1 10 83 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/ace29eaeb39e6bcc7bb2ca13b6f4200f.jpg b7a52e59436067f28552e863dd02de19 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/911ee2a6ec22db61e015c8ddd4433180.mp4 e5974413479b85111793ed6b9fa60811 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound <h1>Peace with God: The Ultimate Gift Romans 5:1-2</h1> I was almost "done"...          almost. I did my part. I waited impatiently at the red light for my turn to cross the intersection onto a very busy midday Veterans parkway. The light turned green and I pressed the accelerator. Fortunately, I didn't floor it.  A big white truck decided to run their red light at over 60 miles an hour. Had I gone just a few feet further, nothing would have been the same for me.  I give God all the praise and I thank Him for His promised angels guarding me... but it sure got me to thinking about "stuff" - about what truly matters in this life. Ed Mylett asks a profound question: "What If This Was the Last Time?"  "Have you ever stopped to think, What if this was the last time I got to do this? Not the first time. The last time. That thought has been hitting me hard lately—and I believe it's one of the most powerful mindset shifts you can make to live a deeper, richer life."  Too often, we rush through our days on autopilot—scrolling, working, hustling—without realizing we're living what will one day be our "good old days." We treat moments with our kids, our friends, and our loved ones like they'll happen forever... until one day, they don't.  The Stoic principle "Memento mori," which translates to "remember you will die," reminds us of our mortality to encourage a more meaningful and purposeful life. As Seneca said, "Let us prepare our minds as if we'd come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life's books each day... The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time."  But there's a deeper problem beyond our mortality. We were separated from God because of our sinful nature. The fall of man took us out of the garden and into this dysfunctional world. We all need Peace with God - we want to have a real, living relationship with our Creator, but we first must recognize our own desperate need for a savior. We can't fix this on our own. When we live without peace with God, we might still somehow be driven—but are we driven by the right things? If not, it's just OCD—obsessive behavior without purpose.  Even if people don't recognize it because their mind is cluttered by the cares of this world, Peace with God is what we all want. What we all need most.  1 Cori 1:18 tells us: "The message about the cross is nonsense to those who are being destroyed, but it is God's power to us who are being saved."   Without this peace, we remain distant from GOD, "living in the shadows of evil thoughts and actions," as Colossians describes. We remain separated from our Creator, unable to experience the relationship we were designed for. But God...  As the familiar verse says, "God so loved the world..."  Romans 5:1-2 declares: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we 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."  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."  Spurgeon so eloquently put it: "My entire theology can be condensed into four words: 'Jesus died for me.'"  This is the Message of the Cross. As 1 Cor 1:23 states: "We preach Christ crucified." God sent a savior because we needed to be saved. When we receive this gift of salvation through faith, look at what happens: Col 1:18-19, 21-22: "For God is satisfied to have all his fullness dwelling in Christ. And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again! Even though you were once distant from him, living in the shadows of your evil thoughts and actions, he reconnected you back to himself. He released his supernatural peace to you through the sacrifice of his own body as the sin-payment on your behalf so that you would dwell in his presence. And now there is nothing between you and Father God, for he sees you as holy, flawless, and restored."   The Amplified Bible expands (our KEY verses) Romans 5:1-2: "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. Through Him we also have access by faith into this remarkable state of grace in which we firmly and safely and securely stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of experiencing and enjoying the glory of our great God—the manifestation of His excellence and power."  This Peace with God brings us: Justification and righteousness - Reconciliation with our Creator Access to God's presence - Security in His grace The love of God poured into our hearts - Confidence to approach God   I had a deep conversation with a good friend last week about whether it is proper for us to ask God to bless us.  I hadn’t realized this can be a real concern. This conversation was my initial inspiration for this message today.  Our salvation is our biggest gift - our biggest blessing from GOD. So as the scripture says, how will He not also give us all things?  Matthew 7:11 reminds us: "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"  We assume people know things that just haven't always been properly taught to them. It is crucial we understand the truth that makes us free. Free to receive the Father's love and care.  We can be confident of His love for us because of Jesus.   The Wesleyan Tradition emphasizes:  Justification by Faith: Wesley believed that justification, the act of being declared righteous in God's sight, is received through faith in Jesus Christ. Peace with God: A key consequence of justification is that believers experience peace with God. This peace is a result of being reconciled to God through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice. Access to God: Justification also grants believers access to God. This means they can approach God with confidence and boldness, knowing they are accepted and loved by Him. Love of God Shed Abroad: Wesley also highlights that the love of God is "shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost" (Romans 5:5), indicating a personal experience of God's love accompanying justification.  Aligning our thoughts and words is only possible as we properly renew our minds to Truth - truth that is found in God's Word about who we are in Christ. The New Testament emphasizes that God's love is the driving force behind the plan of salvation, which includes our justification. justification refers to God's act of declaring a sinner righteous and acceptable in His sight, based on the merits of Jesus Christ's sacrifice and through faith in Him. Justification, as understood through faith in Jesus Christ, reveals the depth of God's love for humanity.  Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us: "For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us to Christ! So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving."   ALL that GOD wants for you - all that He has for you - is yours (“yes” and “amen”)   if you can receive it by faith today.  Jesus stands at the door of your heart, and He is ready to come in to your heart today.  Romans 5:5: "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."  Today’s KEY Verse: Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  > What would I want to share with the people God has given me to share with,  if I only had one last chance? < This message of Peace with God - because it's what matters most. Today, if you hear His voice, don't harden your heart. Receive His peace, His love, His salvation. It's the gift that truly matters in light of eternity. Jesus says, “Come” Jesus says, “All who are thirsty, come and drink”   John 7:37,38:  Jesus stood and shouted out to the crowds— “All you thirsty ones, come to me! Come to me and drink! Believe in me so that rivers of living water will burst out from within you, flowing from your innermost being, just like the Scripture says!” 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 Peace with God 与神相和 Description An account of the resource Romans 5:1,2: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we 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. 羅馬書 5:1,2: 由于我们的信仰，我们得到了上帝的认可，通过我们的主耶稣基督，我们与上帝和平相处。通过我们的信仰，基督把我们带进了我们现在享有的上帝的恩典祝福里。我们非常欣喜，因为我们有希望分享上帝的荣耀。(page 1827) Col 1:19,20: For God is satisfied to have all his fullness dwelling in Christ. And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again! 歌罗西书 1:19,20: 因为上帝乐意让一切的丰盛住在祂里面，又借着祂在十字架上所流的血成就了和平，使天地万物借着祂与上帝和好。 (page1909) Colossians 1:21-22: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. 歌罗西书 1:21,22: 你们从前与上帝隔绝，行事邪恶，心思意念与祂为敌；但现在上帝借着基督肉身的死使你们与祂和好了，让你们在祂面前成为圣洁无瑕、无可指责的人。(page 1909) Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us to Christ! So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving. 以弗所书 2:8,9: 你们得救是靠恩典，凭信心。这不是出于你们自己，而是上帝的礼物；也不是由于你们的行为，以免有人自夸。(page 1895) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/17/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 美国凤城山坡堂 3739 US 80 PO Box 8513 Columbus, Georgia 31908 Phenix City AL 36870 United States Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Video Language A language of the resource English audio and Chinese subtitles https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/5c94cc80d963f84c975a66475292cc5c.jpg 3b782b9775a49423b0dc392499837ce0 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/e50201d796b5ffdb50898dca4d39674e.mp4 5278e34b8e29db4fc7abd6a41ffcc26c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Spiritual Compass Aligning Our Words and Thoughts with God Our Spiritual Alignment Like a compass that guides a hiker through wilderness, God's Word provides direction for our spiritual journey. When we lose alignment, we experience consequences in body, mind, and spirit. Our Guiding Verse "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Two Things We Can Control In a world spinning out of control, we can still control our thoughts and our words. These are the compass points that keep us aligned with God's purposes. Using Your Spiritual Compass Daily <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Realign regularly 2. Drive on (looking forward, not repeating cycles) 3. Watch your words 4. Guard your thoughts 5. Expect good things</li> </ol> Scripture References Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." (KJV) Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (NIV) 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here." (NIV) Romans 6:11 "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." (NIV) Proverbs 4:25-26 "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Decide carefully where you are going in life. Then you will be on a good, safe path." (NIV/NLT)       Discussion Questions <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">In what areas of your life do you feel most out of alignment with God's purposes?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">What old patterns or labels are you holding onto that God may be asking you to release?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">How can you better align your words and thoughts with God's truth this week?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">What specific scripture can serve as your compass point when you feel lost or disoriented?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">How might your life change if you consistently applied the five daily practices mentioned in the sermon?</li> </ol> Key Takeaways <ul style="font-weight: 400;"> <li>Your words and thoughts are your spiritual compass — they determine your direction and destination (Psalm 19:14)</li> <li>You cannot enter a new season with yesterday's mindset — transformation requires releasing old patterns (2 Corinthians 5:17)</li> <li>Being 'in Christ' means the old is already gone, even when you still feel familiar — walk in who God says you are (Romans 6:11)</li> <li>Alignment requires regular maintenance — realign your thoughts and words with God's truth daily (Romans 12:2)</li> <li>Expect God's goodness as you walk in alignment — He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11)</li> </ul>   The Spiritual Compass: Aligning Our Words and Thoughts with God Traveling with my mother in the pre-GPS days taught me an important lesson. We decided, "Just keep going in the same direction and somewhere the road will open up again." That's what alignment is all about—staying on track and continuing to move in the right direction. Isn't that how a compass works? It points us in the right direction even when there is no outward indication that we are moving forward properly. A hiker might use a compass while in the wilderness to ensure they're following the correct path, even when there is no visible trail. In our spiritual journey, we need a reliable spiritual compass to guide us through life's wilderness. Our key verse today gives us clear guidelines on how we can keep on track with God. Psalm 19:14 - "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." In a world spinning out of control, we may somehow find ourselves disoriented, unsure of which direction to take. Many of us have grown up in church, hearing Scripture our whole lives. But familiarity can breed complacency. If we're not careful, we filter what we hear based on our previous understanding. That could be good—but it could also be dangerous to our spiritual growth. We find ourselves emotionally attached to outdated versions of ourselves, wearing labels God never gave us, and defending patterns that destroy our potential. We say, "That's just who I am," but at that point, we're not following our spiritual compass—we're following a comfortable pattern, a routine, our old programming. We get stuck in cycles of: - Insecurity – Judgmental attitudes - Procrastination - Spiritual laziness - Negative thought patterns - Harmful speech habits Our Bible talks about how we are to walk in a way pleasing to God: - Psalm 15:2: "The one who walks with integrity, who does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart..." Ephesians 4:1: "...walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." But how do we maintain this alignment when life constantly tries to pull us off course? We need a compass “May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my defender.” When we lose our spiritual alignment, we experience consequences in all three parts of our lives: - Body - Mind - Spirit We become incomplete, fragmented, unable to experience the fullness God intends for us. As Myles Munroe wisely observed: "You can't enter your next season wearing yesterday's mindset. People pray for God to elevate them while still holding on to the insecurities, habits, and fears that define who they used to be. They want resurrection without crucifixion. They want promotion without preparation." When our compass is pointed in the wrong direction, we: - Remain trapped in old patterns - Miss divine opportunities - Speak words that tear down rather than build up - Fill our minds with thoughts that limit rather than liberate - Fail to reflect true Kingdom living God won’t pour fresh oil into an old vessel. Something has to break. Something has to be released. Our key verse reveals that in a world out of control, there are two things we can control: our thoughts and our words. "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." This is our spiritual compass—aligning both our speech and our thoughts with God's truth. When properly calibrated, this compass works in all three parts of our lives: body, mind, and spirit, making us "complete in Him." Romans 6:11 provides a powerful recalibration point: "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." This verse emphasizes our identity in Christ, highlighting a shift from a life dominated by sin to one alive in God's grace. When we're making critical life decisions, when we're being tempted to make less-than-wise choices, our compass should always redirect our thoughts with this truth: "alive to God in Christ Jesus." Meditate on that truth. Declare that truth. When we follow this spiritual compass, our lives begin to reflect true Kingdom living. This is being "transformed by the renewing of our minds" (Romans 12:2). God is always calling us out of darkness, out of the ritual, habitual patterns that are holding us down in life. Your compass should always redirect you with Divine Thoughts that are full of faith, hope, and expectancy. "When you lose your path, you get an opportunity to discover a world you have never known—and better worlds are often found this way!" 2 Cor 5:17 declares: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here." It doesn't say the old will go when you feel ready. It doesn't say the new will come when it's convenient. It boldly affirms that the moment you are in Christ, the old is over—the old habits, the old mindset, the old pain, the old narrative. That means God sees you as new, even if you still feel familiar. And the journey of growth is choosing to walk in who God says you are, even when it's uncomfortable. How do we practically implement this spiritual compass in our daily lives? 1. **Realign regularly**: Sometimes we get off-track. We need realignment. Acts 20:24 reminds us: "None of these things move me." Set your face like a stone with no compromise. 2. **Drive on**: Sometimes the best you can do is just "drive on." But "Drive On" does NOT mean repeating the cycle again. It means looking forward. As Proverbs 4:25-26 instructs: "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Decide carefully where you are going in life. Then you will be on a good, safe path." 3. **Watch your words**: Your words are seeds. (the sower sows the word) Ask yourself: "How should I be speaking about myself? What words am I planting in my own heart and the hearts of others?" 4. **Guard your thoughts**: What should we be letting dominate our thought life? Fill your mind with God's promises. ReFire – ReWire (put LIFE in) (Today’s Verse) Psalm 19:14 says: "So may the words of my mouth, my meditation-thoughts, and every movement of my heart be always pure and pleasing, acceptable before your eyes." 5. **Expect Good Things**: (this is a great example of refiring – rewiring) If you are using your spiritual compass properly, you are always looking for and confessing the Good Things of God over your life and your family. Psalm 84:11 assures us: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." The version of you that's called to impact nations, to lead in your generation, to glorify God boldly, cannot be built on the blueprint of fear, shame, or self-doubt. Eventually, you have to look yourself in the mirror and say, "I've stayed here long enough." Long enough in insecurity. Long enough in procrastination. Long enough in spiritual laziness. long enough in cycles that drain my joy. Not because you feel ready, but because God has already made you new. Use the compass—use the tools God gave you to navigate out of the old and into the new: - Your thoughts - Your words Jesus said, "The person who has will have more, and they will have an abundance." When we align our thoughts and words with God's truth, we position ourselves to receive His abundance. The Posture of Faith So today, I challenge you to reset your spiritual compass. Let the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be acceptable in God's sight. Follow His direction, even when the path isn't clear. Follow Jesus’ two commands Keep moving forward in faith, knowing that He is your strength and your redeemer. " Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource COMPASS 罗盘 Description An account of the resource Psalm 19:14: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. 诗篇 19:14: 耶和华——我的磐石、我的救赎主啊，愿你喜悦我口中的言语、心中的意念 (page 897) Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 罗马书 12:2: 你们不可追随世界的潮流，要随着思想的不断更新而改变，这样就能明辨上帝的旨意，知道什么是良善、纯全、蒙祂悦纳的。 (page1839) 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here. 哥林多后书 5:17: 若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人，旧事已过，看啊，一切都更新了。(page 1875) Romans 6:11: In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 罗马书 6:11: 这样，你们应当看自己是向罪死了，但向上帝则看自己是活在基督耶稣里 (page 1829) Proverbs 4:25-26: Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Decide carefully where you are going in life. Then you will be on a good, safe path. 箴言 4:25,26: 眼睛要正视前方，双目要向前直看。要铺平脚下的路，使所行之道稳妥。 (page 1038) Psalm 84:11: For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 诗篇 84:11: 因为耶和华上帝是太阳，是盾牌；祂赐下恩惠和尊荣，不留下任何好处不赐给行为正直的人 (page 968) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/10/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 美国凤城山坡堂 3739 US 80 PO Box 8513 Columbus, Georgia 31908 Phenix City AL 36870 United States Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Video Language A language of the resource English audio and Chinese subtitles https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/7781f1bc394533b44a6712f7f8530fee.jpeg 70414ba4fc6a019e8fdcfac026141da4 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/6310ae40a053c1da741a2a73b43aae05.mp4 ba04a19cc8fcecaee13f761eb232941d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Divine Alignment: John 17:3 Part of owning an automobile is doing regular required maintenance. Getting regular frontend alignments can prevent unnecessary wear on your tires, as well as provide a safer and smoother ride down the highways. Hitting a pothole in the road can instantly put your frontend out of alignment. Sounds kinda like life, doesn't it? Alignment: arrangement in a straight line, or in correct or appropriate relative positions; a position of agreement or alliance. Isaiah 40:3 declares: "Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting, 'Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!'" For us as Christians, alignment means readjusting ourselves. Getting back on track. Removing the hindrances that block God's power. When we are in “Misalignment” we drift and get off-track (“wandering generality”) We all experience seasons when our lives fall out of divine alignment. Our thoughts become stagnant, our faith weakens, and our spiritual momentum slows. Ron Carpenter puts it this way: "You are never truly stuck in life—only in thought. When your mindset stagnates, so does your momentum. God's Word is the cleansing agent for 'stinking thinking,' realigning your internal world to reflect His truth. As your mind is renewed, your path will begin to move again, aligned with your thoughts and faith." This misalignment manifests in our attitudes and actions. (double-minded) Tony Robbins reminds us: "All beliefs carry with them consequences." Our beliefs—created by what we hear, read, watch, and meditate on—have consequences that either keep us in alignment or throw us out of alignment. The Solution is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ Our key verse today, John 17:3, reveals the solution: "Eternal life means to know and experience you as the only true God, and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son whom you have sent." In this prayer, Jesus defines eternal life not just as living forever, but as a relationship of knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ. This knowledge is described as an intimate, experiential understanding that transforms one's life. Romans 5:17 affirms this truth: "Death once held us in its grip... But now, how much more are we held in the grip of grace and continue reigning as kings in life, enjoying our regal freedom through the gift of perfect righteousness in the one and only Jesus, the Messiah!" Romans 6:9 tells us: "Since Jesus has been raised from the dead to die no more, his resurrection life has vanquished death and its power over Him is finished." As Spurgeon beautifully expressed: "Our gracious Lord has many 'agains' in His dealings with us. He gave us pardon, and He sees us again and repeats the absolving word as fresh sins cause us grief. He has revealed to us our acceptance before God, and when our faith in that blessing grows a little dim, He comes to us again and again and says, 'Peace be unto you,' and our hearts are glad." Tony Robbins: “All beliefs carry with them consequences” Our beliefs – which are created by what we hear, read, watch and meditate on, have consequences that either keep us in alignment or throw us out of alignment. If I keep believing what I am believing – if my thoughts and actions continue down this same path – where will it lead me? Where will I end up? We get out of Divine Alignment, and we need to repent. To get back on the “straight and narrow.” A Life in Divine Alignment Imagine what your life would look like in perfect divine alignment—where your attitudes and actions reflect the truth of who God is and who you are in Christ. Luke 3:4-5 paints this picture: "Make straight every twisted thing in your lives. Bring into the light every dark way. Make right every wrong. Remove injustice. Every heart of pride will humbly bow before him. Every deception will be exposed and replaced by the truth to prepare everyone everywhere to see the Life of God!" When we're in alignment, our focus shifts from self-preservation to contribution. We naturally uplift others and "encourage one another" as Scripture instructs. This doesn't mean burning ourselves out—Godly wisdom knows when to "sharpen the saw" and rest. A life in divine alignment is characterized by: • Truth that turns to power to overcome • A heart that remains teachable • A life that experiences the goodness of God in the land of the living • A new wineskin ready to receive fresh revelation • An upgraded belief system based on God's Word Today, don’t just embrace these TRUTHS intellectually – bury them deep within your heart with extreme GRATITUDE You’ve no doubt heard of the placebo effect a beneficial effect produced by a placebo drug or treatment, which cannot be attributed to the properties of the placebo itself, and must therefore be due to the patient's belief in that treatment. …but have you heard of The “nocebo effect?” The nocebo effect is a phenomenon where a person experiences negative symptoms or worsening of their condition due to their negative beliefs or expectations We may find ourselves embracing this 'nocebo effect'—where negative beliefs produce negative outcomes in our lives. Just as the placebo effect shows how positive belief can create positive outcomes, the nocebo effect demonstrates how negative expectations can manifest harmful results. Everyone has a form of faith – but if you believe wrong, you are no doubt living in fear – which is a counter-productive form of faith if your thoughts aren't aligned with God’s Word, your mind will resist what your spirit knows. an unrenewed mind will fight against the Word of God Our faith should be an expectation based on God’s Word “Good Things” When we choose to get back into Divine Alignment – Divine Purpose – we stop accepting numbness and mediocrity. We say “no” to living small and say “Yes” to the continuous growth and expansion God had planned for us in advance. We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aid, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn. All beliefs have consequences Luke 3:4,5: “Make straight every twisted thing in your lives. Bring into the light every dark way. Make right every wrong. Remove injustice. Every heart of pride will humbly bow before him. Every deception will be exposed and replaced by the truth to prepare everyone everywhere to see the Life of God!” Action Steps Toward Realignment Today, I'm calling you to take specific steps toward divine alignment: 1. Don't just embrace these truths intellectually—bury them deep within your heart with extreme GRATITUDE. Allow God to plow up your heart for the seed of the Living Word. Commit to the lifelong journey of faith—this is not some "quick fix"—this is YOUR LIFE! Move from an "old testament" mindset into your NEW Testament reality. The Ongoing Journey of Alignment Brothers and Sisters, it's time for your attitude (your heart) and your actions to come into Divine Alignment. This alignment positions you to experience what Jesus defined as eternal life—knowing and experiencing God and His Son. Jesus prayed to the Father: "Eternal life means to know and experience you as the only true God, and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son whom you have sent." All beliefs carry with them consequences. Maybe it's time for your beliefs to get an upgrade? As we close today, I challenge you: Are you still "teachable?" Is your heart a New Wineskin that can accept what God would say to you now – in 2025? Sometimes we have to release the old to embrace the new things God wants to reveal to us. Gal 5:9: Don't you know that when you allow even a little lie into your heart, it can permeate your entire belief system? Have you been discouraged by past attempts at realigning your life that seemingly end in failure? We get out of Divine Alignment, and we need to repent… …To get back on the “straight and narrow.” Jesus: “It is difficult to go through the small gate. And it is difficult to walk on the narrow road. But when you do go that way, you will get true life. Not many people find that narrow gate.” The process of getting out of alignment could be very gradual. One small error in judgement – one bad choice. ( ) Holy Spirit can reveal to us that moment where we started to get off course. ( ) Repent from that moment. What started as a small step off-course gradually takes us far away – we drift until we are shocked to find ourt how far away we are. …but it all started with an initial step away from the path. Here is our hope: 2 Cor 3:17: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Romans 8:7-9: In fact, the mind-set focused on the flesh fights God’s plan and refuses to submit to his direction, because it cannot! For no matter how hard they try, God finds no pleasure with those who are controlled by the flesh. But when the Spirit of Christ empowers your life, you are not dominated by the flesh but by the Spirit. Let's pray together for divine alignment in every area of our lives: Lord, I ask You to help me surrender my thoughts to Your truth. Teach me how to renew my mind daily through Your Word so that my spirit and soul can walk in unity. I don’t want to waste my anointing on recovery—I want to walk boldly in purpose. z In Jesus' name, amen. Heb 13:21: May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. 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 ALIGNMENT 校准 Description An account of the resource John 17:3: "Eternal life means to know and experience you as the only true God, and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son whom you have sent." 约翰福音 17:3: 这永生就是，认识你——独一的真神，并且认识你所差来的耶稣基督。(page 1752) Isaiah 40:3: Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting, 'Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!’ 以赛亚书 40:3: 听啊，有人高喊：“在旷野预备耶和华的道， 在沙漠修直我们上帝的路。(1175) Romans 5:17: Death once held us in its grip... But now, how much more are we held in the grip of grace and continue reigning as kings in life, enjoying our regal freedom through the gift of perfect righteousness in the one and only Jesus, the Messiah! 罗马书 5:17: 如果因一人的过犯，死亡就借着那人做了王，那么接受上帝洪恩又得到祂所赐之义的人，岂不更要借着耶稣基督一人在生命中做王吗？ (page 1828) Luke 3:4,5: "Make straight every twisted thing in your lives. Bring into the light every dark way. Make right every wrong. Remove injustice. Every heart of pride will humbly bow before him. Every deception will be exposed and replaced by the truth to prepare everyone everywhere to see the Life of God!" 路加福音 3:4,5: 这正应验了以赛亚先知书上的话：“在旷野有人大声呼喊，“‘预备主的道，修直祂的路。一切山谷将被填满，大山小丘将被削平，弯曲的道路要被修直，崎岖的路径要被铺平。'" (page 1660) Matt 7:14: “It is difficult to go through the small gate. And it is difficult to walk on the narrow road. But when you do go that way, you will get true life. Not many people find that narrow gate.” 马太福音 7:14: 但通向永生的门小，路窄，找到的人也少 (p 1568) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/03/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/d81c405d58eed3f5244299452b24c591.jpeg 50665085701ed55111af6965ac21f1c1 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/051df7b45f4e590578f096bdb30f1c98.mp4 548e81828dd15ba9575fd024051d62c3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound SHINE: Reflecting God's Light in a Dark World Daniel 12:3 Have you ever been in a place of complete darkness, where even the smallest light becomes a beacon of hope? Like a power outage or in an unfamiliar place at night? …where even the tiniest flame can illuminate an entire room? When things are darkest, we need a good source of Light to be able to see. Today’s scripture tells us, 'People who are wise will shine like the bright sky. Those who help many people to do what is right will also shine brightly forever. They will shine like the stars in the sky at night.' In our world with so much spiritual darkness, God is calling each of us to SHINE—not with our own light, but by reflecting His divine light that can transform lives and illuminate paths. We live in a world desperate for authentic light. People are stumbling in darkness—making decisions without guidance, seeking purpose without direction, and searching for hope in places that only deepen their despair. John 1:4-5 reminds us, 'In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' The problem isn't just the darkness around us—it's that too often, we who carry God's light have covered it up – made it hard for others to find. We've hidden our light under cultural conformity, fear of rejection, or simple complacency. As Proverbs tells us, 'As a man thinketh... so he is.' Our lives reflect our thoughts, and when our minds are filled with the world rather than God's Word, our light dims. The world doesn't need more artificial light. It needs the authentic reflection of God's glory through transformed lives. Sometimes it may feel challenging to be a light in the midst if darkness. Maybe because of the shame or condemnation we have experienced about our own personal failings. TODAY I want to release you to “walk by faith and not by sight” so you can become Bright Lights for the Kingdom. To SHINE as beacons of Hope for a lost and dying world. The beautiful solution is that we don't need to generate our own light. 2 Cor 4:6 declares, 'For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.' When we are shining properly, we are actually reflecting. Like how the moon doesn't generate its own light but reflects the sun, we reflect the glory of God. 2 Cor 3:18 puts it this way: 'We all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus.' God shines on us first—then we reflect that light. Our purpose is not to seek our own glory but to be vessels that God can use for His glory. Ephesians 5:8 reminds us, 'Once your life was full of sin's darkness, but now you have the very light of our Lord shining through you because of your union with him. Your mission is to live as children flooded with his revelation-light!' When I was in China for two weeks, I stood out as the only American I saw there. I couldn’t escape being “noticed” Similarly, as Christians, we should stand out in this world. We are ambassadors for Christ. Philippians 3:20 tells us, 'For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.' As citizens of another Kingdom, we have both rights and responsibilities. Imagine what our community would look like if every true believer truly reflected God's light: Families would be restored as God's love shines through forgiveness and grace Workplaces would be transformed by integrity and excellence that glorifies God Neighbors would be drawn to Christ not by our words alone, but by seeing His character reflected in our actions Those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death would find the path to peace through our consistent witness The closer we get to the Light, the brighter our lives become. As we draw near to God, His light reflects more brilliantly through us. Even when we stumble, we have a solution—run back to the Light! As Micah 7:8 encourages us, 'Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.' 2 Cor 3:18 promises this beautiful transformation: 'We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another.' Let Your Light Shine Jesus commanded in Matthew 5:16, 'Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.' Notice the word 'let'—it indicates intentionality. It's a choice we must make daily. How do we “let our light shine” in practical ways? 1. **Daily Reflection** - Spend time in God's presence through prayer and His Word. You cannot reflect what you haven't first experienced yourself. Make this your first priority each morning. Peter 3:18: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2. **Remove the Veils** - Identify what might be covering your light—fear, sin, busyness, worldly thinking—and surrender these to God. Confess them daily. “Chip away that version that doesn’t serve you.” 2 Cor 3:16: But the moment one turns to the Lord with an open heart, the veil is lifted and they see. vs 18: with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. 3. **Intentional Witness** - Look for specific opportunities to help others do what is right. Remember : 'Those who help many people to do what is right will also shine brightly forever.' 4. **Community Illumination** - Join with other believers to multiply your light. Commit to serving in one area where our church is bringing light to darkness. 5. **Persevere in Darkness** When facing dark circumstances, remember Micah 7:8: “Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light." Your light shines brightest against the darkest backgrounds. From Glory to Glory 2 Cor 3:18 continues: “…We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” it “comes from the Lord” Proverbs 27:19 tells us, 'As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart.' What does your life reflect today? God has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light, not just for our benefit, but so we can shine for others. As we reflect His glory, we are being transformed 'from glory to glory' into the image of Christ. This week, I challenge each of us to identify one specific way we will intentionally reflect God's light. Perhaps it's in your family, your workplace, or your neighborhood. Write it down, pray over it, and then act on it. Remember the promise from Daniel 12:3: 'People who are wise will shine like the bright sky. Those who help many people to do what is right will also shine brightly forever. They will shine like the stars in the sky at night.' Let us pray: Father, thank You for shining Your light into our hearts. Help us to reflect Your glory in every aspect of our lives. Remove anything that dims our witness, and use us to bring Your light to those still walking in darkness. (removing the veils – “the abundance of grace & the gift of righteousness”) May our lives bring glory to You alone. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2 Cor 4:6: For God, who said, “Let brilliant light shine out of darkness,” is the One Who has cascaded His light into us—the brilliant dawning light of the glorious knowledge of God as we gaze into the face of Jesus Christ. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource SHINE 发光 Description An account of the resource Daniel 12:3: People who are wise will shine like the bright sky. Those who help many people to do what is right will also shine brightly forever. They will shine like the stars in the sky at night. 但以理書 12:3: 智者必发出光辉，如耀眼的穹苍；引导多人归向公义的人必如闪烁的星辰，直到永永远远。 (page 1459) John 1:4,5: Life was in him, and this life was the light of the human race. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 約翰福音 1:4,5: 他蕴含着生命，这生命给人类带来了光明。光明在黑暗中闪耀，但是黑暗无法战胜光明 (page 1716) 2 Cor 4:6: For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 哥林多后书 4:6: 因为那吩咐光从黑暗中照射出来的上帝光照了我们的心，为要让我们认识上帝在耶稣基督的面容上所彰显的荣耀。 (page 1873) 2 Cor 3:18: We all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. 哥林多后书 3:18: 我们这些脸上不再蒙着帕子的人，可以像镜子一样反映主的荣光，渐渐变成主的样式，荣上加荣。这都是主的作为，主就是那灵。(page 1873) Matthew 5:16: Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 马太福音 5:16: 同样，你们的光也应当照在人面前，好让他们看见你们的好行为，便赞美你们天上的父。(page 1563) Micah 7:8: Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. 弥迦书 7:8: 我的仇敌啊，你们不要对我幸灾乐祸！我虽跌倒，但必再爬起来；我虽坐在黑暗里，但耶和华必做我的光。 (page 1515) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/27/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/ab804ffd7818ed8a642c0d97664b24a6.jpeg fd0809fbd4161b585748e50aa5fc5ab4 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/3cd2460d0c29547800530cb5bb994358.mp4 3b94e76f4efbbd73e58ebee3d5abb5fb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound To Those Who Believe: Becoming Children of God John 1:11-13 Everywhere you go today, voices compete to tell you what to believe about our world. As Jesus warns us, 'Be careful what you hear...' People are saying all kinds of things, but Isaiah 8:20 reminds us: 'If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no light in them.' We are being shaped by what we let in—what we choose to believe forms who we become. Every Sunday in this church, we declare our core beliefs through the Apostle's Creed: The lyrics of a song: 'And I believe—what I believe is what makes me what I am. I did not make it, no it is making me. It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man.' It matters—truly matters—what we believe is true. Right now, just as 2,000 years ago, our world desperately needs rescue. We live in uncertain times where it's easy to be distressed, to lose sleep, to feel hopeless. Think back to the children of Israel dying from snake bites in the wilderness. God instructed Moses to raise a bronze serpent, and everyone who looked up at it was healed. John 3:14-15 tells us: 'Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in Him.' Then comes that beautiful promise in John 3:16: 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.' God so loved the world—the whole world. That includes you, no matter where you are this morning. You haven't missed your opportunity. It's right here before you. The Good News is that our faith is not complicated. The path is clear and available to all of us. 2 Peter 3:9 assures us: 'The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.' John 1:12-13 offers this powerful promise: 'But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.' Galatians 3:26-27 confirms: 'You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.' In an uncertain world, you and I can live in certainty. Ephesians 1:13 tells us: 'And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit...' Imagine what it means to be a child of God —to move from spiritual death to eternal life. The Bible tells us that faith comes as we hear and receive God's Word. When we hear the truth, we have a choice in how we receive it. As Zig Ziglar called it, do we suffer from 'Paralysis by Analysis'? (elaborate) Do we listen with our heart, or do we keep the door closed? Rev 3:20, Jesus says: 'Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.' This is why we sing: 'Come into my heart, O Lord Jesus, Come into my heart, I pray; My soul is so troubled and weary, Come into my heart, today.' Into my heart, into my heart, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus; Come in today, come in to stay, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Do you, today, see Jesus as He truly is – have you given Him your heart – your life? The truth is—you can't halfway believe in Jesus. He told us who He was and what He came to accomplish. Jesus asked, 'Who do you say that I am?' …and He declared, 'I am the Way...' 1 Timothy 1:15-16 testifies: 'Jesus Christ came into the world to bring sinners back to life—even me, the worst sinner of all! Yet I was captured by grace, so that Jesus Christ could display through me the outpouring of his Spirit as a pattern to be seen for all those who would believe in him for eternal life.' Just as Jesus declared 'It is finished' from the cross of Calvary, we, by God's grace, can declare 'It is finished' over our past life of failure and defeat. When the jailer asked Paul and Silas, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied simply, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.' In a time of uncertainty, your foundation of faith must remain certain. 1 John 5:13 assures us: 'I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.' Jesus said, 'You must be born again.' John 3:5-7 explains: 'I assure you, that unless a man is born from water and from spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Flesh gives birth to flesh and spirit gives birth to spirit: you must not be surprised that I told you that all of you must be born again.' So I ask you today: Have you been born again? - Have you asked Jesus into your heart? – Are you ready today to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior, redeemer, healer, and forgiver? You can go from death to life today. Let us pray together: 'Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love for me, for sending Jesus Christ to die on the cross for all my sins. His precious blood washes me clean. You raised Him from the dead. He's alive today. And I thank You that all my sins are forgiven. I'm righteous by the blood. I'm under God's favor. And I thank You Father that surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life from this day forth. In Jesus' name, Amen.' Remember John 1:12-13: 'But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God... They were not born because of what any man decided. No! They were born from God.' For some, this message is one you've heard your whole life. But for someone here today, this could be the first time you've truly heard it—not just with your ears, but with your whole heart. Today can be the day you become a child of God. 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 To Those Who Believe 致所有信者 Description An account of the resource John 1:12,13 - But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. 约翰福音 1:12,13-但是所有接受他的，就是信他名的人，他就赐给他们权柄成为神的儿女。他们不是由血缘、或肉体的意愿、或人的意志所生的，而是由神所生的。(page 1716) John 3:16,17: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 约翰福音 3:16,17- “神爱世人，甚至赐下他的独生子，好让所有信他的人不至于灭亡，反得永恒的生命，因为神差派他的儿子来到世上，不是为了定世人的罪，而是为了世人藉着他得救。(1720) Gal 3:26,27: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” 加拉太书 3:26,27- 因为你们藉着信，在基督耶稣里，都是神的儿女。后裔与继承人实际上，你们所有受洗[o]归入基督的，就穿上了基督 (page 1889) Isaiah 54:10: Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. 以赛亚书 54:10-大山可以挪开，小山可以迁移，但我的慈爱必不离开你，我平安的约也不会更改。这是怜悯你的耶和华说的。(1203) Eph 1:13: “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…” 以弗所书 1:13- 你们听过真理之道，就是那使你们得救的福音，而且也信了基督。你们既然信祂，就领受了上帝应许赐下的圣灵为印记。(page 1894) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/20/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/96cb0ca0c83771fff4ac215e701dcb03.jpeg 53c4f1e12185314da5a64073ccf1901c https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8844eef916c081f2224fbd5cfcdf11e1.mp4 acaca25975db37c4c025c8d8edd2236c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Remaining in Him: The Power of Love and Reconciliation Monday morning... a time of reflection... and possibly repentance. Psalm 101:8 reminds us: "At each and every sunrise I will awake to do what's right..." Every morning we can declare that "His mercies are new every morning." …But how many Mondays do we actually have left? Will we have a Monday morning next week? Memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning 'remember you must die'. How many wake-ups do we have left? How many chances do we still have to get yet another fresh start because we discover we have drifted away? My goal and desire is always to provide you with words from God's Word to strengthen and encourage you. In these times of unforeseen changes, we need God's wisdom and power to not only to survive, but to thrive—to live victoriously. And the KEY is this: we need to align ourselves to remain in Him—to stay close to God. 1 John 2:14 says: "I write these things to you, dear children, because you truly have a relationship with the Father. I write these things, fathers and mothers, because you have had a true relationship with him who is from the beginning. And I write these things, young people, because you are strong, the Word of God is treasured in your hearts, and you have defeated the Evil One." How do you feel when you hear this scripture? Do you feel comforted—or challenged? Maybe a bit concerned? Coming up short? The Apostle John repeatedly emphasizes that we should "remain in Him." To remain means to stay in the place that one has been occupying, to continue to possess a particular quality or fulfill a particular role. If we don't remain, we are at risk of ending up somewhere we should not be. 1 John 2:28 urges us to "remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame." We must remain in Him. We can no longer afford to live as if time will go on forever. 1 John 2:7-8: Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining. God's commandments referenced throughout this book are all about LOVE— a real love that is demonstrated by our actions. "Love your neighbor" goes all the way back to Leviticus 19:18. It's repeated in Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:14, 1 John 3:11... Jesus said this was the fulfillment of the law. 1 John 2:5-6 confirms: "Those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did." Conversely, verse 11 warns: "Anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness." If we love our brother, we live in Light. We remain in Him. True Repentance and Reconciliation We all need God's forgiveness. We all need His grace. We pray "forgive us our trespasses..." But true repentance is more than just an apology, isn't it? It's one thing to ask for forgiveness—it is another thing to truly seek reconciliation. Sometimes that means a real demonstration of your desire to make things right through corresponding actions. Making amends. True repentance. Consider the wisdom from the 12 Steps—Steps 8 & 9: "Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others." If I burned your house down (only an analogy)—it is one thing to say "I am sorry" —it is quite another to rebuild your home. As Joseph Prince wisely notes: "Knowing that repentance is returning to God's grace, how can grace be a license or excuse to sin, as some claim? Grace is the power of God to overcome every sin. The authority of God's Word proclaims that 'sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace' (Rom. 6:14). No one can use God's grace to justify his or her sin! It is contrary to God's Word and contrary to the gospel of grace. True grace swallows up the destructive powers of sin." 1 John is telling us if we are saved, our lives should show it. Our actions—our behavior—should grow out of our right standing with God through Jesus Christ, which is accomplished by faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross. Philippians 2:13 reminds us: "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." In this volatile season we are now living in, we are the ministers of reconciliation. God has given us this ministry of reconciliation. 2 Cor 5:20 says we "carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips. So we tenderly plead with you on Christ's behalf, 'Turn back to God and be reconciled to him.'" We are to build a bridge of reconciliation. …and We have to ensure that we make it crossable. Our love and forgiveness offered to others is not based on their openness to us. We have to receive others in mercy and forgiveness and give them another chance. (Are you listening?) We offer them the same grace we have been offered. 1 John 2:6 states: "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." What did Jesus do? "While we were yet sinners," He died for us. New Mercies Every Morning Even as we look at our world and see all that is wrong... and our hearts hurt and our minds are troubled... we pray for change... and God tells us to start with our own hearts. We know we are not supposed to conform to the world’s value system We know worldy thinking is death 1 John 2:16,17: For all that the world can offer us—the gratification of our flesh, the allurement of the things of the world, and the obsession with status and importance —none of these things come from the Father but from the world. This world and its desires are in the process of passing away, but those who love to do the will of God live forever. God tells us, His church, to humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. We have to persist. We have to remain faithful: "I don't give up. Thank you God that you don't give up on me." Perseverance, in its simplest definition, is the quality of continuing to try to achieve something despite difficulties or setbacks. 2 Cor 5:21 assures us: "God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Jesus Christ is the bridge that we all cross to eternal life. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." The Passion Translation puts it beautifully: "As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life's marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us." “the path has been already marked out before us." “My friend, Jesus, is doing something new. His mercies wash over you every day, infusing you with life and causing a well to spring up in your heart. The unending rivers of grace flow freely, and the Lord provides fresh vision and renewed hope to help you through each day. He is with you and for you, and the fountains of His goodness and love will never run dry!” Remember: The Victory is already ours through Jesus’ Victory on the cross. Let us close with this prayer of repentance and reconciliation: "Thank you, Lord, for the grace that empowers me to live a Godly life. Thank you that your mercies are new every morning, giving me another chance to remain in you and to demonstrate your love to others. 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 REMAIN 留 Description An account of the resource 1 John 2:14: I write these things to you, dear children, because you truly have a relationship with the Father. I write these things, fathers and mothers, because you have had a true relationship with him who is from the beginning. And I write these things, young people, because you are strong, the Word of God is treasured in your hearts, and you have defeated the Evil One. 约翰一书 2:14: 孩子们，我曾写信给你们，因为你们认识了父。父老们，我曾写信给你们，因为你们认识了从太初就存在的那位。年轻人，我曾写信给你们，因为你们刚强，上帝的道常存在你们心里，并且你们战胜了那恶者。(page 1978) 1 John 2:7,8: Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining. 约翰一书 2:7,8: 亲爱的弟兄姊妹，我写给你们的并不是一条新命令，而是你们起初接受的旧命令，这旧命令就是你们已经听过的真道。 8 然而，我写给你们的也是新命令，在基督和你们身上都显明是真实的，因为黑暗渐渐过去，真光已经照耀出来。 (page 1978) 1 John 2:17: The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 约翰一书 2:17: 这世界和其中一切的私欲都要过去，但遵守上帝旨意的人永远长存。(page 1978) 1 John 2:5,6: those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 约翰一书 2:5,6: 遵行主话语的人是真正全心爱上帝的人，我们借此知道自己是在主里面。 6 所以，自称住在主里面的，就该在生活中效法基督。(page 1977) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/13/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/f4ef190a7c491390ae7b985ff88fa56d.jpeg cdd2b9965d8a3506b20c614a33d49d8e https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/3499b4e46d27f2fdeb2bbd2520bc0df7.mp4 64b936d5e320c5bc361cc0ede8873ff4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Table of Grace: Finding Renewal in Christ I used to love to stay up late on Friday nights. Sometimes I would stay up half the night - maybe even watch two movies. Not so much anymore. I know you can blame part of that on my age, but honestly, I know it is much more than that. It is also a symptom of the age we all live in. We get overwhelmed. We know we need to regroup - refresh - revive. What I may have “lost” in my late-night routine, maybe I have gained in my mornings. Jesus, the Bible tells us, rose up early in the morning, while it was still dark to pray Mark 1:35: The next morning, Jesus got up long before daylight, left the house while it was dark, and made his way to a secluded place to give himself to prayer. “Domination at Dawn” “Rise Early. Reign Daily” A good night's sleep can work wonders...but there's a part of true restoration that can't come from just sleeping more. Like a remote control with dead batteries needing new power from an outside source, we, too, need renewal that comes from beyond ourselves. In the mornings I am full of ambition - but like Paul says in Romans 7:19, 'I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.' Maybe we all need our spiritual batteries recharged today. When our plans break down due to exhaustion or lack of focus, it's a sign we're disconnected from our power source. We are the branches and Jesus is the life-giving vine. Without that connection, we wither. Paul continues in Romans 7:25: 'I am thankful to God for the freedom that comes through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!' This is the answer to our spiritual exhaustion. The vine is where the life is. Through God's grace, we have access to this life that we now live by faith. Galatians 2:20: 'I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.' We need a constant flow of God's grace to live in victory and to walk in peace. Without it, we can become spiritually depleted. Titus 2:12-14 tells us: 'For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.' This scripture states that the Grace of God makes us 'eager to do good works.' Spurgeon : 'Our good works, if we have any, spring from a real conversion; yet more, they spring also from a constant spiritual influence exercised upon us, from the time of conversion even until the hour of death. It is not like the planting of a tree in our hearts, which naturally of itself bringeth forth fruit; but the sap cometh up from the root of Jesus Christ. We are not trees by ourselves, but we are branches fixed on the living vine.' God's grace reaches out to us (prevenient grace) and teaches and instructs us (sanctifying grace). John Wesley: By ‘means of grace’ I understand outward signs, words, or actions ordained of God, and appointed for this end – to be the ordinary channels whereby he might convey to men preventing, justifying, and sanctifying grace…. The chief of these means are prayer, whether in secret or with the great congregation; searching the Scriptures (which implies reading, hearing, and meditating thereon) and receiving the Lord’s Supper, eating bread and drinking wine in remembrance of him; and these we believe to be ordained of God as the ordinary channels of conveying his grace to the souls of men. In Holy Communion, we find this means of grace - a sacred connection to the source of our spiritual power. Imagine what happens when we truly connect to Christ, the True Vine. Colossians 2:13 says, 'You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.' TPT: 'This "realm of death" describes our former state, for we were held in sin's grasp. But now, we've been resurrected out of that "realm of death" never to return, for we are forever alive and forgiven of all our sins!' Picture yourself as a branch drawing life-giving sap from the vine. See the fruit that grows naturally when you're connected. Envision the peace described in Romans 5:1-2: 'Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God.' Imagine hearing those powerful words from Romans 5:9, that through the blood of Jesus we have heard the declaration, 'You are now righteous in my sight.' And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, (that same passage tells is) we will never experience the wrath of God. Our life and strength that we draw from the Vine comes through God's grace and mercy. But it requires something of us - we must yield to that grace, surrendering to a power greater than ourselves. William Booth, who founded the Salvation Army with his wife Catherine, said: 'The greatness of the man's power is the measure of his surrender.' As God spoke to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12: 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.' (acknowledging this is a form of surrender) To which Paul responded: 'Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me.' I invite you today, as we come to the Lord's Table, to surrender anew to God's grace. To acknowledge your need for spiritual renewal and to receive the life that flows from Christ our Vine. In this sacrament of Holy Communion, we have the opportunity to be re-awakened, to have the victory of the cross within us revived by the very grace of God. "Coram Deo" is a Latin phrase meaning "before the face of God" or "in the presence of God". It's a concept in Christian theology that describes living one's entire life in the presence of God, under His authority, and to His glory. 1 Cor 10:16: The cup we use in the Lord's Supper and for which we give thanks to God: when we drink from it, we are sharing in the blood of Christ. And the bread we break: when we eat it, we are sharing in the body of Christ. We believe Christ is very present in this means of grace 1 Cor 11:29: For if you eat the bread or drink the cup without honoring the body of Christ, you are eating and drinking God’s judgment upon yourself. Renewed at the Table of Grace Titus 2:12-14 reminds us: 'For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.' We live in the busiest world that has ever existed. (am I wrong?) All the modern “conveniences” have not simplified our lives. Technology has blessed us with 24/7 lifestyles. (no escape) Distractions rob us. We have to learn when to turn them off. “Must Be Present to WIN” Holy Communion is a time for FOCUS. This is a foundational part of “seeking first the Kingdom of GOD” Ephesians 2:10: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Today, as we come to the Table of Grace, we do exactly what we need - we re-awaken to the victory of the cross within us through this means of grace, the sacrament of Holy Communion. We need grace to become the people we were called to become. To strengthen that which is alive and remains. To walk in true freedom and holiness. Romans 5:10 tells us, “Now that we are at peace with God, and because we share in his resurrection life, how much more we will be rescued from sin's dominion!" Let us come to His table now, acknowledging our need for renewal, and receiving by faith the grace that transforms us from depleted believers into branches vibrant with the life of Christ. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Table of Grace 恩典表 Description An account of the resource Titus 2:12-14: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works. 提多書 2:12-14: 这恩典管教我们，使我们拒绝不敬神的事和地上的欲望，在今世能过自制、公义、敬神的生活，期待那蒙福的盼望，以及我们那伟大的神、救主耶稣基督[e]荣耀的显现。他为我们献上自己，是为了救赎我们脱离一切罪恶[f]，并且洁净我们做他自己特选的子民，做美好工作的热心人。(page 1935) Col 2:13 - You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 歌罗西书 2:13: 你们从前在自己的过犯和没有受割礼的肉体中是死的，神却使你们与基督一同活过来了。神已经赦免了我们的一切过犯 Eph 2:4,5: But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! 以弗所书 2:4,5: 不过神有丰富的怜悯，因着他爱我们的大爱，甚至当我们还死在过犯中的时候，就使我们与基督一同活过来——你们得救是藉着恩典！(page 1895) Romans 5:1,2: Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 罗马书 5:1,2: 这样，我们既然因信称义，就藉着我们的主耶稣基督与神和好了；我们也藉着他，因信[a]进入了现在所站的这恩典中，并且以盼望神的荣耀而夸耀。(page 1827) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/05/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/08694aeec900aa3ed7c5679bb3a61d4f.jpeg 839a88a647357b53a97df503e1d3afdc https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/99c8f45643f7e69b6d73b9033073328a.mp4 e009e88d4aaa9ebf58895fd873c98573 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Surrounded by Divine Favor: Small Steps to God's Big Plans Psalm 5:12: "Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." I believe that God is about to do something in your life that you were not expecting - something that goes beyond your qualifications, beyond your preparation, beyond your timeline. GOD is about to surprise you with favor - not just any favor - but Divine Favor that leaves you in awe, that makes people around you say, "How did that happen for them?" You see, we serve a God who specializes in surprises. A God who enjoys turning the tables, flipping the script, and showing up when you thought the story was over. You may have been waiting, you've been praying, you've been crying out at night, wondering if perhaps God has forgotten you? But I'm here to tell you, He has not. Not only has He remembered you, but He is preparing something behind the scenes that is going to leave you speechless. The kind of blessing that makes you stand still and say (like David did), "If it had not been for the Lord who was on my side, I don't know where I would be." What exactly is Divine Favor? The favor of the Lord refers to God's grace and kindness towards us, granting us approval, blessings, and the ability to achieve what may seem impossible. It is a divine gift that empowers believers and surrounds them with protection and support in their lives. Some of you have been waiting patiently, but secretly wondering. It felt like rejection, but it was really redirection. GOD wasn't punishing you, He was positioning you, because when the FAVOR comes, you'll understand why the waiting was necessary. You'll soon understand why the detour was needed. GOD didn't forget about your dreams, He protected them. He was making sure that when the door opened, you would be ready to walk through it with authority and clarity. But here's what we need to understand: Divine Favor isn't about instant gratification. Someone prays, "Lord, I want to be a doctor of medicine and help people get well, get healthy, to get healed." Is this a noble, worthy goal? Of course! But does God just instantly put you into a doctor's uniform and you find yourself in an operating room with a scalpel in your hand? Of course not! But if you are taking the necessary steps to achieve that goal, you may find that God is opening doors for medical school, funds to pay for your education, and the right people to help you make that dream become a reality. It's not about attraction - it's about alignment. I work with a couple of people who have risen through the ranks from a very basic position in the workforce into places of great leadership. From early on, you just knew they were headed for higher roles, and yet, the KEY seems to have been their willingness to be faithful in the small things along the way. This kind of faithfulness opens doors of favor. Favor that goes beyond formal education or connections. How do we position ourselves for this Divine Favor? Scripture gives us clear guidance: Psalm 90:17 tells us: "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" This reveals our first principle: We must be diligent in the work of our hands. Certain people may have FAVOR, but unless they are diligent in the right things, it doesn't really do them any good. Second, we must value small beginnings. The phrase "despise not small beginnings" from the Book of Zechariah encourages appreciating and not underestimating the early stages of any endeavor, even if they may seem insignificant. It is a reminder that even great things often start small, and that God “rejoices in seeing work begin,” no matter how modest the initial steps. Third, we must embrace the process of preparation. GOD can turn our wounds into wisdom. Wisdom allows us to recognize the times of preparation and refinement. Luke 16:10 (Jesus' words) "He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much." Fourth, we must step into Divine Alignment with God's plans. This means approaching the future with the eyes of faith. Believing in what God has said. What God has promised. "Yes and Amen." The phrase "All God's promises are yes and amen" originates from 2 Cor 1:20, where the Apostle Paul states that all of God's promises are "yes" in Christ and are affirmed with an "amen" through Him to the glory of God. It signifies the certainty, faithfulness, and ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Psalm 5:12 promises: "Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Imagine what happens when Divine Favor surrounds your life like a shield. Picture the transformation when you approach the future with Expectation AND Imagination (faith that sees what is yet to come) Joel: "It's not going to happen just because of your talent, your ability, or your background. It's the favor of God. It's His divine purpose." 2 Peter 1:2 says that grace, which is the undeserved favor of God, and peace, can be multiplied to you. Peace is the word "shalom" in Hebrew. Its definition includes wholeness, health, safety and provision. So when you walk in divine favor and peace, you will walk in blessings in every area of your life! Visualize what happens when you declare: "I am ready to release the version of me that no longer matches my future." Declare this, not as a ritual, not as a trend but as a declaration - a conscious interruption to that endless loop of the past. A declaration that you are no longer available for the past. It's time to come into alignment with who you were created to be. See yourself discovering the healing power of a renewed vision. Since GOD is able to make all things work together for good, you can thank and bless your past for the lessons it has taught you. You can allow GOD to use these things to help and bless others, even as you step out of that old identity and embrace who you really are in Christ. ? So what practical steps can we take to position ourselves for Divine Favor? 1. Be faithful in the small things - Small things done with a BIG Heart. You and I should be doing the small things (daily) with excellence and integrity. God honors our honest efforts. 2. Get in agreement with GOD's Plans. As long as you're thinking of all the reasons why it's not going to happen, talking about how impossible it looks, that's going to keep you where you are. The conditions may not look favorable for it to ever change, but this is what faith is all about. You're looking at it in the natural, but we serve a supernatural God. Release your faith, expecting His goodness, and He'll make things happen that you can't make happen, things that you can't explain, things that you don't see coming. 3. Embrace expansion and fuller expression. "Let the Lord Be Magnified..." The Bible teaches us to "despise not the small beginnings" but that doesn't mean we stop there. We were all made for Expansion and Fuller Expression. Ephesians 1:11 reminds us: "Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan." 4. Personalize God's promises. When you hear this, personalize it. Don't think of this as a message for someone else. This is for YOU. This is for ME. "Don't judge others - examine yourself." We cannot move forward as GOD would have us to do if we do not expand as individuals to step up and step out. To assume roles we may not have even imagined previously. 5. Stir your faith up, believe big, pray bold prayers, and dream God-sized dreams. He's going to put you in strategic positions to affect the culture. As we grow as a church family, this is a time of equipping and empowering. We will need Holy Ghost POWER, authority and favor to accomplish our mission here on earth. The lesson we have to keep learning is that we cannot do it on our own intelligence, wisdom and strength. Isaiah 49:8 (quoted in 2 Cor 6:2) promises: "This is what the LORD says: 'In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you.'" Psalm 30:5 assures us that "his favor lasts a lifetime" Psalm 84:11 declares that "he bestows favor and honor." The "whosoevers" will continue to be faithful in the little things and will know when the time is right (by God's Direction) to step out in BIG ways to take the Kingdom. It will cause others to wonder how you got to where you are. …but they may have missed the steps you took along the way - because they were little steps of faith. YOU may not notice the incremental growth, either... but it is happening. As Exodus 23:30 reminds us: "By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land." I want to appeal to you today on two levels: We should seek His Purposes and Divine Favor, both for the kind of meaningful, purposeful living this provides us, but also, and more importantly, from the Fear of the Lord and our desire to serve GOD. Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Let that shield of favor surround you today and always as you take faithful steps toward the Divine purpose God has prepared for you. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource DIVINE FAVOR 神圣恩惠 Description An account of the resource Psalm 5:12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield 詩篇 5:12: 因为你必赐福与义人；耶和华啊，你必用恩惠如同盾牌四面护卫他 (page 884) Luke 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much." 路加福音 16:10: 在最小的事上忠心的，在大事上也忠心；在最小的事上不义的，在大事上也不义。(page 1695) Psalm 90:17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! 詩篇 90:17: 愿主 ─ 我们神的荣美归於我们身上。愿你坚立我们手所做的工；我们手所做的工，愿你坚立。(page 976) 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 哥林多后书 1:20: 因为　神的一切应许，在基督里都是“是”的，为此我们借着他说“阿们”，使荣耀归于　神。(page 1871) Ephesians 1:11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. 以弗所书 1:11: 我们也在他里面得（或作：成）了基业；这原是那位随己意行、做万事的，照着他旨意所预定的 (page 1894) Isaiah 49:8: "This is what the LORD says: 'In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you.'" 耶和华如此说：“在悦纳的时候，我应允了你；在拯救的日子，我济助了你。我要保护你，使你做众民的中保[a]，复兴遍地，使人承受荒凉之地为业 (page 1194) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/29/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/617345b38a694cb94be8b5be30299c24.jpeg 7d2d67c5eeaf1031e944f90f00e7c5b5 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/c7ce1ef35beb8da26ed47fe4db4e21d4.mp4 d4f0355baad6eede456e44abd39f3356 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound UPSET/RESET Hebrews 12:5-11 Easily, some of the best days in my life were when I was helping to raise my daughter Hayley. I totally loved being a daddy. Every day. I never liked it nor understood it when I would hear parents talk about how they impatiently were waiting for their children to grow up and move on. I may have a lot of flaws, but I know I never felt that way. For a lot of us, our earthly fathers have already shed this mortal coil We have memories of our fathers, and yes, so many things have been imparted to us that we continue to benefit from. Our earthly fathers each imparted different things into our lives and our character. So much of who we are now was imparted to us by our parents in those early, formative years. We were empty, open vessels that took in everything they told us without questioning any of it. That means it is a huge responsibility to raise a child properly. I know there were things my father did when I was growing up that I didn’t understand at the time. Sometimes it was “tough love” But as I grew up and grew slightly more mature, I could see the wisdom in much of it. For so many of us, as we grow older, we hear our father’s voice coming out of our mouths. (not always a good thing) Some had fathers who were very active in their lives. Some not so much. Some people never even knew their father. My intention here today is to not only appreciate the wisdom we may have received from them, but even more importantly, redirect our focus toward receiving the Divine wisdom, guidance, provision and restoration that can only come from our Heavenly Father. Jesus prayed in John 17:22 - "I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” “I am in them and you are in me.” John 10:30 (Jesus said) “I and the Father are one.” You may not have been close to your biological father. Maybe you were? You can, however, be truly close, as Jesus describes here, to your heavenly Father. Always and Forever. Luke 1:78: The splendor-light of heaven’s glorious sunrise is about to break upon us in holy visitation, all because the merciful heart of our God is so very tender. Is this the Heavenly Father that you believe in? Eph 1:5: “ … he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will…” vs 6: —for the same love he has for the Beloved, Jesus, he has for us. y’know… Sometimes my dad had to intervene in my life in order to push me forward. C. S. Lewis: If we let ourselves, we shall always be waiting for some distraction or other to end before we can really get down to our work. Today I want us to consider how our Heavenly Father can be our all-sufficient One as we are lead and fed by the Hand and Heart of God UPSET/RESET We need our loving heavenly Father to push us forward into our destinies sometimes we need an outward force to propel us forward inwardly "Comfort is the enemy of progress" 1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6,7: If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. We pray “Our Heavenly Father” We need to know the Heart of our Heavenly Father “God loves you so much” from our scripture today we learn that whom the LORD loves He chastens “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” ? “how can you say there is no chastisement and punishment in the new covenant?” Today’s scripture states it very clearly. My friend, there is confusion in the church because the original Greek word for “chastens” in today’s scripture has been poorly translated. The Greek word is actually paideuo, which means child training. Pai is where you get the word pediatrician (a doctor who specializes in treating children), while deuo means to teach a child. You will find that the translation of the word paideuo as child training is more consistent with the context of the passage. The next verse says, “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” (Heb. 12:7). Clearly, because God deals with us as sons, He disciplines and brings correction to us just as earthly fathers would their sons. Now, think about this for a moment: would you do cruel things to your child just to teach him a lesson? Then why do you think your loving Father in heaven would do that? Prov 13:18: Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. When you train your child, you give him lessons that will teach him things to benefit him in the future. Chastening means “child training” How? God does this through His Word (sanctification) Tim. 3:16–17: God has transmitted his very substance into every Scripture, for it is God-breathed. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. Heb. 12:9: And isn’t it true that we respect our earthly fathers even though they corrected and disciplined us? Then we should demonstrate an even greater respect for God, our spiritual Father, as we submit to his life-giving discipline. God the Father is our Abba! Abba is the most affectionate term you can use to address a father in the Hebrew language. It means “Daddy!” Do you really think your Daddy God will punish you that way? Matt 7:11: If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! We can receive protection from every evil occurrence, sickness, and disease. Our heavenly Father is one who “forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies” (Ps. 103:3–4). And by the stripes on Jesus’ back, we are healed! The good news of Jesus always liberates as His perfect love removes every fear. The good news always imparts faith and exalts the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross! - anything contrary to this is NOT the Gospel Our Father is full of grace and mercy and wants us to be healthy, provided for, and protected from all evil occurrences! Let’s start to expect good things from Him. Embrace your God-given destiny 1 Cor 2:12: For we did not receive the spirit of this world system but the Spirit of God, so that we might come to understand and experience all that grace has lavished upon us. “ …that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. UPSET/RESET When the prodigal son “came to himself” and saw the state he was in, he said, “I will arise and go to my father.” “…everything we need” Your Heavenly Father is your true Source HE is your shelter – your provider – your protector – your encourager You’ve got to stay connected to the Vine – your true Source Matt 6:6: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. “Whenever you pray, be sincere and not like the pretenders who love the attention they receive while praying before others in the meetings and on street corners. Believe me, they’ve already received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your innermost chamber and be alone with Father God, praying to him in secret. And your Father, who sees all you do, will reward you openly. When you pray, there is no need to repeat empty phrases, praying like the Gentiles do, for they expect God to hear them because of their many words. There is no need to imitate them, since your Father already knows what you need before you ask him. Pray like this: “Our Beloved Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn. Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is in heaven.” 1 John 3:1: See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! 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 UPSET / RESET 转折 / 转机 Description An account of the resource Prov 3:11,12: My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD, neither be weary of His correction; for whom the LORD loveth, He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 箴言 3:11,12: 我儿，你不可轻看耶和华的管教（或译：惩治），也不可厌烦他的责备；因为耶和华所爱的，他必责备，正如父亲责备所喜爱的儿子。(pg 1036) John 10:30: I and the Father are one. 約翰福音 10:30: 我与父原为一。 (pg 1739) Luke 1:78: The splendor-light of heaven’s glorious sunrise is about to break upon us in holy visitation, all because the merciful heart of our God is so very tender. 路加福音 1:78: 因我们神怜悯的心肠，叫清晨的日光从高天临到我们 (pg 1657) Eph 1:5,6: “ … he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will — for the same love he has for the Beloved, Jesus, he has for us.” 以弗所書 1:5,6: 上帝爱我们，因此预先决定通过耶稣基督收养我们做他的儿女。这是上帝的意愿，这使他喜悦。他这么做，使荣耀的恩典得到赞美，他把这恩典在爱子里无偿地赐给了我们。(pg 1894) 1 Peter 5:6: Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you 彼得前書 5:6: 所以，你们在上帝的有力的巨手之下要谦卑，等适当的时刻来临时，他会抬举你们的。(pg 1971) Matt 6:6: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 馬太福音 6:6: 当你祈祷的时候，应该走进房间，关上门，悄悄地向隐秘中的天父祈祷，你的天父看到在隐秘中所做的这一切是会报偿你的。 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/15/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/7f7b16d4f4856bc81719bf34320a96e6.jpeg 7dfe6b2236f911cfa3b777d8852f60e5 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/bae91697bd90c77451223df8ccbb0bdc.mp4 118642b1d57d32021109724a294d31fb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Train is Leaving the Station 1 Cor 3:9 A young couple was getting married. They wanted everything to be extra special, so they commissioned a wedding cake with them often-quoted scripture from 1 John 4:18: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear…” On the day of the wedding, the beautiful cake was wheeled out at the reception, only to discover that the cake decorator had left off the “1” from the inscription, leaving it actually display John 4:18, which says, “ …for thou hast had five husbands, and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband.” There is a saying: “Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable.” A similar quote says, “The greatest regret in life is not the mistakes we make, but the opportunities we miss." Although I will always be glad I chose to serve in the military, one of my biggest regrets was not accepting an invitation from the US Government to go to foreign language school. The program would have required me to add two years to my enlistment, and to a 19 year-old, two years sounded like an eternity. I’ll never know what could have been because I chose not to stretch to a new level at that time in my life. Tom Peters: "If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade." This quote suggests that when a chance presents itself, it should be embraced. "Opportunities are like sunrises. If you wait too long, you miss them." This highlights the fleeting nature of opportunities and the need to act promptly. "Seize the moment, because one silly act can create a legacy, and also birth a legend." My purpose, my mission, for this message today, is to encourage all of us to act on our Divine inspiration, and to have the God-given wisdom to recognize what ideas are from God, and which ideas are a distraction from the main purpose we should be pursuing. God has called us all together “for such a time as this.” The phrase "for such a time as this" (from Esther 4:14) has become a common expression used to suggest that God has placed individuals in particular situations for a specific purpose, and that there might be a time when they need to act to fulfill that purpose. In Esther 4:14, Mordecai is questioning whether Esther's position as queen, and God's providence in putting her in that place, was for the purpose of this particular moment. He is suggesting that she might have been placed in that position to help her people at this time of great need. God has placed us together in this time and place “for such a time as this.” But will we step up and do our part? Time is not standing still. Today as the Earth continues to revolve around the sun, our time has come. The train is leaving the station. 1 Cor 3:9: For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. This verse uses the imagery of both a field (agriculture) and a building (construction) to describe the role of believers in the church as God's work in progress. For we work together with God. You are God’s field. You are God’s building also. The train is leaving the station. Time will not wait for us. Will we miss our moment? “The greatest regret in life is not the mistakes we make, but the opportunities we miss." This message today is in no way to be considered a reprimand – it is a message of liberation. It is to free us to “Go with GOD” and become the men and women of God that He predestined us to become. …To once and for all time break free of our own limitations and see our unlimited potential in Christ. Eveyone has gifts inside of them, no everyone releases them. 1 Cor 3 (MSG) : Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God’s field in which we are working. Or, to put it another way, you are God’s house. We are both the field and the building We talk often how the scriptures call us the temple… and the branches We have this treasure in our earthern vessels… and we must have our roots dug in deep to flourish in God’s Kingdom We are branches… and we are the temple. Both rely on the inward presence of Christ to do anything of true value Col 1:28: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. Will we say “Yes” to our individual parts in this mission? Matthew 21:28-32: Jesus said to his critics, “Tell me what you think of this parable: “There once was a man with two sons. The father came to the first and said, ‘Son, I want you to go and work in the vineyard today.’ The son replied, ‘I’d rather not.’ But afterward, he deeply regretted what he said to his father, changed his mind, and decided to go to the vineyard. The father approached the second son and said the same thing to him. The son replied, ‘Father, I will go and do as you said.’ But he never did—he didn’t go to the vineyard. Tell me now, which of these two sons did the will of his father?” They answered him, “The first one.” Jesus said, “You’re right. For many sinners, tax collectors, and prostitutes are going into God’s kingdom realm ahead of you! John came to show you the path of righteousness, yet the despised and outcasts believed in him, but you did not. When you saw them turn, you neither repented of your ways nor believed his words.” In this parable, a man asks his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first son initially says he won't, but later changes his mind and goes. The second son says he will, but doesn't go. Jesus uses this parable to illustrate a point about hypocrisy and the true nature of obedience, contrasting the first son's eventual obedience with the second son's empty promise. Jesus applies the parable to the religious leaders of the time, who he says are like the second son. They outwardly claim to be obedient to God but don't truly follow his will. The parable highlights the importance of both outward obedience and inward sincerity. The first son, despite initially refusing, later changed his mind and acted according to his father's will. The second son, while outwardly agreeing, failed to act upon his promise. Jesus' point is that true obedience involves both words and actions, and that even those who initially seem uncooperative can still fulfill God's will through repentance and action. This should be both a warning and a reassurance to us today. New Wine goes into New Wineskins. What was is not what is, and what is is not necessarily what will be. We only need to use our powers of observation to recognize that. God’s Church and His People were never ever meant to be stagnant. As we clear our minds of fixed ideas, we begin to see what this means - and we begin to live those virtues which formerly were only words. The train is in the station. All Aboard. Ezra 10:4: Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it. The mission is in our hands now. As Eddie said, the first trip to China could have always been just a “nice idea” that we would think back on and wonder what might have been. …but you and I (together) took action. It may have been Bruddah Mike who got on the plane, but it was all of your prayers, encouragement and giving that made it really happen (with God’s help) Chronologically, I can’t help but get older. I can’t stop the calendar. …but as I dig in (by faith) and embrace my purpose, I discover my youth is being renewed. Maine: “NOW I know why I am here!” You and I can feel that way today if we embrace the purposes God has brought us together to fulfill for His Kingdom. Not everyone is called for the same mission, but it takes faith and discernment to realize that, even though sometimes we get offended, we dig in our heels and continue to serve God (not man) “Not everyone is going to like you.” If God puts it into your heart, who is able to convince you not to do it? Plato: “When men speak ill of thee, live so as nobody may believe them.” Joel: “Don’t fight the critics – Outlast them.” I remember visiting a church years ago and hearing a young couple who had been serving God in music ministry announce that they were leaving the church to go to a bigger, fancier church. I knew in my heart that they had been called to that church – but it was to challenging. Their hearts had not fully embraced their true purpose. “Without a vision the people perish.” Without a clear sense of purpose and direction, we tend to drift. Leavers leave. The train is leaving the station. We have to GET on board and STAY on board. Will you surrender to His will and purposes so He can build you up and nurture and cultivate your life into a meaningful specific? We know we are the branches. Jesus described the destiny of branches in two ways: • Those who bore fruit would be pruned to bear more fruit • Those who did not would be cast aside and burned Not my words… Jesus’ words. 1 Cor 3:14,15: If anyone’s work which he has built on the foundation endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss. But he himself will be saved, still going through the fire. Who will work in the Lord’s field and build His house? Take a deep breath. Get Present. You will decide what you will do. God gave us free will. You can use your special gifts for God’s Kingdom and His glorify. This choice gives our lives meaning and purpose. Never compare what you are called to do with what someone else is called to do… …and don’t expect someone else to be you, either. J A share vision brings power. “I have decided…” from Col 1: “Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in.” “ …Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth.” 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 Train is Leaving the Station 列车即将出发 Description An account of the resource 1 Cor 3:9: For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 歌林多前書 3:9: 我们是为上帝服务的同事，你们则是上帝的田地和建筑。 (pg 1850) 1 Cor 3:5-9: Who do you think Paul is, anyway? Or Apollos, for that matter? Servants, both of us—servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It’s not the one who plants or the one who waters who is at the center of this process but God, who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God’s field in which we are working. Or, to put it another way, you are God’s house. 歌林多前書 3:5-8: 亚波罗算什么？保罗算什么？我们不过是上帝的仆人，各人照着主所赐的才干引导你们信靠上帝。我栽种，亚波罗灌溉，但使之生长的是上帝。所以栽种的和灌溉的都算不得什么，一切都在于使之生长的上帝。其实栽种的人和浇灌的人目标都一样，各人将按照自己的付出得报酬。(pg 1850) Col 1:28: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. 歌罗西书 1:28: 我们传扬基督，用各样的智慧劝诫、教导众人，使他们在基督里长大成熟，好把他们带到上帝面前。(page 1909) Ezra 10:4: Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. But we are standing with you. Be courageous and act! 以斯拉記 10:4: 你起来，这是你当办的事，我们必帮助你，你当奋勉而行。(page 786) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/08/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States