1 10 90 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/0bed5364a9261bed4b725d434985423b.jpg a1cd713df30a5820d34a4955d997b19d https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8152babbf9e75dd732425297f6f04c5b.mp4 b1b9d1047c52f455ed13ee1f0812fcd4 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/3d5486b5aa5517012c8d6d1b00970238.png 458f687aa89e1b4647665ee8f23709c5 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound CODE – Week Two – KNOWN 认识 Luke 19:5,9,10 Last week I did something that felt almost impossible. I deleted Instagram off my phone. For some of you, that might sound like no big deal. But for me... my thumb still finds that empty spot on my home screen out of habit. I'll go to check something — anything — and just stare at the blank space where the app used to be. That's how much of a grip it had on me. Because it wasn't just stealing my time. It was quietly planting ideas and images in my mind that I never asked for — a steady hum of comparison, distraction, and noise I didn't even realize I was carrying around with me all day. Now, I got some good productivity tips and health info along the way, I'll admit that. But mixed in with all of it was a constant stream of bad news and disturbing glimpses of everything wrong with this current age we live in. And it left me with a question I couldn't shake. Last week we asked, "Who wrote the code you're living by?" This week, it's this: Whose voice has our attention? What we focus on expands. What we feed our hearts determines what we start to see in the world around us. God wants to direct our steps — but we have to be sensitive enough to hear His voice. He is seeking us today.Before we can fully comprehend God’s CODE, we must first understand God's Heart. He sees us completely—our failures and wanderings—yet responds with healing, comfort, and grace. The Code is not God's way of keeping you out; it's God's way of bringing you home. Remember last week we said, GOD wants the best for our lives. ( ) Romans 8:31, 32: So, what does all this mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us? For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give. It’s all about growing in our understanding and experience of the heart of Our Father Last week we asked, 'Who wrote the code you're living by?' This week we meet a man whose entire life had been written by another code. Success. Wealth. Status. Power. He climbed a tree thinking he was looking for Jesus... ...only to discover Jesus had been looking for him all along. “Wee Little Man” Luke 19:1-10 Zaccheus was NOT a popular man in the community The lesson is – even the little (rejected) person matters to God. (verse 3) The crowd overlooked him... Jesus didn't. “People want to be seen” GOD sees you where you are. (verse 5) Jesus stopped beneath the tree. He didn't say, 'Hey, tax collector...' He didn't say, 'Hey, sinner...' He didn't say, 'Hey, you...' He said, 'Zacchaeus.' Week Two: The One who rewrites your code already knows your name. Before Zacchaeus ever came down from the tree... before he gave anything back... before his life changed... before he made things right... Jesus called him by name. The world says... 'Prove your worth, and then you'll matter.' Jesus says... 'You matter, and that's why I've come for you.'" "You're valuable because I know your name." When Jesus says, "Zacchaeus," He isn't just identifying him. He's inviting him. The name becomes an invitation. When Jesus walked into a room, prostitutes felt safe enough to cry at his feet, while religious leaders plotted his death. That's not normal love. That's dangerous love. We've heard it a thousand times. “Jesus loves you.” But what does that actually mean? Because if we're honest, those three words have become so familiar that they've seemingly lost their impact on so many. HERE is the Love of Christ: Jesus didn't love people from a distance. He touched the untouchable. (even the tax collector) vs 5: When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”  WHY? vs 9: Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house…” An encounter with the true Jesus changes everything. (verse 9) He gave him dignity before he gave him direction. He let him know he was KNOWN. Joseph Prince: “In Luke 19:2–10, where you find Jesus meeting and ministering to Zacchaeus, notice that not a single commandment was given. Yet when the love and grace of our Lord Jesus touched his heart, the once-covetous tax collector wanted to give half of his wealth to the poor and repay fourfold every person he had stolen from. The love of money died when the love of Jesus came. This is what happens to people who encounter the Lord Jesus and His grace.” Why does this change us? “Perfect love drives out fear.” We need an “encounter with the Lord Jesus and His grace.” We need to have a revelation of the Love Jesus has for us today Here's what we sometimes miss: Jesus' love is so powerful... that it confronts the lies we've believed about ourselves. Jesus didn't simply come to forgive your past. He came to interrupt the code you've been living by. Jesus gave Zacchaeus dignity before he gave him direction. He let him know he was KNOWN. Our faith in the true love of the true Jesus – our true savior – becomes the CODE that is the antidote to this form of miserable existence: Romans 5:1: Our faith in Jesus transfers God's righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, has done for us. Romans 5:1 (AMP) Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). To understand The CODE we need a true revelation of the Love of Christ within our hearts. God sees you today. You are KNOWN. Psalm 33:18: Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love… God sees you today. God hears you today. You are KNOWN. Psalm 34:4 (David) “Listen to my testimony: I cried to God in my distress and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears!” Maybe you've spent years trying to prove your value. Maybe you've climbed your own tree. Maybe you've hidden behind success... or failure... or religion... or shame... Today... Jesus stops. Looks up. Calls your name. Then... “You're valuable... because I know your name.” Remember you are known Isaiah 43:1: Do not be afraid, I have rescued you to belong to me. I have called you by your name, so now you are mine. Zacchaeus' code said: You're valuable because of what you possess. Jesus rewrote the code: You're valuable because I know your name. “The Son of Man has come to seek out and to give life to those who are lost.” The Son of Man has come to seek... ...you. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource CODE – Week Two – KNOWN 生命密码2 – 认识 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/12/2026 Description An account of the resource ROMANS 8:31-32 If God has determined to stand with us, who then could ever stand against us? For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give. 罗马书 8:31-32 既是这样，还有什么说的呢？神若帮助我们，谁能敌挡我们呢？神既不惜为我们舍了自己的儿子，岂不也把万事和他一同白白地赐给我们吗？ LUKE 19:9-10 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” 路加福音 19:9-10 耶稣说：“今天救恩临到了这家，因为他也是亚伯拉罕的子孙。人子来，为要寻找、拯救失丧的人。” ROMANS 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 罗马书 5:1 我们既因信称义，就藉着我们的主耶稣基督得与神相和。 ROMANS 5:5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. 罗马书 5:5 盼望不至于羞耻，因为神的爱藉着所赐给我们的圣灵，已经浇灌在我们心里。 ISAIAH 43:1 Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine. 以赛亚书 43:1 你不要害怕，因为我救赎了你；我曾提你的名召你，你是属我的。 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/68532afad980da6505f652012def3f78.png fe40684852688dbf7fc95a4c4ac5ffa5 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/dac6630919f3195af99b3ae0a052bcfe.mp4 a675119ab9bb98b0a4afabd1cd0705be 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 The Code - Week One: Who Wrote the Code You're Living By? Romans 12:1-2 Earlier this week I woke up with one simple image in my mind – - one word inside a simple rectangular frame: CODE. For just a moment, think about the hundreds of decisions you will make this week. Every decision flows from something deeper. Every decision flows from a code. code: a set of conventions governing behavior or activity in a particular sphere. a set of principles a set of standards a set of customs ethics, morality, convention, accepted behavior a set of rules and standards adhered to by a society, class, or individual. Whether we realize it or not, each one of us lives by a code. The question has never been, 'Do I have a code?' The question is: "Who wrote the code I’m living by?" Every day, someone - or something - is discipling you. Whatever has your attention shapes your thinking. Whatever shapes your thinking shapes your heart. …And the code that governs your heart will eventually shape every area of your life. Francis Schaeffer's book How Should We Then Live? The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture (1976) argues that when society abandons biblical absolutes, it falls into moral chaos and authoritarianism. (I could show videos) His writings explore the shift from a God-centered worldview to secular humanism. "Most people catch their presuppositions from their family and surrounding society, the way that a child catches the measles. But people with understanding realize that their presuppositions should be chosen after a careful consideration of which worldview is true." Paul warned us of this danger long before Schaeffer wrote it down. Colossians 2:8 says, "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." We (you and I) have a responsibility to guard our gates 2 Cor 10:5, Paul calls us to take "captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." Who - or what - has your regular attention? Romans 12:1,2 (read) Paul does not begin with behavior. He begins with transformation. That means, something was one way, and now it needs to become something else. A change is required. God desires renewed minds and transformed hearts. This same truth echoes in Ephesians 4:22-24, where Paul urges us to "put off your old self... to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." And in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" I know many of these verses may sound all-too familiar to some of you, but don’t let this slip past you… Before we talk about God's Code, we must understand God's HEART. Isaiah 57:18 declares: 'I have seen their ways... but I will heal them; I will lead them and restore comfort...' God sees us completely, just as we are, yet He still responds with grace. Psalm 103:8-10 reminds us: "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love... he does not treat us as our sins deserve." Romans 5:8 tells us the depth of that grace: "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The Code is not God's way of keeping you out. It's God's way of bringing you home. ( ) Hebrews 8:10 reveals God's ultimate purpose: 'I will put My laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.' “ …this verse points out the difference between a covenant based on external, legalistic rules and one based on internal, personal experience with God. This drive for obedience, from the inside out, is the work of the Holy Spirit in those who are saved.” God says, “I will put my laws into their thoughts. I will write my laws deep inside them. I will be their God and they will be my people.” This New Testament promise is rooted in Old Testament prophecies, particularly Jeremiah 31:33, which foretold a time when God would establish a new relationship with His people. Jeremiah prophetically declares God’s Word: “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. God is not merely giving us better information. He is giving us a new heart. He isn't merely changing our behavior. He is changing our desires. Ezekiel 36:26: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." God never intended His Word to remain merely in our hands. His desire has always been to write it upon our hearts. (a Divine CODE for living) Jesus said He came that we might have “Life and have it more abundantly.” Eventually, the CODE should become our identity. (“I don’t smoke”) GOD wants the best for our lives. ( ) Ed Mylett, 'I want my friends to love me, but I don't want them to always accept me.' People who care about you also want the best for you. They won’t let you drop off a cliff just because they don’t want to offend you. This is GOD’s Heart toward us. Real love desires to see transformation. Elevation. God loves us exactly where He finds us, but He loves us far too much to leave us there. There must be a change – and it starts with a renewed mind and a transformed heart. Are we willing to let that happen – to do our part in this radical reformation? This week, before you scroll, before you react, before you speak, ask: “Who is writing the code I am following today?” Psalm 119:105 says, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." Jesus (“the Word made flesh”) did not merely teach the Way. He is the Way. He did not merely speak the Truth. He is the Truth. He did not merely point us toward Life. He is the Life. In John 14:6, Jesus says it plainly: "I Am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Remember this: The Code is not God's way of keeping you out. It's God's way of bringing you home. Francis Schaeffer : "Here is a simple but profound truth: If there are no absolutes by which to judge society, the society is absolute. Society is left with one man or an elite filling the vacuum left by the loss of the Christian consensus which originally gave us form and freedom." “without a vision, the people perish” “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.”  You’ve probably heard that expression: “bring something up to code” Like renovate or update an old building in line with the latest building regulations. "the wiring has to be brought up to code" To recognize the need to follow God's Code, we must understand God's HEART. The CODE is more than just a word or a cool symbol… It represents the God who says, "I have seen your ways..." "...I will heal you..." "...I will lead you..." "...I will restore you..." "...I will write My law upon your heart." Jesus told us where that absolute truth is found. In John 17:17 He prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." And in John 8:32, He promises: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Let's us pray Father, thank You for Your Word, which is truth, and for Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Thank You that You do not just call us to try harder - You promise to write Your law on our hearts and give us a new heart, a heart of flesh Lord, search us and know our hearts Show us where we have been living by a code we did not choose - a code written by culture, by comparison, by fear, or by old wounds. Forgive us for the times we conformed to the pattern of this world instead of being transformed by the renewing of our minds Thank You that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us You do not condemn us - You heal us, lead us, and restore us Because Your compassion never fails, help us receive Your grace today So as we go from this place, let Your word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path Set us free with Your truth and write Your Code - Your law of love - deeply into our hearts. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Way, our Truth, and our Life. 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 The Code - Week One: Who Wrote the Code You're Living By? 生命密码1：谁在编写你所遵循的密码？ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/04/2026 Description An account of the resource Romans 12:1-2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 罗马书 12:1-2 所以，弟兄们，我以神的慈悲劝你们，将身体献上，当作活祭，是圣洁的，是神所喜悦的；你们如此事奉，乃是理所当然的。不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化，叫你们察验何为神的善良、纯全、可喜悦的旨意。 Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 希伯来书 8:10 因为我要与以色列家立的约乃是这样：我要将我的律法放在他们里面，写在他们心上；我要作他们的神，他们要作我的子民。 2 Corinthians 10:5 We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 哥林多后书 10:5 我们争战的兵器本不是属血气的，乃是在神面前有能力，可以攻破坚固的营垒，将各样的计谋，各样拦阻人认识神的那些自高之事，一概攻破了，又将人所有的心意夺回，使他们都顺服基督。 John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 约翰福音 14:6 耶稣说：我就是道路、真理、生命；若不借着我，没有人能到父那里去。 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 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 Sustaining Grace 2026 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Good morning! Some of you came here today carrying something very heavy. Perhaps it's your health. Maybe it's someone you love. …or uncertainty about tomorrow. Some of you are waiting for answers. Some are praying for healing. Some are simply trying to make it through another day. I want you to know something before we go any further: This message is not meant to minimize your struggle. Your pain is real. Your questions are real. Your tears are real. But I also believe that God's promises are real. Today I simply want to remind you that whatever you are carrying today, you do not have to carry it alone. Our Scripture, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Today I want to talk with you about Sustaining Grace. We often say,"God is good all the time." And we do believe that. Psalm 136 tells us, "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever." Sometimes those words are easy to say. Other days... they require real faith. Because life isn't always easy. Yet God's goodness is not determined by our circumstances. His goodness never changes. His grace never runs out. His faithfulness never fails. One of the greatest discoveries we can make as Christians is this: God never promised we would never face difficulties. (“In the world…”) He promised that His grace would always be enough. Grace is more than God's forgiveness. Grace is His active presence in our lives. It is His strength when ours is gone. It is His peace when anxiety begins to rise. It is His stillness in the middle of the storm. It is His healing work within us. Grace is God giving us exactly what we need for this moment. “For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power." Sometimes we pray as though we are trying to convince God to help us. Isaiah reminds us, "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." Think about that. Before you ever whispered your prayer... God already knew. Before your first tear... He saw it. Before your first fearful thought... He was already present. Faith is not persuading God to become good. Faith is learning to trust that He already is. One question has helped me tremendously. Instead of asking, "How am I ever going to get through this?" Ask, "How would I think, live, and respond if I truly believed God was already at work?" That changes everything. Fear focuses on what is missing. Faith focuses on the God who is present. Anxiety keeps looking at the storm. "What's wrong is always available, and so is what's right. Your focus determines your reality.” Faith gently turns our eyes back toward Jesus. Divine Grace becomes the bridge that carries us into faith. Romans tells us, "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God." Notice what Paul does not say. He doesn't say that all things are good. Some things are heartbreaking. Some things are painful. Some things make no sense. But God has the remarkable ability to take what the enemy intended for harm and transform it for His glory. That's why we can honestly pray, "Lord, I don't understand everything I'm facing right now. But I trust You. And I'm looking forward to seeing how You will bring good from this." Charles Wesley. During one season of his life he suffered terribly with pleurisy. Every breath brought pain. His suffering became so overwhelming that he began questioning everything. Then one day, while reading God's Word, something changed. Hope returned. His heart was renewed. Out of that difficult season came one of the greatest hymns ever written: "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing." Imagine that. Every painful breath eventually became another song of praise. Sometimes our greatest testimonies are born during our greatest struggles. Most of us know the story called Footprints in the Sand. The man noticed that during the hardest seasons of his life there was only one set of footprints. He asked the Lord, "Why did You leave me?" Jesus replied, "I didn't leave you. Those were the times I carried you." That is sustaining grace. Sometimes God’s greatest miracle is giving us strength we never knew we had because He is carrying us every step of the way. John Newton - the man who penned words that Christians have sung for generations “Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.” understood this. After losing his beloved wife, he wrote these remarkable words: "He can give strength according to our day. He can increase our strength as our trials increase." What carried him? Grace. What carried Charles Wesley? Grace. What carries us today? Grace. Sometimes we think healing only refers to the body. But God desires to heal every part of us. Our hearts. Our minds. Our relationships. Our fears.Our hope. James reminds us that God's saving work and His healing work go hand in hand. “The prayer of faith shall save him that is sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him. God's sustaining grace reaches every part of our lives. Jesus said, "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you life... yet they all point to Me." Ultimately our hope is not found in having every answer. Our hope is found in the One who walks with us. It's not so much the "How." It's the "Who." Jesus Christ. The One who never leaves us. The One who never forsakes us. The One whose grace is sufficient. Maybe today you've been trying to carry something that was never meant to rest on your shoulders. God is inviting you today to release it into His hands. Peter writes, "Cast all your cares upon Him because He cares for you." Paul says, "Be anxious for nothing." The Psalmist says, "Be still, and know that I am God." Notice the invitation. Not strive. Not control. Not panic. Be still. Trust. Receive. Sometimes the strongest thing we can do is simply let God be God. My church family, God's Word never tells us to deny our struggles. It tells us to bring them to Him. Weakness is not failure. Weakness becomes the very place where God's strength shines most brightly. “My power is made perfect in weakness." When we finally stop pretending we have everything under control... we discover that God has had everything under control all along. So let me leave you with this. You don't have to carry tomorrow today. God's grace isn't given a month in advance. It arrives exactly when you need it. One day at a time. One moment at a time. One prayer at a time. His sustaining grace will carry you farther than your own strength ever could. Today... whatever burden you've been carrying... whatever fear has been weighing on your heart... whatever uncertainty has been keeping you awake... bring it to Jesus. His grace is sufficient. His peace is available. His strength never fails. And His sustaining grace will never let you go. Amen. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding us today that Your grace truly is sufficient. When we become weary, strengthen us. When fear begins to rise, fill us with Your peace. When we cannot see the way ahead, help us trust the One who already knows the way. Teach us to release our burdens into Your loving hands. Heal every wounded heart, renew every weary spirit, and surround each person here with Your comforting presence. Help us leave this place walking not in fear, but in faith—confident that Your sustaining grace will meet us every step of the journey. We ask all of this in the precious name of Jesus. 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 Sustaining Grace 2026 持久够用的恩典 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/0558348f764fb2ac59572215797a3efa.jpg 9477b70f965111b98d81fe26c55eea8d https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/2d51ee7cf4010f457e3ddd75ea047a66.png 1760d95a70f22256b0b6a09b8eaf2830 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 FIX YOUR THOUGHTS Romans 15:13 When you have something of value to share, you are obliged to share it. Not everyone will receive it, but that is not your responsibility. I have been studying and hopefully applying a lot of health and wellness information. How I wish I could have learned some of these things much earlier in life. I have learned a great deal throughout this personal healing journey, while recognizing that I still have much more to learn. Even as I learned the importance of healthy eating, exercise, controlled breathing, rest, and self-care, for me, the biggest challenge I faced was learning how to let go. Learning how to shut down. Learning how to allow my system to unwind. I've basically had to work on resetting my nervous system. (I only tell you these things because maybe some of you need this same information) The journey toward healing often begins with something very simple: Like: Learning to Slow Down. Today I want to share something that is both scriptural and scientific. The Word of God does not need science to agree with it. But when science agrees with Scripture, it may further validate things we already know are true. The Bible tells us: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8) Neuroscience tells us that what we consistently focus on influences the chemicals that our brains produce. Thoughts accompanied by emotion create corresponding responses throughout the body. God knew this long before neuroscience existed. That is why Scripture repeatedly calls us to direct our attention toward truth, hope, goodness, and God's presence. Fill your minds with thoughts about good things. Think about things that are true, clean, right, and lovely. Fixing our minds on good things means we are not fixated on fearful things. We are not controlled by fear. Whatever consistently holds our attention begins to shape our experience. If our attention is continually fixed on problems, uncertainty, and worst-case scenarios, our minds and bodies begin responding as though danger is always present. But when our attention is fixed on Christ, something begins to change. Peace. Hope. A Realistic Perspective. We remember that our circumstances are not our source. God is our source. Hebrews 12:2 "Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end." Life moves quickly for all of us. As we run, we must always look toward Jesus. Fixing our eyes on Jesus means continually centering our thoughts, actions, and priorities on Him rather than on circumstances and distractions. What we become most aware of often becomes our experience. Romans 15:13 "Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!" But what happens when our thoughts are filled with fear? Panic? Uncertainty? This is where renewal becomes necessary. We have to rewire so we can refire. REWIRE PHASE: (Unlearning & Resetting) 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." Sometimes we remain in bondage because we continue believing old stories that God has already set us free from. We must allow our thinking to be renewed. Ephesians 4:23 "And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind." Renewing the mind is a daily process. It is shifting away from fear-based thinking and aligning ourselves with God's truth. It is an inward transformation that eventually changes everything else. "Now it's time to be made new by every revelation that has been given to you." REFIRE PHASE: NEW ALIGNMENT Igniting Your New Purpose (New Alignment) Every day we are either strengthening existing thought patterns or creating new ones. We are reinforcing fear or reinforcing faith. God told Israel: "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds." Deut 11:18 Augustine famously said: "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You." Healing and restoration often begin when we stop striving and start resting in God. Peace becomes the soil where healing can grow. God created our bodies with an amazing capacity to heal and restore themselves. One of the ways He designed us for healing is through the gift of breath. In Genesis we are told that God breathed the breath of life into humanity. Breath is more than a physical necessity. It is a reminder of God's life flowing within us. When we are anxious, fearful, or overwhelmed, our breathing often becomes shallow. Our bodies shift into what is commonly called "fight or flight." This is called the sympathetic nervous system. It is a God-given survival mechanism designed to protect us in moments of danger. But most of the threats we face today are not “life-threatening.” They are deadlines. Bills. Schedules. Relationships. Expectations. The problem is that if we do not learn to discern the difference between a real crisis and an imagined one, we can remain stuck in a constant state of fight or flight. It is like revving the engine of a car. At first it seems harmless. But eventually something begins to wear down. When we pause, breathe deeply, and allow ourselves to relax, we help bring the body back into balance. We give ourselves permission to let go of the struggle for a moment and rest in God's care. Do you ever find it hard to settle down at night? Psalm 4:8: "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety." The parasympathetic nervous system essentially sends a message throughout the body: "You are safe." How beautiful that Scripture has been saying the same thing all along. "Dwell in safety." Jesus said: "Remain in Me." The next step is stillness. "Be still and know that I am God." Stillness is not doing nothing. Stillness is becoming aware. Aware of God's presence. Aware that we are loved. Aware that we are held. Aware that we are not carrying life alone. When we move from fear toward peace, the body no longer has to remain on constant alert. Instead, it can devote its energy toward restoration and healing. True Rest This is one reason prayer, deep breathing, quiet reflection, and trust in God are such powerful parts of the healing journey. Your body is not your enemy. Most of the time it is doing its best to protect you. As you learn to breathe deeply, embrace stillness, and place your trust in God, you create an environment where healing can flourish. Psalm 62:5-6 says: "My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my refuge; I shall not be moved." ( ) For a moment, let your heart become still before the Lord. Take a slow breath. Remember that God is with you. Trust that His healing work is already underway. Sometimes the greatest step forward is simply returning to stillness. Wrapping this up: Romans 15:13 (today’s scripture): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" Are you ready for God to do something new in your life? Eph 3:20 reminds us that God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Perhaps the next step is simply becoming open to what God wants to do. St Benedict taught a Prayer Form called: Lectio Divina – Divine Reading When we get quiet enough – God can speak to us. “Let go – and make room for new things.” Before we come to the Lord's Table, I invite you to become still. Take a slow breath. And another. Listen to these words from Psalm 62: "My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my refuge; I shall not be moved." What word or phrase stands out to you? (Pause) Listen once more. "My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him." What might God be inviting you to release today? ( ) Fear? Control? Worry? A burden you have been carrying alone? (Pause) Now simply rest. No striving. No fixing. No performing. Just resting in the Presence of the One Who loves you. (Long Pause) Hear these words: "You are safe in Me." Jesus says, "Remain in Me." "My peace I give to you." Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. HOLY COMMUNION Today we have spoken about fixing our thoughts, renewing our minds, slowing down, breathing deeply, and resting in God's presence. But peace is not ultimately a technique. Peace is a Person. Jesus Christ. Eph 2:14: “For Christ himself has brought peace to us. “ We do not find peace by trying harder. We find peace by drawing nearer. Nearer to Christ. Nearer to His presence. Nearer to His grace. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." At this table we remember that Christ has come near. He invites us to remain in Him. And as we receive these gifts, may we also receive His peace. 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 Fix Thoughts Mandarin 调整你的思想 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/21/2026 Description An account of the resource 1. Romans 15:13 Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! 但愿使人有盼望的神，因信将诸般的喜乐平安充满你们的心，使你们借着圣灵的能力大有盼望。 2. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 弟兄们，我还有未尽的话：凡是真实的、可敬的、公义的、清洁的、可爱的、有美名的，若有什么德行，若有什么称赞，这些事你们都要思念。 3. Hebrews 12:2 Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. 仰望为我们信心创始成终的耶稣。 4. Ephesians 4:23 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind. 又要将你们的心志改换一新。 5. Psalm 62:5-6 My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my refuge; I shall not be moved. 我的心哪，你当默默无声，专等候神，因为我的盼望是从他而来。惟独他是我的磐石，我的拯救；他是我的高台，我必不动摇。 6. Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. 我必安然躺下睡觉，因为独有你耶和华使我安然居住。 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/8f98a5406f32830ce080359e13d4a442.jpg 0911dbd8545489fa45d2f3f848da1204 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/f5ef5452d841f5dd897cc90342125dc1.mp4 c0966a5b93af4dc1b210fa4b22c54ea8 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 Don’t Forget to Remember John 20:30-31 A few weeks ago, during a water-only fast, something unexpected happened. After about three days it felt as though a switch had been turned back on in my mind. Memories began flooding back. Things I had not thought about in years suddenly came into focus. I found myself saying, “Wow! I haven’t thought about that in years!” (can you relate?) The word remember means “to recall to mind” or “to bring again to memory.” Its Latin roots literally mean “to become mindful again.” There are some things we desperately want to remember, and there are some things we would rather forget. Sometimes we chase our tail into a seemingly downward spiral of despair. One thing after another.  It isn't punishment. It isn't bad luck. It's conditioning. We’re running on autopilot. I heard it said, “Most people aren't consciously creating their lives. They're unconsciously continuing them.” We need to be like Paul and forget those things which are behind us… while still remembering the good things God has done for over in the past. Remember His unfailing love. His mercy. His grace. …but God also says to us, “Forget the former things. Seee I Am doing a New Thing!” Today I want to speak about the spiritual power of remembering. John tells us that many things Jesus did were not written down, but these things were written so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that by believing we might have life in His name. The Gospel itself is a holy reminder. God knows we can be prone to forget. Point 1: We Forget More Than We Realize Life has a way of obstructing our memory about the faithfulness of God. We sometimes forget answered prayers. We forget miracles. We might somehow forget how God carried us through difficult seasons. Fear often grows where memory is weak. Anxiety causes us to become intensely aware of the problem. Faith causes us to become intensely aware of God's presence. Think of Peter walking on the water. As long as he looked at Jesus, he walked. When he became focused on the wind and waves, he began to sink. Sometimes our greatest need is not more information. Sometimes our greatest need is to simply remember. David said, “In my distress I called upon the Lord.” He remembered where help comes from. When we remember God's faithfulness, our faith becomes stronger. Point 2: The Holy Spirit Helps Us Remember Jesus said in John 14:26 that the Holy Spirit would bring all things to our remembrance. But the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. The Spirit does more than teach us new things. He reminds us of truths we already know but may have forgotten. The Psalmist declared, “I won't forget to walk in Your words.” (Psalm 119:16 TPT) Notice he did not simply say, “I won't forget Your words.” He said, “I won't forget to walk in Your words.” Re-membering is not merely recalling information. Remembering is returning to alignment. God's Word was never meant to simply occupy our minds. It is meant to direct our steps. The Holy Spirit continually reminds us so that we can walk in alignment with what God has said rather than merely admire it from a distance. He reminds us: • God is still faithful. • God is still present. • God still keeps His promises. When fear rises, ask yourself: “Where is God in this moment?” The answer is always closer than we think. The Holy Spirit continually points us back to Christ. He reminds us that we are never abandoned – we are never alone. Point 3: Re-Membering Means Being Put Back Together One of the most fascinating discoveries in preparing this message was realizing that “dismember” means to take apart, while “remember” can be viewed as putting back together. Life can leave us feeling dis-membered. Disappointments can fragment our confidence. Failures can fragment our hope. Loss can fragment our peace. But God's grace specializes in putting people back together. Re-Membering The Holy Spirit reminds us Who God is and who we are. He restores what fear, failure, and discouragement have attempted to tear apart. Colossians tells us that we are being renewed into the likeness of Christ. God is continually at work renewing our minds, renewing our hearts, and renewing our lives. Sometimes we must let go of old stories in order to embrace God's new story. What story are you carrying today? ( ) I once heard anxiety described this way: “Anxiety is often two competing ideas fighting against each other.” “This is the way I want things to be.” vs: “This is the way things currently are.” When those two realities collide, tension is created. James tells us that “a double-minded person is unstable in all his ways.” Sometimes our instability comes from trying to live in two stories at the same time. One story is the old life. The other story is the new life Christ is calling us into. One story is centered on self. The other story is centered on Christ. “Remember the Mission” One story says, “I have to figure this out.” The other says, “Apart from Him I can do nothing.” The Christian life is not learning how to improve the old story. It is allowing Jesus to become the center of a completely new story. Point 4: Remember the Past, But Don't Live There There is a balance in Scripture. We already stated: God tells us to remember His faithfulness. But He also says, “Forget the former things. See, I am doing a new thing.” We remember God's goodness, but we do not remain trapped in yesterday. We remember His mercy. We remember His grace. We remember His provision. But then we move forward into the new thing He is doing. Some old doors must close before new doors can open. Sometimes delays are actually divine preparation. As John Maxwell says, “we either prepare or we repair.” God wants us to move forward with wisdom, faith, and expectancy. Conclusion To walk into God's future, we must release the old story that no longer defines us. We are not who we were before Christ. We are not defined by our failures. We are not defined by our fears. We are not defined by our past. We are being renewed into His image day by day. The more Christ becomes the center of our lives, the more the old story loses its power. Psalm 27:13 says, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Maybe today God is asking you to remember what fear has made you forget. Remember His faithfulness. Remember His promises. Remember His presence. And as you re-member, allow God's grace to put the pieces back together. Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your faithfulness through every season of our lives. Forgive us for the times we have forgotten Your goodness, Your promises, and Your presence. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, bring to our remembrance all that You have spoken. Strengthen our faith. Renew our minds. Heal the places that have become fragmented through fear, disappointment, or discouragement. Help us remember Your mercy while embracing the new thing You are doing. Let Your peace rule in our hearts and Your hope fill our minds. Today we choose to remember that You are with us, You are for us, and You are still at work in our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. "The Christian life is not learning how to improve the old story. It is allowing Jesus to become the center of a completely new story." 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 Remember: Returning To Alignment 记得: 回到与神对齐的位置 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/14/2026 Description An account of the resource JOHN 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. 约翰福音 20:31 但记这些事，要叫你们信耶稣是基督，是 神的儿子；并且叫你们信了他，就可以因他的名得生命。 JOHN 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 约翰福音 14:26 但保惠师，就是父因我的名所要差来的圣灵，他要将一切的事指教你们，并且要叫你们想起我对你们所说的一切话。 PSALM 119:16 (TPT) I won’t forget to walk in Your words. 诗篇 119:16 我要在你的律例中自乐； 我不忘记你的话。 COLOSSIANS 3:10 Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 歌罗西书 3:10 穿上了新人；这新人在知识上渐渐更新，正如造他主的形象。 PSALM 27:13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 诗篇 27:13 我若不信在活人之地得见耶和华的恩惠，就早已丧胆了。 PSALM 62:5-6 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. 诗篇 62:5-6 我的心哪，你当默默无声， 专等候 神，因为我的盼望是从他而来。 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/45ce31b38ff81f8234f9aa9b8b1673c0.jpg 00f11b3a41698b5110884566196b77cf https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/4d1b447679c5d811534fae0053740004.mp4 4c8ffa5a91601c870c5508607ea8eb4e 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 IF WE ONLY KNEW John 4:5-10 For a moment, let your heart become still before the Lord. Let these words I share today settle deeply into your spirit. The Lord impressed something on my heart during my time away: "Don't think that you will go home and be the same person you were before. You won't be." That resonated with me. Because the changes God has been making in my life are still happening. They haven't stopped. Last week we talked about that word “commencement “ In many ways, I feel as though I am still in the middle of my own commencement. A beginning. A becoming. Sometimes we expect transformation to arrive all at once. But often, the biggest changes in our lives happen through many small steps. One thought can change a decision. One decision can change a direction. And one direction can eventually change a life. God has a way of bringing new information, new situations, new conversations, and even new people into our lives. Each one becomes another piece of what He is building within us. One time on a plane ride home, I was sitting with a new found friend – and brother in Christ: "I think God's going to surprise you." I believe that's true. And I believe maybe God wants to surprise some of us today. Our scripture comes from John chapter 4. Jesus is sitting beside Jacob's well when a Samaritan woman comes to draw water. At first glance, it seems like an ordinary meeting. But it becomes one of the most powerful conversations in Scripture. This woman was an outsider. She carried shame. She carried disappointment. She carried questions. Yet Jesus intentionally met her where she was. GOD wants to meet us where WE are today. “If WE only knew…” The story of the woman at the well teaches us that God loves us in spite of our bankrupt lives. God values us enough to actively seek us. To welcome us into intimacy. To rejoice in our worship. As a result of this conversation, only a person like the Samaritan woman could fully understand what Jesus was offering. To be wanted. To be cared for. To be seen. …even when no one possibly else saw value in her. Maybe not even when she saw value in herself. That is grace indeed. And then Jesus says these remarkable words: "If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water." “If you only knew.” That phrase has stayed with me all week. “If you only knew.” If WE only knew. Sometimes we have to get lost before we find ourselves. Jesus finds us right where we are. “Just as I am” The woman at the well had her eyes opened to the truth about her situation when she met Jesus. She came for water. She left with something infinitely greater. Jesus revealed that despite all her trips to the well, she remained thirsty. Not merely physically thirsty. Spiritually. Emotionally. Deep within her soul. The water she drew today could not satisfy tomorrow's thirst. And isn't that often true of us? How many times do we return to the same wells expecting lasting satisfaction? The well of success. The well of approval. The well of comfort. The well of distraction. Yet we keep returning because the thirst remains. Jesus was offering something different. Living Water. A relationship with God that permanently satisfies the deepest longings of the human heart. Today I want us to consider three things. Three truths hidden inside Jesus' words. First: IF WE ONLY KNEW HOW MUCH GOD DELIGHTS IN US Many people believe God tolerates them. But they struggle to believe God delights in them. Listen to Zephaniah 3:17: "The Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." Imagine that. The Creator of the universe delights in you. (in me) Not merely the future version of you. Not the perfected version of you. You. Right now. The Samaritan woman expected judgment. Instead she found grace. She expected rejection. Instead she found acceptance. “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” If we only knew how much God delights in us, perhaps we would stop hiding from Him and start running toward Him. Second: IF WE ONLY KNEW WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY PLACED WITHIN US Jesus later declared: "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." Notice what Jesus said. Not merely water for you. Water flowing through you. Not just enough for survival. Enough to overflow. First Corinthians 2:12 tells us: "What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us." Many believers spend their lives praying for what God has already provided. Looking for what is already present. Seeking strength while carrying strength. Seeking wisdom while carrying the mind of Christ. Seeking peace while carrying the Prince of Peace. If we only knew what God has already placed within us, we would walk differently. Pray differently. Live differently. Third: IF WE ONLY KNEW WHAT GOD STILL WANTS TO DO THROUGH US There is another verse that connects beautifully with this story. Jesus said: "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends." The woman came to the well as a stranger. She left as a friend of God. What happened at the well was more than a conversation. It was an invitation. An invitation into relationship. An invitation into friendship. An invitation into purpose. Jesus doesn't merely save us from something. He saves us for something. There are still prayers to answer. Lives to touch. People to encourage. Blessings to discover. Kingdom work to accomplish. There is more ahead than we realize. (“if you only knew”) Sometimes we look at our lives and think the best chapters have already been written. But God is still writing. God is still creating. God is still surprising. And if we only knew what He has planned, we would approach tomorrow with expectation instead of fear. As our perspective changes, everything changes. When the blinders come off, we begin to see possibilities where we once saw obstacles. Blessings where we once saw burdens. Opportunities where we once saw limitations. The greatest tragedy is not that God has withheld His blessings from us. The greatest tragedy is that we often live unaware of what He has already given. Isaiah 55:1 says: "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters." And Isaiah 12:3 says: "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." Today Jesus is offering us a better way to live. Not merely surviving. Not merely going through the motions. Not merely repeating yesterday. But living with expectation. Living with purpose. Living with joy. He restores your soul. Consider that the answer you've been looking for is already closer than you think. - the strength you need is already available. - the peace you need is already present. - the Living Water is already flowing. Jesus said: "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." If we only knew. If WE only knew. Amen. Closing Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for meeting us at the wells of our lives just as You met the Samaritan woman. Thank You for loving us, seeking us, and offering us living water today. Open our eyes to see what You have already given us. Help us to understand how deeply You delight in us, how richly You have blessed us, and how greatly You still desire to work through us. Renew our faith. Strengthen our hearts. Lift our expectations. And help us to leave this place different from how we came. May streams of living water flow through our lives and become a blessing to everyone around us. We recommit ourselves to You today. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. 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 If We Only Knew 我们若知道 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/07/2026 Description An account of the resource John 4:10 (NIV) Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” 约翰福音 4:10 (CUVS) 耶稣回答说：“你若知道神的恩赐，和对说话的是谁，你必早求他，他也必早赐给你活水。” John 7:38 (NIV) Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within them. 约翰福音 7:38 (CUVS) 信我的人，就如经上所说：“从他腹中要流出活水的江河来。” Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. 西番雅书 3:17 (CUVS) 耶和华一你的 神，在你中间，是大有能力的救主；他必因你欢欣喜乐，默默爱你，因你喜乐而欢呼。 1 Corinthians 2:12 (NIV) What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 哥林多前书 2:12 (CUVS) 我们所领受的，并不是世上的灵，乃是从神来的灵，叫我们能知道神开恩赐给我们的事。 John 15:14-15 (NIV) You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 约翰福音 15:14-15 (CUVS) 你们若遵行我所吩咐的，就是我的朋友了。我不再称你们为仆人；因为仆人不知道主人所作的事；我乃称你们为朋友；因我从父所听见的，都已经告诉你们了。 Isaiah 12:3 (NIV) With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 以赛亚书 12:3 (CUVS) 你们必欢欢喜喜地从救恩的泉源中取水。 1 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV) We have the mind of Christ. 哥林多前书 2:16 (CUVS) 我们已经得了基督的心意。 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/57183e41b04fa12ccfac6305a532ae1e.png b4a583b7f3426161b2d053fe84dc216c https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/368ea84be605234ef02df59db7d4c33a.mp4 2a0a57325b9a34d715a10b65bf033d87 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 ONLY THE BEGINNING Saved by His Life Romans 5:10 COMMENCEMENT When you graduate, it is only the beginning—the start. Growth and learning continue and expand beyond who we were at “commencement.” Jim Rohn never stopped learning. Conferences, mentors, books, and conversations. He said, “The day you stop learning is the day you start declining.” In most martial arts disciplines, a belt system indicates rank and training. In Tae Kwon Do, a white belt is a beginner. The Japanese word “Shoshin” means “Beginner’s Mind.” Stay open. Drop the ego. Growth often starts when we unlearn what we think we know. When you're green, you grow; when you're ripe, you rot. Your youth is renewed as you stay fresh—learning and growing. God doesn't simply want us to stay as we are. He wants us to become the man or woman He created us to be. Jesus spoke of a sheep that had fallen into a pit. He did not say, “It is your own fault. Stay there.” He reaches down and lifts it out. If you cannot change, you are not free. Growing old is not a bad thing. It is a gift. What matters is what we do with the time we are given. We are to become more and more Christ-like. What began at salvation (justification) is to continue through sanctification. Hebrews 10:14 — “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” What happened at salvation was not the finish line. It was only the beginning. Romans 5:10 “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” FOREVER JUSTIFIED Justification is a once-for-all declaration by God. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, believers are forgiven and declared righteous. It is complete and secure. BEING SANCTIFIED Sanctification is the ongoing process of being transformed into the character of Christ. Our position is secure, but our daily lives continue to be shaped by the Holy Spirit. God wills our sanctification. Sanctification and holiness both carry the idea of being set apart for God. John Wesley said, “The perfection I teach is perfect love.” The process of sanctification begins with justification. We must first receive and believe that we have been redeemed. Romans 5:1–2 reminds us that we have peace with God and stand in His grace. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. (TPT) Our faith in Jesus transfers God’s righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, has done for us. And this is only the beginning. Romans 5:10 means that if God loved us enough to reconcile us while we were His enemies, He will certainly keep us now that we are His children. Two truths emerge: • Reconciled by His death. • Saved by His life. John Wesley saw Romans 5:10 as a progression of grace. If God reconciled us through Christ’s death while we were enemies, we can be confident that His living power continues to save, sanctify, and ultimately glorify us. So what does Romans 5:10 mean for us today? It means that God is not finished with us. If He loved us enough to reconcile us while we were still His enemies, He certainly will not abandon us now that we are His children. What began at salvation is meant to continue through sanctification. God is still teaching us. Still shaping us. Still transforming us into the likeness of Christ. So stay teachable. Stay humble. Stay green. Because when you're green, you grow. Christ’s life is at work within you. Phil 2:13: God will continually revitalize you, implanting within you the passion to do what pleases him. The good news of the Gospel is not simply that we were saved by His death. The good news is that we are being saved by His life. And that means your story is not finished. God is still at work. What happened at salvation was not the finish line. It was only the beginning. PRAYER OF COMMITTAL Heavenly Father, Thank You for reconciling us to Yourself through Jesus Christ. Thank You that Your work in us did not end at salvation. Continue to shape us, teach us, and transform us by Your Spirit. Keep our hearts humble and teachable. Help us to become more like Christ with each passing day. And Lord, as we leave this place today, help us to remember that You are not finished with us yet. We place ourselves in Your hands and trust You to complete the good work You have begun in us. 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 Only the Beginning 这只是开始 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/31/2026 Description An account of the resource Romans 5:1,2: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 罗 马 书 5:1-2: 我 们 既 因 信 称 义 ， 就 借 着 我 们 的 主 耶 稣 基 督 得 与 　 神 相 和 。我 们 又 借 着 他 ， 因 信 得 进 入 现 在 所 站 的 这 恩 典 中 ， 并 且 欢 欢 喜 喜 盼 望 　 神 的 荣 耀 。 Romans 5:10: For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 罗 马 书 5:10: 因 为 我 们 作 仇 敌 的 时 候 ， 且 借 着 　 神 儿 子 的 死 ， 得 与 　 神 和 好 ； 既 已 和 好 ， 就 更 要 因 他 的 生 得 救 了 。 1 Thessalonians 4:3: For this is the will of God, even your sanctification. 帖 撒 罗 尼 迦 前 书 4:3: 神 的 旨 意 就 是 要 你 们 成 为 圣 洁 。 Hebrews 10:14: For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. 希 伯 来 书 10:14: 因 为 他 一 次 献 祭 ， 便 叫 那 得 以 成 圣 的 人 永 远 完 全 。 Philippians 1:6: Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 腓 立 比 书 1:6: 我 深 信 那 在 你 们 心 里 动 了 善 工 的 ， 必 成 全 这 工 ， 直 到 耶 稣 基 督 的 日 子 。 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/87a23ba96abdf9051d20c527b7676552.jpg 66353b8ad9c52813f6df90a0967484b8 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/285d296649f0b7a7529c4cb2577023dc.mp4 cded83733acb5801c76bc2b73d72dda1 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 911 or 333? Jeremiah 33:3 ? Who do we call first when life breaks down? 911? Google? YouTube? Ourselves? Or God? In Luke 4:23, Jesus quotes an ancient proverb: “Physician, heal thyself.” In medicine and healthcare, this basically means that experts should “practice what they preach” and sometimes seek help themselves rather than relying entirely on self-treatment. Well… I just returned from a 10-day health program where all nine of us probably thought we were experts on health and nutrition — and yet there we were together, all seeking help in order to become healthy again. Since my late teens, I have been fascinated — maybe sometimes even obsessed — with alternative health and natural healing. Back then, all we had were a few hard-to-find health books and articles in Prevention Magazine. Now we have the internet, YouTube, podcasts, influencers, and A.I. to ensure we remain thoroughly confused about the right choices to make. And in recent months, my own thoughts have sounded something like this: “What if I try this?” “What if I stop eating that?” “What am I doing wrong?” “What do I need to change?” “What supplement am I missing?” And honestly… this is humbling to admit. But I suspect some people listening today can relate. And what is the common element in all those questions? “I.” “Me.” “My effort.” “My understanding.” The focus becomes what I can do. But the older I get, the more I realize: Self-focused effort can only take us so far. Sooner or later, we all come to the end of ourselves. And that brings me to the real question this morning: Who are you going to call? 911… or 333? Jeremiah 33:3: “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Rather than merely seeking healing… we must run directly to the Healer. When life breaks down… when our bodies fail… when our minds are overwhelmed… when our hearts are exhausted… God says: “Call unto Me.” Not: “Figure it out yourself.” Not: “Carry it alone.” Not:“Trust only your own understanding.” “Call unto Me.” I remember my pastor many years ago quoting this verse to me: 1 Tim 4:8: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” Paul was telling Timothy that while physical discipline and exercise have benefit, spiritual life and fellowship with God are far more important because they affect both this life and eternity. And hear me clearly: There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve your health. There is nothing wrong with learning wisdom about the body God gave you. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. But rather than merely seeking healing… we must run directly to the Healer. Rom 10:13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. And remember: Our New Covenant salvation touches every area of life — spirit, soul, and body. We needed salvation, so God sent a Savior. Jesus said in John 6:47: “Verily, verily I say unto you, He that believeth in Me hath everlasting life.” There is nothing I can do in my own power to overcome sin. Nothing I can do to cleanse myself. Nothing I can do to redeem myself. And in the same way, even with all the modern knowledge and technology available today, Jesus Christ is still the True Healer. (True or true?) The question is: Where is our focus when we seek restoration? Because self-effort without God eventually becomes exhausting. Salvation and healing flow from God’s grace through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:24: He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. And when we finally come to ourselves… we must run back to Jesus. There is healing today at the Throne of Grace. One more day of God’s amazing grace. Jesus said: “Repent ye and believe the Gospel.” Acts 20:24 calls it: “the Gospel of the grace of God.” And then Acts 20:32 says: “And so now, I entrust you into God’s hands and the message of his grace, which is all that you need to become strong. All of God’s blessings are imparted through the message of his grace, which he provides as the spiritual inheritance given to all of his holy ones.” Did you hear that? The message of His grace is what makes us strong. Paul said: “But whether I live or die is not important, for I don’t esteem my life as indispensable. It’s more important for me to fulfill my destiny and to finish the ministry my Lord Jesus has assigned to me, which is to faithfully preach the wonderful news of God’s grace.” Church, we must get this Good News about the good things of God to as many people as possible. Romans 10:14 says: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” I think about the woman with the issue of blood. She spent everything she had. She suffered for twelve years. She tried everything within her own power. And the Bible says her condition only became worse. But then… “she heard about Jesus.” She stopped chasing methods… and reached for the Master. And today we must do the same. We look to the Savior.We look to the Healer. Now, yes — it is wise to have discipline concerning what we put into our bodies. They belong to God. It is His temple. But scripture also warns us not to become overly consumed with comparisons, arguments, dietary restrictions and external regulations. Romans 14:6: The one who eats everything eats to honor the Lord, because he gives thanks to God, and the one who has a special diet does it to honor the Lord, and he also gives thanks to God. This does not mean we throw away common sense. It means we keep our focus centered on Christ. We all need wisdom. And Jesus Himself is our wisdom. 1 Corinthians 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. Christ becomes our wisdom. Our guide. Our direction. He teaches us how to live. How to conduct ourselves. What to pursue. What to avoid. How to walk through unique situations. “Lean not unto your own understanding.” Psalm 19:7 “The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul.” And the Book of James tells us that if we ask in faith without doubting, God will give us wisdom for every unique situation we face. So why depend entirely upon worldly wisdom… when as believers we have access to Divine Intelligence? (D.I.) God still says: “Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” So now - this very morning, let us prepare our hearts to come to the table of God’s amazing grace. Come as you are. Romans 10:4 says: “For Christ is the end of the law. And because of him, God has transferred his perfect righteousness to all who believe.” Bring your needs. Bring your burdens. Bring your prayer requests. Come knowing that through Jesus Christ, you have been accepted into the Beloved. John 6:47: “I speak to you living truth: Unite your heart to me and believe—and you will experience eternal life!” John 6:35: Then Jesus declared, ‘I Am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” Closing Congregational Prayer Heavenly Father, today we come to You honestly and humbly. We confess that so often we rely upon our own understanding, our own strength, our own wisdom, and our own efforts. But today we turn our hearts back toward You. Teach us to call upon the Lord first. Teach us to trust You more deeply. Teach us to rest in Your grace. Lord Jesus, thank You for carrying our sins, our burdens, our fears, and our brokenness to the cross. Thank You that by Your wounds we are healed. Thank You that Your grace is still greater than our weakness. Today we bring You every need: our physical needs, our emotional needs, our family needs, our spiritual needs. Give us wisdom for every situation. Give us strength for every battle. Give us peace in every storm. Help us to keep our eyes upon You, Lord Jesus — our Savior, our Healer, our Wisdom, and our Life. And as we come to Your table today, we come by grace alone. We receive Your love. We receive Your mercy. We receive Your life. 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 911 or 333? 911 或 333 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/24/2026 Description An account of the resource Jeremiah 33:3: Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. 耶 利 米 書 33:3: 你求告我，我就应允你，并将你所不知道、又大又难的事指示你。 (page 1290) Romans 10:13: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 羅 馬 書 10:13: 因为“凡求告主名的，就必得救。(page 1836) 1 Peter 2:24: He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 彼 得 前 書 2:24: 他 被 挂 在 木 头 上 ， 亲 身 担 当 了 我 们 的 罪 ， 使 我 们 既 然 在 罪 上 死 ， 就 得 以 在 义 上 活 。 因 他 受 的 鞭 伤 ， 你 们 便 得 了 医 治 。(page 1968) Acts 20:32: “And so now, I entrust you into God’s hands and the message of his grace, which is all that you need to become strong. All of God’s blessings are imparted through the message of his grace, which he provides as the spiritual inheritance given to all of his holy ones.” 使 徒 行 傳 20:32: 现在，我把你们交付给上帝和他恩典的信息，它能坚定你们的信仰，并把上帝赐给他所有圣民的祝福赐给你们。(page 1804) 1 Corinthians 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. 歌 林 多 前 書 1:30: 但 你 们 得 在 基 督 耶 稣 里 ， 是 本 乎 神 ， 神 又 使 他 成 为 我 们 的 智 慧 、 公 义 、 圣 洁 、 救 赎 。 (page 1848) Psalm 19:7: The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. 詩 篇 19:7: 耶 和 华 的 律 法 全 备 ， 能 苏 醒 人 心 ； 耶 和 华 的 法 度 确 定 ， 能 使 愚 人 有 智 慧 。(page 897) John 6:35: “I am the bread of life,” replied Jesus. “Anyone who comes to me will never be hungry! Anyone who believes in me will never be thirsty!” 約 翰 福 音 6:35: 耶 稣 说 ： 我 就 是 生 命 的 粮 。 到 我 这 里 来 的 ， 必 定 不 饿 ； 信 我 的 ， 永 远 不 渴 (page 1728) 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/1dd1f86d265c9e83adfb0ffb1f3e6d57.jpg c5709d4cb98b155df754bc1439c9b8c6 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/37e939dc908babe83e9e15c911e0a29b.mp4 e77f5b3aefd56f447210e5082ff3fa70 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 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 主日崇拜 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/20/2026 Description An account of the resource 主日崇拜概述 本场现场直播的证道是在母亲节当天进行的。该崇拜面向全球会众，特别提到了通过 YouTube 和微信收看的教会大家庭，其影响力遍及 14 个国家和地区（包括美国、中国、澳大利亚、加拿大、墨西哥等）。崇拜在最后的圣餐礼中圆满结束。 核心讲道主题 1. 向母亲及重担承担者致敬 牧师在开场时向所有母亲致以母亲节的问候，并向母亲、祖母和曾祖母传递了特别的安慰。他指出，她们是幕后奉献、坚韧不拔和默默付出的最佳典范，但往往也承受着无人知晓的隐秘重担与内心的疲惫。 2. 在软弱中得着力量与医治 证道引用了《希伯来书》12:12-13（“所以，你们要把下垂的手举起来，发酸的腿挺起来……”），强调真正的信仰并不意味着在精疲力竭时还要伪装坚强。 疲惫不等于被遗弃： 牧师提醒会众，感到疲惫不堪并不是上帝遗弃你的证据。 赞美的祭： 鼓励信徒要“对你的大山说话”，而不是“谈论你的大山”；即使在战斗激烈、处境艰难的时候，也要向神献上赞美。 3. 降服是胜利的开始 整场证道的核心属灵悖论聚焦于“举手”这一动作： 在世俗世界或战争中，举手是战败和投降的标志。但在属灵的世界里，向耶稣举手正好相反——这恰恰是胜利的开始。 向神降服意味着将最终的控制权交托给祂，让祂成为我们的平安、力量和供应者。 4. 仰赖伟大的牧羊人 牧师强调耶稣是“好牧人”，而会众是祂的“羊”。他提醒道，许多常常照顾他人的人，往往忘记了自己也需要让这位大牧者来照顾。他呼吁弟兄姐妹要彼此看顾，确保没有人错过神的恩典。 崇拜程序与环节 事工支持呼吁： 埃迪·爱德华兹（Eddie Edwards）先生主持了感恩环节，感谢全球合作伙伴，并请求大家继续为主日学事工提供祷告与财务支持，以维持该事工在国际上的广泛传播。 呼召与祷告： 牧师邀请现场及屏幕前的会众起立，向天举起双手——不是出于失败，而是为了领受神的怜悯，并宣告在基督里的胜利。 敬拜诗歌： 讲道在经典赞美诗《我愿全献上》（I Surrender All）的歌声中得到深化。 圣餐礼： 随后崇拜进入圣餐环节，会众同领饼和杯，共同纪念基督为人破碎的身体和所流的宝血。 祝福祷告： 牧师以传统的祝福为崇拜作结，祝愿大家在新的一周经历胜利，并再次提醒会众：那叫耶稣从死里复活的圣灵，如今也住在他们里面。 Service Overview This live-broadcasted sermon was delivered on Mother’s Day. The service reached a global audience—specifically highlighting a church family tuning in via YouTube and WeChat across 14 nations, including the United States, China, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and others. The service concluded with the observance of Holy Communion. Key Sermon Themes 1. Honoring Mothers and the Burden-Bearers The pastor opened by acknowledging Mother’s Day, extending a specific message of comfort to mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers. He noted that they serve as premier examples of strength, consistency, and behind-the-scenes perseverance, but often carry deep, unseen burdens and heavy hearts. 2. Strength and Healing in Weakness Drawing from Hebrews 12:12-13 ("Therefore, lift your drooping hands, and strengthen your weak knees..."), the sermon emphasized that true faith does not mean pretending to be strong when you are exhausted. Exhaustion vs. Abandonment: The pastor reminded the congregation that feeling exhausted is not evidence that God has abandoned you. The Sacrifice of Praise: Believers are encouraged to speak to their mountains rather than about them, offering praise even when the battle is raging and circumstances are difficult. 3. Surrender as the Pathway to Victory The core spiritual paradox of the sermon focused on the act of raising one's hands: In the physical world or warfare, raising your hands is a sign of defeat and surrender. In the spiritual realm, raising your hands to Jesus is exactly the opposite—it is the very beginning of victory. Surrendering to God means giving Him ultimate control over our anxieties, allowing Him to become our peace, strength, and provider. 4. Relying on the Great Shepherd The pastor highlighted Jesus as the Great Shepherd and the congregation as His sheep. He cautioned that many caretakers spend so much time shepherding others that they forget to let the Shepherd take care of them. The sermon called for the community to look out for one another so that no one misses God's grace. Service Proceedings & Elements Call for Support: Mr. Eddie Edwards led a segment thanking global partners and requesting continued prayers and financial contributions to sustain the ministry's international reach. Altar Call / Prayer: The congregation (and those watching at home) were asked to physically stand and lift their hands toward heaven—not in defeat, but to receive God's mercy and proclaim victory in Christ. Song of Worship: The message was sealed with a rendition of the classic hymn, "I Surrender All." Holy Communion: The service transitioned into Holy Communion, where the bread and cup were taken in remembrance of Christ’s broken body and shed blood. Benediction: The pastor closed the service with a traditional blessing for a victorious week and a final reminder that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells within them. 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/9ccad9fabd12b05079b3c529298f9fca.jpeg f0f85bfff38e383711df9298e3422492 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/3a3ebbde9cfffc56b0e53987818c2a5d.mp4 19036eaefa27418c469c0905298310c0 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 Hands Raised in Victory Hebrews 12:12,13 A lectionary calendar is a structured, three-year cycle of pre-selected scripture readings — Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle, and Gospel — used for worship, study, and daily prayer. It aligns with the Christian liturgical year and allows congregations to hear large portions of the Bible consistently. When used properly, it can be a good thing. Today is Mother’s Day. I have rarely followed the calendar to offer the weekly message. I trust God to guide my heart as to what I feel led we need to hear… …but this message today should really hit home with many mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers. Because many people are carrying burdens no one else can see. And strong, God-fearing mothers are the best example I know of. They have often gone without rest or concern for themselves for too long at a time. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” If your heart is tired today, please hear these words. Like me, you may say, “I know, I know…. but…” This message is not here to condemn you. It is here to call you back. Maybe you have been carrying more than people know. Maybe you still smile, still answer, still do what must be done, but inside, your soul is running low. For a moment, let your heart become still before the Lord. Let these words settle deeply into your spirit. You do not have to pretend before God. You do not have to act strong in the presence of the One who already knows your weakness. Maybe the morning came quietly and you stepped into it with a heart that was still heavy from yesterday. But before your feet touched the floor, mercy had already reached you. God saw your exhaustion before you knew how to name it. “Lord, I begin this new day for You, with You, and because of You.” This morning, as you prepare to face whatever this day holds, the challenges, the uncertainties, the responsibilities, - you have a choice. You can carry the weight of it all on your own shoulders, or you can start with thanksgiving and the sacrifice of praise and watch God transform your entire day. The enemy wants tired people to believe they are abandoned. But exhaustion is not evidence of abandonment. Today we are going to bring this burden before the Lord. We will remember His mercy and lay it down together. When you anchor your morning in gratitude, you're not denying the reality of your problems. You're declaring the greater reality of God's power. You're not ignoring your needs. You're acknowledging that God is your ultimate provider. You're not pretending everything is perfect. You're proclaiming that God is sovereign over it all. Gratitude is an act of faith. It's trusting that God is good even when circumstances aren't. It's believing that he's working even when you can't see it. It's choosing to praise him before you see the breakthrough. You may not have everything you prayed for yet, but you are still here. And since God woke you up this morning, it means He still has purpose for your life. That is why Lamentations 3:22–23 :“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning.” Your life is not being held together by luck. It is being held by mercy. So even when our souls — and sometimes our bodies — feel tired, our best choice is still to praise Jesus for His strength in our time of weakness. Hebrews 12:12,13 says: “So be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship. And strengthen your weak knees, for as you keep walking forward on God’s paths all your stumbling ways will be divinely healed!” Phillips translation: “So take a fresh grip on life and brace your trembling limbs. Don’t wander away from the path but forge steadily onward. On the right path the limping foot recovers strength and does not collapse.” Notice what scripture is teaching us. It does not say we become strong by pretending we are not weak. It says: “Be made strong even in your weakness…” Sometimes faith is simply lifting tired hands. Sometimes worship comes with trembling knees. Sometimes praise is whispered through exhaustion. But heaven still hears it. The Bible speaks about a “sacrifice of praise.” Hebrews 13:15: “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” A sacrifice costs something. Anybody can praise when the battle is over. But faith praises while the battle is still raging. • Sometimes praise costs tears. Sometimes praise costs pride. Sometimes praise is offered while the heart is still hurting. But there is something powerful about choosing worship in the middle of weakness. Psalm 89:1 says: “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever…” Not just when life is easy. Not just when every prayer has been answered. But forever. Jesus is the Great Shepherd. (“His name is Wonderful”) Sometimes we realize we still do not have it all figured out… …and we need the Great Shepherd to guide us back again. Sheep do not usually realize how well they are being cared for… protected… provided for… guided. A child may cry when the father takes a sharp knife out of his hands, but it is for the good of the child, isn’t it? And sometimes we do not understand why God allows certain interruptions, delays, or corrections in our lives. But the Shepherd sees dangers the sheep cannot see. Some of you have spent so much time caring for everyone else that you forgot the Shepherd still wants to care for you. (and that you need His care) Today’s scripture says: “Be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship.” Raising our hands is a form of surrender. And in the natural world, surrender may look like defeat. But in the Spirit, surrender to Jesus becomes the beginning of victory. When we lift our hands before God, we are not surrendering to fear. We are surrendering to the One who can make us whole again. He becomes our peace. Our strength. Our Shepherd. Our victory. Sometimes our mission is also to help guide someone else back to this place of grace. Hebrews 12:15 says: “Watch over each other to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace.” There are weary people all around us. Some are quietly breaking under burdens they have never spoken aloud. And sometimes the greatest ministry is simply helping someone lift their hands again. Helping them remember mercy again. Helping them believe again. Psalm 118:25: “O God, please come and save us again; bring us Your breakthrough-victory!” Today God is not asking you to prove your strength. He is asking you to lift your hands. Because victory does not begin with striving. Victory begins with surrender. These are not hands of defeat today. These are hands reaching toward mercy. These are hands raised in victory. Prayer: Heavenly Father, Today we come to You with tired hands, weary hearts, and burdens that sometimes feel too heavy to carry alone. Thank You that Your mercy reached us before we even knew how to ask for it. Thank You that Your compassion has not failed us. Thank You that Your grace is still holding us together. Lord Jesus, teach us to lift our hands again — not in defeat, but in surrender to You. Where there is exhaustion, bring strength. Where there is heaviness, bring rest. Where there is fear, bring peace. Where there is wandering, lead us back beside still waters. Help us to offer You a sacrifice of praise even in difficult seasons. Help us trust the Shepherd who sees what we cannot see. And Father, for every mother, grandmother, caregiver, and weary soul in this room today — surround them with Your presence and remind them they are not forgotten. Strengthen weak knees. Restore trembling hearts. Heal every stumbling path. Today we raise our hands toward Heaven and declare that our victory is found in Jesus Christ alone. In the mighty and merciful name of Jesus we pray, Amen. I Surrender All – pg 354 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 Hands Raised in Victory 高举双手得胜 Description An account of the resource Hands Raised in Victory 高举双手得胜 Matthew 11:28: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 马太福音 11:28: “凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来， 我就使你们得安息。” Lamentations 3:22,23: Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning. 耶利米哀歌 3:22,23: 我们不至消灭，是出于耶和华诸般的慈爱； 是因他的怜悯不至断绝。每早晨这都是新的。 Hebrews 12:12,13: So be made strong even in your weakness by lifting up your tired hands in prayer and worship... 希伯来书 12:12,13: 所以，你们要把下垂的手、发酸的腿挺起来. Hebrews 13:15: Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God... 希伯来书 13:15: 我们应当靠着耶稣，常常以颂赞为祭献给神... Psalm 89:1: I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever... 诗篇 89:1: 我要歌唱耶和华的慈爱，直到永远... Hebrews 12:15: Watch over each other to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace. 希伯来书 12:15: 又要谨慎，恐怕有人失了神的恩... Psalm 118:25: O God, please come and save us again; bring us Your breakthrough-victory! 诗篇 118:25: 耶和华啊，求你拯救！耶和华啊，求你使我们亨通！ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/10/2026 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States