4 10 95 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/08694aeec900aa3ed7c5679bb3a61d4f.jpeg 839a88a647357b53a97df503e1d3afdc https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/99c8f45643f7e69b6d73b9033073328a.mp4 e009e88d4aaa9ebf58895fd873c98573 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Surrounded by Divine Favor: Small Steps to God's Big Plans Psalm 5:12: "Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." I believe that God is about to do something in your life that you were not expecting - something that goes beyond your qualifications, beyond your preparation, beyond your timeline. GOD is about to surprise you with favor - not just any favor - but Divine Favor that leaves you in awe, that makes people around you say, "How did that happen for them?" You see, we serve a God who specializes in surprises. A God who enjoys turning the tables, flipping the script, and showing up when you thought the story was over. You may have been waiting, you've been praying, you've been crying out at night, wondering if perhaps God has forgotten you? But I'm here to tell you, He has not. Not only has He remembered you, but He is preparing something behind the scenes that is going to leave you speechless. The kind of blessing that makes you stand still and say (like David did), "If it had not been for the Lord who was on my side, I don't know where I would be." What exactly is Divine Favor? The favor of the Lord refers to God's grace and kindness towards us, granting us approval, blessings, and the ability to achieve what may seem impossible. It is a divine gift that empowers believers and surrounds them with protection and support in their lives. Some of you have been waiting patiently, but secretly wondering. It felt like rejection, but it was really redirection. GOD wasn't punishing you, He was positioning you, because when the FAVOR comes, you'll understand why the waiting was necessary. You'll soon understand why the detour was needed. GOD didn't forget about your dreams, He protected them. He was making sure that when the door opened, you would be ready to walk through it with authority and clarity. But here's what we need to understand: Divine Favor isn't about instant gratification. Someone prays, "Lord, I want to be a doctor of medicine and help people get well, get healthy, to get healed." Is this a noble, worthy goal? Of course! But does God just instantly put you into a doctor's uniform and you find yourself in an operating room with a scalpel in your hand? Of course not! But if you are taking the necessary steps to achieve that goal, you may find that God is opening doors for medical school, funds to pay for your education, and the right people to help you make that dream become a reality. It's not about attraction - it's about alignment. I work with a couple of people who have risen through the ranks from a very basic position in the workforce into places of great leadership. From early on, you just knew they were headed for higher roles, and yet, the KEY seems to have been their willingness to be faithful in the small things along the way. This kind of faithfulness opens doors of favor. Favor that goes beyond formal education or connections. How do we position ourselves for this Divine Favor? Scripture gives us clear guidance: Psalm 90:17 tells us: "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" This reveals our first principle: We must be diligent in the work of our hands. Certain people may have FAVOR, but unless they are diligent in the right things, it doesn't really do them any good. Second, we must value small beginnings. The phrase "despise not small beginnings" from the Book of Zechariah encourages appreciating and not underestimating the early stages of any endeavor, even if they may seem insignificant. It is a reminder that even great things often start small, and that God “rejoices in seeing work begin,” no matter how modest the initial steps. Third, we must embrace the process of preparation. GOD can turn our wounds into wisdom. Wisdom allows us to recognize the times of preparation and refinement. Luke 16:10 (Jesus' words) "He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much." Fourth, we must step into Divine Alignment with God's plans. This means approaching the future with the eyes of faith. Believing in what God has said. What God has promised. "Yes and Amen." The phrase "All God's promises are yes and amen" originates from 2 Cor 1:20, where the Apostle Paul states that all of God's promises are "yes" in Christ and are affirmed with an "amen" through Him to the glory of God. It signifies the certainty, faithfulness, and ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Psalm 5:12 promises: "Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Imagine what happens when Divine Favor surrounds your life like a shield. Picture the transformation when you approach the future with Expectation AND Imagination (faith that sees what is yet to come) Joel: "It's not going to happen just because of your talent, your ability, or your background. It's the favor of God. It's His divine purpose." 2 Peter 1:2 says that grace, which is the undeserved favor of God, and peace, can be multiplied to you. Peace is the word "shalom" in Hebrew. Its definition includes wholeness, health, safety and provision. So when you walk in divine favor and peace, you will walk in blessings in every area of your life! Visualize what happens when you declare: "I am ready to release the version of me that no longer matches my future." Declare this, not as a ritual, not as a trend but as a declaration - a conscious interruption to that endless loop of the past. A declaration that you are no longer available for the past. It's time to come into alignment with who you were created to be. See yourself discovering the healing power of a renewed vision. Since GOD is able to make all things work together for good, you can thank and bless your past for the lessons it has taught you. You can allow GOD to use these things to help and bless others, even as you step out of that old identity and embrace who you really are in Christ. ? So what practical steps can we take to position ourselves for Divine Favor? 1. Be faithful in the small things - Small things done with a BIG Heart. You and I should be doing the small things (daily) with excellence and integrity. God honors our honest efforts. 2. Get in agreement with GOD's Plans. As long as you're thinking of all the reasons why it's not going to happen, talking about how impossible it looks, that's going to keep you where you are. The conditions may not look favorable for it to ever change, but this is what faith is all about. You're looking at it in the natural, but we serve a supernatural God. Release your faith, expecting His goodness, and He'll make things happen that you can't make happen, things that you can't explain, things that you don't see coming. 3. Embrace expansion and fuller expression. "Let the Lord Be Magnified..." The Bible teaches us to "despise not the small beginnings" but that doesn't mean we stop there. We were all made for Expansion and Fuller Expression. Ephesians 1:11 reminds us: "Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan." 4. Personalize God's promises. When you hear this, personalize it. Don't think of this as a message for someone else. This is for YOU. This is for ME. "Don't judge others - examine yourself." We cannot move forward as GOD would have us to do if we do not expand as individuals to step up and step out. To assume roles we may not have even imagined previously. 5. Stir your faith up, believe big, pray bold prayers, and dream God-sized dreams. He's going to put you in strategic positions to affect the culture. As we grow as a church family, this is a time of equipping and empowering. We will need Holy Ghost POWER, authority and favor to accomplish our mission here on earth. The lesson we have to keep learning is that we cannot do it on our own intelligence, wisdom and strength. Isaiah 49:8 (quoted in 2 Cor 6:2) promises: "This is what the LORD says: 'In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you.'" Psalm 30:5 assures us that "his favor lasts a lifetime" Psalm 84:11 declares that "he bestows favor and honor." The "whosoevers" will continue to be faithful in the little things and will know when the time is right (by God's Direction) to step out in BIG ways to take the Kingdom. It will cause others to wonder how you got to where you are. …but they may have missed the steps you took along the way - because they were little steps of faith. YOU may not notice the incremental growth, either... but it is happening. As Exodus 23:30 reminds us: "By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land." I want to appeal to you today on two levels: We should seek His Purposes and Divine Favor, both for the kind of meaningful, purposeful living this provides us, but also, and more importantly, from the Fear of the Lord and our desire to serve GOD. Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Let that shield of favor surround you today and always as you take faithful steps toward the Divine purpose God has prepared for you. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource DIVINE FAVOR 神圣恩惠 Description An account of the resource Psalm 5:12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield 詩 篇 5:12: 因 为 你 必 赐 福 与 义 人 ； 耶 和 华 啊 ， 你 必 用 恩 惠 如 同 盾 牌 四 面 护 卫 他 (page 884) Luke 16:10 "He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much." 路 加 福 音 16:10: 在最小的事上忠心的，在大事上也忠心； 在最小的事上不义的，在大事上也不义。(page 1695) Psalm 90:17 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands! 詩 篇 90:17: 愿 主 ─ 我 们 神 的 荣 美 归 於 我 们 身 上 。 愿 你 坚 立 我 们 手 所 做 的 工 ； 我 们 手 所 做 的 工 ， 愿 你 坚 立 。(page 976) 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 哥林多后书 1:20: 因为　神的一切应许，在基督里都是“是”的，为此我们借着他说“阿们”，使荣耀归于　神。(page 1871) Ephesians 1:11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. 以弗所书 1:11: 我 们 也 在 他 里 面 得 （ 或 作 ： 成 ） 了 基 业 ； 这 原 是 那 位 随 己 意 行 、 做 万 事 的 ， 照 着 他 旨 意 所 预 定 的 (page 1894) Isaiah 49:8: "This is what the LORD says: 'In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you.'" 耶和华如此说：“在悦纳的时候，我应允了你；在拯救的日子，我济助了你。我要保护你，使你做众民的中保[a]，复兴遍地，使人承受荒凉之地为业 (page 1194) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/29/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/6be3be43b75008a83c897f68fc13f8d1.jpeg ed13d293b4bf619701ae5510113c3ea4 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/b25ee9ee63858fa6964b43069a2da22e.mp4 cb50a9089dabb01e58504aad04ea3f9d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Divine Mercy Col 1:24-29 What situations on this planet stir your soul? What changes do you wish you could see? So many times, the things we see that frustrate us, or the needs we see as unfulfilled, are reflections of our hearts, and our unique Divine calling to fill that need. Someone is counting on YOU. Are YOU “The ONE?” ? What holds us back from being the One who takes action to serve the Lord and our fellow man? To make a difference. To do the work of the Kingdom? Unworthiness. “Don’t let the devil win” Romans 8:34: "Who then is left to condemn us? Certainly not Jesus, the Anointed One! For he gave his life for us, and even more than that, he has conquered death and is now risen, exalted, and enthroned by God at his right hand." This verse means that no one can condemn those who are in Christ because Jesus died and took on their condemnation. Jesus' resurrection and position at the right hand of God mean that He intercedes for us. Jesus (through the cross) has paid the price for our sin. We need to recognize the Divine Mercy Jesus offers us today. mercy: compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. We are called to be conduits of His Mercy The Mystery – “Christ IN You” allows His Divine Mercy to flow through us in more ways than we can even comprehend. Are you OPEN to that possibility? “Blessed are the Merciful…” “God wants to fill us with His mercy. Humility is the door through which God’s mercy flows into our souls…” Micah 6:8 “…and to walk humbly with thy God” “Jesus, I Trust in YOU” “The virtue of Trust is in many ways an acknowledgement of the reality that God is in control. It is also a belief that God has a plan for our lives and will provide for us in that plan.” "If you wait until you can do everything for everybody instead of something for somebody, you'll end up not doing anything for anybody." Luke 12:32: So don’t ever be afraid, dearest friends! Your loving Father joyously gives you his kingdom with all its promises! GOD is merciful “His mercy is contagious” – Matthew Kelly The more I experience His Mercy in MY life, the more it simply has to flow out of me to others. Anything less than that would be total hypocrisy. Bringing mercy to others People need it much more than we may realize William Butler Yeats wrote: “The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart. The centre cannot hold.” The message is clear: Things fall apart when we cannot hear the voice pf God in our lives. Separated from God, the center of our lives cannot hold, and chaos and confusion take over. Have you ever been in that place? Mercy Lam 3:22,23: “His mercies are NEW EVERY MORNING” We don’t give up on ourselves, because we don’t give up on God. We don’t give up on GOD because we know HE doesn’t give up on US. Malachi 3:7: Return to Me, and I will return to you," says the Lord of hosts. Without God, life loses its structure, purpose, and hope. The emptiness in your soul cannot be filled by anything but Him. When you invite Him back in, He restores, redeems, and reshapes what was broken. Let God take His rightful place, and watch Him bring order to the chaos. Divine Mercy is the intervention our lives need – the whole world needs. We sing “Trust & Obey” – but are we practicing it? We are called to trust – and to rest. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is nothing. For all our accomplishments and success, what we really need is grace and mercy. Can we take time to just “Be Still and know He is God?” “It was by sitting alone in the Presence of God in quiet, empty churches that the Lord touched my life deeply. Out of the silence came a profound gratitude.” “the classroom of silence” “Jesus, I Trust in YOU” The old covenant mindset of “DO and receive” must be replaced by the New Covenant Grace of “Believe and Receive.” This also tells us, there is nothing we can do to “make” God love us. All that is left is to learn to receive graciously that which we don’t deserve, but can’t live without. We open our hearts, minds, bodies and souls completely to God and allow Him to work unimpeded in our lives. Our part is simply to believe and receive all that Jesus has done for us. That’s how you reign in life over sin, addictions, and whatever the enemy throws at you. That’s how you rise above life’s challenges! Col 2:9-11: For he (Jesus) is the complete fullness of deity living in human form. And our own completeness is now found in him. We are completely filled with God as Christ’s fullness overflows within us. He is the Head of every kingdom and authority in the universe! Through our union with him we have experienced circumcision of heart. All of the guilt and power of sin has been cut away and is now extinct because of what Christ, the Anointed One, has accomplished for us. Hebrews 10:12, 14: But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God . . . For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. My Thursday morning revelation… (why was I so happy? It wasn’t the coffee) I “preached myself happy” (refueled) (milk vs. chewing on meat) KEY: Reset Your Mindset from what YOU have done (or have NOT done) and focus on what JESUS has done for you. This makes all difference. It is the difference between being self – or works–centered, and, instead, being Goodness and Mercy centered. God’s Grace Col 2:28: “Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth.” If this truth resonates with you – if this is a life-changing revelation for you as well, it’s time to fully enlist yourself – your heart – your energy – toward sharing this message with others. (there are so many ways we can do that) We are called to be conduits of His Mercy The Mystery – “Christ IN You” allows His Divine Mercy to flow through us in more ways than we can even comprehend. We receive – and then we become the branches that share Christ – Who is the Vine – with others. “There is a divine mystery—a secret surprise that has been concealed from the world for generations, but now it’s being revealed, unfolded and manifested for every holy believer to experience. Living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory! This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for his people, and God wants everyone to know it!” You cannot give from an empty basket. We “wait upon the Lord” and our “strength is renewed” (today) ? Does your heart yearn for more today? Even that simple sense of yearning – that desire for His Presence – is a gift, a grace, a tender mercy. Lord, I surrender every empty place in my life to You. Fill me with Your presence, restore what is broken, and realign my heart with Your will. I choose to return to You, knowing You are faithful to restore. In Jesus’ name, Amen. PSALM 23:6: So why would I fear the future? Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you! Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource DIVINE MERCY 神圣慈悲 Description An account of the resource Col 1:26,27: There is a divine mystery—a secret surprise that has been concealed from the world for generations, but now it’s being revealed, unfolded and manifested for every holy believer to experience. Living within you is the Christ who floods you with the expectation of glory! This mystery of Christ, embedded within us, becomes a heavenly treasure chest of hope filled with the riches of glory for his people, and God wants everyone to know it! 歌罗西书 1:26,27: 这道是历世历代一直隐藏的奥秘，现在已经向祂的众圣徒显明了。 上帝要他们知道这奥秘在外族人中有何等丰富的荣耀，这奥秘就是基督在你们里面，使你们有荣耀的盼望。(page1909) Romans 8:34: Who then is left to condemn us? Certainly not Jesus, the Anointed One! For he gave his life for us, and even more than that, he has conquered death and is now risen, exalted, and enthroned by God at his right hand. 罗马书 8:34: 谁是定罪的那位呢？基督耶稣死了，不过，更重要的是他复活了，并且还坐在上帝的右侧，而且还为我们向上帝祈求。(page 1833) Luke 12:32: So don’t ever be afraid, dearest friends! Your loving Father joyously gives you his kingdom with all its promises! 路 加 福 音 12:32:“你们这小小的人群，不要害怕。因为，上帝乐意把他的王国赐给你们的。" (page 1687) Col 2:9: For he (Jesus) is the complete fullness of deity living in human form. And our own completeness is now found in him. We are completely filled with God as Christ’s fullness overflows within us. 歌罗西书 2:9: 因为上帝完全的神性有形有体地蕴藏在基督里 (page 1910) Col 2:28: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. 歌罗西书 1:28: 我们传扬基督，用各样的智慧劝诫、教导众人，使他们在基督里长大成熟，好把他们带到上帝面前。 (page 1909) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/16/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/21c2c9fcdf2fe479dde3c329c06e5341.jpg cd83232f5d5e67e1a697e0f560f375e0 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/d350125c622ed8016484d0faa329a1de.mp4 5d1d785251eef2976dd06e9977066b40 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Enough for ALL Matthew 15:29–39 Have you ever felt left out? There is something beautiful about the way the Kingdom of God works. Jesus said (Matt 4:17) “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” “You must change your hearts—for the kingdom of Heaven has arrived.” In the kingdoms of this world, people are often sorted and categorized. Some people qualify. Others are disqualified. Some people are welcomed.Others are pushed aside. But when we look at Jesus, we see something very different. We see Kingdom distribution. Not scarcity. Not favoritism. Not spiritual elitism. Overflowing generosity. In Matthew 15 we see a remarkable moment where Jesus feeds over four thousand people. But before the bread is multiplied… before the baskets are filled… …we notice something deeper. The passage tells us something extraordinary. For three days these people had been with Jesus. Three days! Listening. Watching. Following. …And now they are hungry. Jesus says, “They have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.” These are not perfect people. These are not religious professionals. These are simply regular people who came to Jesus. And that is the KEY. Jesus once said in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I Am your oasis.” Notice the word ALL. Not the strong. Not the successful. Not the spiritually impressive. ALL. All who are weary. All who are burdened. All who are hungry. The Kingdom of God begins with an invitation: Come. And in today’s passage, everyone (all) who came received something from Jesus. May this message today prepare your heart for not only an abundance of provision… but also an abundance of Grace… Mercy… and God’s Loving Care over all parts of your life From today’s historic event (Matt 15) we see four powerful truths about the Heart of God. 1. Healing Flows at the Feet of Jesus Matthew 15:30: “They laid them at Jesus’ feet, and he healed them.” People brought the blind. The lame. The crippled. …and they laid them at the feet of Jesus. And the Holy Scripture says: “He healed them.” Not a few. Not the most deserving. But all who were brought to Him. This is still the posture of the Kingdom. Healing begins at the feet of Jesus. When we stop trying to fix ourselves. When we stop pretending we have it all together. When we simply come. And lay it down. 2. The Kingdom Is Received, Not Earned Matthew 15:35 “Jesus told the crowd to sit down on the ground.” Notice something interesting... Before the miracle happens, Jesus tells the people to sit down. They were not working for the food. They were not earning the miracle. They were simply receiving. This is one of the hardest truths for religious people to understand. The Kingdom is not something we achieve. It is something we receive. Grace is not a paycheck. Grace is a gift. KEY: Our God is supernatural, and you can’t calculate His goodness. You can’t quantify His blessings, His increase, His favor. There are things He has already planned for you that are out of the ordinary. That’s why the Scripture says to “trust Him with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.” Back to Matt 15: God already knew what would be needed and when. It was not a surprise there would be hungry people. 3. Gratitude Unlocks Kingdom Multiplication Matt 15:36 “Then he took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks.” Before the miracle… Jesus gave thanks. There were only seven loaves. A small supply. But Jesus gave thanks. John 11:41: (when Jesus raised Lazarus) “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me…” Scripture says, “In everything give thanks.” Gratitude shifts our focus. Instead of seeing what is missing… We begin to see what God is multiplying. 4. In the Kingdom There Is Enough Matthew 15:37 “They all ate and were satisfied.” Not partially fed. Not rationed. The scripture says: Everyone was full. The Kingdom of God is not built on scarcity. It is built on abundance. uh-oh… “Is this a prosperity message?” God’s Word tell us Everyone was fed. Everyone was satisfied. Jesus did not discriminate. No one was turned away. ..and it was more than enough for ALL This is the Heart of our God. The Super-Abundance of Grace The Apostle Paul later explains this same principle in Romans 5:20 “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” One translation says: “Where sin abounded, grace super-abounded.” Grace is not just equal to our failure. Grace is greater. Grace is stronger. Grace is deeper. Phillips translated it: “Thank God his grace is wider and deeper still!” And Paul continues in Romans 5:17 “Those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through Jesus Christ.” Notice that phrase: abundance of grace. Not “barely enough” grace. Not just sufficient grace. But overflowing grace. In your own life – have you received that abundance of grace? That grace you need to pick back up and start again – or maybe just to keep going? A new season is here for you. So stop Letting Your Past Be Your Identity This is where many people struggle. They truly believe their past defines them. Their trauma. Their failures. Their mistakes. But the Kingdom says something different. Stop allowing your past trauma to be your identity. Stop allowing your worst moment to become your name. Your story does not end with failure. Your story continues with grace. And grace always has the final word. So the message of this passage is simple. Come. Come weary. Come hungry. Come burdened. Come broken. Come tired. Come exactly as you are. Matt 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And when you come to Jesus… You will find healing. You will find rest. You will find provision. You will find grace that is greater than anything you have carried. “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace” Because in the Kingdom of God… There is always enough. John 1:16: And from the overflow of his fullness we received grace heaped upon more grace! Closing Prayer Lord Jesus, Today we thank You for Your compassion. Thank You that Your Kingdom is not built on exclusion, but on invitation. You call the weary. You welcome the burdened. You feed the hungry. Help us come to You with open hearts. Teach us to lay our burdens at Your feet. Remind us that our past does not define us—Your grace does. Fill our lives with gratitude for all that You provide. And help us live in the abundance of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen. All who are thirsty All who are weak Come to the fountain Dip your heart in the stream of life Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away In the waves of His mercy As deep cries out to deep (We sing) “Come Lord Jesus come. Come Lord Jesus come.” Holy Spirit come Holy Spirit come Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Enough for All 恩典使众人得饱足 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/15/2026 Description An account of the resource Matthew 15:29-38: Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. 马太福音 15:29-38: 耶稣离开那地方，来到靠近加利利的海边，就上山坐下。 有许多人到他那里，带着瘸子、瞎子、哑巴、有残疾的和好些别的病人，都放在他脚前，他就治好了他们。 甚至众人都稀奇，因为看见哑巴说话、残疾的痊愈、瘸子行走、瞎子看见，他们就归荣耀给以色列的神。 耶稣叫门徒来，说：“我怜悯这众人，因为他们同我在这里已经三天，也没有吃的了。我不愿意叫他们饿着回去，恐怕在路上困乏。” 门徒说：“我们在这野地，哪里有这么多的饼叫这许多人吃饱呢？” 耶稣说：“你们有多少饼？”他们说：“有七个，还有几条小鱼。” 他就吩咐众人坐在地上， 拿着这七个饼和几条鱼，祝谢了，掰开，递给门徒，门徒又递给众人。 众人都吃，并且吃饱了，收拾剩下的零碎，装满了七个筐子。 吃的人，除了妇女孩子，共有四千。 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8e75b17fbd9fef10886129cd797a4405.jpg 83afe8a21324bf0dd2a21a9304a6cd41 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/444f8f19981933565a36fc59638fb6e7.mp4 209a1cc7fb321c5d5f3b03e4b2f484cb Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound ENOUGH: Living in the Fullness of Christ John 10:10 Those all-too-familiar 3am wake-ups... "Help me to realign with Your Purpose, Lord." At Course of Study, someone said, "You've gotta step on their toes." Really? Who is anyone that they should step on anyone else's toes? Bill Johnson reminds us: "Any thought you have that doesn't inspire hope is under the influence of a lie." And Jesus Christ himself declared: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." What has seemingly been stolen, killed, or destroyed in our lives during difficult seasons because we felt we were somehow without hope? Proverbs 4:23 instructs us: "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." The lie of the enemy is that there is always something lacking in you—that you'll never "measure up." This type of thinking creates fear, lack, and codependence. We look outside ourselves to find answers and wholeness. Yet Col 2:10 assures us: "You are complete in Him." "And you have been made complete in Christ." Still, people often feel they are in-complete. They may believe they are not worthy of connection, not worthy of love and belonging. We sometimes look for too much external approval. We live in the shame that we are somehow "not enough." These feelings hold us back; they limit us. Faith is not about feelings—it is believing that what GOD says is True. And GOD says, through Christ, "You are Enough." Remember what we discussed last week: 'You will never leave footprints that last if you are always walking on tiptoe.' You have a circumcised heart when what you ought to do and what you want to do are the same. As Bob Proctor wisely noted: "When you shift your perception, you shift your whole view on life." Here's a key insight: I have found that when I focus on what should flow through me (rather than what I might wish would come TO me), everything changes. When your heart is circumcised and you can more clearly hear from the Lord, you won't need the approval of others to step out in faith. Choose alignment over approval today. Are there people in your life that are hoping you will be The ONE? The One to move up, move out, to take the next generation to a Higher Level? "Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself" Some people would prefer that you remain your old self. We talk about comfort zones. Your comfort zone is also their comfort zone... …but we owe it to GOD to fulfill our potential. To trust we are already enough because of His Power at work within us. We sometimes find ourselves in a crisis in our faith, but what may in some ways look like a breakdown can really be an awakening. We need an awakening to who we really are—who we are In Christ. GOD wants you to know that through CHRIST—You Are Enough. 1 Thess 5:11 reminds us: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." So, what's wrong with being an encourager? Consider the thermostat on your heart—WHO are you letting set YOUR thermostat? Don't let the voices of discouragement (VODs) shut you down. We are enough ONLY because of who we are in Christ Jesus. If we're going to experience this abundant life, we have to receive it by faith—that means we have to first believe it is possible for us to have it. So many people today are living in "survival" mode. They have a mentality that says, "If I can just make it through..." or "If I can just get by..." Of course, there are some seasons in our lives that are more difficult than others. Sometimes it's challenging to get a vision for the future. But "sight is not the same as vision"—we have to see beyond to see the truth. Jesus says that He came to give you a full, abundant life! "Father God, thank You for giving me abundant life through Jesus Christ. I believe that You have a good plan for my future. I declare that my days of thriving have begun as I continue to put my faith and trust in You alone in Jesus' name. Amen." Everything we receive from God we receive by faith. In order to receive the abundant life Jesus made possible for us, we're going to have to step away from the in-completeness that thinks we have to do something to qualify us to be loved, to be blessed, to be connected. You are enough. Complete. In Christ. Don't let the voices of dis-couragement shut you down. There is no perfection. Anyone who believes there is or insists that you should attain that status is in need of some personal observation time. People sometimes use achievement as a way to overcome their incompleteness and insecurities. But there is no goal that you could ever achieve that will convince you that you are enough. If you don't already believe it before you get there, you still won't once you do. Jordan Peterson: GOD only knows what’s inside of YOU. (so profound) "the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3:20). "Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give back by becoming more." When we look for something outside of ourselves (rather than what God has put in us) to fill us up, we will always be less than satisfied with the results. You and I can never achieve true and lasting happiness as long as we keep craving what we do not have. People get all miserable and existential and start to question the meaning of life. But "the meaning of life is to give life meaning." "Remember the Mission" We have already been given a great deal, so it is time to start offering thanks for what we have. ("The person who has will be given more.") Out of this gratitude will come a passionate desire to offer something in return and to begin a life of giving. 1 Peter 4:8-9 instructs: "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." Emerson said: "To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded." And: "The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." Romans 12:10 encourages us: "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Remember the Mission: When we start thinking about what we can do for others, our mind will start to work in a different way. We redirect our thinking. Philippians 2:3-4 guides us: "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." Ephesians 2:10 reminds us: "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Good Works – What are they? We have to step out in faith to find our full calling. If you are lost in the woods, start walking. Your perspective will never change if you just stand still. "When you shift your perception, you shift your whole view on life." So, here it is in summary: “Through Christ, you are enough. When you come from that revelation, you can go out and be enough to serve God in your Divine Purpose.” You Are Enough when you release the abundance that is already inside of you through Jesus Christ. "Release the hurt. Release the fear. Refuse to entertain your old pain. The energy it takes to hang on to the past is holding you back from a new life. What is it you would let go of today?" Bitterness imprisons life; LOVE releases it. God can turn your scars into stars. Romans 8:28 assures us: "We know that God works all things together for good for the ones who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose." You Are Enough—Because the Greater One Lives in You. A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But Christ has come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow! Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource ENOUGH 够用 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/26/2025 Description An account of the resource John 10:10 - A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect —life in its fullness until you overflow! 約 翰 福 音 10:10 -小偷来只会偷、会杀、会破坏。我来是为了让他们获得生命—那是富足和美好的生命。(page 1738) Col 2:9,10: For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 歌罗西书 2:9,10 -因为上帝完全的神性有形有体地蕴藏在基督里，你们在基督里得到了丰盛的生命。祂是一切执政者和掌权者的元首。(page 1910) Prov 4:23: More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it. 箴言 4:23: 你要谨守你的心，胜过谨守一切，因为生命的泉源由此而出。(page 1038) Ephesians 3:19-20: That you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us 以 弗 所 書 3:19,20: 基督的爱比任何人所能知道的都要伟大。但是，我祈祷你们能够知道那种爱，这样，你们才能彻底被上帝的丰富所充满。 上帝运用工作在我们之中的力量，能够成就远超过我们所求和所想的事情。(page 1897) Philippians 2:3,4: Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." 腓 立 比 書 2:3,4: 做任何事情都不要出于自私自利和骄傲自大，要谦卑，要视他人高于自己。 不要只顾自己的利益，也要关心别人的利益。(page 1903) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/b1ff37958ddbc1aaa79d7561aaede566.jpg 062c29b448279d827985d1a930c8b906 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/c83bf49fecbe28ce6fbbc7f407a958d1.mp4 b5d2cf71302bf3eda9e69a607e1126c1 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Faith To Change: Romans 8:6-10 We are all witnessing the beginnings of a Global Awakening. A Global Revival Revival comes as a result of an awakening - and that awakening comes through the revelation of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. As 1 Corinthians 15:34 reminds us: "Awake to righteousness, and sin not." What we're witnessing today may well be the birth of a revival that could radically redirect the future of our country. (maybe the world?) Consider Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, whose preaching during them 20th century was so honest and forceful that the secular media in Wales made this remarkable statement: "The preaching of Dr. Jones probably saved Wales from becoming the first communist country in Europe." His message was clear and powerful about the nature of faith. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones put it this way: "The man who has faith is the man who is no longer looking at himself and no longer looking to himself. He no longer looks at anything he once was. He does not look at what he is now. He does not even look at what he hopes to be as the result of his own efforts. He looks entirely to the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work, and rests on that alone." He continues, "He has ceased to say, 'Ah yes, I used to commit terrible sins but I have done this and that.' He stops saying that. If he goes on saying that, he has not got faith. Faith speaks in an entirely different manner and makes a man say, 'Yes I have sinned grievously, I have lived a life of sin, yet I know that I am a child of God because I am not resting on any righteousness of my own; my righteousness is in Jesus Christ and God has put that to my account.'" There are people you can always trust to do what they say they will – and some people… not so much. When someone you consider trustworthy tells you they will do something, you believe them. You count on them to do what they promised. You accept it as fact. This is a form of faith. Last week: "Faith is not feeling. Faith is accepting what God has said." Galatians 3:11 declares, "And that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith." Are you choosing to live by faith? If you are trusting God to guide you, He is doing exactly that. We only see "through the glass darkly" now - but we must walk by faith, not by sight. "Where we're going, we don't need roads." I would add: Where we're going in our spiritual journey, we must have faith. Romans 5:17 proclaims: "It is true that through the sin of one man death began to rule because of that one man. But how much greater is the result of what was done by the one man, Jesus Christ! All who receive God's abundant grace and are freely put right with him will rule in life through Christ." Jesus himself said in Matthew 9:29, "According to your faith, be it unto you" and "Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt..." In times of revival, people are often delivered from their past struggles and weaknesses. Set free. A fresh start, by the Power of GOD. I ask you today: - Do you believe God can provide a better life for you? Do you believe God can deliver you from your struggles - your addictions - your fears? Your past mistakes? Psalm 34:4 assures us: "I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." ? What if you realized there is a better you waiting for you on the other side of your struggle? We’re not talking about “starting over.” Not “starting from scratch.” We’re talking about starting afresh with wisdom and power. God has a "nevertheless" to speak into your life today. "Nevertheless" is a formal adverb that means "in spite of that," "however," "even so," or "still". It is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or opposes what was just said, highlighting an unexpected turn of events or a different perspective despite a previous point. Romans 8 tells us: "Nevertheless once the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead lives within you he will, by that same Spirit, bring to your whole being new strength and vitality." Will you receive that promise today by faith? (amen) Despite our own failures, there is a "But God" ready to work in our lives to transform and sanctify us. By Faith. A “nevertheless” Mark 9:23 reminds us: "Jesus said to him, 'If you can'? Everything is possible for the one who believes." Change comes by faith - faith that it is possible to change through the victory won by Jesus for us. Grace to Change. Faith to Change. If the Christ lives within you, even though the body is as good as dead because of the effects of sin, the Spirit is infusing you with life now that you are right with God. It takes faith to work out and walk out this Christian life, to continue in His Word and keep our hand on the plow... …because everything does not happen at once. When you are believing for something that hasn't happened just yet - when you are trusting in the word of another that something will take place, that is faith. “Faith means accepting what God has said.” Hebrews 11:1 defines it perfectly: "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Externally - who we are now is not who we will be. We are in the process of becoming. But who we are internally - spiritually - as Believers - is already a real thing. John 1:12 tells us Jesus "gave the right to become God's children to everyone who believed in him." The born-again believer has received (by faith) "the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness." Ephesians 2:8 declares: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." You are saved, made righteous by leaving your old life (repenting) and accepting new life through Christ - the gift of righteousness. Made righteous! By faith you have to accept that is who you are now. Ephesians 2 in the Phillips translation puts it beautifully: "It was nothing you could or did achieve - it was God's gift to you. No one can pride himself upon earning the love of God. The fact is that what we are (present-tense) we owe to the hand of God upon us. We are born afresh in Christ, and born to do those good deeds which God planned for us to do." By faith you have to accept that is who you are now. The carnal mind cannot accept this grace-through-faith salvation. It always gravitates back to works. Early Christian church in conflict… trying to receive the new, even while clinging to them old Galatians 6:12 warns: "Those who are trying to force you to be circumcised want to look good to others. They don't want to be persecuted for teaching that the cross of Christ alone can save." ? Why is it so important that we believe and accept being made righteous through faith as a present-day fact? To live by faith and please God you have to believe you have already been made right with God - so that you can go beyond your own existing limitations and start doing the good works God prepared for you to do. Otherwise, you'll never get beyond yourself. You’ll keep trying to “qualify yourself” You'll still think YOU are the Vine, and because of that misunderstanding, you may believe nothing good can ever come from you. Just attempts. Trying. Struggling. What if you realized (by faith) there is a better you on the other side of your struggle? This faith we are talking about pleases God and strengthens our Divine Connection (MSG) Romans 8 puts it this way: "Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God's action in them find that God's Spirit is in them - living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing.” "...the mind-set controlled by the Spirit finds life and peace." (Romans 8:6) The Gospel message is not only meant to lead us to Christ - but it is crucial toward keeping the Believer rooted, grounded and moving forward in their faith. Romans 8:10 assures us: "if Christ is in you, then the Spirit gives you life, because Christ made you right with God." Romans 5:17 declares: "But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ." Declare it: “I am the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, because that is who God says I am.” Remember this truth: If you can work it out on your own, it doesn't require faith. • We have been reminded again today: Without faith it is impossible to please God. The justified will live by faith. Following after the Holy Spirit leads to life and peace. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Faith To Change 让我们改变的信仰 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/28/2025 Description An account of the resource Rom 8:6-8 - So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. 罗马书 8:6-8- 体 贴 肉 体 的 ， 就 是 死 ； 体 贴 圣 灵 的 ， 乃 是 生 命 、 平 安 。原 来 体 贴 肉 体 的 ， 就 是 与 神 为 仇 ； 因 为 不 服 神 的 律 法 ， 也 是 不 能 服 ，而 且 属 肉 体 的 人 不 能 得 神 的 喜 欢 。(pg 1832) Gal 3:11 - And that no man is justified by the Law in the sight of God, it is evident: for the just shall live by faith. 加 拉 太 書 3:11-现在很清楚，没有人通过律法而得到上帝的认可。正如《经》上所说∶“义人 因信仰而得生。” (page 1888) Mark 9:23 - Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.” 馬 可 福 音 9:23: 耶稣对他说∶“你刚才说‘如果您能，就请帮帮他吧’，对相信的人，一切事情都能办得到。” (page 1635) Heb 11:1: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 希 伯 來 書 11:1: 信仰意味着确信我们所期待的事情，肯定我们所看不见的事情 (page 1952) Eph 2:8: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God 以 弗 所 書 2: 8,9: 你们通过信仰得到拯救乃是上帝的恩典，这不出自你们自己，而是上帝的恩赐， 而不是因为你们做了什么，所以，也就没有人能够夸口。(page 1895) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/bb68511a6f79f6f5b64248e3dd65e09f.jpg 49c137c04462fbd208f93f4c5afacfb8 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Fall Festival Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2015 Description An account of the resource Celebrate the season at Hillside United Methodist Church’s Fall Festival on Saturday, September 26, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Join us at 3737 U.S. Hwy 80 W, Phenix City, for a friendly, family-oriented day with music, light refreshments, and activities for all ages as we gather in gratitude for God’s goodness. All are welcome—bring a friend! https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/bb86e1b29969e52ffab495d4c50efcdd.jpeg b7790e132204afb3de2a7d897d77e18a https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/c0f57548318ebde48b03e2399a0d192b.mp4 50c24a800a398305726f725f8facbee2 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 Finding HELP Hebrews 11:6 6 Million Dollar Man – “we can rebuild him. we can make him better.” Your body has 37 trillion cells. Think about that. 37 trillion cells in your body. In fact, you have 810,000 cells every second that are replacing themselves in your body. Just get your head around that for a second. 810,000 cells every second are being replaced. So, just while you've been listening to this, several million cells in your body have been replaced. Meaning something's dying and a new replacement is happening in your body. You're growing and changing all the time. Even though we don't feel it physically in our body, we are growing constantly replacing ourselves on a regular basis. Shouldn’t that that same thing should be happening in all the other areas of our life? Our lung tissue is regenerating, you know, every 8 days, our digestive tract every 4 days, we're producing all these new red blood cells every day, our entire skeletons replaced every 10 years, we don't replace ourselves with the next best version all the time. “You are constantly replacing yourselves” For better and for worse (sometimes) we are not the final product. We have the capacity for better. Regeneration. Neuroplasticity. Will we embrace the chance to rise above our current version of ourselves? Col 3:10: For you have acquired new creation life which is continually being renewed into the likeness of the One who created you; giving you the full revelation of God. Eph 1:11: Before we were even born, he gave us our destiny; that we would fulfill the plan of God who always accomplishes every purpose and plan in his heart. God has a plan for you and me… and He will help us overcome our obstacles so that we can achieve that plan. Today, we're continuing our journey through recovery principles with Hebrews 11:6: "It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him." Last week, we acknowledged: "I am powerless to control my own tendency to do the wrong thing—and my life is unmanageable." This week, we move to the second principle: "Earnestly believe that God exists and that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover." “I can quit any time I want” OK – so why don’t you “want” to? This transformation comes only through the Holy Spirit's work within us, and it requires genuine faith to open ourselves to this inner work. Jesus taught: "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." We must first recognize our emptiness without God and how our lives become unmanageable when we don't lean on Him 1 Corinthians 10:12: So anyone who thinks they are standing strong should be careful that they don’t fall. The truth is, we ALL struggle with something. Every single one of us needs help in some area of our life. Matthew 9:36 tells us, "When He (Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." As sheep without a shepherd, we must know where to look for help. We need to be desperately searching for our true Shepherd. “a heart of compassion” Matthew 5:4 says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." All of us have broken areas in our lives—things that bring us grief and pain. These broken places can leave us devastated and hopeless at times. When we carry these hurts long enough without seeking help in the right places, we eventually find our identity in that pain and become victims. The victim mindset is a trap that leaves us seemingly powerless to change. And we will try to escape this pain in many harmful ways. Your escape may not be through drugs or alcohol, but perhaps through anger, overworking, blaming, or some other form of escape that may seem socially acceptable—or not. What you've done before this moment is no longer the issue—the opportunity is right before us to make new decisions and choices that will lead us to healing and an abundant new life. We can mourn our past mistakes and bad decisions—and maybe that pain is precisely what will point us to the truth. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Our mourning may lead us to comfort—and our current challenges just may be the antidote to our denial. Because if we live in denial—we are stuck. We NEED the antidote. If the smoke alarm goes off in your house, do you react or respond? When the pain alarm goes off in our life, do we react or respond? Where do we turn? Do we deal with the issue—or do we just cover it up? Understand—it is not GOD causing the pain—it is our current or past choices and situations that cause it. God loves us and wants to lead us out of our pain and into His healing. Take an honest assessment of yourself right now. How is your pain level? Will you allow God to open your eyes to what's really going on in your life? To deny the pain is to refuse God's power to help you recover. You will never find healing from your hurts, hang-ups, and habits until you confront your source of pain. How bad does it have to get before we look for a real solution? Remember this—if you could have handled that problem on your own, it wouldn't still be a problem. If you could handle it, you would have—but you can't, so you don't. Sometimes we play the blame game, excusing ourselves and accusing others for our pain and problems. We put the power for us to change into someone else's hands—a parent, spouse, friend, or coworker. B-LAME. Someone once said, "We're all self-made, but only the successful will admit it." Instead of denying your pain, allow it to motivate you to get help, to start making healing choices, to face the issue you've been ignoring for perhaps years. Don't refuse God's power to help you. As someone in recovery once said, "The acid of my pain finally ate through the wall of my denial." Choice 2 is made up of three magnificent truths about GOD: 1. He exists 2. I matter to Him 3. He has the power to help me Heb 11:6 (AMP): "But without faith it is impossible to walk with God and please Him, for whoever comes near to God must necessarily believe that God exists and that He rewards those who earnestly and diligently seek Him." **God Exists** Romans 1:20 tells us: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Where there is design, there must be a Designer. Where there is creation, there must be a Creator. **You Matter to Him** If you believe God exists, the next question is: "What kind of God is He? Do I really matter to Him?" Until we understand God's true character, we can't completely trust Him. ? Do you think no one knows or understands the struggle you are going through? God knows. He understands. And He cares. (are you mixing this with your faith?) 1 Cor 12:6: God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. Psalm 31:7 says, "I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul." Matt 6:8: "...your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!" Psalm 34:18 assures us, "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." God is with you in your pain—and He is able to help you overcome your hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Psalm 56:8 tells us, "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." Psalm 103:13-14 says, "As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust." God's love for you is unconditional. **God Has the Power to Change You and Your Situation** Do you believe all of this is true? It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that He exists and that He cares enough to respond to those who seek Him. Paul prayed in Ephesians 1:18-20: "I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms." When we're plugged into God's Power, He supplies us with all we need. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." Today, we've explored the second principle: "Earnestly believe that God exists and that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover." I invite you to take this step of faith today. Why “wait” when we can “wake”? Stop focusing on the trivial while neglecting what truly matters. Ed Mylett: Three things are necessary for Change: Faith Intention Association Today… Believe: - that God exists - that you matter to Him - and that He has the Power to help you — today. This belief—this faith—is the gateway to transformation. It's the foundation upon which healing begins. As you leave today, I challenge you to take one action that demonstrates your belief in God's power to help you recover. Whether it's reaching out for support, beginning a conversation with God about your pain, or simply acknowledging that you can't do it alone — take that step. Remember, with less of you, there is more of God and His rule in your life. It is necessary for him to increase and for me to decrease. And that's where true healing begins. Today: “Earnestly believe that God exists and that I matter to Him, and that He has the power to help me recover.” Believe • that God exists • that you matter to Him and that He has the Power to help you – today “He loved us and gave Himself for us.” 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 Finding Help 寻得帮助 Description An account of the resource Heb 11:6 - And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. 希 伯 來 書 11:6: 没有信仰的人是不可能令上帝满意的，因为来到上帝面前的人必须相信上帝的存在，而且相信上帝能够报偿追求他的人。(page 1952) Romans 1:20: For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 罗马书 1:20: 其实自从创世以来，　神那看不见的事，就如他永恒的大能和神性，都是看得见的，就是从他所造的万物中可以领悟，叫人没有办法推诿。(page 1822) Psalm 34:18: The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. 诗篇 34:18: 祂安慰悲痛欲绝的人，拯救心灵破碎的人。(pg 912) Psalm 31:7: I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. 诗篇 31:7: 你已经看见我的困苦，知道我心中的愁烦，你的恩慈使我欢喜快乐。(page 908) Matthew 5:4: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 马太福音 5:4: 哀痛的人有福了，因为他们必得安慰。(page 1563) 2 Tim 1:7 - For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 提摩太后书 1:7: 因为上帝赐给我们的不是懦弱的心， 而是刚强、仁爱、自律的心。(page 1929) John 3:30: It is necessary for him to increase and for me to decrease.” 约翰福音 3:30: 祂必兴旺，我必衰微。 (page 1721) 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 09/07/2025 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/0558348f764fb2ac59572215797a3efa.jpg 9477b70f965111b98d81fe26c55eea8d https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/2d51ee7cf4010f457e3ddd75ea047a66.png 1760d95a70f22256b0b6a09b8eaf2830 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound FIX YOUR THOUGHTS Romans 15:13 When you have something of value to share, you are obliged to share it. Not everyone will receive it, but that is not your responsibility. I have been studying and hopefully applying a lot of health and wellness information. How I wish I could have learned some of these things much earlier in life. I have learned a great deal throughout this personal healing journey, while recognizing that I still have much more to learn. Even as I learned the importance of healthy eating, exercise, controlled breathing, rest, and self-care, for me, the biggest challenge I faced was learning how to let go. Learning how to shut down. Learning how to allow my system to unwind. I've basically had to work on resetting my nervous system. (I only tell you these things because maybe some of you need this same information) The journey toward healing often begins with something very simple: Like: Learning to Slow Down. Today I want to share something that is both scriptural and scientific. The Word of God does not need science to agree with it. But when science agrees with Scripture, it may further validate things we already know are true. The Bible tells us: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8) Neuroscience tells us that what we consistently focus on influences the chemicals that our brains produce. Thoughts accompanied by emotion create corresponding responses throughout the body. God knew this long before neuroscience existed. That is why Scripture repeatedly calls us to direct our attention toward truth, hope, goodness, and God's presence. Fill your minds with thoughts about good things. Think about things that are true, clean, right, and lovely. Fixing our minds on good things means we are not fixated on fearful things. We are not controlled by fear. Whatever consistently holds our attention begins to shape our experience. If our attention is continually fixed on problems, uncertainty, and worst-case scenarios, our minds and bodies begin responding as though danger is always present. But when our attention is fixed on Christ, something begins to change. Peace. Hope. A Realistic Perspective. We remember that our circumstances are not our source. God is our source. Hebrews 12:2 "Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end." Life moves quickly for all of us. As we run, we must always look toward Jesus. Fixing our eyes on Jesus means continually centering our thoughts, actions, and priorities on Him rather than on circumstances and distractions. What we become most aware of often becomes our experience. Romans 15:13 "Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope!" But what happens when our thoughts are filled with fear? Panic? Uncertainty? This is where renewal becomes necessary. We have to rewire so we can refire. REWIRE PHASE: (Unlearning & Resetting) Romans 6:14 "Remember this: sin will not conquer you, for God already has! You are not governed by law but governed by the reign of the grace of God." Sometimes we remain in bondage because we continue believing old stories that God has already set us free from. We must allow our thinking to be renewed. Ephesians 4:23 "And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind." Renewing the mind is a daily process. It is shifting away from fear-based thinking and aligning ourselves with God's truth. It is an inward transformation that eventually changes everything else. "Now it's time to be made new by every revelation that has been given to you." REFIRE PHASE: NEW ALIGNMENT Igniting Your New Purpose (New Alignment) Every day we are either strengthening existing thought patterns or creating new ones. We are reinforcing fear or reinforcing faith. God told Israel: "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds." Deut 11:18 Augustine famously said: "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You." Healing and restoration often begin when we stop striving and start resting in God. Peace becomes the soil where healing can grow. God created our bodies with an amazing capacity to heal and restore themselves. One of the ways He designed us for healing is through the gift of breath. In Genesis we are told that God breathed the breath of life into humanity. Breath is more than a physical necessity. It is a reminder of God's life flowing within us. When we are anxious, fearful, or overwhelmed, our breathing often becomes shallow. Our bodies shift into what is commonly called "fight or flight." This is called the sympathetic nervous system. It is a God-given survival mechanism designed to protect us in moments of danger. But most of the threats we face today are not “life-threatening.” They are deadlines. Bills. Schedules. Relationships. Expectations. The problem is that if we do not learn to discern the difference between a real crisis and an imagined one, we can remain stuck in a constant state of fight or flight. It is like revving the engine of a car. At first it seems harmless. But eventually something begins to wear down. When we pause, breathe deeply, and allow ourselves to relax, we help bring the body back into balance. We give ourselves permission to let go of the struggle for a moment and rest in God's care. Do you ever find it hard to settle down at night? Psalm 4:8: "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety." The parasympathetic nervous system essentially sends a message throughout the body: "You are safe." How beautiful that Scripture has been saying the same thing all along. "Dwell in safety." Jesus said: "Remain in Me." The next step is stillness. "Be still and know that I am God." Stillness is not doing nothing. Stillness is becoming aware. Aware of God's presence. Aware that we are loved. Aware that we are held. Aware that we are not carrying life alone. When we move from fear toward peace, the body no longer has to remain on constant alert. Instead, it can devote its energy toward restoration and healing. True Rest This is one reason prayer, deep breathing, quiet reflection, and trust in God are such powerful parts of the healing journey. Your body is not your enemy. Most of the time it is doing its best to protect you. As you learn to breathe deeply, embrace stillness, and place your trust in God, you create an environment where healing can flourish. Psalm 62:5-6 says: "My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my refuge; I shall not be moved." ( ) For a moment, let your heart become still before the Lord. Take a slow breath. Remember that God is with you. Trust that His healing work is already underway. Sometimes the greatest step forward is simply returning to stillness. Wrapping this up: Romans 15:13 (today’s scripture): "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" Are you ready for God to do something new in your life? Eph 3:20 reminds us that God is “able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Perhaps the next step is simply becoming open to what God wants to do. St Benedict taught a Prayer Form called: Lectio Divina – Divine Reading When we get quiet enough – God can speak to us. “Let go – and make room for new things.” Before we come to the Lord's Table, I invite you to become still. Take a slow breath. And another. Listen to these words from Psalm 62: "My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my refuge; I shall not be moved." What word or phrase stands out to you? (Pause) Listen once more. "My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him." What might God be inviting you to release today? ( ) Fear? Control? Worry? A burden you have been carrying alone? (Pause) Now simply rest. No striving. No fixing. No performing. Just resting in the Presence of the One Who loves you. (Long Pause) Hear these words: "You are safe in Me." Jesus says, "Remain in Me." "My peace I give to you." Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. HOLY COMMUNION Today we have spoken about fixing our thoughts, renewing our minds, slowing down, breathing deeply, and resting in God's presence. But peace is not ultimately a technique. Peace is a Person. Jesus Christ. Eph 2:14: “For Christ himself has brought peace to us. “ We do not find peace by trying harder. We find peace by drawing nearer. Nearer to Christ. Nearer to His presence. Nearer to His grace. "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." At this table we remember that Christ has come near. He invites us to remain in Him. And as we receive these gifts, may we also receive His peace. Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Fix Thoughts Mandarin 调整你的思想 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/21/2026 Description An account of the resource 1. Romans 15:13 Now may God, the fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! 但愿使人有盼望的神，因信将诸般的喜乐平安充满你们的心，使你们借着圣灵的能力大有盼望。 2. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 弟兄们，我还有未尽的话：凡是真实的、可敬的、公义的、清洁的、可爱的、有美名的，若有什么德行，若有什么称赞，这些事你们都要思念。 3. Hebrews 12:2 Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. 仰望为我们信心创始成终的耶稣。 4. Ephesians 4:23 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind. 又要将你们的心志改换一新。 5. Psalm 62:5-6 My soul, wait silently for God, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my refuge; I shall not be moved. 我的心哪，你当默默无声，专等候神，因为我的盼望是从他而来。惟独他是我的磐石，我的拯救；他是我的高台，我必不动摇。 6. Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety. 我必安然躺下睡觉，因为独有你耶和华使我安然居住。 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/d1f4adf78d95772501e6d0709d057a86.jpg 5bb885ce99a1810942612668271ab9d3 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/4b76d5b76eff95212bfc5a81e23f762a.mp4 c8755aa2f79db388721764616e22182f 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 Flow of Life: From Stagnation to Overflow John 7:38 25 years ago our family experienced three out of four seasons in New England (we only missed the summer) Last week, we stood beside a frozen lake - still, silent, unmoving. The surface was hard and lifeless, though beneath it, the water still existed. …But when spring comes, something quiet, yet miraculous happens. The ice doesn't shatter - it softens. The gentle warmth of the sun accomplishes what brute force cannot. Slowly, cracks begin to echo across the surface. Water starts to run. The frozen stillness gives way to flow again. Holy Spirit whispers to our hearts today: "When the heart grows soft, the life begins to flow." Jesus : Luke 4:18: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted..." This is why Jesus began His ministry with these words - because the thaw of our heart (repentance in its truest sense) stands at the very center of His anointing: Psalm 147:3 affirms: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Jesus came to heal - to thaw - the brokenhearted. That is the miracle that happens when grace melts what human striving never could - everything that was once stuck begins to move – to flow - again. “flow” We know Jesus is the Vine, and we are the branches (John 15:5). In the imagery of the river - He is the Source - we are His streams of life, flowing from Him. Without the Source, there is nothing to flow. (2 Cor 3:5 read) Jesus declared in John 7:38, "Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." Notice the abundance in His promise - not trickles, not drops, but rivers. This flow is not something we generate through effort; it's something we release by surrender. It flows from Him through us. We've already explored the transformative power of Beholding in this series, and then examined the dangers of a hardened heart. Today, we turn to the blessings of a softened - thawed - heart. The Normal Christian Life reveals this truth: "God's purpose is not that we should live for Him, but that Christ should live in us and through us." As Galatians 2:20 declares, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Why would we cling to our frozen, hard-hearted state when a Springtime thaw stands ready to restore us back to life - beginning this very moment? When the heart is soft, Christ's life flows effortlessly. When it's hard or self-reliant, that flow becomes blocked. The Christian life was never meant to be a dam - it's meant to be a riverbed, as Psalm 1:3 describes the righteous: "That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers." Sometimes the blockage in our hearts comes from self-effort - trying to produce what only grace can release. Sometimes it's unforgiveness - holding on to hurts that keep the water trapped. Matthew 6:14-15 reminds us, "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Sometimes it's fear - tightening control (fist) instead of trusting the current, forgetting 2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." Watchman Nee wisely noted, "The life of the Spirit is the spontaneous life of liberty." Jesus reminds us in Galatians 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Freedom is not the reward of trying harder - it's the natural state of a heart no longer frozen. The free-flowing Life of Christ through us Romans 8:6 teaches, "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." We can respond to the Holy Spirit and see the ice begin to melt When the heart thaws, the first sound is cracking. It's uncomfortable - the sound of things breaking open. But then comes the rush. Step 1 - Let light in. Psalm 36:9 reminds us, "In Your light, we see light." When God's truth touches what was hidden, life begins to move. John 8:32 promises, "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Step 2 - Let go. As the ice breaks, the old layers drift away. Release what God is surfacing - bitterness, regret, control. (fist) (fist) The tightly closed heart may block the pain – but it also blocks the joy Step 3 - Let flow. "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!" (John 7:38). The rivers don't come from your effort; they come from His presence. As Isaiah 58:11 promises, "The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail." Step 4 - Let overflow. Once the river moves freely, it naturally begins to bless others - love, prayer, compassion all overflow without strain. “Blessed to BE a Blessing” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." "My cup overflows" (Psalm 23:5) becomes not just a scripture but a living reality. The melting usually starts gradually… Maybe even now you're already sensing a small current within - a prayer you didn't force, a tenderness you thought you had lost. That's how it begins. Don't rush the river; let it find its way. • When life flows again, you don't have to force worship - it rises naturally. You don't have to manufacture peace - it dwells within you. You don't have to pretend joy - it bubbles up from the spring within. Transformation happens because the current carries you. "The Christian life is not our struggling to live for Christ, but letting Christ live in us." That is The Normal Christian Life - not striving to serve, but abiding to flow. John 15:4-5 captures this beautifully: "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." Galatians 5:22-23 describes this fruit: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." VINE Notice these are not produced by effort but grown by connection. Possibly even last week your heart began to thaw, and today you sense something stirring - …movement, renewal, life returning. Don't rush it. Don't try to control it. Just remain under the warmth of His presence. Let Him do the melting. Let the living water find its course through you. Because when the heart is open, His life flows - not only to you, but through you, and beyond you - carrying healing wherever it goes. Jesus: "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." (John 7:38) The flow of His Life begins once more to be released in your life, and everything begins to be changed... refreshed... renewed. New Life. God doesn't just repair... He restores and resurrects. As Isaiah 43:19 declares, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." "HE restores my soul" (Psalm 23:3) We are changed not by trying harder, but by beholding Him - and when we behold, His life begins to flow. 2 Cor 3:18 confirms, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Prayer: Lord, let Your life flow freely in me again. Break every dam of fear, every wall of control. Melt what has grown cold, and move what has become stagnant. Teach me to live not by striving, but by flowing. May Your Spirit turn every stagnant place into a river of life. As Ezekiel 47:9 promises, "where the river flows everything will live." Amen. Jesus says to us today, "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!" Let the river flow, let the river flow; Holy spirit come, move in power. Acts 3:20: Times of refreshing 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 FLOW 流动 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/16/2025 Description An account of the resource John 7:37,38: On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 约翰福音 7:37,38: 节期最后一天，也是整个节期的高潮，耶稣站起来高声说：“人若渴了，可以到我这里来喝。 正如圣经所言，信我的人，‘从他里面要流出活水的江河来’。” (page 1732) Luke 4:18: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted..." 路加福音 4:18:“主的灵在我身上，因为他膏我去传福音给贫穷的人，差遣我去宣告被掳的得释放，瞎眼的得看见，受压制的得自由，(pg 1664) Psalm 147:3: He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 诗篇 147:3: 祂医治心灵破碎的人，包扎他们的创伤。(page 1029) 2 Cor 3:4,5: We carry this confidence in our hearts because of our union with Christ before God. Yet we don’t see ourselves as capable enough to do anything in our own strength, for our true competence flows from God’s empowering presence. 歌 林 多 後 書 3:4,5: 通过基督，我们在上帝面前有这样的信心作这样的声明。 我们的意思并不是说我们凭自己能做任何好事，是上帝使我们能够做到我们所做的 (page 1872) Psalm 1:3: That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. 诗篇 1:3: 他就像溪水旁的树木——按时结果子， 叶子也不凋零。他必凡事亨通。 (page 881) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/6d80c68401bcaf2a7055ffde48722c9e.jpg 79f5c0185ff1d0f2739b5494caed9d5c https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/631d0a0c8f9ac52962e694c4aab4863b.mp4 6f369f82f029f50c7635103d32b74b39 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 From Caterpillar to Butterfly: Divine Transformation in 2026 – Ephesians 4:22-24 Being human can be such a challenge. (if you’re me, at least) We should desire improvements – real change in our lives, but often come away with less than satisfying results - despite our best efforts. Paul lamented, "Oh wretched man that I am!" Here's a fundamental truth: as long as we're human, we will depend on Divine Mercy. As we approach 2026, I wonder — are there aspects of your life you'd like to see improve in the New Year? Are there changes you're considering making, perhaps even today? The Book of Proverbs, written by King Solomon, is centered on wisdom. Its core message is simple, yet profound: "Get Wisdom." Part of wisdom is recognizing our three-part nature: Body, Mind, & Spirit. We aren't meant to neglect any part of this trinity. All three need to be in alignment. Psalm 19:14 reminds us: "May my words and thoughts please You. Lord, you are my Rock—the one who rescues me." Our words and thoughts please God when they align with His Word and His will. God's Word tells us in 3 John 1:2 that we should "prosper and be in good health." ? But is our heart—and are our words—in alignment with this promise? Do we stand in agreement with God's desire for our wellbeing? We may trust GOD – but that doesn't mean we just passively sit back. It doesn't mean we abandon common sense. We are still and always will be Body – Mind- Spirit Eph 4:23,24: Now it’s time to be made new by every revelation that’s been given to you. And to be transformed as you embrace the glorious Christ-within as your new life and live in union with him! For God has re-created you all over again in his perfect righteousness, and you now belong to him in the realm of true holiness. ? Are we “waiting on the Lord” while He’s telling us to move our feet? Today is Your Invitation —not to try harder, but to rest, as God leads us from old form into new life. Consider this example: A friend I met while living in Maine (who attended my church) claimed he was "waiting on the Lord" for his family to join him in his new life. (they were still living somewhere lese) Meanwhile, he literally spent his days hanging around the church playing guitar. What he wanted and what he was doing were clearly not in alignment, …but for quite a while, he couldn't see this disconnect in himself. Many of us may be living in similar contradiction. (in some area?) We know we have to trust God—and also do the things that are in alignment with that trust. This doesn’t minimize our faith – it actually confirms it. Without this alignment, it’s kinda like we remain caterpillars when we're meant to become butterflies. In 1909, anthropologist Arnold Vanjane wrote "The Rights of Passage" after studying rituals across dozens of human cultures. He discovered that every meaningful human transformation—whether birth, marriage, or identity change—follows the same three-part structure that mirrors a butterfly's metamorphosis. This transformation framework isn't just metaphorical; it's rooted in actual science and spiritual truth. Embracing this process can transform us from frustrated individuals pushing ourselves to improve into beings experiencing a metamorphosis of the heart that literally pulls us toward the right choices and direction. As the saying goes, "God doesn't renovate caterpillars—He resurrects butterflies." This divine transformation process follows three essential stages: **STAGE ONE: SEPARATION (The Cocoon)** This stage lays the groundwork for detachment from old patterns and beliefs that no longer serve us. 2 Corinthians 6:17: "Come out from among them and be ye separate." John 12:24 tells us, "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." The chrysalis stage looks like death and stillness, but it's actually hidden transformation. Life is not lost—it's being reconfigured. What looks like surrender is actually preparation for flight. **STAGE TWO: LIMINALITY (The Chrysalis)** liminal: relating to a transitional or initial stage of a process. "that liminal period when a child is old enough to begin following basic rules but is still too young to do so consistently" This is the messy middle where we actively reshape ourselves through intentional changes and practices. "Be transformed by the renewing of your minds" (Romans 12:2) — this indicates a process of deliberate effort and rewiring. 2 Cor 3:18 reminds us that, as we are beholding Jesus, "We are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory..." This is ongoing transformation—not instant arrival. Just as a butterfly cannot rush emergence, spiritual formation is organic, not forced. Transformation comes by beholding, not striving …just as a butterfly emerges naturally, it does not "try" to fly. Ephesians 4:22-24 instructs us to "Put off your old self... and put on the new self"— - much like the shedding of the cocoon. The butterfly does not carry the chrysalis with it. Yet "Some believers are alive—but still clinging to their cocoons." **STAGE THREE: REINTEGRATION (The Butterfly)** In this final stage, we emerge renewed, reflect on our journey, and embody our transformed self with gratitude. 2 Cor 5:17 declares, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation..." Not the same creature with upgrades, but something entirely new. A caterpillar never returns to crawling once transformed. "New life doesn't remember how to live the old way." 1 Peter 1:8-9 promises, "You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls." As we stand at the threshold of 2026, embracing a New Year requires releasing the old one. We must: 1. Identify the areas where we need separation from old patterns 2. Embrace the uncomfortable liminal space of transformation 3. Trust the process even when progress isn't visible 4. Allow God to complete what He has begun in us 5. Step into our new identity with confidence Remember, Ephesians 4:24 promises: "And to be transformed as you embrace the glorious Christ-within as your new life and live in union with him! For God has re-created you all over again in his perfect righteousness, and you now belong to him in the realm of true holiness." Father God, We come before You - not to strive, but to be still. We release our need to hurry, to fix, to become something by force. We quiet our hearts and rest in Your presence. In this stillness, Lord, we trust that You are at work— even when we cannot see it, even when we cannot feel it. We surrender the old ways, the old fears, the old identities that no longer belong to the life You are forming in us. Teach us to trust the hidden work. Teach us to wait without anxiety and rest without resistance. As we behold You, shape us. Change us. Not by effort, but by grace. When the time is right, Lord, bring forth what You have been forming within us. We rest in You. We remain in You. We trust You with who we are becoming. Amen. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. - Romans 13:12 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 From Caterpillar to Butterfly 从旧形态到新生命 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/28/2025 Description An account of the resource Eph 4:21-24: Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. 以 弗 所 書 4:21-24: 如果你们听过祂的事，领受了祂的教诲，就是在祂里面的真理， 就应该与从前的生活方式一刀两断，脱去因私欲的迷惑而渐渐败坏的旧人， 洗心革面， 穿上照着上帝形象所造的新人。这新人有从真理而来的公义和圣洁。(page 1898) 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) 3 John 2 - Beloved friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and that you continually enjoy good health, just as your soul is prospering. 约翰三书 2: -亲爱的弟兄，衷心地祝你凡事顺利，身体和灵魂一样健康 (page 1985) 2 Cor 3:18: So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 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 1733) 2 Cor 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! 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) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States