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              <text>A Return to Sanity&#13;
From Old Form to New Life&#13;
(Psalm 23)&#13;
There are certain scripture passages and verses that form the bedrock of our Christian faith: &#13;
&#13;
John 3:16&#13;
Jesus teaching what came to be referred to as “the Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13)&#13;
&#13;
The opening verses of the first chapter of the Gospel of John&#13;
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”&#13;
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us…”&#13;
    …and the 23rd Psalm&#13;
One of my favorite and most quoted parts of that chapter is Psalm 23:3: “He restores my soul – He leads me in paths of righteousness”&#13;
I want to begin this morning by saying something simple:&#13;
God wants to restore us.&#13;
Restoration assumes something was off. Something was not right&#13;
The quest for restoration should begin the moment we realize it is needed in our lives.&#13;
One of my favorite movies opens with this line:&#13;
“A beginning is a very delicate time.”&#13;
And today—this first Sunday of 2026—is a beginning.&#13;
Not necessarily a loud one or a dramatic one.  …But a delicate one.&#13;
Proverbs reminds us to know the importance of the season we are in.&#13;
Not every season is for speed. Some seasons are for alignment.&#13;
Psalm 16:11: Thou wilt show me the path of life&#13;
Let me ask you something gently…&#13;
Were there moments in 2025 where you took actions that didn’t seem in line with your goals… your values…&#13;
…or even your own character?&#13;
Moments where later you thought, “What was I thinking?”&#13;
Shakespeare once lamented, “These rebel powers that thee array…”&#13;
talking about forces inside the soul that pull us off course.&#13;
“these “rebel powers” in the soul replaying” (forces that doubt belong there)&#13;
anger. resentment. guilt. bitterness. unforgiveness.  We all know them.&#13;
The TV commercial asks, “What’s in your wallet?”&#13;
But maybe our deeper question should be:  “What’s in your soul?”&#13;
Sometimes we kinda need a setback to prepare us for a comeback.&#13;
And so much of recovery — so much of restoration—&#13;
can be traced back to one thing: A return to sanity.&#13;
In the Twelve Steps, Step Two says this: &#13;
“Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”&#13;
Sanity simply means: reasonable, sound, clear thinking.&#13;
Living in alignment with reality.&#13;
I submit to you: Insanity, then, isn’t madness — it’s misalignment.&#13;
“He wasn’t in his right mind when he did that”&#13;
“not being in your right mind” can mean all kinds of things.&#13;
 &#13;
It doesn’t have to be addiction or something that people can see outwardly&#13;
It can be anger, resentment, anxiety, unforgiveness, being judgemental&#13;
Someone once said, “That rare person who truly sees their betrayal by their own wrong ideas is ready to awaken.”&#13;
A wake-up call is really a return to sanity.&#13;
That’s mercy.&#13;
Jesus gives us a perfect picture of this in Luke 15. (Prodigal Son)&#13;
Luke 15:17 says,“When he came to himself…”&#13;
That’s restored sanity.&#13;
TPT says, “Humiliated, the son finally realized what he was doing.”&#13;
Not condemned. Not rejected. Awakened.&#13;
Truth did something nothing else could do.&#13;
Truth can show mercy toward you by being merciless toward everything that is harming you.&#13;
“The TRUTH shall set you free”&#13;
3 John 2 says, “…even as your soul prospers.”&#13;
&#13;
God desires your life to flourish— but flourishing follows restoration.&#13;
Our souls need to be restored to God’s divine settings so that our souls can prosper, so that our lives can flow the way they were designed to flow.&#13;
…so that we can accomplish our “Divine To-Do’s”&#13;
This isn’t about trying harder. It’s about returning to alignment.&#13;
Proverbs 8 says this: “If you wait at wisdom’s doorway, longing to hear a word for every day, joy will break forth within you as you listen.”&#13;
Listen to this line: “…the fountain of life pours into you every time you find me.”&#13;
(ref: Prov 8:34)  That’s not striving. That’s beholding.&#13;
But Proverbs also warns us: Ignoring wisdom brings harm to your own soul.&#13;
Not punishment — harm.&#13;
The opposite of sanity is in-sanity.&#13;
Scripture describes insanity this way: “Like a dog returning to its vomit.”&#13;
This comes from Proverbs 26:11 and describes a fool who repeats their foolish mistakes … someone going back to harmful or sinful behaviors, even after knowing better&#13;
… it’s going back to what once made us sick and wondering why we still feel unwell.&#13;
So when we ask, “What was I thinking?” the honest answer is often:&#13;
“I was thinking — but I was thinking carnally.”&#13;
“To be carnally minded is death.” Carnal thinking disconnects us from reality.&#13;
But Proverbs 9:10 says, “The starting point for acquiring wisdom is to be consumed with awe as you worship the Lord.”  “Consumed with awe.”&#13;
Isn’t that what we’ve been talking about? &#13;
Isn’t that beholding?&#13;
Transformation doesn’t start with effort. It starts with awe.&#13;
One of the clearest signs of insanity is often revealed in the way we speak.&#13;
Why would we curse ourselves? Why would we speak against our future?&#13;
1 Peter 3:10 says, “Whoever desires to love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil.”&#13;
Words reveal what’s happening in the soul.  …those “rebel forces”&#13;
Wisdom guards the mouth because wisdom guards the soul.&#13;
This year isn’t about becoming someone else.&#13;
It’s about coming back to yourself — the self God intended&#13;
&#13;
…before fear, distraction, and misalignment set in.&#13;
Psalm 23:3 doesn’t say, “He pushes my soul.”  It says, “He restores my soul.”&#13;
Restoration is not force. It’s return.&#13;
“Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty.&#13;
From old form - to new life. From confusion - to clarity. From insanity - to sanity.&#13;
So today, don’t rush this new beginning. It’s a delicate time.&#13;
Let Him restore your soul.&#13;
&#13;
&#13;
&#13;
&#13;
&#13;
&#13;
&#13;
&#13;
Father,&#13;
We come before You now not to fix ourselves, not to promise improvement,&#13;
but to return.&#13;
We confess that at times we have lived out of alignment—&#13;
thinking without awe, speaking without wisdom, moving without clarity.&#13;
And yet You have not withdrawn.&#13;
You have remained near.&#13;
You are the One Who restores our souls.&#13;
So we yield the noise within us. We release the old ways of thinking,&#13;
the old fears,&#13;
the old forms&#13;
that no longer belong to the life You are shaping in us.&#13;
We choose stillness over striving. Awe over anxiety. Wisdom over impulse.&#13;
Restore our souls to Your divine settings.&#13;
Bring us back to clarity. Bring us back to truth.&#13;
Bring us back to ourselves as You intended us to be.&#13;
As we behold You, quietly and honestly,&#13;
let our thinking be healed, our words be purified, and our lives realigned.&#13;
We trust You with this beginning.&#13;
It is delicate — and it is held in Your hands.&#13;
We rest in You. We return to You.&#13;
&#13;
In Jesus’ name, Amen.&#13;
&#13;
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: &#13;
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.&#13;
&#13;
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                <text>A Return to Sanity 《回归清醒》</text>
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                <text>Psalm 23:3:  He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.&#13;
詩 篇 23: 3: 他 使 我 的 灵 魂 苏 醒 ， 为 自 己 的 名 引 导 我 走 义 路 。(pg 901)&#13;
Psalm 16:11: Thou wilt show me the path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.&#13;
詩 篇 16:11: 你 必 将 生 命 的 道 路 指 示 我 。 在 你 面 前 有 满 足 的 喜 乐 ； 在 你 右 手 中 有 永 远 的 福 乐 。(page 892)&#13;
Romans 8:6 - The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.&#13;
羅 馬 書 8:6: 如果你们的思想受罪恶自我的控制，只能导致死亡。如果你们的思想受灵的控制，你们就会得到生命与和平。(page 1832)&#13;
&#13;
John 8:32: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.&#13;
約 翰 福 音 8:32: 你 们 必 晓 得 真 理 ， 真 理 必 叫 你 们 得 以 自 由 。(page 1734)&#13;
3 John 1:2 - Beloved, I pray you to prosper concerning all things and to be in good health, just as your soul prospers. &#13;
約 翰 三 書 2: 亲 爱 的 兄 弟 阿 ， 我 愿 你 凡 事 兴 盛 ， 身 体 健 壮 ， 正 如 你 的 灵 魂 兴 盛 一 样 。 (page 1985)&#13;
&#13;
Prov 9:10: The starting point for acquiring wisdom is to be consumed with awe as you worship the Lord.&#13;
箴言 9:10:智慧始于敬畏耶和华，认识至圣者便是明智。  (pg 1045)&#13;
&#13;
Psalm 23:6: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.&#13;
詩 篇 23: 3:  我 一 生 一 世 必 有 恩 惠 慈 爱 随 着 我 ； 我 且 要 住 在 耶 和 华 的 殿 中 ， 直 到 永 远 。(pg 901)&#13;
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                <text>Pastor: Mike Koger</text>
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                <text>Hillside United Methodist Church&#13;
3737 US 80&#13;
Phenix City AL 36870&#13;
United States</text>
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              <text>Divine Alignment:&#13;
John 17:3&#13;
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.&#13;
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.&#13;
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!'"&#13;
For us as Christians, alignment means readjusting ourselves. Getting back on track. Removing the hindrances that block God's power.&#13;
When we are in “Misalignment” we drift and get off-track (“wandering generality”)&#13;
We all experience seasons when our lives fall out of divine alignment. Our thoughts become stagnant, our faith weakens, and our spiritual momentum slows.&#13;
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."&#13;
This misalignment manifests in our attitudes and actions. (double-minded)&#13;
Tony Robbins reminds us: "All beliefs carry with them consequences."&#13;
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.&#13;
The Solution is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ&#13;
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."&#13;
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.&#13;
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!"&#13;
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."&#13;
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."&#13;
Tony Robbins: “All beliefs carry with them consequences”&#13;
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.&#13;
&#13;
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?&#13;
We get out of Divine Alignment, and we need to repent. To get back on the “straight and narrow.”&#13;
A Life in Divine Alignment&#13;
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.&#13;
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!"&#13;
When we're in alignment, our focus shifts from self-preservation to contribution.&#13;
We naturally uplift others and "encourage one another" as Scripture instructs.&#13;
This doesn't mean burning ourselves out—Godly wisdom knows when to "sharpen the saw" and rest.&#13;
A life in divine alignment is characterized by:&#13;
• Truth that turns to power to overcome&#13;
• A heart that remains teachable&#13;
• A life that experiences the goodness of God in the land of the living&#13;
• A new wineskin ready to receive fresh revelation&#13;
• An upgraded belief system based on God's Word&#13;
Today, don’t just embrace these TRUTHS intellectually – bury them deep within your heart with extreme GRATITUDE&#13;
&#13;
You’ve no doubt heard of the placebo effect&#13;
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.&#13;
…but have you heard of The “nocebo effect?”&#13;
&#13;
The nocebo effect is a phenomenon where a person experiences negative symptoms or worsening of their condition due to their negative beliefs or expectations&#13;
&#13;
We may find ourselves embracing this 'nocebo effect'—where negative beliefs produce negative outcomes in our lives.&#13;
&#13;
Just as the placebo effect shows how positive belief can create positive outcomes, the nocebo effect demonstrates how negative expectations can manifest harmful results.&#13;
&#13;
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&#13;
&#13;
if your thoughts aren't aligned with God’s Word, your mind will resist what your spirit knows.&#13;
an unrenewed mind will fight against the Word of God&#13;
&#13;
Our faith should be an expectation based on God’s Word&#13;
“Good Things”&#13;
&#13;
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.&#13;
&#13;
We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake,&#13;
not by mechanical aid, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn.&#13;
&#13;
All beliefs have consequences&#13;
&#13;
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!”&#13;
Action Steps Toward Realignment&#13;
Today, I'm calling you to take specific steps toward divine alignment:&#13;
1. Don't just embrace these truths intellectually—bury them deep within your heart with extreme GRATITUDE.&#13;
Allow God to plow up your heart for the seed of the Living Word.&#13;
&#13;
Commit to the lifelong journey of faith—this is not some "quick fix"—this is YOUR LIFE!&#13;
&#13;
Move from an "old testament" mindset into your NEW Testament reality.&#13;
The Ongoing Journey of Alignment&#13;
&#13;
Brothers and Sisters, it's time for your attitude (your heart) and your actions to come into Divine Alignment.&#13;
This alignment positions you to experience what Jesus defined as eternal life—knowing and experiencing God and His Son.&#13;
&#13;
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."&#13;
All beliefs carry with them consequences.&#13;
Maybe it's time for your beliefs to get an upgrade?&#13;
As we close today, I challenge you: Are you still "teachable?"&#13;
&#13;
Is your heart a New Wineskin that can accept what God would say to you now – in 2025?&#13;
Sometimes we have to release the old to embrace the new things God wants to reveal to us.&#13;
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?&#13;
&#13;
Have you been discouraged by past attempts at realigning your life that seemingly end in failure?&#13;
We get out of Divine Alignment, and we need to repent…&#13;
…To get back on the “straight and narrow.”&#13;
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.”&#13;
The process of getting out of alignment could be very gradual.&#13;
&#13;
One small error in judgement – one bad choice.&#13;
&#13;
( )&#13;
&#13;
Holy Spirit can reveal to us that moment where we started to get off course.&#13;
&#13;
( )&#13;
&#13;
Repent from that moment.&#13;
&#13;
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.&#13;
&#13;
…but it all started with an initial step away from the path.&#13;
&#13;
Here is our hope:&#13;
2 Cor 3:17: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.&#13;
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.&#13;
&#13;
Let's pray together for divine alignment in every area of our lives:&#13;
&#13;
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&#13;
In Jesus' name, amen.&#13;
&#13;
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.</text>
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                <text>&lt;span&gt;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."&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span&gt;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)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span&gt;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!’&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span&gt;以赛亚书 40:3: 听啊，有人高喊：“在旷野预备耶和华的道，&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span&gt;在沙漠修直我们上帝的路。(1175)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span&gt;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!&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span&gt;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)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span&gt;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!"&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span&gt;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)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span&gt;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.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;span&gt;马太福音 7:14: 但通向永生的门小，路窄，找到的人也少 (p 1568)&lt;/span&gt;</text>
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                <text>Hillside United Methodist Church&#13;
3739 US 80&#13;
Phenix City  AL  36870&#13;
United States&#13;
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              <text>ALL THINGS NEW&#13;
John 12:12–19&#13;
What if the only thing standing between you and the life God has for you... &#13;
… is something you refuse to put down? Think about that for a second. &#13;
Not the enemy. Not your circumstances. Not your past. &#13;
Just... your grip.&#13;
Imagine someone hands you a gift. A brand-new life. A fresh start. A clean slate. &#13;
And you reach out to take it... but you won't let go of what's already in your hand.&#13;
You cannot step into something new… while holding on to something old.&#13;
&#13;
We often think we can grow, change, and move forward without releasing the things behind us.  But that’s not how transformation works.&#13;
&#13;
You don’t get transplanted into the garden… while still clinging to the flower pot.&#13;
&#13;
Some of us are emotionally attached to things God has already delivered us from.&#13;
&#13;
We cling… Not because they were good — but because they were familiar.&#13;
And sometimes… familiar feels safer than free.&#13;
God makes all things new—but we must be willing to release what is old.&#13;
If you go on vacation but only think about what you left behind… is it really a vacation?&#13;
&#13;
(Overcoming conditioning will require some willpower and awareness)&#13;
You’re somewhere new physically—but mentally, you’re still in the old place.&#13;
&#13;
Some people never leave their past.&#13;
They replay conversations, revisit failures, relive moments.&#13;
&#13;
And they try to live today while emotionally trapped in yesterday.&#13;
2 Corinthians 5:17: Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!&#13;
&#13;
Palm Sunday  John 12:12–19 (read)&#13;
In John 12, Jesus rides into Jerusalem.&#13;
&#13;
The crowd celebrates—but the Pharisees resist.&#13;
&#13;
They were committed to the old system, while Jesus was bringing something new. &#13;
Truth: The old mindset will fight to survive.&#13;
&#13;
Your old identity doesn’t want to die quietly.&#13;
&#13;
It will say: 'You’ve always been this way.'&#13;
&#13;
But that voice is history trying to override destiny.&#13;
It's like someone leaving prison.  They are free — but still think like a prisoner. &#13;
Spiritually, many believers live the same way. &#13;
If you think the same old thoughts, you will replay the same old life. &#13;
Transformation happens when something changes within you. &#13;
Renew your mind — and your life will follow.  &#13;
The Apostle Paul knew this firsthand. &#13;
He had a past he could have been buried under — and yet he wrote these words in Phil 3:13-14: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  &#13;
Notice what he said: *forgetting* what is behind. &#13;
Not ignoring it. Not pretending it didn't happen. &#13;
But refusing to let it define where he was going.  &#13;
That's the posture God is calling us to today. Press on. &#13;
“Don't look back.”&#13;
&#13;
Here's something we need to get clear on — because the enemy is sneaky.  &#13;
Condemnation can sound spiritual.  It can feel like humility. &#13;
But it's a trap.  &#13;
The Holy Spirit convicts — He does not condemn. &#13;
Conviction leads you forward. Condemnation holds you back.  &#13;
There is a verse I need you to hold onto today. Romans 8:1 says: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  &#13;
No condemnation. Not a little. Not conditionally. None. &#13;
That means the voice that keeps replaying your worst moments? &#13;
That is not God. That is the enemy using your past as a weapon against your future.  &#13;
And then Isaiah 43:18-19 makes it even clearer: "Forget the former things... do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!"  &#13;
God is not asking you to pretend the past didn't happen. &#13;
He's asking you to stop letting it have the final word.  &#13;
Jesus rode into Jerusalem to bring something new. &#13;
And that same Jesus is still making all things new — today.&#13;
So let me ask you directly —&#13;
What could you be holding on to that God has already released?  &#13;
Is it a sin He's already forgiven? &#13;
Is it a version of yourself that no longer exists? &#13;
Is it someone else's words that were never true to begin with?  &#13;
Here's the challenge today: &#13;
You cannot walk into the new thing God has for you with both hands full of the old.  &#13;
You have to choose.  &#13;
Not because God is withholding anything from you — but because freedom requires your participation.&#13;
Jesus opened the door. &#13;
But you have to be willing to walk through.  &#13;
He paid the price. He made you new.&#13;
Today might be the day you finally put it down. &#13;
Not tomorrow. Not when you feel ready. Today.  &#13;
The same Jesus who rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday — &#13;
who turned the world upside down with a donkey and a crowd of worshippers — &#13;
is riding into your situation right now.  &#13;
And He is making all things new.  &#13;
Will you let Him?&#13;
&#13;
Closing Prayer&#13;
Father, thank You that You make all things new.&#13;
We release our past into Your hands.&#13;
Renew our minds, heal our hearts, and lead us forward.&#13;
In Jesus' name, Amen.&#13;
&#13;
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                <text>ALL THINGS NEW 一切都更新了</text>
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                <text>Rev 21:5:  He who was seated on the throne said, &#13;
“I am making everything new!”&#13;
启示录 21:5: 坐在宝座上的说：“看哪，我正在使一切都更新！”&#13;
&#13;
2 Cor 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!&#13;
哥林多后书 5:17: 若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人；旧事已过，都变成新的了！  (page 1408)&#13;
&#13;
Ezekiel 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.&#13;
以西结书 36:26: 我也要赐给你们一个新心，将新灵放在你们里面。(page 1183)&#13;
&#13;
Isaiah 43:19 : See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?&#13;
以赛亚书 43:19: 看哪，我要做一件新事，如今要发生，你们岂不知道吗？  (page 1875)&#13;
&#13;
Luke 19:38:  “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”&#13;
路加福音 19:38: “奉主名来的王是应当称颂的！” (page 1702)&#13;
&#13;
Lam 3:22–23:  His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.&#13;
耶利米哀歌 3:22–23: 祂的慈爱永不止息；&#13;
每早晨都是新的，祂的信实极其广大。(page 1341)&#13;
&#13;
&#13;
God is not patching the old—He is making all things new.&#13;
神不是修补旧的，祂是在更新一切。&#13;
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3737 US 80&#13;
Phenix City AL 36870&#13;
United States</text>
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              <text>All We Need&#13;
Psalm 73:26&#13;
When was the last time you gave yourself permission to be joyful—right now, today, exactly as things are?&#13;
Not when the diagnosis improves. Not when the bills are paid.&#13;
Not when everything settles down. Right now.&#13;
&#13;
Most of us are living in the “if” and the “when.”&#13;
“I’ll be happy if…”   “I’ll rejoice when…”&#13;
&#13;
But joy was never meant to be a destination.&#13;
Joy is a decision we make in the middle of the journey.&#13;
Solomon said that “as a man thinks, so is he.”&#13;
We think many thoughts—but not all define us.&#13;
&#13;
It is our dominant thoughts that shape our lives.&#13;
How we interpret what we are going through.&#13;
What we choose to focus on. …and what we focus on expands.&#13;
If we focus on what’s missing, joy will always feel out of reach.&#13;
If we focus on what God is doing—even in small ways—something begins to shift inside of us.&#13;
&#13;
I’ll be honest with you…&#13;
Lately, I’ve been focused on my health challenges.&#13;
And while it’s good to be aware, there comes a point where awareness becomes obsession.&#13;
And when that happens, we begin to miss the simple joy of being alive.&#13;
&#13;
There comes a moment where we must choose:&#13;
Will I live by how I feel? Or will I walk by faith?&#13;
&#13;
So here it is:  It is time to stop postponing joy.&#13;
Not tomorrow. Not next week. Not when everything changes. Right now.&#13;
Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”&#13;
&#13;
God is enough—right now.&#13;
Philippians 4:6-8 Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. &#13;
And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising him always.&#13;
 (Don’t rush these next quiet lines: Those are the moments where the room will lean in.)&#13;
Philippians 4 gives us a pathway:&#13;
Release anxiety.&#13;
Refocus your thoughts.&#13;
Receive peace.&#13;
&#13;
“Do not be anxious about anything…”&#13;
“Present your requests to God…”&#13;
“And the peace of God will guard your heart and mind…”&#13;
&#13;
Peace does not come from control. Peace comes from surrender.&#13;
&#13;
King David understood this.&#13;
After one of the most painful seasons of his life, Scripture says:&#13;
He arose.&#13;
He washed.&#13;
He anointed himself.&#13;
And he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped.&#13;
&#13;
He did not wait to feel better. He chose to move forward.&#13;
&#13;
That is what it means to stop postponing joy.&#13;
[Control vs Trust]&#13;
&#13;
So many of us are trying to fix what we cannot fix.&#13;
Trying to control what we cannot control.&#13;
&#13;
And it is exhausting.&#13;
&#13;
Peace begins where control ends.&#13;
In Mark 6 we read: There was such a swirl of activity around Jesus, with so many people coming and going, that they were unable to even eat a meal. So Jesus said to his disciples, “Come, let’s take a break and find a secluded place where you can rest a while.” They slipped away and left by sailboat for a deserted spot. But many of the people saw them leaving and realized where they were headed, so they took off running along the shore.&#13;
When Jesus looked at the crowds, He saw people who were tired, overwhelmed, and burdened.&#13;
&#13;
Scripture says: He was moved with compassion.&#13;
&#13;
Jesus said: “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”&#13;
&#13;
What is important to understand is the way Jesus says this. &#13;
&#13;
He does not say it like a boss giving orders. &#13;
He doesn’t say it like someone who is tired of listening to people's problems. &#13;
&#13;
He says it as someone who is gentle, someone who understands, someone who is not annoyed by our weakness and not surprised by our struggles.&#13;
&#13;
You are not coming to a God who is tired of you.&#13;
You are coming to a God who understands you.&#13;
&#13;
Come.&#13;
Rest.  Stop striving. Stop postponing.&#13;
&#13;
It’s time to Rejoice — not someday — but now.&#13;
&#13;
Our strength comes from remaining (abiding) in the Vine &#13;
As Jesus said in John 15:7, ”If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”&#13;
"The Christian life is not a testing ground to see how much you can handle. &#13;
It is a living connection to the One who handles everything." &#13;
It is time — right now — to stop postponing our joy.&#13;
As we prepare our hearts to come the Table of the Lord today for Holy Communion, we do not come with conditions.&#13;
&#13;
Not: “God, I will trust You when…”&#13;
&#13;
But: “God, I trust You now.”&#13;
&#13;
Peace does not come from control. Peace comes from surrender.&#13;
&#13;
Jesus said: “I Am the bread of life.”&#13;
&#13;
He is our source.&#13;
He is all we need.&#13;
&#13;
Prayer&#13;
Lord, we come before You right now—not when life changes, but just as we are.&#13;
&#13;
We confess that we have postponed our joy.&#13;
&#13;
Today, we choose to trust You.&#13;
&#13;
Be our strength when we are weak.&#13;
Be our peace in the middle of uncertainty.&#13;
&#13;
Fill us with a joy that the world cannot give and cannot take away.&#13;
&#13;
In Jesus’ name, Amen.&#13;
&#13;
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                <text>All We Need 我们所需要的一切</text>
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                <text>Psalm 73:26: My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.&#13;
诗篇 73:26：我的肉体和我的心肠衰残；但神是我心里的力量，又是我的福分，直到永远。&#13;
Philippians 4:6–8: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.&#13;
腓立比书 4:6–8： 应当一无挂虑，只要凡事借着祷告、祈求和感谢，将你们所要的告诉神&#13;
Ecclesiastes 3:1,4: There is a time for everything… a time to weep and a time to laugh…&#13;
传道书 3:1,4：凡事都有定期…有时哭，有时笑…&#13;
2 Samuel 12:20: Then David got up… washed… and worshiped the Lord.&#13;
撒母耳记下 12:20： 大卫就从地上起来，沐浴，抹膏…进耶和华的殿敬拜。&#13;
Matthew 11:28: Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.&#13;
马太福音 11:28： 凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息。&#13;
Luke 10:20: Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.&#13;
路加福音 10:20：要因你们的名记录在天上欢喜。&#13;
1 Timothy 6:6: Godliness with contentment is great gain.&#13;
提摩太前书 6:6： 敬虔加上知足的心便是大利了。&#13;
John 6:47–48: Whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life.&#13;
约翰福音 6:47–48：信的人有永生。我就是生命的粮。&#13;
Psalm 107:9: He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.&#13;
诗篇 107:9： 他使心里渴慕的人得以知足，使心里饥饿的人得饱美物。&#13;
Psalm 31:19: How abundant are the good things You have stored up…&#13;
诗篇 31:19： 你为敬畏你的人所积存的恩惠是何等大呢！&#13;
Romans 12:12: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.&#13;
罗马书 12:12：在指望中要喜乐，在患难中要忍耐，祷告要恒切。&#13;
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              <text>“Changed by Beholding—Not by Trying”&#13;
2 Corinthians 3:18&#13;
&#13;
Triggers. Pushing my buttons.  2025: Am I being changed? &#13;
“How can I change the world if I can’t change myself?”&#13;
&#13;
Good morning, church. (ever had to do a book report?)&#13;
I want to talk with you today about a powerful book written many years ago — and a truth that has changed my walk with God.&#13;
The book is called “Changed Into His Likeness”&#13;
It’s the simple but powerful idea that we are not changed by striving… &#13;
 …we are changed by beholding.&#13;
The author didn’t just believe these words he shared – he gave his life for them.&#13;
&#13;
to “behold” To look at or see with attention  - to regard or contemplate something. &#13;
&#13;
John 1:29:  John the Baptist sees Jesus and proclaims, "Behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world".&#13;
By identifying Jesus as the Lamb of God, John is identifying him as the ultimate sacrifice sent by God to pay for the sins of the world, bringing redemption&#13;
&#13;
We must all behold Him – as our Savior, Healer, Provider, and Redeemer.&#13;
&#13;
2 Cor 3:18: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”&#13;
&#13;
If we have “un-veiled faces,” that must mean The Veil Has Been Lifted&#13;
Under the old covenant, a veil covered people’s hearts.&#13;
They saw God through the lens of their own effort  …and their own failures.&#13;
&#13;
But today, as Paul says, “We all — with unveiled face — behold the glory of the Lord.”&#13;
That means when Jesus died on that cross and the veil of the temple was torn in two, God was saying: “The striving is over. The way is open. Stop trying to become what only My Grace can make you.”&#13;
&#13;
Some of us have been trying so hard to change ourselves.  (Amen?)&#13;
Trying to be more patient, more loving, more spiritual.&#13;
&#13;
Grace doesn’t say “try harder” — grace says “look closer.”&#13;
Look to Jesus.   (as Christians, we should always point people in one direction – to Jesus)&#13;
Heb 12:2: Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.&#13;
When you look at yourself, (honestly) you may feel condemned.&#13;
When you look at Jesus, you’ll feel transformed.&#13;
We are changed into His likeness as we behold Him.&#13;
&#13;
Galatians 2:20 says, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”&#13;
&#13;
The author calls this the secret of the Christian life: “God’s means of deliverance from sin is not to strengthen our old self, but to replace it with Christ”&#13;
&#13;
You see, God’s not trying to improve your flesh.&#13;
He’s given you a new spirit — His Spirit.&#13;
He doesn’t want a better “you.” He wants a Christ-in-you.&#13;
Let’s say that together:  “It’s no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”&#13;
&#13;
That means when you wake up in the morning, you can say,&#13;
“Jesus, Live through me today. Love through me. Think through me.&#13;
Speak through me.”&#13;
&#13;
And as you do, by His grace, you’ll find that you’re becoming more and more like Him — not by effort, but by overflow&#13;
&#13;
“we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus.”&#13;
&#13;
Now listen carefully — this is the heart of this message and the heart of grace itself.&#13;
&#13;
We are changed into His likeness as we behold Him.&#13;
&#13;
When we spend time in His Word — not to get points, not to perform, but just to see Him revealed — we’re actually being transformed.&#13;
&#13;
We may not always be aware of it, but the Spirit is doing a quiet miracle inside of us.&#13;
&#13;
Jesus said (John 6:63) “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.”&#13;
&#13;
“His Word is working mightily in me.”&#13;
&#13;
It’s like standing in the sunlight. You don’t have to try to get warm — you just stay there long enough, and the warmth finds you.&#13;
Moses’ face shone because he beheld the Lord on the mountain.&#13;
 &#13;
We stay in His Presence — and it will begin to shine from our lives.&#13;
&#13;
	Now, grace does not mean laziness.&#13;
It means learning the rhythm of Heaven: rest comes before results.&#13;
…the “the unforced rhythms of grace” mentioned in Matt 11&#13;
&#13;
When you know you’ve been made righteous, you’ll start living righteously.&#13;
When you know you’re forgiven, you’ll start forgiving more easily.&#13;
When you know that you’re loved, you’ll start loving more freely.&#13;
&#13;
That’s the “from glory to glory” life Paul talked about.&#13;
&#13;
Stop measuring your progress by your performance.&#13;
Start measuring it by your posture —&#13;
Are you resting in Him? Are you beholding Him?&#13;
Because that’s where the Spirit does His best work.&#13;
&#13;
2 Corinthians 3:18 ends by saying, “…just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”&#13;
Zechariah 4:6: It’s “not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit.”   &#13;
&#13;
Growth comes through spiritual disciple. The key word there is spiritual&#13;
Time in God’s Presence. &#13;
It involves deliberate effort, but the more importantly it requires surrender.&#13;
&#13;
You and I can’t make ourselves more like Jesus — but the Holy Spirit can, and He’s already at work in you.&#13;
&#13;
Every time you turn your heart toward Jesus…&#13;
Every time you worship when it’s hard…&#13;
Every time you choose to believe you’re loved instead of condemned…&#13;
He’s shaping you into the image of the Son.&#13;
That’s the miracle of grace.&#13;
&#13;
Every time the enemy brings accusations before God, the blood of Jesus speaks louder. It declares you forgiven, redeemed, and justified. The cross already settled your case — your past has no legal right to condemn your future. &#13;
The accuser may bring up your record, but the blood of the Lamb erased every charge and stamped your life “Paid in Full.”&#13;
&#13;
Start your day with identity. Before your feet hit the floor, whisper:&#13;
“I am the righteousness of God in Christ.”  Say it until your heart believes it.&#13;
&#13;
Feed on His Word of grace.&#13;
Don’t just read His Word for information — read for revelation.&#13;
Ask, “Jesus, where are You in this passage?”&#13;
&#13;
Look to Jesus, not to yourself.&#13;
When you fail — and you will sometimes — don’t turn inward in shame.&#13;
Turn upward in faith.&#13;
The same Jesus who saved you is still the One who sanctifies you.&#13;
Rest in His love.&#13;
Grace is not a push; it’s a pull.&#13;
Let His love pull you into the kind of life you were made to live.&#13;
&#13;
2 Tim 2:22: Whatever builds up your faith and deepens your love must become your holy pursuit. &#13;
&#13;
And if you’ll just keep beholding Jesus, one day soon you’ll step out radiant, renewed,&#13;
changed into His likeness — from glory to glory.&#13;
&#13;
&#13;
Let’s pray together.&#13;
“Lord Jesus, thank You that transformation isn’t my burden — it’s Your promise.&#13;
Thank You that as I behold You, I am changed into Your likeness.&#13;
Not by my effort, but by Your Spirit. Not by the law, but by grace.&#13;
Today I rest in Your finished work, and I receive Your life in me.&#13;
In Jesus’ Name — Amen.”&#13;
&#13;
Now, say this with me:&#13;
“I am changed — because I behold Jesus.&#13;
I am free — because the veil is gone.&#13;
I am loved — because of His grace.&#13;
And I am being transformed — from glory to glory!”&#13;
&#13;
Church, this week, don’t strive to become. Behold who you already are in Him.&#13;
&#13;
 …And you’ll find His likeness shining through your life more than ever before.&#13;
&#13;
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: "Salvation isn't merely about forgiveness, but about being "conformed to the image of his son" &#13;
&#13;
Romans 8:29: God knew from the beginning who would put their trust in Him. So He chose them and made them to be like His Son.&#13;
&#13;
What does it mean to reflect the glory of God? &#13;
It means to be conformed to the image of God. &#13;
It means to turn away from oneself and trust wholly in Christ.&#13;
&#13;
We are changed into His likeness as we behold Him.&#13;
&#13;
Heb 12:2: Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.&#13;
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                <text>2 Corinthians 3:18: But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.&#13;
歌 林 多 後 書 3:18: 我们的脸不被蒙上。我们都显示了主的荣耀。我们都变得像他一样，在我们中的这种变化会带来了越来越多的荣耀。这荣耀来自主，即圣灵。(page 1873)&#13;
&#13;
John 1:29: The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!&#13;
约翰福音 1:29:  次日，约翰看见耶稣来到他那里，就说：&#13;
“看哪，神的羔羊，除去[a]世人罪孽的！  (page 1717)&#13;
&#13;
Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.&#13;
加 拉 太 書 2:20: 所以，现在活在我体内的不再是我本人，&#13;
而是基督。我凭信仰生活在上帝之子之中，他爱我，并为我牺牲了自己。(page 1887)&#13;
2 Tim 2:22: Whatever builds up your faith and deepens your love must become your holy pursuit. &#13;
提摩太后书 2:22: 你要逃避少年的私欲，同那清心祷告主的人追求公义、信德、仁爱、和平。(page 1931)&#13;
&#13;
2 Corinthians 5:21: God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.&#13;
哥林多后书 5:21: 神使那无罪[a]的替我们成为罪，好叫我们在他里面成为神的义。(page 1875)&#13;
&#13;
Zechariah 4:6: Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.&#13;
撒迦利亚书 4:6: 万军之耶和华说，‘不靠权势，不靠才能，乃靠我的灵。(page 1539)&#13;
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              <text>Beijing Diaries – Part One&#13;
Psalm 102:12,13&#13;
“When I was younger - so much younger than today&#13;
I never needed anybody's help in any way&#13;
But now these days are gone and I'm not so self-assured&#13;
…(and now) my life has changed in oh so many ways&#13;
My independence seems to vanish in the haze…”&#13;
Sometimes (most times?) life doesn’t always turn out the way you planned&#13;
• Sometimes there are unexpected challenges&#13;
Sometimes there are unexpected surprises&#13;
Both of these can teach us a lot if we are willing to be teachable&#13;
“What kind of fool am I?”&#13;
When you find yourself on the other side of the world, essentially all alone, isolated from the comfort of your own language, shut out from social media, and blocked from accessing any money or even credit, you have to stop and ask yourself this question&#13;
Despite all my best efforts and plans, this was exactly where I found myself in Beijing China. I lived almost two weeks with just one dollar in my wallet.&#13;
I won’t bother with the details (for now) but this was a real, and very distressing situation that I actually found myself in.&#13;
When all transactions are handled through the apps on your cellphone and yours won’t work, you are in big trouble.&#13;
Thankfully, my hotel accepted my credit card or I would have been literally homeless and out on the street on top of everything else.&#13;
If this sounds like fun, add to that the fact that I do not speak proper Mandarin and my translator would not work, and you have a real party on your hands.&#13;
PSALMS 102: From Tears to Praise&#13;
A prayer for those who are overwhelmed and for all the discouraged who come to pour out their hearts before the Lord&#13;
Psalm 102:12,13: But then I remember that you, O Lord, still sit enthroned as King over all! The fame of your name will be revealed to every generation. I know you are about to arise and show your tender love to Zion. Now is the time, Lord, for your compassion and mercy to be poured out— the appointed time has come for your prophetic promises to be fulfilled!&#13;
Ok – so let’s backup for moment and reflect on how all this got started…&#13;
Most of you know the excitement I have had about this supposedly well-planned journey to China.&#13;
We have shared this progressive journey since the start, when I first announced my intention to visit China.&#13;
You joined me in my enthusiasm, you shared the vision for what was to be accomplished with God’s help, you lifted me up in prayer, and you planted very generous seeds into the costs for this to happen.&#13;
Our sister church overseas was doing the same things for this from their side of the planet.&#13;
Not long after leaving the safety on an international airport, and despite ATT’s assurance that all would be fine, I soon found myself powerless to communicate or take care of my basic needs&#13;
Like so many times, the priceless lessons we learn come from “face time”&#13;
The hardest moments occurred when my attention had been diverted to the circumstances, instead of my all-sufficient source Jesus said (Matt 6:8) “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”&#13;
My focus would need to promptly redirect to:&#13;
• God’s Presence&#13;
• His Peace. His Provision.&#13;
• His Power. His Protection.&#13;
Isaiah 26:3 : Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.&#13;
(as I mentioned previously) I won’t bother with the details (for now) but this was a real, and very distressing situation that I actually found myself in.&#13;
I got very little sleep, and the weight of it all was already taking a toll when I got a much needed 1am call from my best friend and mentor (Eddie) telling me that help was on the way from his son in Shanghai. (thankful pause)&#13;
To make the story short, not only was I always in good hands from Eddie’s family and my Beijing brothers and sisters, but I was treated with such a wonderful overflow of love and generosity that I know I will never be the same again.&#13;
Nothing was every missing. Nothing.&#13;
“God is right on time” and so were His people.&#13;
…(and now) my life has changed in oh so many ways&#13;
My independence seems to vanish in the haze…”&#13;
It’s ok to find yourself dependent on God.&#13;
Phil 4:19: And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.&#13;
God uses people&#13;
So many of you were there for me in any and every way you could&#13;
My local church family planted the seeds of prayers and finances to make the journey possible&#13;
My far east family followed-up with every form of support imaginable&#13;
Holly came first, giving me the data and technology I needed to once again talk to people with my phone (although most of the usual avenues had been cut-off)&#13;
Then my precious friends began to take me places to see new sites and enjoy amazing foods everywhere we went&#13;
My brothers and sisters began to arrive by train and airplane to make it possible for us to get together meet for the very first time.&#13;
One of the names for God is Jehovah Shalom&#13;
The word peace is the Hebrew word shalom, which speaks of wholeness; nothing missing and nothing broken.&#13;
The word shalom encompasses health, security, good conditions, success, comfort, safety, happiness, wellness, wholeness, and soundness.&#13;
It reassures us that everything is all right, it gives a sense of well-being, and removes all concern.&#13;
It tells us we will come out of any circumstance unharmed.&#13;
It is a picture of a harmonious state of soul and mind and speaks of fulfillment, satisfaction, and contentment. There is quite a lot in this one little word shalom!&#13;
The phrase "nothing missing, nothing broken" typically signifies a state of completeness, wholeness, and lack of damage.&#13;
Col 2:10 tells us “So you also are complete through your union with Christ…”&#13;
Shalom suggests everything is in its proper place, accounted for, and in good condition. It can also be used in a more spiritual context, referring to a state of peace and contentment, free from any sense of incompleteness or brokenness.&#13;
&#13;
I am notorious for having unpopular, annoying old songs running through my brain&#13;
…but this time it was a precious Charles Wesley hymn that kept running thorough my head – and even out of my mouth – for several of those days&#13;
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!&#13;
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!&#13;
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!&#13;
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!&#13;
As Believers – we are more than conquerors – we are Risen with Christ&#13;
He is Emmanuel – God With Us&#13;
He will never leave us nor forsake us!&#13;
Heb 13:5: God has said, “I will never fail you. (I will never leave you) I will never abandon you.”&#13;
&#13;
Psalm 126:&#13;
It was like a dream come true when you freed us from our bondage and brought us back to Zion!&#13;
We laughed and laughed and overflowed with gladness.&#13;
We were left shouting for joy and singing your praise.&#13;
All the nations saw it and joined in, saying, “The Lord has done great miracles for them!”&#13;
Yes, he did mighty miracles and we are overjoyed! Now, Lord, do it again! Restore us to our former glory!&#13;
May streams of your refreshing flow over us until our dry hearts are drenched again.&#13;
Those who sow their tears as seeds will reap a harvest with joyful shouts of glee.&#13;
They may weep as they go out carrying their seed to sow, but they will return with joyful laughter and shouting with gladness as they bring back armloads of blessing and a harvest overflowing!&#13;
&#13;
Psalm 40:3: He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.</text>
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              <text>Beijing Diaries – Part Two&#13;
1 John 4:16&#13;
I returned from China 9 days ago. It has taken me a while to regain my energy and feel like myself again. …In fact, it has been very challenging.&#13;
I have been on this planet many decades now, but I feel like I am just getting started on what I want to achieve - what I feel God has in store for me to do.&#13;
Col 1:28-29: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. It has become my inspiration and passion in ministry to labor with a tireless intensity, with his power flowing through me, to present to every believer the revelation of being his perfect one in Jesus Christ.&#13;
If you don’t feel that way, too, I am hoping something will stir in you even as we share in God’s Word together today.&#13;
My purpose form this message today is to convince us of two things:&#13;
1. God Loves Us. (more than we can comprehend)&#13;
2. We can trust God because we know He loves us. We can come to Him and ask for help in completing our Divine Mission – living out our true purpose in life.&#13;
Early last week as I studied and searched and meditated on God’s Word, these words from 1 John 4 really spoke to me:&#13;
“We have known and believed the love of Jesus Christ”&#13;
1 John 4:16: So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.&#13;
This resonated with me, and reinforced the resounding message that I shared and received so often while in Beijing with my precious friends there: (5 words)&#13;
“God loves you so much”&#13;
That was the message I brought to China, and that was the same message my Chinese friends brought to me.&#13;
I think we all really needed to hear it. …often.&#13;
&#13;
John 13:35: By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.&#13;
&#13;
I really want to have the strength, power and resources to deliver that simple, life-changing message to more people – and to see that message change lives here and in China.&#13;
&#13;
I believe God will empower us to handle this mission – and to have the vitality and resources to fulfill the work of faith that we have been commissioned to complete.&#13;
&#13;
When we know what we are called to do, we should be able to pray confident, faith-filled prayers and make our petitions to God that He would indeed supply all we need to complete the mission we have to fulfill.&#13;
&#13;
2 Thessalonians 1:11: With this in view, we constantly pray for you, that our God will count you worthy of your calling [to faith] and with [His] power fulfill every desire for goodness, and complete [your] every work of faith…&#13;
&#13;
With this in mind, we constantly pray that our God will empower you to live worthy of all that he has invited you to experience. And we pray that by his power all the pleasures of goodness and all works inspired by faith would fill you completely. By doing this the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you will be glorified in him, by the marvelous grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.&#13;
&#13;
“We also pray that God will work powerfully in you. Then you will be able to do every good thing that you want to do. You will do the things that you want to do because you trust God.”&#13;
&#13;
You trust God? What about Him are you trusting in?&#13;
We pray Jesus’ words, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”&#13;
TPT: Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is in heaven.&#13;
If you embrace the scriptures I shared with you earlier, you can see how they agree with the prayer Jesus taught us to pray.&#13;
The great works God has called us to do&#13;
must begin with a greater revelation of His Love for us.&#13;
“God loves you so much”&#13;
I brought this message of God’s love to China – and my Chinese friends brought this same message to me, too. I really needed to learn it on a deeper level.&#13;
1 John 4:16: “We have come to know and believe the love God has for us. God is love. If you live in love, you live by the help of God and God lives in you.”&#13;
The Isaiah 53 prophecy (which was repeated and validated in Matt 8) is such a great example of the love Jesus showed to us.&#13;
Isaiah 53:5: But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by his stripes we are healed.&#13;
Look at this in the Amplified Bible. "He was wounded for our transgressions. He was crushed".&#13;
By the way, crushed is the correct word, not bruised.&#13;
He was crushed for our wickedness. Jesus was crushed for our wickedness.&#13;
&#13;
Now watch this: "The punishment (required) for our well-being fell on Him, and by his stripes we are healed".&#13;
The punishment required, in the Hebrew, the well-being is the word "shalom".&#13;
The chastisement of our peace was upon him.&#13;
The punishment with a view to your well-being.&#13;
“Jesus wasn’t murdered” – He chose to endure the cross for you. For me.&#13;
“God loves you so much”&#13;
Jesus paid it all.&#13;
Look unto Jesus – look to His finished work.&#13;
Holy Communion is such a great opportunity for us to do this&#13;
The nails - the lashes – we recognize His love for us and open our hearts to His love&#13;
The bronze serpent - Look to Jesus’ finished work and receive your healing&#13;
The New Covenant&#13;
“God loves you so much”&#13;
Not because of our works&#13;
Eph 2:8,9: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.&#13;
“I don’t feel married”&#13;
JOHN PIPER: God is God. My feelings do not define truth. God's Word defines truth.&#13;
&#13;
While we were yet sinners&#13;
“Because He lives … all fear is gone!”&#13;
2 Tim 2:13: If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.&#13;
THIS is the GOD we are trusting in.&#13;
&#13;
With this TRUST in the Love of GOD, we are empowered to REST&#13;
(by God’s Grace through Faith)&#13;
We no longer walk in fear of not doing everything “just right”&#13;
(did I pray loud enough? did I make a mistake today?)&#13;
&#13;
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.&#13;
&#13;
So we can, through Christ, break the power of the things that are hindering us from fulfilling God’s Purposes for our lives.&#13;
&#13;
We call forth the Resources – Restoration – Healing – Renewed Strength – the deliverance – the wisdom&#13;
&#13;
Maybe you’ve been trying to do things on your own for so long you wonder if it’s even possible to live this other way – to rely on God’s strength and power?&#13;
God knows where you’ve been – and He also knows what He could do in and through you if you will give Him back control of your life.&#13;
He knows how to heal and restore your life.&#13;
You need the life of God working in and through you – because that is God’s will for your life.&#13;
He wants to raise you up to a whole new level of wholeness and victory.&#13;
&#13;
Col 1: 23: Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in.&#13;
&#13;
Because God loves us, this perfect love can cast out all fear from our lives as we put our full trust in Him and His plan for our lives.&#13;
&#13;
“We have experienced and we have entrusted our lives to the love of God in us. God is love. “&#13;
&#13;
Eph 3:19: …and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.&#13;
&#13;
God called you out of darkness. He loves you – and He has accepted you.</text>
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                <text>1 John 4:16: And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.&#13;
约翰一书 4:16: 我们已经认识并且相信了上帝对我们的爱。上帝就是爱，住在爱中的，就是住在上帝里面，上帝也住在他里面 (pg 1981)&#13;
&#13;
John 13:35: By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.&#13;
约翰福音 13:35: 你们如果彼此相爱，世人就会认出你们是我的门徒。(page 1747)&#13;
&#13;
1 Thess 1:11: With this in mind, we constantly pray that our God will empower you to live worthy of all that he has invited you to experience. And we pray that by his power all the pleasures of goodness and all works inspired by faith would fill you completely.&#13;
帖撒罗尼迦后书1:11: 因此，我们常常为你们祷告，愿我们的上帝看你们配得祂的呼召，用大能成全你们一切美好的心愿和凭信心所做的工作。(page 1919)&#13;
Eph 2:8,9: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.&#13;
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)&#13;
&#13;
Col 1: 23: Never be shaken from the hope of the gospel you have believed in.&#13;
歌罗西书 1:23: 只是你们必须恒心持守所信的道，根基稳固，坚定不移，不要失去你们听到福音后所得到的盼望。(page 1909)&#13;
Eph 3:19: …and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.&#13;
以弗所书 3:19: 并知道基督的爱是远超过人所能理解的爱，好叫上帝无限的丰富充满你们。 (page 1897)</text>
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              <text>CODE – Week Two – KNOWN  认识&#13;
Luke 19:5,9,10&#13;
Last week I did something that felt almost impossible. I deleted Instagram off my phone. For some of you, that might sound like no big deal. But for me... my thumb still finds that empty spot on my home screen out of habit. &#13;
I'll go to check something — anything — and just stare at the blank space where the app used to be. &#13;
That's how much of a grip it had on me. &#13;
Because it wasn't just stealing my time. It was quietly planting ideas and images in my mind that I never asked for — a steady hum of comparison, distraction, and noise I didn't even realize I was carrying around with me all day. &#13;
Now, I got some good productivity tips and health info along the way, I'll admit that. &#13;
But mixed in with all of it was a constant stream of bad news and disturbing glimpses of everything wrong with this current age we live in. And it left me with a question I couldn't shake. &#13;
Last week we asked, "Who wrote the code you're living by?" &#13;
This week, it's this: Whose voice has our attention? &#13;
What we focus on expands. What we feed our hearts determines what we start to see in the world around us. &#13;
God wants to direct our steps — but we have to be sensitive enough to hear His voice. &#13;
He is seeking us today.Before we can fully comprehend God’s CODE, we must first understand God's Heart. He sees us completely—our failures and wanderings—yet responds with healing, comfort, and grace. &#13;
The Code is not God's way of keeping you out; it's God's way of bringing you home.&#13;
Remember last week we said, GOD wants the best for our lives.   (        )&#13;
Romans 8:31, 32: So, what does all this mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us? For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all,  he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give.&#13;
It’s all about growing in our understanding and experience of the heart of Our Father&#13;
Last week we asked, 'Who wrote the code you're living by?'&#13;
This week we meet a man whose entire life had been written by another code.&#13;
Success. Wealth. Status. Power.&#13;
He climbed a tree thinking he was looking for Jesus...&#13;
...only to discover Jesus had been looking for him all along.&#13;
&#13;
“Wee Little Man”&#13;
Luke 19:1-10&#13;
Zaccheus was NOT a popular man in the community&#13;
The lesson is – even the little (rejected) person matters to God. (verse 3)&#13;
The crowd overlooked him...  Jesus didn't.&#13;
 “People want to be seen”&#13;
GOD sees you where you are.  (verse 5)&#13;
Jesus stopped beneath the tree.&#13;
He didn't say, 'Hey, tax collector...'&#13;
He didn't say, 'Hey, sinner...'&#13;
He didn't say, 'Hey, you...'&#13;
He said, 'Zacchaeus.'&#13;
Week Two: The One who rewrites your code already knows your name.&#13;
Before Zacchaeus ever came down from the tree...&#13;
before he gave anything back...&#13;
before his life changed...&#13;
before he made things right...&#13;
Jesus called him by name.&#13;
The world says... 'Prove your worth, and then you'll matter.'&#13;
Jesus says... 'You matter, and that's why I've come for you.'"&#13;
"You're valuable because I know your name."&#13;
When Jesus says, "Zacchaeus," He isn't just identifying him.&#13;
He's inviting him. The name becomes an invitation.&#13;
When Jesus walked into a room, prostitutes felt safe enough to cry at his feet, while religious leaders plotted his death.&#13;
That's not normal love. That's dangerous love.&#13;
We've heard it a thousand times. “Jesus loves you.”&#13;
 &#13;
But what does that actually mean? &#13;
Because if we're honest, those three words have become so familiar that they've seemingly lost their impact on so many.&#13;
HERE is the Love of Christ:&#13;
Jesus didn't love people from a distance. He touched the untouchable. &#13;
(even the tax collector)&#13;
&#13;
vs 5: When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” &#13;
WHY?&#13;
vs 9: Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house…”&#13;
An encounter with the true Jesus changes everything. (verse 9)&#13;
He gave him dignity before he gave him direction. He let him know he was KNOWN.&#13;
&#13;
Joseph Prince: “In Luke 19:2–10, where you find Jesus meeting and ministering to Zacchaeus, notice that not a single commandment was given. Yet when the love and grace of our Lord Jesus touched his heart, the once-covetous tax collector wanted to give half of his wealth to the poor and repay fourfold every person he had stolen from. The love of money died when the love of Jesus came. This is what happens to people who encounter the Lord Jesus and His grace.”&#13;
Why does this change us? “Perfect love drives out fear.”&#13;
We need an “encounter with the Lord Jesus and His grace.”&#13;
We need to have a revelation of the Love Jesus has for us today&#13;
Here's what we sometimes miss: &#13;
Jesus' love is so powerful... that it confronts the lies we've believed about ourselves.&#13;
Jesus didn't simply come to forgive your past.&#13;
He came to interrupt the code you've been living by.&#13;
Jesus gave Zacchaeus dignity before he gave him direction. &#13;
&#13;
He let him know he was KNOWN.&#13;
Our faith in the true love of the true Jesus – our true savior – becomes the CODE that is the antidote to this form of miserable existence:&#13;
Romans 5:1: Our faith in Jesus transfers God's righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, has done for us.&#13;
Romans 5:1 (AMP) Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).&#13;
To understand The CODE we need a true revelation of the Love of Christ within our hearts.&#13;
God sees you today. You are KNOWN.&#13;
Psalm 33:18: Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love…&#13;
God sees you today. God hears you today. You are KNOWN.&#13;
Psalm 34:4 (David) “Listen to my testimony: I cried to God in my distress and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears!”&#13;
Maybe you've spent years trying to prove your value.&#13;
Maybe you've climbed your own tree.&#13;
&#13;
Maybe you've hidden behind success... or failure... or religion... or shame...&#13;
Today...&#13;
Jesus stops.&#13;
Looks up.&#13;
Calls your name.&#13;
Then... “You're valuable... because I know your name.”&#13;
Remember you are known&#13;
Isaiah 43:1: Do not be afraid, I have rescued you to belong to me. I have called you by your name, so now you are mine. &#13;
Zacchaeus' code said: You're valuable because of what you possess.&#13;
&#13;
Jesus rewrote the code: You're valuable because I know your name.&#13;
“The Son of Man has come to seek out and to give life to those who are lost.”&#13;
The Son of Man has come to seek...&#13;
...you.&#13;
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                <text>ROMANS 8:31-32&#13;
If God has determined to stand with us, who then could ever stand against us? For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give.&#13;
罗马书 8:31-32&#13;
既是这样，还有什么说的呢？神若帮助我们，谁能敌挡我们呢？神既不惜为我们舍了自己的儿子，岂不也把万事和他一同白白地赐给我们吗？&#13;
&#13;
LUKE 19:9-10&#13;
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”&#13;
路加福音 19:9-10&#13;
耶稣说：“今天救恩临到了这家，因为他也是亚伯拉罕的子孙。人子来，为要寻找、拯救失丧的人。”&#13;
&#13;
ROMANS 5:1&#13;
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.&#13;
罗马书 5:1&#13;
我们既因信称义，就藉着我们的主耶稣基督得与神相和。&#13;
&#13;
ROMANS 5:5&#13;
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.&#13;
罗马书 5:5&#13;
盼望不至于羞耻，因为神的爱藉着所赐给我们的圣灵，已经浇灌在我们心里。&#13;
&#13;
ISAIAH 43:1&#13;
Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine.&#13;
以赛亚书 43:1&#13;
你不要害怕，因为我救赎了你；我曾提你的名召你，你是属我的。</text>
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3737 US 80&#13;
Phenix City AL 36870&#13;
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              <text>CODE III: KNOW HIM&#13;
2 Thess 3:16&#13;
Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon &#13;
Apparently every actor in Hollywood can be connected to Kevin Bacon in six steps or less. &#13;
The theory says every person on earth can be connected to every other person through six relationships.&#13;
Maybe that's true.&#13;
According to the theory, somewhere between me and the President of the United States there are only six introductions.&#13;
But I still doubt he's coming to Waffle House with me after church.&#13;
I know about him. I've travelled twice just to see him speak.&#13;
But he doesn't know me...  ...and I don't really know him. I know about him.&#13;
In the same way…&#13;
People can have a lot of information about Jesus …they may even go to church. &#13;
They can know “about” GOD without really knowing Him.&#13;
That is not a mistake we want to carry through our lives.&#13;
Jesus said in Matt 7:22,23: “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’&#13;
“I never knew you”&#13;
Last Sunday we celebrated that Jesus knows your name.&#13;
Today the question changes.  Do you know Him?&#13;
There are signs and bumper stickers that say, &#13;
“No Jesus (n-o) No Peace. Know Jesus , Know peace.”&#13;
Today’s scripture reads: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you".&#13;
(AMP) Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all.&#13;
Notice something.&#13;
Paul doesn't tell us to manufacture peace.&#13;
He points us to the Lord of Peace.&#13;
And notice when He gives it.&#13;
At all times. In every way.&#13;
That means peace isn't reserved just for the easy seasons.&#13;
 May the Lord himself, who is our source of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.&#13;
We want that peace (of course we do,) but how do we get this peace and find its comfort and strength “in all times and in every way?”&#13;
Eph 2:14: For He Himself is our peace&#13;
We must abide… we must be in a real relationship with our Creator&#13;
Eph 2:13: “ …Although you were once distant and far away from God, now you have been brought delightfully close to him through the sacred blood of Jesus—you have actually been united to Christ!”&#13;
“you have actually been united to Christ!” – “through the sacred blood of Jesus”&#13;
This is when The CODE starts its work in our hearts.&#13;
CODE: Hebrews 8:1:  'I will put My laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.'&#13;
CODE (Part Two) we recognized that Jesus knows our name.&#13;
 He came to seek and save that which was lost (you and me)&#13;
Now CODE III is about you and I coming to know Him. Relationship.&#13;
We have all heard that question, “Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?”&#13;
Jesus said we must abide in Him&#13;
Jesus used a beautiful word. He said, "Abide."&#13;
It means remain. Stay. Live. Make your home in Me.&#13;
Christianity was never meant to be occasional visits with Jesus.&#13;
It was meant to be a life lived in Him.&#13;
Religion asks, "What must I do?"&#13;
Relationship asks, "Will you walk with Me?"&#13;
 Knowing about Jesus is not the same as knowing Jesus.&#13;
There are many ways we can develop our relationship to a much great level.&#13;
Prayer.  Reading the Word.  …and the Lord’s Supper&#13;
Today is Holy Communion We are told we must “discern the Body”&#13;
This is both The Body of Christ as in the physical body Jesus gave up for our healing and restoration, and also as the Body of Christ where we share in one loaf together.&#13;
1 Cor 10:17: Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.&#13;
"Discerning the body" is a theological phrase from 1 Corinthians 11:29 regarding the Lord's Supper (Communion). It means recognizing the profound significance of Christ’s sacrifice and (also) valuing the unity of the church” &#13;
John 6:56: "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him"&#13;
Wommack: “ …was speaking of the spiritual man. Just as the physical man receives life from the food he eats, so the spiritual man receives life as he partakes of Jesus, the life of men (Jn. 1:4; 10:10; 14:6) or the ‘Bread of Life.’ Just as the life of a root is found in the soil, or a branch in the vine, or a fish in the sea, so the believer’s true life is found to be in union with Christ.”&#13;
Col 2:9,10: “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”&#13;
John 6:57: “The Father of life sent me, and he is my life. In the same way, the one who feeds upon me, I will become his life.”&#13;
Eph 3:19: “ … to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”&#13;
This is beyond our intellect. It is experiential. It comes through relationship&#13;
This is what we need to be filled with today.&#13;
Knowing about Jesus is not the same as knowing Jesus.&#13;
John 15:9: I have loved you, just as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love, continue in His love with Me. &#13;
&#13;
For the past few minutes we've been asking one question: "Do you know Him?"&#13;
Not do you know about Him... "Do you know Him?" &#13;
&#13;
Today Jesus doesn't simply invite us to think about Him. &#13;
He invites us to come to His table. &#13;
&#13;
The table has never been about remembering a distant Savior. It is about meeting a living Savior. &#13;
Some of us came carrying fear. Some came carrying guilt. Some came carrying disappointment... bitterness. Some came carrying questions. &#13;
But none of us should have to leave carrying those same burdens. &#13;
&#13;
The CODE God wants to write on your heart isn't merely information. It is relationship. &#13;
&#13;
He knows your name... and today He invites you to know His heart. &#13;
&#13;
So here's what that looks like for you, right now. &#13;
If you've never truly known Him — if today you realize you've only known about Him — this table can be where that changes. &#13;
&#13;
This can be the moment you move from information to relationship, from a name you've heard to a Savior you know. &#13;
&#13;
And if you do know Him, but life has pulled you away — if you've drifted, grown cold, or wandered — this table is where you come home. &#13;
&#13;
Not because you've earned your way back, but because He's been waiting at the table the whole time. Whichever describes you, don't leave here the same way you came in. Tell Him. &#13;
Whatever you're carrying — name it to Him now, in your heart. Then come to the table.&#13;
&#13;
"Let us break bread together on our knees." &#13;
&#13;
Communion is not a reward for people who have lived a perfect week. &#13;
It's a gift for people who know they need Jesus. &#13;
&#13;
So don't wait until you feel ready. &#13;
Come as you are — and come to know Him.&#13;
&#13;
Phil 3:10  …that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection&#13;
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                <text>1.MATTHEW 7:22-23&#13;
"On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'" &#13;
马太福音 7:22-23&#13;
“到那日，必有许多人对我说：‘主啊，主啊，我们不是奉祢的名传道，奉祢的名赶鬼，奉祢的名行许多异能吗？’我就明明地告诉他们：‘我从未认识你们；你们这些作恶的人，离开我去吧！’”&#13;
&#13;
2.2 THESSALONIANS 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. &#13;
帖撒罗尼迦后书 3:16 &#13;
愿赐平安的主随时随地赐平安给你们。愿主与你们众人同在。&#13;
&#13;
3.EPHESIANS 2:13-14&#13;
Although you were once distant and far away from God, now you have been brought delightfully close to him through the sacred blood of Jesus—you have actually been united to Christ! For He Himself is our peace. &#13;
以弗所书 2:13-14 &#13;
你们从前远离神，与神为敌，如今却因基督耶稣的宝血，已经得亲近了，你们原本是与基督隔绝的，如今却与祂联合；因为基督祂自己就是我们的平安。&#13;
&#13;
4.JOHN 6:56 &#13;
He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. &#13;
约翰福音 6:56 &#13;
吃我肉、喝我血的人，就住在我里面，我也住在他里面。&#13;
&#13;
5.1 CORINTHIANS 10:17 &#13;
Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. &#13;
哥林多前书 &#13;
10:17 我们虽多，仍是一个饼，一个身体；因为我们都是分受这一个饼。&#13;
&#13;
6.JOHN 15:9 I &#13;
have loved you, just as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love. &#13;
约翰福音 15:9 &#13;
我爱你们，正如父爱我一样；你们要常在我的爱里。&#13;
&#13;
7.EPHESIANS 3:19 &#13;
…to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. &#13;
以弗所书 3:19 &#13;
并且知道基督的爱是何等长阔高深，能以充满你们，使你们充满神一切的丰盛。&#13;
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