Title
God’s Light Still Shines 上帝的光仍然照耀着
Date
10/12/2025
Description
1 John 1: 5: This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
約 翰 一 書 1:5: 这是我们从耶稣基督那里听到的信息，现在我们把它告诉给你们∶上帝是光（善良），在他之中没有黑暗（罪）(page 1977)
Eph 4:31,32 - Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults. But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.
以弗所书 4:31,32: 一切苛刻、恼怒、暴戾、嚷闹、毁谤，连同一切恶毒，都应当从你们中间除掉。 要互相友爱，存温柔的心，彼此饶恕，就像 神在基督里饶恕了你们一样。(page 1899)
James 1:27- True spirituality that is pure in the eyes of our Father God is to make a difference in the lives of the orphans, and widows in their troubles, and to refuse to be corrupted by the world’s values.
雅 各 書 1:27: 关心需要帮助的孤儿、寡妇；不受邪恶世界的影响。这才是上帝所接受的敬拜。这种敬拜在上帝面前被认为纯洁、
无可指摘的。(page 1960)
John 8:12: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
約 翰 福 音 8:12-耶稣又对他们说∶“我是世界之光，跟随我的人绝不会走在黑暗之中，他将获得生命之光。” (page 1733)
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
罗马书 8:28: 我们知道，上帝使万事互相效力，使那些爱上帝，就是上帝按自己的旨意呼召的人得益处。(page 1833)
Col 2:9,10: For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
歌 羅 西 書 2:9,10: 由于上帝完整的神性活在基督凡人的形体里， 所以你们在他之中也变得完整了。基督是一切统治者和权威人士的首脑。(page 1910)
約 翰 一 書 1:5: 这是我们从耶稣基督那里听到的信息，现在我们把它告诉给你们∶上帝是光（善良），在他之中没有黑暗（罪）(page 1977)
Eph 4:31,32 - Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults. But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.
以弗所书 4:31,32: 一切苛刻、恼怒、暴戾、嚷闹、毁谤，连同一切恶毒，都应当从你们中间除掉。 要互相友爱，存温柔的心，彼此饶恕，就像 神在基督里饶恕了你们一样。(page 1899)
James 1:27- True spirituality that is pure in the eyes of our Father God is to make a difference in the lives of the orphans, and widows in their troubles, and to refuse to be corrupted by the world’s values.
雅 各 書 1:27: 关心需要帮助的孤儿、寡妇；不受邪恶世界的影响。这才是上帝所接受的敬拜。这种敬拜在上帝面前被认为纯洁、
无可指摘的。(page 1960)
John 8:12: "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
約 翰 福 音 8:12-耶稣又对他们说∶“我是世界之光，跟随我的人绝不会走在黑暗之中，他将获得生命之光。” (page 1733)
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
罗马书 8:28: 我们知道，上帝使万事互相效力，使那些爱上帝，就是上帝按自己的旨意呼召的人得益处。(page 1833)
Col 2:9,10: For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
歌 羅 西 書 2:9,10: 由于上帝完整的神性活在基督凡人的形体里， 所以你们在他之中也变得完整了。基督是一切统治者和权威人士的首脑。(page 1910)
Creator
Pastor: Mike Koger
Contributor
Hillside United Methodist Church
3737 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
3737 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
Transcription
God's Light Shines:
Finding Faith in Uncertain Times
1 John 1:5: "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you:
God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
(America. England. Africa) What a week it has been. The new week brings more of the same surprises, although some will be more surprised than others.
The days of uncertainty continue, nonetheless.
In a moment of overwhelm, I prayed, "Let Your Light shine over this nation. Show Yourself mighty against the powers of darkness."
This is all about your freedom – and your faith. (it’s also about WORSHIP)
Do you realize that God is not surprised by anything that is happening - nor by what has been happening?
While we may feel shaken, God's light continues to shine even in our darkest moments.
Once your eyes are opened, you will never see the world the same again.
Today, I invite you to see beyond what appears on the surface and discover how God's light can transform our perspective in these challenging times.
It's time to redefine what we are currently experiencing.
Jesus said, “Be careful what you hear.”
What we see on the surface are only those things revealed on the surface.
But beneath our feelings of powerlessness, confusion, and anxiety lies a deeper spiritual need.
When things don't fall into place as we think they should, it's easy—it's human—to get rattled.
We see the rage of angry mobs fighting against law and order in our cities. We hear the lies of those who say, “Good is evil” and “Evil is Good.”
We witness division and darkness seemingly gaining ground.
We might ask ourselves, "How do I respond to situations I cannot control?"
Our challenge isn't merely external circumstances but maintaining proper faith alignment in the midst of them.
As Ephesians 4 reminds us: "Don't let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin! Don't let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day."
It's okay to feel these emotions, “be angry and sin not,” but we must redirect that emotional fire to something we can change—ourselves.
Jesus declared in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Because there IS darkness, we must be LIGHT
God offers us a three-part solution to navigate these uncertain times:
First, "Be Still and Know."
Psalm 46:10 tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
In stillness, we create space to hear God's voice even in our storms.
Second, Focus on Today.
As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:34, "So don't worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
By focusing on the present, we can manage what's before us rather than being overwhelmed by what might come.
Third, Receive and Extend Grace.
Daily Grace—both receiving it from God and extending it to others—transforms how we experience our circumstances.
As Psalm 86:11 guides us: "Teach me your way, LORD, and I will live by your truth. Give me an undivided mind to fear your name."
In Christ, we are not power-less; we are power-full.
Colossians 2:9-10 reminds us: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority."
Imagine what could happen if we truly embraced our identity as light-bearers in this dark world.
We are called to "come out from among them" (2 Corinthians 6:17)
— to BE the LIGHT.
James 1:27 describes true religion as "making a difference in the lives of the orphans and widows in their troubles, and refusing to be corrupted by the world's values."
Sadly, many are shaped by whatever the TV and the internet tell them. It tells them how to feel… and even who to hate.
“Be careful what you hear”
2 Tim 3:3 tells us in the last days, people “ …will be cruel and hate what is good.” ( )
"come out from among them"
Picture a community of Believers who, no matter which way the wind blows, adjust their sails to keep moving in God's direction.
We must operate from a Biblical mindset.
Both faith and fear require the belief in something unseen. We make the choice. Fear is not the absence of faith – it is a faith in the lies of the enemy.
Power, Love and Self-Discipline
Believers who are proactive, who take the Kingdom by faith and by force.
“HE breaks the power of cancelled sin, HE sets the prisoner free…”
Envision yourself asking in every situation:
"How can I use this? What is good about this situation?"
Remember how sometimes what seemed like the worst thing becomes the stepping stone for new to happen—like our church going online back in 2020.
One door closes, another opens.
See yourself living in the promise of Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Every detail of your life continually woven together to fit into God's perfect plan of bringing good into your life. #GoodThings
? How do we move forward as light-bearers in a darkened world?
Practical Steps to Shine God's Light
I challenge you to take these specific steps this week:
1. Practice stillness daily.
Set aside 10 minutes each day to "be still and know" God's presence.
Turn off distractions and simply listen.
2. Reframe your challenges. When facing difficulties, actively ask:
"How can I use this? What is the gift hidden in this struggle?"
3. Live one day at a time.
Focus on today's tasks and leave tomorrow's worries for tomorrow.
4. Extend grace intentionally.
Identify one person who needs grace and reach out to them this week.
5. Praise God in your storm.
Begin each morning by declaring God's goodness despite your circumstances.
6. Adjust your perspective.
When tempted to complain, remember that "our worst day is often better than someone else's best day." (driving home from Charge Conference)
7. Draw on divine power.
Claim 2 Peter 1:3: "His divine power has bestowed on us absolutely everything necessary for a dynamic spiritual life and godliness."
As we close, remember that our first priority is to be Disciples of Christ.
Matthew 16:24-25 challenges us: "If any of you want to be my follower, you must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you for following me."
In Christ, we find both rest and strength. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light"
(Matthew 11:28-30).
His mercies for you and me are new every morning, and so, too, is His strength.
Psalm 46:1 assures us: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
? Are you mourning for what you've been through—or are you preparing for what's to come?
As Romans 8:37 declares, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
God's light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
KEY: We must BELIEVE we ARE Light Bearers ( )
Light-Bearers that may sometimes be in a dark place that needs the LIGHT.
John 1:9: Jesus is “the Pefect LIGHT of TRUTH”
Matt 5:14: (Jesus) “You are the light of the world.”
Let us be bearers of that light in our homes, our community, and our world. Amen.
Father, fill me with the boldness and power of Your Spirit. Help me walk in the authority Jesus gave to break every chain of darkness.
Let Your kingdom be revealed through my life as freedom, healing, and deliverance flow.
May every work of the enemy bow to the name of Jesus. Amen.
Finding Faith in Uncertain Times
1 John 1:5: "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you:
God is light; in him there is no darkness at all."
(America. England. Africa) What a week it has been. The new week brings more of the same surprises, although some will be more surprised than others.
The days of uncertainty continue, nonetheless.
In a moment of overwhelm, I prayed, "Let Your Light shine over this nation. Show Yourself mighty against the powers of darkness."
This is all about your freedom – and your faith. (it’s also about WORSHIP)
Do you realize that God is not surprised by anything that is happening - nor by what has been happening?
While we may feel shaken, God's light continues to shine even in our darkest moments.
Once your eyes are opened, you will never see the world the same again.
Today, I invite you to see beyond what appears on the surface and discover how God's light can transform our perspective in these challenging times.
It's time to redefine what we are currently experiencing.
Jesus said, “Be careful what you hear.”
What we see on the surface are only those things revealed on the surface.
But beneath our feelings of powerlessness, confusion, and anxiety lies a deeper spiritual need.
When things don't fall into place as we think they should, it's easy—it's human—to get rattled.
We see the rage of angry mobs fighting against law and order in our cities. We hear the lies of those who say, “Good is evil” and “Evil is Good.”
We witness division and darkness seemingly gaining ground.
We might ask ourselves, "How do I respond to situations I cannot control?"
Our challenge isn't merely external circumstances but maintaining proper faith alignment in the midst of them.
As Ephesians 4 reminds us: "Don't let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin! Don't let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day."
It's okay to feel these emotions, “be angry and sin not,” but we must redirect that emotional fire to something we can change—ourselves.
Jesus declared in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
Because there IS darkness, we must be LIGHT
God offers us a three-part solution to navigate these uncertain times:
First, "Be Still and Know."
Psalm 46:10 tells us, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
In stillness, we create space to hear God's voice even in our storms.
Second, Focus on Today.
As Jesus taught in Matthew 6:34, "So don't worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
By focusing on the present, we can manage what's before us rather than being overwhelmed by what might come.
Third, Receive and Extend Grace.
Daily Grace—both receiving it from God and extending it to others—transforms how we experience our circumstances.
As Psalm 86:11 guides us: "Teach me your way, LORD, and I will live by your truth. Give me an undivided mind to fear your name."
In Christ, we are not power-less; we are power-full.
Colossians 2:9-10 reminds us: "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority."
Imagine what could happen if we truly embraced our identity as light-bearers in this dark world.
We are called to "come out from among them" (2 Corinthians 6:17)
— to BE the LIGHT.
James 1:27 describes true religion as "making a difference in the lives of the orphans and widows in their troubles, and refusing to be corrupted by the world's values."
Sadly, many are shaped by whatever the TV and the internet tell them. It tells them how to feel… and even who to hate.
“Be careful what you hear”
2 Tim 3:3 tells us in the last days, people “ …will be cruel and hate what is good.” ( )
"come out from among them"
Picture a community of Believers who, no matter which way the wind blows, adjust their sails to keep moving in God's direction.
We must operate from a Biblical mindset.
Both faith and fear require the belief in something unseen. We make the choice. Fear is not the absence of faith – it is a faith in the lies of the enemy.
Power, Love and Self-Discipline
Believers who are proactive, who take the Kingdom by faith and by force.
“HE breaks the power of cancelled sin, HE sets the prisoner free…”
Envision yourself asking in every situation:
"How can I use this? What is good about this situation?"
Remember how sometimes what seemed like the worst thing becomes the stepping stone for new to happen—like our church going online back in 2020.
One door closes, another opens.
See yourself living in the promise of Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Every detail of your life continually woven together to fit into God's perfect plan of bringing good into your life. #GoodThings
? How do we move forward as light-bearers in a darkened world?
Practical Steps to Shine God's Light
I challenge you to take these specific steps this week:
1. Practice stillness daily.
Set aside 10 minutes each day to "be still and know" God's presence.
Turn off distractions and simply listen.
2. Reframe your challenges. When facing difficulties, actively ask:
"How can I use this? What is the gift hidden in this struggle?"
3. Live one day at a time.
Focus on today's tasks and leave tomorrow's worries for tomorrow.
4. Extend grace intentionally.
Identify one person who needs grace and reach out to them this week.
5. Praise God in your storm.
Begin each morning by declaring God's goodness despite your circumstances.
6. Adjust your perspective.
When tempted to complain, remember that "our worst day is often better than someone else's best day." (driving home from Charge Conference)
7. Draw on divine power.
Claim 2 Peter 1:3: "His divine power has bestowed on us absolutely everything necessary for a dynamic spiritual life and godliness."
As we close, remember that our first priority is to be Disciples of Christ.
Matthew 16:24-25 challenges us: "If any of you want to be my follower, you must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you for following me."
In Christ, we find both rest and strength. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light"
(Matthew 11:28-30).
His mercies for you and me are new every morning, and so, too, is His strength.
Psalm 46:1 assures us: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
? Are you mourning for what you've been through—or are you preparing for what's to come?
As Romans 8:37 declares, "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."
God's light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
KEY: We must BELIEVE we ARE Light Bearers ( )
Light-Bearers that may sometimes be in a dark place that needs the LIGHT.
John 1:9: Jesus is “the Pefect LIGHT of TRUTH”
Matt 5:14: (Jesus) “You are the light of the world.”
Let us be bearers of that light in our homes, our community, and our world. Amen.
Father, fill me with the boldness and power of Your Spirit. Help me walk in the authority Jesus gave to break every chain of darkness.
Let Your kingdom be revealed through my life as freedom, healing, and deliverance flow.
May every work of the enemy bow to the name of Jesus. Amen.