to God's heart, and empowers us to walk in and pray from a place of authority. YOU can change the world through your own thankful declarations of God’s goodness in your life “I once was lost, but now I’m found.” Romans 11:6: And since it is by God’s grace, it can’t be a matter of their good works; otherwise, it wouldn’t be a gift of grace, but earned by human effort. (so we pray) “Thank You, God, for Your Daily Grace at work in my life today” Romans 6:14: For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. you can start with this as your point of breakthrough today TODAY is your day. Faith is NOW. When you see the Lord’s Grace, He sees you in your faith. THIS is what it all boils down to… In your thanks to GOD, you are acknowledging that His Word is true – and that you trust in Him and in His promises. “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever…” “Father, thank You for Your mercies that are new every morning and for Your great faithfulness to me. Thank You that I can start every day new, rejoicing and expecting a great day. I declare that I will keep setting my mind for victory and the abundance of Your favor today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource DECLARE 声明 Description An account of the resource Isaiah 30:15: For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest shall ye be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength; but ye would not. 以赛亚书 30:15: 主耶和华——以色列的圣者说：“你们回转、安息便可得到拯救；你们安静、信靠便可得到力量。但你们却不肯。 (page 1160) Job 22:23: “If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored…” 约伯记 22:23: 你若归向全能者，就必得到恢复。 (page 855) Psalm 19:7: The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 诗篇 19:7: 耶和华的律法完美，能更新生命；耶和华的法度可靠，让愚人有智慧。 (page 1909) Gal 6:2: Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 加拉太书 6:2: 你们要分担彼此的重担，这样就成全了基督的律法。 (page 1892) Matt 4:22:37-39: And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 马太福音 22:37-39: 耶稣回答说：“‘你要全心、全情、全意爱主——你的上帝’，这是第一条也是最重要的诫命。第二条也相似，就是‘要爱邻如己’。(page 1600) Romans 11:6: And since it is by God's grace, it can't be a matter of their good works; otherwise, it wouldn't be a gift of grace, but earned by human effort. 羅馬書 11:6: 既然是靠着恩典，就不再是由于行为了；不然的话，恩典就不再是恩典了。(page 1837) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/26/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/74ab11946b80757d84b899e0cf24c3d0.jpg a9d53f44b591e0924d854662d0816da3 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/cb1558adcf8a641b368d682222424ea4.mp4 c913b15be000eff6420e9d242b528e21 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Delight: When Obedience Becomes Desire You ever notice... there are things in your life you say you want to change... but somehow... you keep going back? You told yourself this year would be different. You made the list. You set the alarm. You downloaded the app. Maybe you even told somebody — which made it feel more real. And for a few days... maybe even a few weeks... it worked. And then... you fell right back into the same pattern. And we usually say the same thing every time: "I just need more discipline." "I just need more motivation." "I just need to try harder." But what if that's not the problem? What if the issue isn't your willpower... but your delight? Because here's what I've noticed — you don't have to motivate people to do what they love. Nobody has to remind you to check your phone. Nobody has to hold you accountable to eat your favorite meal. You just... do it. Because you want to. So what if the real question isn't "How do I do better?" — but "How do I want better?" Psalm 40:8 — David says it like this: "I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart." Not "I force myself." Not "I white-knuckle it." Not "I tolerate it." He said — “I delight.” That's where we're going today. What's in Your Heart Matters "What's in your wallet?" The idea was simple: what you carry with you determines what's available to you. Proverbs 4:23 says something far more important: "Above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. From there flows the wellspring of life." Let me say it plainly: the results you are currently getting... are flowing directly from what is in your heart right now. So if something isn't changing in your life... it's not random. It's not bad luck. It's revealing something deeper. Here's a truth that might sting a little — habits are not about willpower. If they were, most people would already have the life they want. Habits are about emotional association. What you link pain to... and what you link pleasure to. If you link pain to discipline... you will avoid it. If you link pleasure to comfort... you will stay stuck. Let me be honest with you — and with myself. I may not like being lazy. But there is something in me that still enjoys sitting in the big chair... watching videos... doing nothing. At some level... I like it. And that's why change feels so hard. Because you don't fall back just because you're weak. You fall back because something in you still finds pleasure in the old pattern. The old habit isn't just a bad decision — it's a desire. And you can't out-discipline a desire. That's why James 4:3 says: "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives." In other words — we say we want change... but part of us still wants the old life. We want the results of discipline without the discomfort of it. We want transformation without transition. And God, in His wisdom, goes straight to the root. He doesn't just want to change your behavior. He wants to change what you want. James 1:25 says: "Whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it — not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it — they will be blessed in what they do." Here's what's powerful about that verse: it's not just about actions. It's about identity. Because habits are not just things you do — they are emotional patterns. And emotional patterns, over time, create a sense of who you are. You may be making better confessions about your life. You may be saying the right things. But does your nervous system believe it? Does your gut believe it? Does the part of you that wakes up at 2am believe it? Here's the part most people miss: when real change begins... it feels awkward. It feels forced. It feels uncomfortable. And we think — "Something must be wrong. This doesn't feel natural." But that discomfort is not your enemy. That discomfort is the sound of the old you losing its grip. You are interrupting an old identity. You are stepping out of a pattern that your mind and body have practiced for years — maybe decades. Of course it feels strange. New always feels strange at first. Think about it — the first time you drove a car, it felt unnatural. Now you do it without thinking. The first time you spoke in front of people, your hands shook. Now it's second nature. Transformation works the same way. 2 Cor 5:17 says: "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!" Mark Hankins puts it this way: "You are such a new person in Christ, you will have to let God introduce you to your new self." You are not trying to become something you're not. You are becoming who you already are in Christ. And that process... takes some getting used to. And that's why motivation will never sustain you. Motivation is a feeling. And feelings rise and fall based on sleep, stress, weather, what somebody said to you on Tuesday... Feelings are not a foundation. They are a forecast — and the forecast changes every day. If your future depends on motivation... your future will always be unstable. That's why real change doesn't come from motivation. It comes from standards. A standard is not something you hope to live up to. A standard is something you live by. It's not "I'll try to eat better." It's "This is how I eat." It's not "I'm going to try to pray more." It's "This is who I am — I'm someone who prays." See the difference? Motivation asks, "Do I feel like it today?" Standards say, "This is just what I do." And here's the spiritual foundation for that: "If you believe God is everything the Bible says He is... you must believe you are everything the Bible says you are." Your standard for your life is not set by your history. It's not set by your feelings. It's not set by what other people expect from you. It is set by the Word of God — and the Word says you are a new creation, you are more than a conqueror, you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. That is your standard. Live from it. Here's where it gets powerful — and this is the heart of everything. Christianity is not behavior modification. It is heart transformation. Phil 2:13: For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. Did you catch that? Not just the power. The desire. God is not just telling you what to do. He is changing what you want to do. He is going after the root, not just the fruit. He's not just pruning the branches — He is transforming the soil. Psalm 37:4 says: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Most people read that as a transaction — "If I delight in God, He'll give me what I want." But I think it goes deeper than that. When you delight yourself in the Lord... He begins to reshape what you desire. He doesn't just fulfill your desires — He transforms them. That's why David could say in Psalm 40:8: "I delight to do Your will, O my God." Not "I force myself." Not "I tolerate it." Not "I do it because I have to." I delight. ? What if doing the right thing didn't feel like a burden... but like a delight? David tells us exactly how it happens. He says: "I delight to do Your will... because Your law — Your Word, Your will — is written within my heart." Psalm 119:11 confirms it: "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Jer 15:16: Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart. When God's Word gets deposited into your heart — really gets in there, not just in your head — it begins to rewire what you love. It changes your desires. It shifts what brings you pleasure... and what doesn't. You know how it works with food — you ate something bad once, got sick, and now you can't even stand the smell of it? Something changed on the inside. Your body made a new association. You didn't have to discipline yourself to avoid it. You just... didn't want it anymore. That's what the Word does to sin. That's what the Word does to old patterns. It doesn't just tell you to stop — it changes what you want. So here's the invitation — and I want you to really hear this: Stop trying to force behavior change... and start allowing God to transform your desire. You don't need more motivation. You need a new affection. You don't need a better system. You need a transformed heart. Because when His Word gets in your heart — really gets in there — your heart begins to want what He wants. Your desires start to align with His desires. And one day, you won't just say, "I have to obey God." You'll say, "I delight to do Your will." That's not a distant dream. That's the normal Christian life. 1 Cor 1:30 says: "God Himself made the way so you can have new life through Christ Jesus. God gave us Christ to be our wisdom. Christ made us right with God and set us apart for God and made us holy. Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from our sins." You have been given everything you need — not to white-knuckle your way through life — but to live from a transformed heart. The freedom is already yours. The new desire is already available. The question is: will you let the Word go deep enough to change what you want? Start there. Not with more effort. With more Word. Let it in. Let it go deep. And watch what it does to your desires. Prayer and Declaration of Victory Father... Thank You that You are not just calling us to change...You are working in us... to transform us. Lord, we confess... there are areas in our lives where our heartsare still drawn to what is comfortable...instead of what is life-giving. But today... we don't just ask for more discipline... We ask for new desire. Let Your Word go deep into our hearts... until what You love... we love... and what You desire... we desire. Teach us to delight in Your will. Not out of pressure... but from a transformed heart. And we thank You... that You are faithful to complete what You have started in us. In Jesus' name... Amen. As a Believer - you have been given liberty and freedom and victory. Today. Romans 5:17 "Those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through Jesus Christ." Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource DELIGHT 以耶和华为乐（在祂里面找到真正的喜乐） Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/22/2026 Description An account of the resource Psalm 40:8: I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart. 诗篇 40:8: 我的　神啊！我乐意遵行你的旨意；你的律法常在我的心里。(page 920) Prov 4:23: More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it. 箴言 4:23: 你要谨守你的心，胜过谨守一切，因为生命的泉源由此而出。(page 1038) James 4:3 - When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 雅各书 4:3: 你们求也得不到是因为你们动机不纯，只求享乐和满足自己的欲望。(page 1962) Phil 2:13: For it is God who is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve his purpose. 腓立比书 2:13: 因为你们立志和行事都是上帝在你们心中工作，为要成就祂美好的旨意。(page 1904) Jer 15:16: Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart. 耶利米书 15:16: 万军之上帝耶和华啊，我把你的话视为甘饴，它们是我心中的快乐和喜悦，因为我属于你的名下。 (page 1256) Psalm 119:11: I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. 诗篇 119:11: 我将你的话藏在心里，免得我得罪你 (page 1004) Psalm 37:4: Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 诗篇 37:4: 又要以耶和华为乐，他就将你心里所求的赐给你。(page 915) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/c8620d8fadcd1a311f8fbe8ae897fd8c.jpeg 81c0530320f00f9188011fb91914509c https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/96d9e00a5722b5622bf635907f7db453.mp4 a21a53c0b0fd1a7b6f602093d72efe62 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Discern the SEASONS I’m listening to an audio program called “The Miracle Morning After 50” It’s based on a best-selling program called “The Miracle Morning” and designed for people who are… over 50. It’s a plan to help you make the most of your days – making new daily choices – starting from the moment you get up out of bed.. Scripture teaches us a profound truth: we need to prepare in advance for what lies ahead. There are seasons of preparation and seasons that should reflect completion. Proverbs 20:4 reminds us: "Some people are too lazy to plant seeds. So at harvest time, they look for food and find nothing." Winter time in Alabama can mean anything from one day to the next Though the weather shifts weekly, we are indeed, still in a season. From Genesis forward, God established this principle: "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest..." We understand the four seasons of nature, but what about the other seasons Scripture reveals to us? Seedtime and harvest are both real seasons, each with distinct purposes and impacts. Ecc 3:1 declares: "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." Seasons change. Our responsibility is to discern our current season. “I choose purpose over impulse” (don’t let external seasons impact your spiritual season) Proverbs 4:25 instructs: "Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life's distractions." If we continually look backward at seasons past, we'll miss the season we're in. Missing your season means losing something irretrievable. The restlessness you feel may be because you need to catch up to what should be your present season. We must be sober-minded, observant, and aware. Jesus taught this principle when He said, "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near" (Matthew 24:32). Proverbs 10:5 warns: "A wise youth makes hay while the sun shines, but what a shame to see a lad who sleeps away his hour of opportunity." Failing to observe changing seasons can bring regret. Some regrets may be minor—easily dismissed: "I wish I had set my alarm" or "I wish I had remembered to buy milk." Other regrets cut deeper and bring lasting pain: "I wish I had told them I loved them" or "I wish I had told them I forgave them" or "I wish I hadn't spoken those words." Ignoring the changing seasons can sometimes lead to profound regret. 2 Cor 4:18 reminds us: "...we don't focus our attention on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but the unseen realm is eternal." There are seasons to recognize in every dimension of our lives—in our natural lives and our spiritual lives. There are seasons in our society, our nation, and our world... and crucially, there are seasons in the Kingdom of God. (not “age sensitive”) Psalm 102:13 speaks of when "the set time has come." Romans 13:11 urges: "And now consider this. You know well the times you are living in. It is time for you to wake up and see what is right before your eyes: for salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed." "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." I firmly believe, as Scripture confirms, that we are always in some type of season—whether preparation or completion. (or somewhere in-between) You cannot experience satisfactory completion without proper preparation. In Genesis 41, God revealed to Joseph that seven years of abundance would be followed by seven years of devastating famine. Joseph advised Pharaoh to store grain during the plentiful years to prepare for the coming scarcity, which would be so severe that "the abundance in the land will not be remembered." Because Joseph discerned the season and obeyed God, not only was Egypt saved, but Genesis tells us that "all the world came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe everywhere." Had Joseph not responded, all would have been lost. How devastating would that regret have been? God guided him to take the proper steps to prepare—to work in the proper season. Proverbs 6:6-8 instructs: "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." What we've covered so far is practical and natural, though it still requires wisdom. But there's certainly a spiritual dimension to our preparations as well. God's Word clearly directs us to observe the seasons and prepare—not to coast passively through our lives. Discerning the seasons requires wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 tells us, "The starting point for acquiring wisdom is to be consumed with awe as you worship the Lord." "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." Amos 8:11 warns: "'The days are coming,' declares the Sovereign Lord, 'when I will send a famine through the land—not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.'" How should we be preparing? How should we now be storing up spiritual resources? 2 Timothy 2:15 exhorts: "Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman tested by trial who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth." When you squeeze an orange, what comes out? Orange juice. What comes out of you when life's pressures squeeze you hard? Are you filling your spiritual reservoir with proper nourishment? How can we hear from the Lord if we're not listening—if we're not allowing His Word to speak to our hearts? "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven." GOD says, "Step into My New Thing." I learned something new and amazing on Friday: “Clarity follows order.” Unnecessary clutter reflects our resistance to moving on with the new season that God wants to give us. Hoarding and holding on to unnecessary clutter is an outward expression of, “My best days are behind me.” Our external environment should declare, “I am ready for the new thing that God has for me.” There is a season you have seen in your heart of what you truly believe God has wanted to do in your life. In you family. In your business. In your health. It is to time to come into alignment with that season. Answer the restlessness with a true shift. To “call things that be not as though they were.” This season God wants to take us into is not limited by what others think we should walk in. 1 Cor 1:30: For it is not from man that we draw our life but from God as we are being joined to Jesus, the Anointed One. And now he is our God-given wisdom, our virtue, our holiness, and our redemption. We must not miss our season to hear from God — and to respond to that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit. In the Spirit, GOD can shift our season in an instant – but it may take a while for our souls to catch up. (ponder) Isaiah 55:6 urges: "Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near." "So turn your attention and seek the Eternal One while it is still possible; call on Him while He is nearby." This indicates there is a finite window of opportunity—a window of His Grace. As Hebrews reminds us, quoting the Psalmist: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. Seasons always exist. Seasons change. Seasons end. "It's better to know Him before you meet Him." “Buy your coat before the cold weather arrives.” Romans 10:9 promises: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Acts 4:12 declares: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." Romans 10:13 assures us: "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Will you call on Jesus today? To everything there is a season. One day this door—this season—will close. Romans 13:12 urges: "Night is almost over, and day will soon appear. We must stop behaving as people do in the dark and be ready to live in the light." Stop merely reacting to external seasons and instead respond to GOD's Kingdom Season. GOD says, "Step into My New Thing." Father God, We recognize that You are the Lord of seasons. Today, we choose awareness over distraction and purpose over impulse. Where we have drifted, bring us back into alignment. Where we have delayed, give us grace to respond. We do not want to miss what You are doing in this season. We choose to seek You while You are near, to hear Your voice, and to step into the new thing You are calling us into. We commit our hearts and our future to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Discern the Seasons 分辨季节 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/11/2026 Description An account of the resource Ecc 3:1: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven 传道书 3:1: 天下万物都有定期，凡事都有定时。(page 1089) Prov 10:5: A wise youth makes hay while the sun shines, but what a shame to see a lad who sleeps away his hour of opportunity. 箴言 10:5: 夏天聚敛的是智慧之子，收割时沉睡的是贻羞之子。 Romans 13:11: And now consider this. You know well the times you are living in. It is time for you to wake up and see what is right before your eyes: for salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 羅馬書 13:11: 你们知道我们处在一个重要的时代，所以我说了这番话。现在是应该从沉睡中醒来的时候了，因为现在我们的拯救比最初相信时更接近我们了。(pg 1841) Amos 8:11 - “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD.” 阿摩司書 8:11: 主耶和华说：日子将到，我必命饥荒降在地上。人饥饿非因无饼，乾渴非因无水，乃因不听耶和华的话。(page 1495) Isaiah 55:6 - Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. 以賽亞書 55:6: 要趁着还可以找到耶和华的时候寻找祂，趁祂还在附近的时候求告祂。(p 1961) Romans 10:9 - “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” 罗马书 10:9: 你若口里承认耶稣是主，心里相信上帝使祂从死里复活，就必得救。 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States