3 10 83 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 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/08694aeec900aa3ed7c5679bb3a61d4f.jpeg 839a88a647357b53a97df503e1d3afdc https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/99c8f45643f7e69b6d73b9033073328a.mp4 e009e88d4aaa9ebf58895fd873c98573 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 Surrounded by Divine Favor: Small Steps to God's Big Plans Psalm 5:12: "Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." I believe that God is about to do something in your life that you were not expecting - something that goes beyond your qualifications, beyond your preparation, beyond your timeline. GOD is about to surprise you with favor - not just any favor - but Divine Favor that leaves you in awe, that makes people around you say, "How did that happen for them?" You see, we serve a God who specializes in surprises. A God who enjoys turning the tables, flipping the script, and showing up when you thought the story was over. You may have been waiting, you've been praying, you've been crying out at night, wondering if perhaps God has forgotten you? But I'm here to tell you, He has not. Not only has He remembered you, but He is preparing something behind the scenes that is going to leave you speechless. The kind of blessing that makes you stand still and say (like David did), "If it had not been for the Lord who was on my side, I don't know where I would be." What exactly is Divine Favor? The favor of the Lord refers to God's grace and kindness towards us, granting us approval, blessings, and the ability to achieve what may seem impossible. It is a divine gift that empowers believers and surrounds them with protection and support in their lives. Some of you have been waiting patiently, but secretly wondering. It felt like rejection, but it was really redirection. GOD wasn't punishing you, He was positioning you, because when the FAVOR comes, you'll understand why the waiting was necessary. You'll soon understand why the detour was needed. GOD didn't forget about your dreams, He protected them. He was making sure that when the door opened, you would be ready to walk through it with authority and clarity. But here's what we need to understand: Divine Favor isn't about instant gratification. Someone prays, "Lord, I want to be a doctor of medicine and help people get well, get healthy, to get healed." Is this a noble, worthy goal? Of course! But does God just instantly put you into a doctor's uniform and you find yourself in an operating room with a scalpel in your hand? Of course not! But if you are taking the necessary steps to achieve that goal, you may find that God is opening doors for medical school, funds to pay for your education, and the right people to help you make that dream become a reality. It's not about attraction - it's about alignment. I work with a couple of people who have risen through the ranks from a very basic position in the workforce into places of great leadership. From early on, you just knew they were headed for higher roles, and yet, the KEY seems to have been their willingness to be faithful in the small things along the way. This kind of faithfulness opens doors of favor. Favor that goes beyond formal education or connections. How do we position ourselves for this Divine Favor? Scripture gives us clear guidance: Psalm 90:17 tells us: "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" This reveals our first principle: We must be diligent in the work of our hands. Certain people may have FAVOR, but unless they are diligent in the right things, it doesn't really do them any good. Second, we must value small beginnings. The phrase "despise not small beginnings" from the Book of Zechariah encourages appreciating and not underestimating the early stages of any endeavor, even if they may seem insignificant. It is a reminder that even great things often start small, and that God “rejoices in seeing work begin,” no matter how modest the initial steps. Third, we must embrace the process of preparation. GOD can turn our wounds into wisdom. Wisdom allows us to recognize the times of preparation and refinement. Luke 16:10 (Jesus' words) "He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much." Fourth, we must step into Divine Alignment with God's plans. This means approaching the future with the eyes of faith. Believing in what God has said. What God has promised. "Yes and Amen." The phrase "All God's promises are yes and amen" originates from 2 Cor 1:20, where the Apostle Paul states that all of God's promises are "yes" in Christ and are affirmed with an "amen" through Him to the glory of God. It signifies the certainty, faithfulness, and ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Psalm 5:12 promises: "Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Imagine what happens when Divine Favor surrounds your life like a shield. Picture the transformation when you approach the future with Expectation AND Imagination (faith that sees what is yet to come) Joel: "It's not going to happen just because of your talent, your ability, or your background. It's the favor of God. It's His divine purpose." 2 Peter 1:2 says that grace, which is the undeserved favor of God, and peace, can be multiplied to you. Peace is the word "shalom" in Hebrew. Its definition includes wholeness, health, safety and provision. So when you walk in divine favor and peace, you will walk in blessings in every area of your life! Visualize what happens when you declare: "I am ready to release the version of me that no longer matches my future." Declare this, not as a ritual, not as a trend but as a declaration - a conscious interruption to that endless loop of the past. A declaration that you are no longer available for the past. It's time to come into alignment with who you were created to be. See yourself discovering the healing power of a renewed vision. Since GOD is able to make all things work together for good, you can thank and bless your past for the lessons it has taught you. You can allow GOD to use these things to help and bless others, even as you step out of that old identity and embrace who you really are in Christ. ? So what practical steps can we take to position ourselves for Divine Favor? 1. Be faithful in the small things - Small things done with a BIG Heart. You and I should be doing the small things (daily) with excellence and integrity. God honors our honest efforts. 2. Get in agreement with GOD's Plans. As long as you're thinking of all the reasons why it's not going to happen, talking about how impossible it looks, that's going to keep you where you are. The conditions may not look favorable for it to ever change, but this is what faith is all about. You're looking at it in the natural, but we serve a supernatural God. Release your faith, expecting His goodness, and He'll make things happen that you can't make happen, things that you can't explain, things that you don't see coming. 3. Embrace expansion and fuller expression. "Let the Lord Be Magnified..." The Bible teaches us to "despise not the small beginnings" but that doesn't mean we stop there. We were all made for Expansion and Fuller Expression. Ephesians 1:11 reminds us: "Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan." 4. Personalize God's promises. When you hear this, personalize it. Don't think of this as a message for someone else. This is for YOU. This is for ME. "Don't judge others - examine yourself." We cannot move forward as GOD would have us to do if we do not expand as individuals to step up and step out. To assume roles we may not have even imagined previously. 5. Stir your faith up, believe big, pray bold prayers, and dream God-sized dreams. He's going to put you in strategic positions to affect the culture. As we grow as a church family, this is a time of equipping and empowering. We will need Holy Ghost POWER, authority and favor to accomplish our mission here on earth. The lesson we have to keep learning is that we cannot do it on our own intelligence, wisdom and strength. Isaiah 49:8 (quoted in 2 Cor 6:2) promises: "This is what the LORD says: 'In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you.'" Psalm 30:5 assures us that "his favor lasts a lifetime" Psalm 84:11 declares that "he bestows favor and honor." The "whosoevers" will continue to be faithful in the little things and will know when the time is right (by God's Direction) to step out in BIG ways to take the Kingdom. It will cause others to wonder how you got to where you are. …but they may have missed the steps you took along the way - because they were little steps of faith. YOU may not notice the incremental growth, either... but it is happening. As Exodus 23:30 reminds us: "By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land." I want to appeal to you today on two levels: We should seek His Purposes and Divine Favor, both for the kind of meaningful, purposeful living this provides us, but also, and more importantly, from the Fear of the Lord and our desire to serve GOD. Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Let that shield of favor surround you today and always as you take faithful steps toward the Divine purpose God has prepared for 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 DIVINE FAVOR 神圣恩惠 Description An account of the resource Psalm 5:12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield 詩 篇 5:12: 因 为 你 必 赐 福 与 义 人 ； 耶 和 华 啊 ， 你 必 用 恩 惠 如 同 盾 牌 四 面 护 卫 他 (page 884) Luke 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much." 路 加 福 音 16:10: 在最小的事上忠心的，在大事上也忠心； 在最小的事上不义的，在大事上也不义。(page 1695) Psalm 90:17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! 詩 篇 90:17: 愿 主 ─ 我 们 神 的 荣 美 归 於 我 们 身 上 。 愿 你 坚 立 我 们 手 所 做 的 工 ； 我 们 手 所 做 的 工 ， 愿 你 坚 立 。(page 976) 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 哥林多后书 1:20: 因为　神的一切应许，在基督里都是“是”的，为此我们借着他说“阿们”，使荣耀归于　神。(page 1871) Ephesians 1:11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. 以弗所书 1:11: 我 们 也 在 他 里 面 得 （ 或 作 ： 成 ） 了 基 业 ； 这 原 是 那 位 随 己 意 行 、 做 万 事 的 ， 照 着 他 旨 意 所 预 定 的 (page 1894) Isaiah 49:8: "This is what the LORD says: 'In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you.'" 耶和华如此说：“在悦纳的时候，我应允了你；在拯救的日子，我济助了你。我要保护你，使你做众民的中保[a]，复兴遍地，使人承受荒凉之地为业 (page 1194) 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 06/29/2025 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/6be3be43b75008a83c897f68fc13f8d1.jpeg ed13d293b4bf619701ae5510113c3ea4 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/b25ee9ee63858fa6964b43069a2da22e.mp4 cb50a9089dabb01e58504aad04ea3f9d 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 Divine Mercy Col 1:24-29 What situations on this planet stir your soul? What changes do you wish you could see? So many times, the things we see that frustrate us, or the needs we see as unfulfilled, are reflections of our hearts, and our unique Divine calling to fill that need. Someone is counting on YOU. Are YOU “The ONE?” ? What holds us back from being the One who takes action to serve the Lord and our fellow man? To make a difference. To do the work of the Kingdom? Unworthiness. “Don’t let the devil win” Romans 8:34: "Who then is left to condemn us? Certainly not Jesus, the Anointed One! For he gave his life for us, and even more than that, he has conquered death and is now risen, exalted, and enthroned by God at his right hand." This verse means that no one can condemn those who are in Christ because Jesus died and took on their condemnation. Jesus' resurrection and position at the right hand of God mean that He intercedes for us. Jesus (through the cross) has paid the price for our sin. We need to recognize the Divine Mercy Jesus offers us today. mercy: compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. We are called to be conduits of His Mercy The Mystery – “Christ IN You” allows His Divine Mercy to flow through us in more ways than we can even comprehend. Are you OPEN to that possibility? “Blessed are the Merciful…” “God wants to fill us with His mercy. Humility is the door through which God’s mercy flows into our souls…” Micah 6:8 “…and to walk humbly with thy God” “Jesus, I Trust in YOU” “The virtue of Trust is in many ways an acknowledgement of the reality that God is in control. It is also a belief that God has a plan for our lives and will provide for us in that plan.” "If you wait until you can do everything for everybody instead of something for somebody, you'll end up not doing anything for anybody." Luke 12:32: So don’t ever be afraid, dearest friends! Your loving Father joyously gives you his kingdom with all its promises! GOD is merciful “His mercy is contagious” – Matthew Kelly The more I experience His Mercy in MY life, the more it simply has to flow out of me to others. Anything less than that would be total hypocrisy. Bringing mercy to others People need it much more than we may realize William Butler Yeats wrote: “The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart. The centre cannot hold.” The message is clear: Things fall apart when we cannot hear the voice pf God in our lives. Separated from God, the center of our lives cannot hold, and chaos and confusion take over. Have you ever been in that place? Mercy Lam 3:22,23: “His mercies are NEW EVERY MORNING” We don’t give up on ourselves, because we don’t give up on God. We don’t give up on GOD because we know HE doesn’t give up on US. Malachi 3:7: Return to Me, and I will return to you," says the Lord of hosts. Without God, life loses its structure, purpose, and hope. The emptiness in your soul cannot be filled by anything but Him. When you invite Him back in, He restores, redeems, and reshapes what was broken. Let God take His rightful place, and watch Him bring order to the chaos. Divine Mercy is the intervention our lives need – the whole world needs. We sing “Trust & Obey” – but are we practicing it? We are called to trust – and to rest. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is nothing. For all our accomplishments and success, what we really need is grace and mercy. Can we take time to just “Be Still and know He is God?” “It was by sitting alone in the Presence of God in quiet, empty churches that the Lord touched my life deeply. Out of the silence came a profound gratitude.” “the classroom of silence” “Jesus, I Trust in YOU” The old covenant mindset of “DO and receive” must be replaced by the New Covenant Grace of “Believe and Receive.” This also tells us, there is nothing we can do to “make” God love us. All that is left is to learn to receive graciously that which we don’t deserve, but can’t live without. We open our hearts, minds, bodies and souls completely to God and allow Him to work unimpeded in our lives. Our part is simply to believe and receive all that Jesus has done for us. That’s how you reign in life over sin, addictions, and whatever the enemy throws at you. That’s how you rise above life’s challenges! Col 2:9-11: For he (Jesus) is the complete fullness of deity living in human form. And our own completeness is now found in him. We are completely filled with God as Christ’s fullness overflows within us. He is the Head of every kingdom and authority in the universe! Through our union with him we have experienced circumcision of heart. All of the guilt and power of sin has been cut away and is now extinct because of what Christ, the Anointed One, has accomplished for us. Hebrews 10:12, 14: But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God . . . For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. My Thursday morning revelation… (why was I so happy? It wasn’t the coffee) I “preached myself happy” (refueled) (milk vs. chewing on meat) KEY: Reset Your Mindset from what YOU have done (or have NOT done) and focus on what JESUS has done for you. This makes all difference. It is the difference between being self – or works–centered, and, instead, being Goodness and Mercy centered. God’s Grace Col 2:28: “Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth.” If this truth resonates with you – if this is a life-changing revelation for you as well, it’s time to fully enlist yourself – your heart – your energy – toward sharing this message with others. (there are so many ways we can do that) We are called to be conduits of His Mercy The Mystery – “Christ IN You” allows His Divine Mercy to flow through us in more ways than we can even comprehend. We receive – and then we become the branches that share Christ – Who is the Vine – with others. “There is a divine mystery—a secret surprise that has been concealed from the world for generations, but now it’s being revealed, unfolded and manifested for every holy believer to experience. Living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory! This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for his people, and God wants everyone to know it!” You cannot give from an empty basket. We “wait upon the Lord” and our “strength is renewed” (today) ? Does your heart yearn for more today? Even that simple sense of yearning – that desire for His Presence – is a gift, a grace, a tender mercy. Lord, I surrender every empty place in my life to You. Fill me with Your presence, restore what is broken, and realign my heart with Your will. I choose to return to You, knowing You are faithful to restore. In Jesus’ name, Amen. PSALM 23:6: So why would I fear the future? Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with 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 DIVINE MERCY 神圣慈悲 Description An account of the resource Col 1:26,27: There is a divine mystery—a secret surprise that has been concealed from the world for generations, but now it’s being revealed, unfolded and manifested for every holy believer to experience. Living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory! This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for his people, and God wants everyone to know it! 歌罗西书 1:26,27: 这道是历世历代一直隐藏的奥秘，现在已经向祂的众圣徒显明了。 上帝要他们知道这奥秘在外族人中有何等丰富的荣耀，这奥秘就是基督在你们里面，使你们有荣耀的盼望。(page1909) Romans 8:34: Who then is left to condemn us? Certainly not Jesus, the Anointed One! For he gave his life for us, and even more than that, he has conquered death and is now risen, exalted, and enthroned by God at his right hand. 罗马书 8:34: 谁是定罪的那位呢？基督耶稣死了，不过，更重要的是他复活了，并且还坐在上帝的右侧，而且还为我们向上帝祈求。(page 1833) Luke 12:32: So don’t ever be afraid, dearest friends! Your loving Father joyously gives you his kingdom with all its promises! 路 加 福 音 12:32:“你们这小小的人群，不要害怕。因为，上帝乐意把他的王国赐给你们的。" (page 1687) Col 2:9: For he (Jesus) is the complete fullness of deity living in human form. And our own completeness is now found in him. We are completely filled with God as Christ’s fullness overflows within us. 歌罗西书 2:9: 因为上帝完全的神性有形有体地蕴藏在基督里 (page 1910) Col 2:28: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. 歌罗西书 1:28: 我们传扬基督，用各样的智慧劝诫、教导众人，使他们在基督里长大成熟，好把他们带到上帝面前。 (page 1909) 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 03/16/2025 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/21c2c9fcdf2fe479dde3c329c06e5341.jpg cd83232f5d5e67e1a697e0f560f375e0 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/d350125c622ed8016484d0faa329a1de.mp4 5d1d785251eef2976dd06e9977066b40 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 Enough for ALL Matthew 15:29–39 Have you ever felt left out? There is something beautiful about the way the Kingdom of God works. Jesus said (Matt 4:17) “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” “You must change your hearts—for the kingdom of Heaven has arrived.” In the kingdoms of this world, people are often sorted and categorized. Some people qualify. Others are disqualified. Some people are welcomed.Others are pushed aside. But when we look at Jesus, we see something very different. We see Kingdom distribution. Not scarcity. Not favoritism. Not spiritual elitism. Overflowing generosity. In Matthew 15 we see a remarkable moment where Jesus feeds over four thousand people. But before the bread is multiplied… before the baskets are filled… …we notice something deeper. The passage tells us something extraordinary. For three days these people had been with Jesus. Three days! Listening. Watching. Following. …And now they are hungry. Jesus says, “They have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.” These are not perfect people. These are not religious professionals. These are simply regular people who came to Jesus. And that is the KEY. Jesus once said in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I Am your oasis.” Notice the word ALL. Not the strong. Not the successful. Not the spiritually impressive. ALL. All who are weary. All who are burdened. All who are hungry. The Kingdom of God begins with an invitation: Come. And in today’s passage, everyone (all) who came received something from Jesus. May this message today prepare your heart for not only an abundance of provision… but also an abundance of Grace… Mercy… and God’s Loving Care over all parts of your life From today’s historic event (Matt 15) we see four powerful truths about the Heart of God. 1. Healing Flows at the Feet of Jesus Matthew 15:30: “They laid them at Jesus’ feet, and he healed them.” People brought the blind. The lame. The crippled. …and they laid them at the feet of Jesus. And the Holy Scripture says: “He healed them.” Not a few. Not the most deserving. But all who were brought to Him. This is still the posture of the Kingdom. Healing begins at the feet of Jesus. When we stop trying to fix ourselves. When we stop pretending we have it all together. When we simply come. And lay it down. 2. The Kingdom Is Received, Not Earned Matthew 15:35 “Jesus told the crowd to sit down on the ground.” Notice something interesting... Before the miracle happens, Jesus tells the people to sit down. They were not working for the food. They were not earning the miracle. They were simply receiving. This is one of the hardest truths for religious people to understand. The Kingdom is not something we achieve. It is something we receive. Grace is not a paycheck. Grace is a gift. KEY: Our God is supernatural, and you can’t calculate His goodness. You can’t quantify His blessings, His increase, His favor. There are things He has already planned for you that are out of the ordinary. That’s why the Scripture says to “trust Him with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.” Back to Matt 15: God already knew what would be needed and when. It was not a surprise there would be hungry people. 3. Gratitude Unlocks Kingdom Multiplication Matt 15:36 “Then he took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks.” Before the miracle… Jesus gave thanks. There were only seven loaves. A small supply. But Jesus gave thanks. John 11:41: (when Jesus raised Lazarus) “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me…” Scripture says, “In everything give thanks.” Gratitude shifts our focus. Instead of seeing what is missing… We begin to see what God is multiplying. 4. In the Kingdom There Is Enough Matthew 15:37 “They all ate and were satisfied.” Not partially fed. Not rationed. The scripture says: Everyone was full. The Kingdom of God is not built on scarcity. It is built on abundance. uh-oh… “Is this a prosperity message?” God’s Word tell us Everyone was fed. Everyone was satisfied. Jesus did not discriminate. No one was turned away. ..and it was more than enough for ALL This is the Heart of our God. The Super-Abundance of Grace The Apostle Paul later explains this same principle in Romans 5:20 “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” One translation says: “Where sin abounded, grace super-abounded.” Grace is not just equal to our failure. Grace is greater. Grace is stronger. Grace is deeper. Phillips translated it: “Thank God his grace is wider and deeper still!” And Paul continues in Romans 5:17 “Those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through Jesus Christ.” Notice that phrase: abundance of grace. Not “barely enough” grace. Not just sufficient grace. But overflowing grace. In your own life – have you received that abundance of grace? That grace you need to pick back up and start again – or maybe just to keep going? A new season is here for you. So stop Letting Your Past Be Your Identity This is where many people struggle. They truly believe their past defines them. Their trauma. Their failures. Their mistakes. But the Kingdom says something different. Stop allowing your past trauma to be your identity. Stop allowing your worst moment to become your name. Your story does not end with failure. Your story continues with grace. And grace always has the final word. So the message of this passage is simple. Come. Come weary. Come hungry. Come burdened. Come broken. Come tired. Come exactly as you are. Matt 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And when you come to Jesus… You will find healing. You will find rest. You will find provision. You will find grace that is greater than anything you have carried. “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” Because in the Kingdom of God… There is always enough. John 1:16: And from the overflow of his fullness we received grace heaped upon more grace! Closing Prayer Lord Jesus, Today we thank You for Your compassion. Thank You that Your Kingdom is not built on exclusion, but on invitation. You call the weary. You welcome the burdened. You feed the hungry. Help us come to You with open hearts. Teach us to lay our burdens at Your feet. Remind us that our past does not define us—Your grace does. Fill our lives with gratitude for all that You provide. And help us live in the abundance of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen. All who are thirsty All who are weak Come to the fountain Dip your heart in the stream of life Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away In the waves of His mercy As deep cries out to deep (We sing) “Come Lord Jesus come. Come Lord Jesus come.” Holy Spirit come Holy Spirit come 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 Enough for All 恩典使众人得饱足 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/15/2026 Description An account of the resource Matthew 15:29-38: Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. 马太福音 15:29-38: 耶稣离开那地方，来到靠近加利利的海边，就上山坐下。 有许多人到他那里，带着瘸子、瞎子、哑巴、有残疾的和好些别的病人，都放在他脚前，他就治好了他们。 甚至众人都稀奇，因为看见哑巴说话、残疾的痊愈、瘸子行走、瞎子看见，他们就归荣耀给以色列的神。 耶稣叫门徒来，说：“我怜悯这众人，因为他们同我在这里已经三天，也没有吃的了。我不愿意叫他们饿着回去，恐怕在路上困乏。” 门徒说：“我们在这野地，哪里有这么多的饼叫这许多人吃饱呢？” 耶稣说：“你们有多少饼？”他们说：“有七个，还有几条小鱼。” 他就吩咐众人坐在地上， 拿着这七个饼和几条鱼，祝谢了，掰开，递给门徒，门徒又递给众人。 众人都吃，并且吃饱了，收拾剩下的零碎，装满了七个筐子。 吃的人，除了妇女孩子，共有四千。 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/8e75b17fbd9fef10886129cd797a4405.jpg 83afe8a21324bf0dd2a21a9304a6cd41 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/444f8f19981933565a36fc59638fb6e7.mp4 209a1cc7fb321c5d5f3b03e4b2f484cb 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 ENOUGH: Living in the Fullness of Christ John 10:10 Those all-too-familiar 3am wake-ups... "Help me to realign with Your Purpose, Lord." At Course of Study, someone said, "You've gotta step on their toes." Really? Who is anyone that they should step on anyone else's toes? Bill Johnson reminds us: "Any thought you have that doesn't inspire hope is under the influence of a lie." And Jesus Christ himself declared: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." What has seemingly been stolen, killed, or destroyed in our lives during difficult seasons because we felt we were somehow without hope? Proverbs 4:23 instructs us: "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." The lie of the enemy is that there is always something lacking in you—that you'll never "measure up." This type of thinking creates fear, lack, and codependence. We look outside ourselves to find answers and wholeness. Yet Col 2:10 assures us: "You are complete in Him." "And you have been made complete in Christ." Still, people often feel they are in-complete. They may believe they are not worthy of connection, not worthy of love and belonging. We sometimes look for too much external approval. We live in the shame that we are somehow "not enough." These feelings hold us back; they limit us. Faith is not about feelings—it is believing that what GOD says is True. And GOD says, through Christ, "You are Enough." Remember what we discussed last week: 'You will never leave footprints that last if you are always walking on tiptoe.' You have a circumcised heart when what you ought to do and what you want to do are the same. As Bob Proctor wisely noted: "When you shift your perception, you shift your whole view on life." Here's a key insight: I have found that when I focus on what should flow through me (rather than what I might wish would come TO me), everything changes. When your heart is circumcised and you can more clearly hear from the Lord, you won't need the approval of others to step out in faith. Choose alignment over approval today. Are there people in your life that are hoping you will be The ONE? The One to move up, move out, to take the next generation to a Higher Level? "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself" Some people would prefer that you remain your old self. We talk about comfort zones. Your comfort zone is also their comfort zone... …but we owe it to GOD to fulfill our potential. To trust we are already enough because of His Power at work within us. We sometimes find ourselves in a crisis in our faith, but what may in some ways look like a breakdown can really be an awakening. We need an awakening to who we really are—who we are In Christ. GOD wants you to know that through CHRIST—You Are Enough. 1 Thess 5:11 reminds us: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." So, what's wrong with being an encourager? Consider the thermostat on your heart—WHO are you letting set YOUR thermostat? Don't let the voices of discouragement (VODs) shut you down. We are enough ONLY because of who we are in Christ Jesus. If we're going to experience this abundant life, we have to receive it by faith—that means we have to first believe it is possible for us to have it. So many people today are living in "survival" mode. They have a mentality that says, "If I can just make it through..." or "If I can just get by..." Of course, there are some seasons in our lives that are more difficult than others. Sometimes it's challenging to get a vision for the future. But "sight is not the same as vision"—we have to see beyond to see the truth. Jesus says that He came to give you a full, abundant life! "Father God, thank You for giving me abundant life through Jesus Christ. I believe that You have a good plan for my future. I declare that my days of thriving have begun as I continue to put my faith and trust in You alone in Jesus' name. Amen." Everything we receive from God we receive by faith. In order to receive the abundant life Jesus made possible for us, we're going to have to step away from the in-completeness that thinks we have to do something to qualify us to be loved, to be blessed, to be connected. You are enough. Complete. In Christ. Don't let the voices of dis-couragement shut you down. There is no perfection. Anyone who believes there is or insists that you should attain that status is in need of some personal observation time. People sometimes use achievement as a way to overcome their incompleteness and insecurities. But there is no goal that you could ever achieve that will convince you that you are enough. If you don't already believe it before you get there, you still won't once you do. Jordan Peterson: GOD only knows what’s inside of YOU. (so profound) "the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3:20). "Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give back by becoming more." When we look for something outside of ourselves (rather than what God has put in us) to fill us up, we will always be less than satisfied with the results. You and I can never achieve true and lasting happiness as long as we keep craving what we do not have. People get all miserable and existential and start to question the meaning of life. But "the meaning of life is to give life meaning." "Remember the Mission" We have already been given a great deal, so it is time to start offering thanks for what we have. ("The person who has will be given more.") Out of this gratitude will come a passionate desire to offer something in return and to begin a life of giving. 1 Peter 4:8-9 instructs: "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." Emerson said: "To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded." And: "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." Romans 12:10 encourages us: "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Remember the Mission: When we start thinking about what we can do for others, our mind will start to work in a different way. We redirect our thinking. Philippians 2:3-4 guides us: "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Good Works – What are they? We have to step out in faith to find our full calling. If you are lost in the woods, start walking. Your perspective will never change if you just stand still. "When you shift your perception, you shift your whole view on life." So, here it is in summary: “Through Christ, you are enough. When you come from that revelation, you can go out and be enough to serve God in your Divine Purpose.” You Are Enough when you release the abundance that is already inside of you through Jesus Christ. "Release the hurt. Release the fear. Refuse to entertain your old pain. The energy it takes to hang on to the past is holding you back from a new life. What is it you would let go of today?" Bitterness imprisons life; LOVE releases it. God can turn your scars into stars. Romans 8:28 assures us: "We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose." You Are Enough—Because the Greater One Lives in You. A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But Christ has come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow! 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 ENOUGH 够用 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/26/2025 Description An account of the resource John 10:10 - A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow! 約 翰 福 音 10:10 -小偷来只会偷、会杀、会破坏。我来是为了让他们获得生命—那是富足和美好的生命。(page 1738) 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) 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) Ephesians 3:19-20: That you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us 以 弗 所 書 3:19,20: 基督的爱比任何人所能知道的都要伟大。但是，我祈祷你们能够知道那种爱，这样，你们才能彻底被上帝的丰富所充满。 上帝运用工作在我们之中的力量，能够成就远超过我们所求和所想的事情。(page 1897) Philippians 2:3,4: Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." 腓 立 比 書 2:3,4: 做任何事情都不要出于自私自利和骄傲自大，要谦卑，要视他人高于自己。 不要只顾自己的利益，也要关心别人的利益。(page 1903) 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/b1ff37958ddbc1aaa79d7561aaede566.jpg 062c29b448279d827985d1a930c8b906 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/c83bf49fecbe28ce6fbbc7f407a958d1.mp4 b5d2cf71302bf3eda9e69a607e1126c1 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 Faith To Change: Romans 8:6-10 We are all witnessing the beginnings of a Global Awakening. A Global Revival Revival comes as a result of an awakening - and that awakening comes through the revelation of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. As 1 Corinthians 15:34 reminds us: "Awake to righteousness, and sin not." What we're witnessing today may well be the birth of a revival that could radically redirect the future of our country. (maybe the world?) Consider Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, whose preaching during them 20th century was so honest and forceful that the secular media in Wales made this remarkable statement: "The preaching of Dr. Jones probably saved Wales from becoming the first communist country in Europe." His message was clear and powerful about the nature of faith. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones put it this way: "The man who has faith is the man who is no longer looking at himself and no longer looking to himself. He no longer looks at anything he once was. He does not look at what he is now. He does not even look at what he hopes to be as the result of his own efforts. He looks entirely to the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work, and rests on that alone." He continues, "He has ceased to say, 'Ah yes, I used to commit terrible sins but I have done this and that.' He stops saying that. If he goes on saying that, he has not got faith. Faith speaks in an entirely different manner and makes a man say, 'Yes I have sinned grievously, I have lived a life of sin, yet I know that I am a child of God because I am not resting on any righteousness of my own; my righteousness is in Jesus Christ and God has put that to my account.'" There are people you can always trust to do what they say they will – and some people… not so much. When someone you consider trustworthy tells you they will do something, you believe them. You count on them to do what they promised. You accept it as fact. This is a form of faith. Last week: "Faith is not feeling. Faith is accepting what God has said." Galatians 3:11 declares, "And that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith." Are you choosing to live by faith? If you are trusting God to guide you, He is doing exactly that. We only see "through the glass darkly" now - but we must walk by faith, not by sight. "Where we're going, we don't need roads." I would add: Where we're going in our spiritual journey, we must have faith. Romans 5:17 proclaims: "It is true that through the sin of one man death began to rule because of that one man. But how much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ! All who receive God's abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ." Jesus himself said in Matthew 9:29, "According to your faith, be it unto you" and "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt..." In times of revival, people are often delivered from their past struggles and weaknesses. Set free. A fresh start, by the Power of GOD. I ask you today: - Do you believe God can provide a better life for you? Do you believe God can deliver you from your struggles - your addictions - your fears? Your past mistakes? Psalm 34:4 assures us: "I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." ? What if you realized there is a better you waiting for you on the other side of your struggle? We’re not talking about “starting over.” Not “starting from scratch.” We’re talking about starting afresh with wisdom and power. God has a "nevertheless" to speak into your life today. "Nevertheless" is a formal adverb that means "in spite of that," "however," "even so," or "still". It is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or opposes what was just said, highlighting an unexpected turn of events or a different perspective despite a previous point. Romans 8 tells us: "Nevertheless once the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives within you he will, by that same Spirit, bring to your whole being new strength and vitality." Will you receive that promise today by faith? (amen) Despite our own failures, there is a "But God" ready to work in our lives to transform and sanctify us. By Faith. A “nevertheless” Mark 9:23 reminds us: "Jesus said to him, 'If you can'? Everything is possible for the one who believes." Change comes by faith - faith that it is possible to change through the victory won by Jesus for us. Grace to Change. Faith to Change. If the Christ lives within you, even though the body is as good as dead because of the effects of sin, the Spirit is infusing you with life now that you are right with God. It takes faith to work out and walk out this Christian life, to continue in His Word and keep our hand on the plow... …because everything does not happen at once. When you are believing for something that hasn't happened just yet - when you are trusting in the word of another that something will take place, that is faith. “Faith means accepting what God has said.” Hebrews 11:1 defines it perfectly: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Externally - who we are now is not who we will be. We are in the process of becoming. But who we are internally - spiritually - as Believers - is already a real thing. John 1:12 tells us Jesus "gave the right to become God's children to everyone who believed in him." The born-again believer has received (by faith) "the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness." Ephesians 2:8 declares: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." You are saved, made righteous by leaving your old life (repenting) and accepting new life through Christ - the gift of righteousness. Made righteous! By faith you have to accept that is who you are now. Ephesians 2 in the Phillips translation puts it beautifully: "It was nothing you could or did achieve - it was God's gift to you. No one can pride himself upon earning the love of God. The fact is that what we are (present-tense) we owe to the hand of God upon us. We are born afresh in Christ, and born to do those good deeds which God planned for us to do." By faith you have to accept that is who you are now. The carnal mind cannot accept this grace-through-faith salvation. It always gravitates back to works. Early Christian church in conflict… trying to receive the new, even while clinging to them old Galatians 6:12 warns: "Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don't want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save." ? Why is it so important that we believe and accept being made righteous through faith as a present-day fact? To live by faith and please God you have to believe you have already been made right with God - so that you can go beyond your own existing limitations and start doing the good works God prepared for you to do. Otherwise, you'll never get beyond yourself. You’ll keep trying to “qualify yourself” You'll still think YOU are the Vine, and because of that misunderstanding, you may believe nothing good can ever come from you. Just attempts. Trying. Struggling. What if you realized (by faith) there is a better you on the other side of your struggle? This faith we are talking about pleases God and strengthens our Divine Connection (MSG) Romans 8 puts it this way: "Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them - living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing.” "...the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace." (Romans 8:6) The Gospel message is not only meant to lead us to Christ - but it is crucial toward keeping the Believer rooted, grounded and moving forward in their faith. Romans 8:10 assures us: "if Christ is in you, then the Spirit gives you life, because Christ made you right with God." Romans 5:17 declares: "But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ." Declare it: “I am the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, because that is who God says I am.” Remember this truth: If you can work it out on your own, it doesn't require faith. • We have been reminded again today: Without faith it is impossible to please God. The justified will live by faith. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace. 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 Faith To Change 让我们改变的信仰 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/28/2025 Description An account of the resource Rom 8:6-8 - So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 罗马书 8:6-8- 体 贴 肉 体 的 ， 就 是 死 ； 体 贴 圣 灵 的 ， 乃 是 生 命 、 平 安 。原 来 体 贴 肉 体 的 ， 就 是 与 神 为 仇 ； 因 为 不 服 神 的 律 法 ， 也 是 不 能 服 ，而 且 属 肉 体 的 人 不 能 得 神 的 喜 欢 。(pg 1832) Gal 3:11 - And that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith. 加 拉 太 書 3:11-现在很清楚，没有人通过律法而得到上帝的认可。正如《经》上所说∶“义人 因信仰而得生。” (page 1888) Mark 9:23 - Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.” 馬 可 福 音 9:23: 耶稣对他说∶“你刚才说‘如果您能，就请帮帮他吧’，对相信的人，一切事情都能办得到。” (page 1635) Heb 11:1: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 希 伯 來 書 11:1: 信仰意味着确信我们所期待的事情，肯定我们所看不见的事情 (page 1952) Eph 2:8: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 以 弗 所 書 2: 8,9: 你们通过信仰得到拯救乃是上帝的恩典，这不出自你们自己，而是上帝的恩赐， 而不是因为你们做了什么，所以，也就没有人能够夸口。(page 1895) 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/bb68511a6f79f6f5b64248e3dd65e09f.jpg 49c137c04462fbd208f93f4c5afacfb8 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. 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 Fall Festival Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2015 Description An account of the resource Celebrate the season at Hillside United Methodist Church’s Fall Festival on Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Join us at 3737 U.S. Hwy 80 W, Phenix City, for a friendly, family-oriented day with music, light refreshments, and activities for all ages as we gather in gratitude for God’s goodness. All are welcome—bring a friend!