7 10 90 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/ca9bfb8660e661882ea95a1ecd082e28.jpg 43f684629709ebeb01a98c361a7e4ac8 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/e7562ef298764d47c179372b9d354bc2.mp4 70254a55bbf079275c59d29b47aefe2b 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 Power of Purpose 2025 Col 1:12-14 Last week I heard this great quote: “Purpose isn't just about knowing what to do. It's about knowing why you do it.” I sent it to my self as an email so I could reference it later. When I went back to search my emails , I used the word “purpose” and found I had to already wade through 2 pages of emails in order to find it. What I am saying is, people talk a LOT about “purpose.” Back during World War II, enemies torpedoed a Navy cruiser carrying more than 1,100 crewmembers. As the ship sank into the frigid water, the crew floundered in the sea for five days. They were starving, drowning, and being attacked by sharks. The ocean current pulled nine of the guys away, splintering off from the rest of the ranks. Seeing these men were beginning to lose their will, a young officer started asking them about their families and lives back home. He asked them to describe what they were going to do when they got back. He asked them what they wanted to accomplish and what difference they wanted to make. He had them envision how scared their spouses and children were; how their parents must feel not knowing if they were alive. He asked them to fight to stay alive, not just for themselves but for their loved ones back home. Finally a passing plane spotted the men in the water. Two-thirds of the 1,100 crew members perished. However, all nine inspired by that young officer lived. This story helps illustrate the importance of purpose & vision. Prov 29:18 - where there is no vision, the people perish. What is the vision for your life? It needs to be bigger than yourself. What are you willing to fight for; who are you willing to fight for; …or rather… live for? Our Vision should rise from our Purpose. Purpose is what we are here to focus on today – right at the early start of 2025. purpose: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. have as one's intention or objective. Our Vision should rise from our Purpose. Our purpose should guide our choices in life. Where we go in 2025 will depend largely upon where we are looking. Robert Schuller (recovery story) “How beautiful it is to stand on the edge of tomorrow.” Let’s thank God for His Grace this morning. Your hearts can soar with joyful gratitude when you think of how God made you worthy to receive the glorious inheritance freely given to us by living in the light. He has rescued us completely from the tyrannical rule of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom realm of his beloved Son. For in the Son all our sins are canceled and we have the release of redemption through his very blood. Isn’t wonderful to know that no matter what your past was – you can have a spotless future? Fact: GOD has a bigger vision and purpose for your life than you can comprehend right now. Eph 3:20 – GOD “is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” Col 1:16 - For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. So you – as a created being – were created for Him – and you therefore have a purpose for being here. What is your purpose? What is my purpose? I know we all struggle with that question at times. Some people struggle for a lifetime. Many people live a life based on a selfish, self-serving purpose. If that is the case, and we are pursuing our own stuff – we are working on our own. If you are pursuing your Divine Purpose – GOD is your partner. - and HE will add HIS “Super” to your “Natural” What’s something that irritates you? What do you see that needs to be changed or improved? Maybe that is your purpose rising up in your soul. Your questions just may be revealing your calling – your purpose ? What if YOU were the one called to address these needs? The health clubs may be full this week – filled with people who made that their New Year’s resolution. …but we all know all too well that most won’t make it to February Will 2025 be an amazing year of breakthrough for you? “According to your faith it is done unto you.” There are a lot of ways to make a true SHIFT in the upcoming year. One of those ways is in how we speak about our lives. Our words. Your true core beliefs will manifest in the words you speak over your life. Prov 12:14 - A man will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words “The sower sows the word.” (Mark 4:14) What are you sowing in your life?  We can waste our days or we can invest them. Get beyond the petty and go for Purpose. You may think you have missed out by being in the wrong place and the wrong time. In the carnal landscape it may be “Location. Location. Location.” but in the spiritual realm, God’s Plans and Purposes will still prevail. His Favor upon your life goes wherever you go. Psalm 30:5: His favor is for a lifetime Psalm 1:3 - They are like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don’t fade. Whatever they do succeeds. Your Purpose will override the distractions and you will move forward like a laser-guided missile. Here’s a story to help illustrate this: In the Andes Mountains, there were two warring tribes that not-so-peacefully co-existed—one that lived in the lowlands and the other, high in the mountains. One day, the mountain people invaded the lowlanders plundering and kidnapping a baby from the village. They vanished with the child and took her back up into the mountains. The lowlanders—pushed to action at the disappearance of one of their own—didn’t know how to climb the mountain. They didn’t know any of the trails that the mountain people used, and they didn’t know where to find the mountain people or how to track them in the steep terrain. Even so, they sent out their best party of fighting men to climb the mountain and bring the baby home. The men first tried one method of climbing and then another. They tried one trail and then another. After several days of effort, however, they had climbed only a few hundred feet. Feeling hopeless and helpless, the lowlander men decided that the cause was lost, and they prepared to return to their village below. As they were packing their gear for the descent, they saw the baby’s mother walking toward them. They realized that she was coming down the mountain that they hadn’t figured out how to climb. They saw that she had the baby strapped to her back. How could that be? One man greeted her and said, “We couldn’t climb this mountain. How did you do this when we, the strongest and most able men in the village, couldn’t do it?” She looked intently at them and said, “It wasn’t your baby.” Your purpose and your passion is YOUR Baby. I can tell the difference between a difficult task that is on purpose and that if “off purpose” When you are on-purpose – when you are in the zone – time disappears and the effort becomes “effortless” – or at least a labor of love. Commit 2025 to Living Your Divine Purpose. Ultimately your true Divine Mission in Life is something you will discover along the path – as you continue to seek and serve the Lord with an open heart. 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 PURPOSE 2025 目的 2025 Description An account of the resource Col 1:12-14: Your hearts can soar with joyful gratitude when you think of how God made you worthy to receive the glorious inheritance freely given to us by living in the light. He has rescued us completely from the tyrannical rule of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom realm of his beloved Son. For in the Son all our sins are canceled and we have the release of redemption through his very blood. 歌 羅 西 書 1:12-14: 并且充满欢乐，向父感恩吧，他让你们有资格去分享那属于生活在光明之中的上帝子民的遗产。 他把我们从黑暗势力中解救出来，带到他爱子的王国里。 通过他的爱子，我们得到自由，罪过得到饶恕 (page 1908) Prov 29:18 - where there is no vision, the people perish. 箴言 29:18 - 百姓无神谕便任意妄为，但遵守律法的人必蒙福。 Col 1:16 - For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 歌罗西书 1:16: 因为万物都是借着祂创造的，天上的、地上的、有形的、无形的、做王的、统治的、执政的、掌权的，一切都是借着祂也是为了祂而创造的。(page 1909) Prov 12:14: A man will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words 箴言 12:14 - 口出良言，饱尝美福；双手勤劳，终得回报。 Mark 4:14: The sower sows the word. 马可福音 4:14 -农夫撒的是上帝的道。(page 1623) Psalm 1:3 - They are like a tree replanted by streams of water, which bears fruit at just the right time and whose leaves don’t fade. Whatever they do succeeds. 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 J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/12/2025 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/5c7b60082122ef395d8df2cc2a86fa97.jpeg 372e83bded2423cbb9bb0bf91d606bc3 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/cb0510cff773865337df231cbe24ba63.mp4 be27db3972304b226e0eee64c369ec71 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Rediscovered Gift Matthew 16:25 I’ve been pondering my own mortality lately. Not in a morbid way. In a clarifying way. There is something about remembering that your life is temporary that makes everything more intentional. Psalm 90:12: So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. TPT: Help us to remember that our days are numbered, and help us to interpret our lives correctly. Set your wisdom deeply in our hearts so that we may accept your correction. “Every day above ground is a good day!” Every morning is proof that God hasn’t given up on you. But some day… we’ll run out of new mornings And when that day comes, the question won’t be: “How comfortable was I?” The question will be: What remains? What did my life produce? Who did it shape? What did it multiply? (we call that a “legacy”) Jesus says in the Gospel of Matthew 16:25: “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” That is a paradox. ( ) Our lives are a gift. But it is a gift that must be given away in order to keep. If you clutch it, you lose it. If you surrender it, you find it. Emerson: “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.” A selfish existence is never really a satisfying life. It is an unfulfilling chase. Chasing comfort. Chasing recognition. Security. Status. Approval. (like Jesus said) You can gain the whole world, but if you lose your soul in the process — what have you gained? Not everything that feels good is right. Not everything that is right feels easy. We have to choose Alignment over approval. Growth is not very comfortable. “Comfort is a casualty of growth.” Legacy requires discomfort. You cannot create generational impact while protecting personal convenience. Question: Does leaving a legacy resonate in your heart? Prov 13:22 “A good person leaves an inheritance to their children’s children.” That inheritance is not just money. It is mindset. It is an attitude and approach toward life and life’s challenges. It is faith. It is courage. It is alignment. A Legacy is not accidental. It is built. And it costs something. Matt 23:11: “he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” ( ) To change our lives, we have to change our minds. (True or true?) Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” And what did Jesus do? He emptied Himself. Not of power. Not of identity. He emptied Himself of any self-centered glory. He took the form of a servant. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” (real change comes from the inside out) Luke 9:24: "Whoever tries to save his life shall lose it." The ego seeks control and safety. But a life lived only to protect itself never fully lives. Letting go reduces fear, and restores freedom. “whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” For us, today, consider: It is about releasing the smaller version of ourselves. The ego-driven version. The comfort-addicted version. The fearful version. Because the “you” that God is pulling you toward requires stepping away from the usual, the norm, the comfort zone. This message is not about shrinking. It is about leadership. When Jesus says, “Disown your life,” He is not calling you to disappear. He may be calling you to rise. “Rise Up, Kingdom Leaders!” To shake off mediocrity. To shake off inherited limitations. To shake off passivity. “But I’m just… ME.” 2 Peter 1:3: “His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness…” You are not lacking. You may still be under-activated. It may be time to rediscover your gift. Your Buried Treasure. 2 Cor 4:7: We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that this immeasurable power will be seen as God’s, not ours. Leadership is not position. Leadership is responsibility. It is becoming “the one.” The one who breaks cycles. The one who raises the standard. The one who thinks generationally. The one who chooses legacy over comfort. ? What if losing your life does not mean destruction? What if it means losing: Insecurity. Small vision. Self-protection. Fear of failure. Addiction to approval. What if the life you are asked to lose is the lesser version of you? …and the life you gain is the Divine version God saw in you (that buried treasure) long before time began? (this could be your wake-up moment) If it takes years just to discover what does not work, those years are not wasted. Those years become wisdom. But at some point, pondering must turn into surrender. Buried in the genealogies of Scripture is a man named Jabez. In the First Book of Chronicles 4:10, he prays: “Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.” And God granted him what he requested. Notice what he did not ask for. He did not ask for comfort. He did not ask for ease. He asked for capacity. “Enlarge my territory.” Not so I can consume more. But so I can carry more. Not so I can be known. But so Your hand would be with me. Worldly ambition says: “Enlarge my territory so I can win.” Kingdom surrender says: “Enlarge my territory so I can serve.” That is leadership. Here is Jesus’ definition of true leadership: “he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matt 23:11) That is legacy. That is alignment. When Jesus says “lose your life,” He is not calling you to smaller living. He is calling you to surrendered expansion. You keep it by giving it away. You expand by surrendering. You lead by serving. So today, maybe the prayer is not: “Lord, make my life easier.” Maybe the prayer is: “Lord, enlarge my heart before You enlarge my territory.” “Increase my capacity to carry what You have already placed inside me.” “Let Your hand be upon my family.” “Let Your hand be upon this church.” “Let my life become a gift that multiplies.” A selfish existence is never really a life. …But a surrendered life… becomes a legacy. UPW Unleash the Treasure Within 2 Cor 4:7: But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. “The gift you once buried is not dead. It is waiting. And today… it is ready to be rediscovered.” PRAYER: Father, Today we acknowledge that our lives are a gift from You. Forgive us for clinging to comfort when You have called us to legacy. We lay down the smaller version of ourselves — the fearful, self-protective, comfort-seeking version. Teach us to lose our lives so we can truly find them. Enlarge our hearts before You enlarge our territory. Increase our capacity to serve. Strengthen our leadership. Let Your hand be upon our families and upon this church. Keep us from selfish ambition. Keep us from shrinking back. Make our lives a gift that multiplies. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Psalms 103:21: Bless and praise the Lord, you mighty warriors, ministers who serve him well and fulfill his desires. 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 Rediscovering the Treasure 重新发现宝藏 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/22/2026 Description An account of the resource Matt 16:24-26: Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? 馬 太 福 音 16:24-26: 于是，耶稣对门徒说：“若有人要跟从我，就当舍己，背起他的十字架来跟从我。 因为凡要救自己生命的，必丧掉生命；凡为我丧掉生命的，必得着生命。 人若赚得全世界，赔上自己的生命，有什么益处呢？人还能拿什么换生命呢？ (page 1588) Philippians 2:5: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus… 腓立比书 2:5: 你们当以基督耶稣的心为心。(page 1904) Matthew 23:11: "He that is greatest among you shall be your servant." 马太福音 23:11: 你们中间谁为大，谁就要做你们的用人。 (page 1601) 1 Chronicles 4:10: Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked. 历代志上 4:10: 雅比斯求告以色列的神说：“甚愿你赐福于我，扩张我的境界，常与我同在，保佑我不遭患难，不受艰苦。”神就应允他所求的。 (page 660) 2 Cor 4:7: We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that this immeasurable power will be seen as God's, not ours. 歌 林 多 後 書 4:7: 我们有这个宝藏，但是我们只不过就像装宝物的瓦罐。这就表明这个不寻常的大能来自上帝，而非来自我们 (page 1873) 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/96cb0ca0c83771fff4ac215e701dcb03.jpeg 53c4f1e12185314da5a64073ccf1901c https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8844eef916c081f2224fbd5cfcdf11e1.mp4 acaca25975db37c4c025c8d8edd2236c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Remaining in Him: The Power of Love and Reconciliation Monday morning... a time of reflection... and possibly repentance. Psalm 101:8 reminds us: "At each and every sunrise I will awake to do what's right..." Every morning we can declare that "His mercies are new every morning." …But how many Mondays do we actually have left? Will we have a Monday morning next week? Memento mori is a Latin phrase meaning 'remember you must die'. How many wake-ups do we have left? How many chances do we still have to get yet another fresh start because we discover we have drifted away? My goal and desire is always to provide you with words from God's Word to strengthen and encourage you. In these times of unforeseen changes, we need God's wisdom and power to not only to survive, but to thrive—to live victoriously. And the KEY is this: we need to align ourselves to remain in Him—to stay close to God. 1 John 2:14 says: "I write these things to you, dear children, because you truly have a relationship with the Father. I write these things, fathers and mothers, because you have had a true relationship with him who is from the beginning. And I write these things, young people, because you are strong, the Word of God is treasured in your hearts, and you have defeated the Evil One." How do you feel when you hear this scripture? Do you feel comforted—or challenged? Maybe a bit concerned? Coming up short? The Apostle John repeatedly emphasizes that we should "remain in Him." To remain means to stay in the place that one has been occupying, to continue to possess a particular quality or fulfill a particular role. If we don't remain, we are at risk of ending up somewhere we should not be. 1 John 2:28 urges us to "remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame." We must remain in Him. We can no longer afford to live as if time will go on forever. 1 John 2:7-8: Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining. God's commandments referenced throughout this book are all about LOVE— a real love that is demonstrated by our actions. "Love your neighbor" goes all the way back to Leviticus 19:18. It's repeated in Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:14, 1 John 3:11... Jesus said this was the fulfillment of the law. 1 John 2:5-6 confirms: "Those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did." Conversely, verse 11 warns: "Anyone who hates a fellow believer is still living and walking in darkness. Such a person does not know the way to go, having been blinded by the darkness." If we love our brother, we live in Light. We remain in Him. True Repentance and Reconciliation We all need God's forgiveness. We all need His grace. We pray "forgive us our trespasses..." But true repentance is more than just an apology, isn't it? It's one thing to ask for forgiveness—it is another thing to truly seek reconciliation. Sometimes that means a real demonstration of your desire to make things right through corresponding actions. Making amends. True repentance. Consider the wisdom from the 12 Steps—Steps 8 & 9: "Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others." If I burned your house down (only an analogy)—it is one thing to say "I am sorry" —it is quite another to rebuild your home. As Joseph Prince wisely notes: "Knowing that repentance is returning to God's grace, how can grace be a license or excuse to sin, as some claim? Grace is the power of God to overcome every sin. The authority of God's Word proclaims that 'sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace' (Rom. 6:14). No one can use God's grace to justify his or her sin! It is contrary to God's Word and contrary to the gospel of grace. True grace swallows up the destructive powers of sin." 1 John is telling us if we are saved, our lives should show it. Our actions—our behavior—should grow out of our right standing with God through Jesus Christ, which is accomplished by faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross. Philippians 2:13 reminds us: "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." In this volatile season we are now living in, we are the ministers of reconciliation. God has given us this ministry of reconciliation. 2 Cor 5:20 says we "carry the message of Christ to the world, as though God were tenderly pleading with them directly through our lips. So we tenderly plead with you on Christ's behalf, 'Turn back to God and be reconciled to him.'" We are to build a bridge of reconciliation. …and We have to ensure that we make it crossable. Our love and forgiveness offered to others is not based on their openness to us. We have to receive others in mercy and forgiveness and give them another chance. (Are you listening?) We offer them the same grace we have been offered. 1 John 2:6 states: "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." What did Jesus do? "While we were yet sinners," He died for us. New Mercies Every Morning Even as we look at our world and see all that is wrong... and our hearts hurt and our minds are troubled... we pray for change... and God tells us to start with our own hearts. We know we are not supposed to conform to the world’s value system We know worldy thinking is death 1 John 2:16,17: For all that the world can offer us—the gratification of our flesh, the allurement of the things of the world, and the obsession with status and importance —none of these things come from the Father but from the world. This world and its desires are in the process of passing away, but those who love to do the will of God live forever. God tells us, His church, to humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. We have to persist. We have to remain faithful: "I don't give up. Thank you God that you don't give up on me." Perseverance, in its simplest definition, is the quality of continuing to try to achieve something despite difficulties or setbacks. 2 Cor 5:21 assures us: "God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Jesus Christ is the bridge that we all cross to eternal life. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." The Passion Translation puts it beautifully: "As for us, we have all of these great witnesses who encircle us like clouds. So we must let go of every wound that has pierced us and the sin we so easily fall into. Then we will be able to run life's marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us." “the path has been already marked out before us." “My friend, Jesus, is doing something new. His mercies wash over you every day, infusing you with life and causing a well to spring up in your heart. The unending rivers of grace flow freely, and the Lord provides fresh vision and renewed hope to help you through each day. He is with you and for you, and the fountains of His goodness and love will never run dry!” Remember: The Victory is already ours through Jesus’ Victory on the cross. Let us close with this prayer of repentance and reconciliation: "Thank you, Lord, for the grace that empowers me to live a Godly life. Thank you that your mercies are new every morning, giving me another chance to remain in you and to demonstrate your love to others. Amen." Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource REMAIN 留 Description An account of the resource 1 John 2:14: I write these things to you, dear children, because you truly have a relationship with the Father. I write these things, fathers and mothers, because you have had a true relationship with him who is from the beginning. And I write these things, young people, because you are strong, the Word of God is treasured in your hearts, and you have defeated the Evil One. 约翰一书 2:14: 孩子们，我曾写信给你们，因为你们认识了父。父老们，我曾写信给你们，因为你们认识了从太初就存在的那位。年轻人，我曾写信给你们，因为你们刚强，上帝的道常存在你们心里，并且你们战胜了那恶者。(page 1978) 1 John 2:7,8: Dear friends, I am not writing a new commandment for you; rather it is an old one you have had from the very beginning. This old commandment—to love one another—is the same message you heard before. Yet it is also new. Jesus lived the truth of this commandment, and you also are living it. For the darkness is disappearing, and the true light is already shining. 约翰一书 2:7,8: 亲爱的弟兄姊妹，我写给你们的并不是一条新命令，而是你们起初接受的旧命令，这旧命令就是你们已经听过的真道。 8 然而，我写给你们的也是新命令，在基督和你们身上都显明是真实的，因为黑暗渐渐过去，真光已经照耀出来。 (page 1978) 1 John 2:17: The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 约翰一书 2:17: 这世界和其中一切的私欲都要过去，但遵守上帝旨意的人永远长存。(page 1978) 1 John 2:5,6: those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 约翰一书 2:5,6: 遵行主话语的人是真正全心爱上帝的人，我们借此知道自己是在主里面。 6 所以，自称住在主里面的，就该在生活中效法基督。(page 1977) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/13/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8f98a5406f32830ce080359e13d4a442.jpg 0911dbd8545489fa45d2f3f848da1204 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/f5ef5452d841f5dd897cc90342125dc1.mp4 c0966a5b93af4dc1b210fa4b22c54ea8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2026 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Don’t Forget to Remember John 20:30-31 A few weeks ago, during a water-only fast, something unexpected happened. After about three days it felt as though a switch had been turned back on in my mind. Memories began flooding back. Things I had not thought about in years suddenly came into focus. I found myself saying, “Wow! I haven’t thought about that in years!” (can you relate?) The word remember means “to recall to mind” or “to bring again to memory.” Its Latin roots literally mean “to become mindful again.” There are some things we desperately want to remember, and there are some things we would rather forget. Sometimes we chase our tail into a seemingly downward spiral of despair. One thing after another.  It isn't punishment. It isn't bad luck. It's conditioning. We’re running on autopilot. I heard it said, “Most people aren't consciously creating their lives. They're unconsciously continuing them.” We need to be like Paul and forget those things which are behind us… while still remembering the good things God has done for over in the past. Remember His unfailing love. His mercy. His grace. …but God also says to us, “Forget the former things. Seee I Am doing a New Thing!” Today I want to speak about the spiritual power of remembering. John tells us that many things Jesus did were not written down, but these things were written so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ and that by believing we might have life in His name. The Gospel itself is a holy reminder. God knows we can be prone to forget. Point 1: We Forget More Than We Realize Life has a way of obstructing our memory about the faithfulness of God. We sometimes forget answered prayers. We forget miracles. We might somehow forget how God carried us through difficult seasons. Fear often grows where memory is weak. Anxiety causes us to become intensely aware of the problem. Faith causes us to become intensely aware of God's presence. Think of Peter walking on the water. As long as he looked at Jesus, he walked. When he became focused on the wind and waves, he began to sink. Sometimes our greatest need is not more information. Sometimes our greatest need is to simply remember. David said, “In my distress I called upon the Lord.” He remembered where help comes from. When we remember God's faithfulness, our faith becomes stronger. Point 2: The Holy Spirit Helps Us Remember Jesus said in John 14:26 that the Holy Spirit would bring all things to our remembrance. But the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. The Spirit does more than teach us new things. He reminds us of truths we already know but may have forgotten. The Psalmist declared, “I won't forget to walk in Your words.” (Psalm 119:16 TPT) Notice he did not simply say, “I won't forget Your words.” He said, “I won't forget to walk in Your words.” Re-membering is not merely recalling information. Remembering is returning to alignment. God's Word was never meant to simply occupy our minds. It is meant to direct our steps. The Holy Spirit continually reminds us so that we can walk in alignment with what God has said rather than merely admire it from a distance. He reminds us: • God is still faithful. • God is still present. • God still keeps His promises. When fear rises, ask yourself: “Where is God in this moment?” The answer is always closer than we think. The Holy Spirit continually points us back to Christ. He reminds us that we are never abandoned – we are never alone. Point 3: Re-Membering Means Being Put Back Together One of the most fascinating discoveries in preparing this message was realizing that “dismember” means to take apart, while “remember” can be viewed as putting back together. Life can leave us feeling dis-membered. Disappointments can fragment our confidence. Failures can fragment our hope. Loss can fragment our peace. But God's grace specializes in putting people back together. Re-Membering The Holy Spirit reminds us Who God is and who we are. He restores what fear, failure, and discouragement have attempted to tear apart. Colossians tells us that we are being renewed into the likeness of Christ. God is continually at work renewing our minds, renewing our hearts, and renewing our lives. Sometimes we must let go of old stories in order to embrace God's new story. What story are you carrying today? ( ) I once heard anxiety described this way: “Anxiety is often two competing ideas fighting against each other.” “This is the way I want things to be.” vs: “This is the way things currently are.” When those two realities collide, tension is created. James tells us that “a double-minded person is unstable in all his ways.” Sometimes our instability comes from trying to live in two stories at the same time. One story is the old life. The other story is the new life Christ is calling us into. One story is centered on self. The other story is centered on Christ. “Remember the Mission” One story says, “I have to figure this out.” The other says, “Apart from Him I can do nothing.” The Christian life is not learning how to improve the old story. It is allowing Jesus to become the center of a completely new story. Point 4: Remember the Past, But Don't Live There There is a balance in Scripture. We already stated: God tells us to remember His faithfulness. But He also says, “Forget the former things. See, I am doing a new thing.” We remember God's goodness, but we do not remain trapped in yesterday. We remember His mercy. We remember His grace. We remember His provision. But then we move forward into the new thing He is doing. Some old doors must close before new doors can open. Sometimes delays are actually divine preparation. As John Maxwell says, “we either prepare or we repair.” God wants us to move forward with wisdom, faith, and expectancy. Conclusion To walk into God's future, we must release the old story that no longer defines us. We are not who we were before Christ. We are not defined by our failures. We are not defined by our fears. We are not defined by our past. We are being renewed into His image day by day. The more Christ becomes the center of our lives, the more the old story loses its power. Psalm 27:13 says, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Maybe today God is asking you to remember what fear has made you forget. Remember His faithfulness. Remember His promises. Remember His presence. And as you re-member, allow God's grace to put the pieces back together. Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your faithfulness through every season of our lives. Forgive us for the times we have forgotten Your goodness, Your promises, and Your presence. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, bring to our remembrance all that You have spoken. Strengthen our faith. Renew our minds. Heal the places that have become fragmented through fear, disappointment, or discouragement. Help us remember Your mercy while embracing the new thing You are doing. Let Your peace rule in our hearts and Your hope fill our minds. Today we choose to remember that You are with us, You are for us, and You are still at work in our lives. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. "The Christian life is not learning how to improve the old story. It is allowing Jesus to become the center of a completely new story." Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Remember: Returning To Alignment 记得: 回到与神对齐的位置 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/14/2026 Description An account of the resource JOHN 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name. 约翰福音 20:31 但记这些事，要叫你们信耶稣是基督，是 神的儿子；并且叫你们信了他，就可以因他的名得生命。 JOHN 14:26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 约翰福音 14:26 但保惠师，就是父因我的名所要差来的圣灵，他要将一切的事指教你们，并且要叫你们想起我对你们所说的一切话。 PSALM 119:16 (TPT) I won’t forget to walk in Your words. 诗篇 119:16 我要在你的律例中自乐； 我不忘记你的话。 COLOSSIANS 3:10 Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 歌罗西书 3:10 穿上了新人；这新人在知识上渐渐更新，正如造他主的形象。 PSALM 27:13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 诗篇 27:13 我若不信在活人之地得见耶和华的恩惠，就早已丧胆了。 PSALM 62:5-6 Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. 诗篇 62:5-6 我的心哪，你当默默无声， 专等候 神，因为我的盼望是从他而来。 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike Koger Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3737 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/22f4e59843a1c2054ee5105addf402be.jpg cef41b01bfc6846cd8c8a04bb42f0009 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/6bc521f6dd05e94a393a5aa7225104b0.mp4 443a323e13e40963b84dcfd497fe83b6 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 Restoration Isaiah 40:28–31 Have you ever gotten off to a good start on something — only to find yourself quickly back to the very place you thought you had left behind? Have you ever felt disappointed in your own spiritual growth? Maybe you've found yourself thinking, 'I just can't seem to get beyond myself.' If that resonates with you today, you are not alone — and you are in the right place. Truth: we need each other to stay on course in our walk with the Lord. And isn't that exactly what the Church is all about? Christ is the Head. We are the Body. And together, we are a church with a mission — a mission to bring restoration to our community, to our city, to our nation, and to the world. restoration: a restoring to an unimpaired or improved condition But it starts here, among us, as we first experience God's restoration in our own lives. By God's hand, we experience His power of restoration — in our Faith, in our Relationships, in our Bodies, in our Minds, in our Finances, and in our Vision — as He reveals His will through His written Word and through our openhearted pursuit of His presence every single day. We’ve spoken often about 'Good Things' — on how God wants to satisfy our desires with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagles. MSG: 'Those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don't get tired. They walk and don't lag behind.' That sounds like exactly what we need. But let's be honest about where many of us actually are right now. I heard a prophetic word from the Lord that said this: many people do not even realize the extent of the battle they have been going through. There is a deep, pervasive weariness among God's people. An exhaustion that goes beyond tired bones — it reaches into the soul. And here is what Scripture confirms in Isaiah 40:30 — 'Even young people grow tired and become weary, and young men will stumble and fall.' Even at our very best, our natural strength gives out when we try to fight spiritual battles with physical power. We were never designed to carry this weight alone. When we stay weary and disconnected from God's restoring power, something subtle but dangerous happens — we lose our focus. Q: If we focus on what we fear, what are we attracting into our lives? Professional racers know that we unconsciously steer in the direction of our focus. So with their lives on the line, they train themselves to turn their eyes away from the wall and fix them on the open track. 'Where we put our focus is the direction we tend to go.' “FOCUS on where you want to go – not on what you fear.” This is true in the spirit as well. When we fix our eyes on our failures, our shame, our nation's downward spiral — that's the direction we drift. The enemy wants us to believe there is no way back. But God (your Creator) has a different word for us today. What 'wall' have you been focusing on that may be pulling you off course? What would it look like to shift your gaze back toward Jesus instead? ( ) Here is the truth that changes everything: there is a time of restoration coming — and by faith, it is already here. A Divine Shift. A True Breakthrough. Isaiah 40:29 declares: 'God strengthens the weary and gives vitality to those worn down by age and care.' And Isaiah 40:31 TPT: 'But those who wait for Yahweh's grace will experience divine strength.' Grace. Divine Strength. Soaring like eagles. Does that sound good to you? But restoration requires that we turn our gaze in the right direction. Hebrews 12:2 gives us our clear instruction: 'Fixing our eyes on Jesus.' Not on the wall. Not on the failure. Not on the weariness. On Jesus. (seek HIM) Acts 3:19 tells us: 'You must repent and turn back to God so that your sins will be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from the Lord's presence.' Repentance is about redirecting. It's adjusting our mindset, turning our focus, and running back to the One who restores. Joseph Prince: 'When you see Jesus in His grace, He sees you in your faith.' The invitation from the Lord Himself is simply this: 'Run to Me — and keep running to Me.' ( “rewarder of those…”) Zechariah 10:6 seals it with this promise: 'I will restore them because I have compassion on them.' So what does this restoration actually give us? Romans 3:21–24 paints a breathtaking picture: 'But now, independently of the law, the righteousness of God is tangible and brought to light through Jesus, the Anointed One... It is God's righteousness made visible through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And now all who believe in Him receive that gift... Yet through His powerful declaration of acquittal, God freely gives away His righteousness. His gift of love and favor now cascades over us, all because Jesus, the Anointed One, has liberated us from the guilt, punishment, and power of sin!' His gift cascades over us. That is restoration. And Romans 6:22–23 reminds us of the contrast: 'But now, as God's loving servants, you live in joyous freedom from the power of sin... you are brought deeper into the experience of true holiness that ends with eternal life! For sin's meager wages is death, but God's lavish gift is life eternal, found in your union with our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.' …And when we stumble? Proverbs 24:16 assures us: 'The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.' Restoration is not a one-time event — it is a continual, compassionate work of God in your life. Restoration begins the moment we recognize we cannot do this work ourselves. The ancient Orthodox Church has practiced a simple but powerful prayer for centuries — one version goes: 'Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.' That is where it starts. Not with striving. Not with willpower. With surrender & faith. Here is how we walk in restoration practically: First — Fix your eyes. Turn your focus away from the wall and onto the open road. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith. Second — Remember the battle belongs to the Lord. You were not meant to fight spiritual battles in your own strength. As we wait upon Him, we position ourselves to receive His divine strength. Third — Stay in community. We need each other. The Body of Christ is not optional. We keep each other to stay on course. Fourth — Receive His grace daily. His mercies are new every morning. The times of refreshing are not just coming — by faith, they are here. Receive them. We usually start out strong. But for one reason or another, we can grow weary through the process. Life wears us down. Battles drain us. And sometimes we drift further than we ever intended. But here is the word of the Lord for you today: the biggest need in America is also the biggest need for every one of us — Restoration. True restoration. The kind that only God can provide. Not self-improvement. Not a new strategy. True change — the kind that is difficult, even impossible, in our own strength — comes only through Jesus. Through His Divine Mercy. His Divine Compassion. His all-sufficient grace. 'God strengthens the weary and gives vitality to those worn down by age and care. But those who wait for Yahweh's grace will experience divine strength.' — Isaiah 40:29, 31 (TPT) Are you ready for a mighty new move of God's Spirit? A time like you have never experienced before? Then fix your eyes. Turn toward the open road. Run to Him — and keep running to Him. The restoration you've been waiting for is not far away. By His grace, it begins today. Consider: Maybe what you have been holding on to is holding you back. Release. Restore. It is in the releasing – the letting go – that we can be restored 1 Peter 5:6,7: If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. Let’s pray together. Heavenly Father, We come to You today as people who need Your strength. Some of us are weary in body. Some are weary in mind. And some are weary deep in our souls. Forgive us for the times we have tried to carry life in our own strength instead of waiting on You. Today we turn our eyes back to Jesus. Restore our faith. Restore our joy. Restore our strength. Teach us to wait upon You until our strength is renewed — until we rise again like eagles. Holy Spirit, bring times of refreshing from Your presence. We receive Your grace. We receive Your mercy. And by faith we declare that restoration begins today. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Restoration 恢复 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/08/2026 Description An account of the resource Isaiah 40:29–31: God strengthens the weary and gives vitality to those worn down by age and care. But those who wait for Yahweh's grace will experience divine strength. They will rise up on soaring wings like eagles, run their race without growing weary, and walk through life without giving up. 以赛亚书 40:29-31: 疲乏的，他赐能力；软弱的，他加力量。 就是少年人也要疲乏困倦，强壮的也必全然跌倒， 但那等候耶和华的，必重新得力。他们必如鹰展翅上腾，他们奔跑却不困倦，行走却不疲乏。(page 1177) Heb 12:1b,2a: let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. 希伯来书 12:1b,2a:…我们就要放下一切重担，摆脱容易缠累我们的罪，以坚忍的心奔跑我们前面的赛程， 定睛仰望为我们的信心创始成终的耶稣。(page 1954) Zechariah 10:6: "I will restore them because I have compassion on them." 撒迦利亚书 10:6: ...他们必好像从未被我抛弃一样， 因为我是他们的上帝耶和华，我必应允他们的祷告。(page 1545) Acts 3:19: "You must repent and turn back to God so that your sins will be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from the Lord's presence." 使徒行传 3:19: 所以，你们应当悔改，应当回转，使你们的罪孽被抹去 (page 1768) 1 Peter 5:6,7: If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands. Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. 彼得前书 5:6,7: 所以你们要在上帝大能的手下谦卑，时候到了，祂必擢升你们。 你们要把一切忧虑卸给上帝，因为祂眷顾你们。 (page 1971) 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/512eca45192514f7a7c271eea87ae12c.jpeg aba1bda322e25c1789d763519d624935 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/091df1156c5ab07f16c80eaa681389dc.mp4 ec500cb4de32ff2f0401bfac675a3920 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 Resurrection Revelation John 20:11-18 There’s a well-known story about a famous violinist who took his $3.5 million Stradivarius onto a platform of a Washington DC subway and started playing music. He was dressed in a T-shirt and a ball cap. Joshua Bell was accustomed to playing for packed concert halls and getting paid $1,000 a minute. During his 43-minute solo concert in the subway a total of 1097 people passed by. But only seven people stopped to listen. He earned $32 in change. J.T. Tillman, a computer specialist, was one of the people who walked by. He said, “I didn’t think nothing of it, just a guy trying to make a couple of bucks.” Tillman would’ve given him some cash, but he spent all his money on the lotto. When he was told that he stiffed one of the best musicians in the world, he asked, “Is he ever going to play around here again?” The reporter said, “Yeah, but you’re going to have to pay a lot to hear him.” Exactly one person recognized Joshua Bell. Her name was Stacy. She positioned herself 10 feet away from Bell, front row, center. She had a huge grin on her face. She said, “It was the most astonishing thing I’ve ever seen in Washington. Joshua Bell was standing there playing at rush-hour, and people were not stopping, and not even looking, and some more flipping quarters at him! Quarters! I was thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, what kind of a city do I live in that this could happen?’” It’s not what we see – it’s what we perceive (what LENS are you looking through?) “the eyes of your heart being enlightened” John 13: Then Jesus was moved deeply in his spirit. Looking at his disciples, he announced, “I tell you the truth—one of you is about to betray me.” John asked: “Master, who is it?” Jesus: “The one I give this piece of bread to after I’ve dipped it in the bowl,” Jesus replied When Jesus gave the bread to Judas, none of the others connected it with what He had just said! John 13:26, Jesus tells his disciples that he will give a morsel of bread to the one who will betray him. He then dips the morsel and hands it to Judas Iscariot. vs 28: But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. John 12:16: Now Jesus’ disciples didn’t fully understand the importance of what was taking place, but after he was raised and exalted into glory, they understood how Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies in the Scriptures that were written about him. Do we have an intellectual understanding – or do we have a revelation? Today on Resurrection Sunday, may we truly have a Resurrection Revelation Eph 5:14: “Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” “flesh and blood hath not revealed this” Matthew 13:15: Their minds are dull and slow to perceive, their ears are plugged and are hard of hearing, and they have deliberately shut their eyes to the truth. Otherwise they would open their eyes to see, and open their ears to hear, and open their minds to understand. Then they would turn to me and I would instantly heal them. We need a resurrection revelation. It is not something we see with our natural eyes. It is spiritually discerned, and revealed by Holy Spirit. Start this Resurrection Sunday – and in affect – your New Life – with this Divine Revelation: 2 Cor 5:19: God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them. And he has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation. Christians should be the people of The Way. Light Bearers. “We are offering hope, dignity, mercy and love.” WE have all been give the ministry of sharing the Good News about Jesus with everyone Col 2:14: “ …he canceled the unfavorable record of our debts with its binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross.” We’re here to give others the hope and confidence of a better life We look beyond ourselves and we become confident in God’s Gift of Divine Mercy “Mercy is always an invitation to a better life.” The Resurrection Revelation can change everything for you As Believers – as followers of Jesus - You are “risen with Christ” Once we get that revelation living in our hearts, our next job is to share it with the whole world. Eph 1:18: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, “flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of his calling” • Open the eyes of my heart, Lord Open the eyes of my heart I want to see You I want to see You To see You high and lifted up Shinin' in the light of Your glory Pour out Your power and love As we sing holy, holy, holy Phil Pringle: Dead for Nothing? “We are completely set free from sin through Christ’s death” “Everything keeping us from God has been removed by Jesus through His blood.” Romans 6:14: For sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law, but under grace. A Resurrection Revelation is a spiritual awakening to what Jesus paid the price for you and I to have. When you have a true Resurrection Revelation, and you understand our Redemption, our New Covenant – if you love God and walk in the Fear of the Lord, you will never minimize what Jesus has won for us in His crucifixion. 1 Peter 2:24: “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” Jesus said “according to your faith let it be to you.” (Matt 9:29) How can we have faith for things we don’t know? How can we know unless we hear it? How can we hear it unless someone shares the whole truth with us? Jesus was disruptive in His time on earth Jesus is still disruptive in 2025 – He is calling us out of our complacency. Romans 13:11: now it is high time to awaken out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed. Today is Resurrection Sunday. After the resurrection, Jesus would soon ascend into heaven. John 16:7: But here’s the truth: It’s to your advantage that I go away… …for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. (Jesus was referring to the Holy Spirit, Who would come on the Day of Pentecost when all in the upper room received the baptism of the Holy Spirt and Fire) Luke 24:49: I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. What Jesus promised was not a lesser form of Himself, but all the fullness Eph 3:19: “…that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Jesus is the True Vine. We are the branches. Apart from Him we can do nothing. But yes, we have our part to play Jesus said: “According to your faith let it be done to you” When Jesus visited His hometown we read: Matt 13:58: And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. Faith comes by hearing… Brothers and sisters in Christ: May our hearts become New Wineskins to receive the Word of God. Eph 4:13: until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. “ … until we all experience the fullness of what it means to know the Son of God” May we truly have a Resurrection Revelation this Easter morning. 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 Resurrection Revelation 复活启示 Description An account of the resource John 20:16: Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 約 翰 福 音 20:16: 耶稣对她说∶“马利亚！”她转过身，用希伯来语叫道∶“拉波尼！”（意思是老师）(page 1759) Eph 5:14: Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 以弗所书 5:14: 因为光能使一切显明出来。因此有人说：“沉睡的人啊，醒来吧！从死人中起来吧，基督要光照你了！” (page 1899) Matthew 13:15: Their minds are dull and slow to perceive, their ears are plugged and are hard of hearing, and they have deliberately shut their eyes to the truth. Otherwise they would open their eyes to see, and open their ears to hear, and open their minds to understand. Then they would turn to me and I would instantly heal them. 马太福音 13:15: 因为这些人心灵麻木，耳朵发背，眼睛昏花，以致眼睛看不见，耳朵听不见，心里不明白，无法回心转意，得不到我的医治。(page 1580) Col 2:14: “ …he canceled the unfavorable record of our debts with its binding rules and did away with it completely by nailing it to the cross.” 歌 羅 西 書 2:14: 他取消了对我们不利和反对我们的记录，把它钉在十字架上毁掉了它。(page 1910) Eph 1:18: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people 以弗所书 1:18: 我也求上帝照亮你们心中的眼睛，使你们知道祂的呼召给你们带来了何等的盼望，祂应许赐给众圣徒的产业有何等丰富的荣耀 (page 1895) Romans 6:14: For sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 罗马书 6:14: 罪不能再主宰你们，因为你们已经不在律法之下，而是在恩典之中。 (page 1829) Revelation 1 Peter 2:24 - "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." 彼 得 前 書 2:24: 基督在十字架上的身体负载着我们的罪孽，为了让我们死于我们的罪孽，而为义而生。他的创伤，使你们得到治愈 他拯救了我们，不是因为我们的行为，而是靠他的怜悯、重生的洗礼和使我们更新的圣灵。(page 1936) Romans 13:11: now it is high time to awaken out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we first believed. 羅 馬 書 13:11: 你们知道我们处在一个重要的时代，所以我说了这番话。现在是应该从沉睡中醒来的时候了，因为现在我们的拯救比最初相信时更接近我们了。(page 1841) Luke 24:49: I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. 路加福音 24:49: 我要把我父所应许的赐给你们。不过，你们要留在城里，直到你们得到天上来的能力。(page 1715) Eph 3:19: …and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 以弗所书 3:19: 并知道基督的爱是远超过人所能理解的爱，好叫上帝无限的丰富充满你们。(page 1897) Matt 13:58: And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief. 马太福音 13:58: 因为他们不信，耶稣就没有在那里多行神迹。 Eph 4:13: until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 以弗所书 4:13: 直到我们对上帝的儿子有一致的信仰和认识，逐渐成熟，达到基督那样完美的生命。(page 1898) 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 04/20/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/10755dd26e4ac79086cf6c6ccadf44b6.jpg 68182b7fac40fc1179699228315ccca9 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/295343d0cb4a7fdf79cfc99ca60e0bf9.mp4 635b07e590b23545cfd60dbf15de9d06 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 RETURN Isaiah 30:15 Job 22:21-23 Time flies. That is a cliché, and yet, so very true, especially as you get older. The holidays were special. It was a time to redirect our focus a bit – and hopefully (for some) to get a little rest. It’s January – and things are getting busy again. Returning is an act of coming back – maybe for some of you went back to your home town to see family – or maybe family returned home to see you? Returning is an act of coming back – maybe it’s a physical return – but I can also be an emotional return – appreciating the ones who love you the most. Maybe it is a spiritual return. Returning is an act of coming back – it can mean coming back into God’s Holy Presence and receiving the restoration that cannot be found elsewhere. It means making a place in your heart to ABIDE once again. Jonathan Edwards: “In close meditation, prayer and conversing with God, when alone and separated from the world, a true Christian doubtless delights… to converse with God in solitude and this also has peculiar advantages for fixing his heart, for fixing what is inside him.” “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength” The verse is a message from the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, that returning to him and resting in him will save people. The verse also says that quietness and trust will give people strength. We all need those people and places where we can let down our guard and just be ourselves. Fully let our hair down (so to speak) Those people and places provide acceptance and grace. Our heavenly Father offers us that – and so much more. It’s still January… our New Year has just begun. It’s time to Return. It’s time to Come Home “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength” Returning is an act of coming back – it can mean coming back into God’s Holy Presence and receiving the restoration that cannot be found elsewhere. Job 22:21-23: Come to terms with God and be at peace; in this way[c] good will come to you. Receive instruction from his mouth, and place his sayings in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be renewed. Returning (in our Christian lives) usually entails some form of repentance. Maybe repenting of something we previously weren’t even aware of. (do we take time to hear? to listen?) Psalm 19:7: The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. God’s direction in our lives will restore our souls and gives us wisdom for living a better, more fulfilling life. People sometimes say to me, “I don’t know how you do everything you do.” I know from them it is coming from a place of love and concern for my well-being. …but the truth is, I don’t do everything I should be doing. (not proud of that fact) Sometimes (for me) overwhelm causes me to just shut down and do nothing, as opposed to doing what I should be doing. Time management and self-preservation may actually devolve into a form of selfishness. That’s where repentance can open the door to returning to right thinking, right actions, based on right priorities. “Confess you faults one to another that ye may be healed” (forgiven – restored) “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength” It’s time to Return. It’s time to Come Home I believe the act of returning here is first and foremost a heart issue. …and returning requires that we leave someplace else. Returning also means leaving some other place Forsaking abandon (someone or something). renounce or give up (something valued or pleasant) We have to give up – renounce – turn – turn away (forsake an old pattern) It seems that choice will always redirect us to some form of service – service to God – service to others To use the gifts we were given and blessed to be able to share To follow the example of Christ Gal 6:2: Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. “Love empowers us to fulfill the law of the Anointed One as we carry each other's troubles.” Jesus told us what His commands were: Matt 22:37-39: Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ vs 40: “The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” “Contained within these commandments to love you will find all the meaning of the Law and the Prophets.” “The Law of the Lord is perfect, giving new strength to the soul. “ WE are commanded by God to forgive, to love God, to love others …but don’t let this draw you down into legalism Romans 11:6 And since it is by God's grace, it can't be a matter of their good works; otherwise, it wouldn't be a gift of grace, but earned by human effort. We are only branches – apart from Christ we can do nothing …but we yield, and we find our empowerment through the Vine “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength” “He restores my soul.” “If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored…” It’s God Grace that will allows us to enter into that secret place – that place of stillness and rest. Have you ever had a moment of awareness where you finally realized you were not on the right path? …of course you have, right? So doesn’t that also mean we should show grace to those who are still awaiting that moment of revelation? That epiphany that leads to repentance? When we recognize how good and merciful God has been to us Like the prodigal son: “When he came to himself…” To whom much has been given… What will we do with the time we have left? Time is short, but God is great. "Eternity is calling your soul. It inspires you to awaken, to dream again, and to take risks." A place of peace and restoration is always there ...it is we who have to return to it. In Zechariah 1:3 Almighty GOD says: “Return to me, and I will return to you.” Let God’s Word guide you back to that place of returning to Him today. Job 22:21-23 “Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored…” Make my life a prayer to You… “If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored…” 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 RETURN 返回 Description An account of the resource Isaiah 30:15: For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest shall ye be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength; but ye would not. 以赛亚书 30:15: 主耶和华——以色列的圣者说：“你们回转、安息便可得到拯救；你们安静、信靠便可得到力量。 但你们却不肯。 (page 1160) Job 22:23: “If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored…” 约伯记 22:23: 你若归向全能者，就必得到恢复。 (page 855) Psalm 19:7: The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 诗篇 19:7: 耶和华的律法完美，能更新生命；耶和华的法度可靠，让愚人有智慧。 (page 1909) Gal 6:2: Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 加拉太书 6:2: 你们要分担彼此的重担，这样就成全了基督的律法。 (page 1892) Matt 4:22:37-39: And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 马太福音 22:37-39: 耶稣回答说：“‘你要全心、全情、全意爱主——你的上帝’， 这是第一条也是最重要的诫命。 第二条也相似，就是‘要爱邻如己’。(page 1600) Romans 11:6: And since it is by God's grace, it can't be a matter of their good works; otherwise, it wouldn't be a gift of grace, but earned by human effort. 羅 馬 書 11:6: 既然是靠着恩典，就不再是由于行为了；不然的话，恩典就不再是恩典了。(page 1837) 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 01/19/2025 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/5e15599ba7afa35c3852fc001c82fa6e.jpg 8337ce0b005df687d495064098bd08ee https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/1fcf4ac184427edc00d5f01ba28eb5c8.mp4 4bf6ec578557bcaf81e5a92a1bb73923 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 SENT John 20:21 Ever look at yourself in a funhouse mirror? The image staring back is wildly distorted — and kind of funny. But that image in the bathroom mirror at midnight? Not so funny. I remember one night at the movie theater... "Yikes — when did I get this old?" "Be careful what you hear"* — and also — *"Be careful what you see."* Who do you see yourself as in Christ? James 1:23-24 (read) As followers of Christ, we are no longer the person we used to see in that mirror. That image is a distortion. You have a bigger mission — a greater purpose — than what you've experienced thus far. *Do you believe it?* What if everything you've believed about your life has been too small? "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20:21 "Yeshua said to them again, 'Shalom aleichem! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.'"* We aren't "went ones" — we are sent ones. And if that's true… it's time we begin to see ourselves differently. Col 1:28-29: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. It has become my inspiration and passion to labor with tireless intensity — with His power flowing through me — to present to every believer the revelation of being His perfect one in Jesus Christ. If you're feeling tired today — that's okay. It could actually be a great thing. When we are weak, HE is strong. We rely on His strength and power to do what He sends us to do. Feeling like you've lost your mind? Relax — you now have the Mind of Christ. Paul said: *"Grace alone empowers me so that I can boldly preach this wonderful message."* Maybe that's why it takes a while for us to fully understand this. It takes a revelation from God — through the Holy Spirit and the Word. John 8:47: "Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God." "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."* James 1:21: With a sensitive spirit we absorb God's Word, which has been implanted within our nature — for the Word of Life has power to continually deliver us. Here's something we all understand: when you decide to make a real change — health, weight loss, more energy — you add new disciplines and new perspectives… and you subtract some things that just *"gots ta go." Same in our Christian walk. When we give our life to Christ, the Bible says our lives are no longer our own. 1 Cor 6:19-20 — We are bought with a price. It's time to subtract that out-of-date image of your old nature. "Put on Christ."(Rom 13:14)* Col 3:3: "For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God." Choosing to live for Jesus is not just adding something new — it is letting go of the old. This is sanctification. A sanctified life is also a crucified life. Galatians 2:20: 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. "I Live by the Power of the Son of God." We now have new purpose — new passion — new plans. God's plans. We draw our life from the Vine. Some of the greatest movers and shakers in history rose up out of the greatest adversity. (Remember last week...)* Psalm 73:26: My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength — He is all I ever need. "God is the strength of my heart and all I need forever." TPT: Lord, so many times I fail; I fall into disgrace. But when I trust in you, I have a strong and glorious presence protecting and anointing me. Forever you're all I need! Our church family — in the sanctuary and online — has such a heart for prayer and ministering to others. We believe in God's power and we want to see it manifested. "As my Father has sent me, even so send I you." — This is our heart for ministry to each other. But we're not doing this alone or under our own strength. Jesus is wherever we are. John 16:7: "It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you." And Jesus is *"the same yesterday, today and forever." Eph 4 — Jesus "gave apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors and teachers as gifts to His church — for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ." Our job is to be equipped as conduits of God's power — standing on and speaking His Word to all who need it. And isn’t that really everyone? One of the lessons I've recognized in my own healing journey: we all desperately need the prayer of others. Others who truly believe the uncompromised truth of God's Word. Eph 3:20: 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… Eph 3:20 TPT: *Never doubt God's mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination — His miraculous power constantly energizes you.* We are relying on Divine strength — not human limitation. To flow in the mighty power given to us by Jesus would be a very good thing indeed. – John 6:28-29: The people asked Jesus: *"What must we do to perform the works of God?"* His answer? Believe. Faith — not striving — is the foundational work that fulfills God's requirements. We can do what we are called to do, by Grace, through Faith. We can only use what we have. *What do you have?* Acts 3:6-9: Peter said, *"Silver and gold have I none — but such as I have, give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."* And he took him by the hand… and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. He leaped up, walked, entered the temple — walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him. *"I Live by the Power of the Son of God."* Our anointing is not for ourselves — it is for the ones God gives us to bless. Isn't it time we released that anointing — by Grace through Faith — for the sake of those God has given us to minister to? 1 John 2:2: He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins — and not only for ours, but for the sins of the whole world. *"Be doers of the Word."* *"Faith without works is dead."* John 20:21: *"Peace to you. Just as the Father has sent me, I'm now sending you."* --- *(Closing prayer — keep exactly as written.)* 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 SENT 差遣 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/26/2026 Description An account of the resource John 20:21: Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I Am sending you. 約翰福音 20:21: 願你們平安！父怎樣差遣了我，我也照樣差遣 你們。 (page 1760) James 1:23–24: Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 雅各書 1:23–24: 人若聽道而不行道，就像人對著鏡子看自己本 來的面目，看見，走後，隨即忘了他的相貌如何。(page 1960) Colossians 1:28–29: Christ is our message! We preach to awaken hearts and bring every person into the full understanding of truth. 歌羅西書 1:28–29: 我們傳揚他，是用諸般的智慧勸戒各人，教 導各人，要把各人在基督裡完完全全地引到神面前。(page 1909) James 1:21: …Instead, with a sensitive spirit we absorb God’s Word, which has been implanted within our nature, for the Word of Life has power to continually deliver us. 雅 各 書 1:21: 因此，要摆脱一切污秽和一切盛行的邪恶，要温 顺地接受植根于你们心底的上帝的教导，这教导能够拯救你们。 (page 1960) Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. 加拉太書 2:20: 我已經與基督同釘十字架，現在活著的不再是我 ，乃是基督在我裡面活著。(page 1887) Ephesians 3:20: 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 3:20: 神能照著運行在我們心裡的大力，充充足足地成 就一切，超過我們所求所想的。(page 1897) 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/931c0bf629b876fa214571a79011279f.jpg 6c2ab3afef7b8197f7f888c4a46b12c8 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/c69f078b619e4edafb41fb7718b8ff64.mp4 8597eba146247604d9feaa3184a69494 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 SHATTERED Psalm 30:2 “When everyone thinks something is true, it does not make it anything more than effective marketing.” We now live in what may be considered very polarizing times …and it can make for some interesting discussions When we have strong feelings about a topic – any topic – we may feel the need to stand our ground- dig in our heels – and refuse to budge an inch. It is good to believe strongly – and it is good to take a stand ? But what if what we believe is true is not really true at all? What if it is a total lie – a deception? “The brainwashed don’t know they are brainwashed.” There’s an old song that says, “’tain’t necessarily so.” You’ve heard me say many times, “You are not your thoughts” Your mind can be lying to you. “If you had friends in your life that talk to you the way your mind does, they wouldn’t be your friends very long.” We may sometimes argue in support of our limitations – our misery – our seemingly hopeless situations. We defend our weaknesses. Our shattered lives. Some people will argue for their right to continue to try to save themselves. In our shattered situations, we need to look to our Creator for help. Psalm 51:17 - The sacrifice God desires is a humble spirit— O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject. MSG: “I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered.“ The healing we need in our lives requires us to return to the Healer. Psalm 30:2 - LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. “Eternal One, my True God, I cried out to You for help; You mended the shattered pieces of my life.” “ …be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” It’s time to take back what belongs to you. The life God planned for you to live. It’s time to rise up from that mindset that says our lives have become too shattered to ever fulfill our higher calling. It’s time to take back what belongs to you. The life God planned for you to live. “Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy. “I went to the enemy’s camp…” 1 Samuel 30 tell us the story of how King David and his men returned to Ziklag to find the Amalekites had raided Ziklag and burned it down, taking the women and everyone in the city prisoner, whether young or old. They hadn’t killed anyone but carried them off and went on their way. their wives, their sons, and their daughters taken prisoner David and the troops with him broke into tears and cried until they could cry no more. David asked the LORD, “Should I pursue these troops? Will I catch up with them?” The Lord replied to him: “Pursue them,” the LORD told him. “You will certainly catch up with them and rescue the captives.” (and that’s exactly what happened) It’s time to take back what belongs to you as a Child of God – and to give back what doesn’t belong to you “LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.” “I cried out for a miracle and you healed me!” “you didn’t let my enemies rejoice over me.” “thou hast restored me.” “You mended the shattered pieces of my life.” ? Which has more power - your sin or God’s grace? God’s grace can mend the shattered places in our lives Psalm 31:24 - Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD. The broken pieces that we see as un-fixable, God says He can restore and use for even bigger things to come. Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise. Just like the broken pottery, our lives may seem Shattered – and then restored to greater beauty It’s time to take back what belongs to you as a Child of God It is a higher level of repentance based on our New Covenant “Some things have to end for new and better things to begin.”  One morning, the Lord woke me up with these words: “It is time to come to the end of yourself.” Isn’t that what it will take to get to the next level of where God wants to take us? (Prayer of St Francis) “it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.” “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” cling: hold on tightly to clinging to the wrong things – sometimes even “good things” from our past, can keep us stuck. Stagnant. ? are you open to new revelation? new learning? new awakenings? we have to trade our best for God’s highest. I like to cook Chinese dumplings. My dumplings are pretty good (to me) until I eat one that was made by a true expert. Sometimes we have to just admit that even our best efforts will never get us where we need to go. “Sometimes you can’t make it on your own” Psalm 32:5 – “ … until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, “I will confess them to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” “It is time to come to the end of yourself.” “ …and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.” • Take back what was stolen from you now. • Take back that power, love and a sound mind that God has given you • Trade your sorrows for the joy of the Lord • All of this is possible, but only by God’s grace. 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. 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 SHATTERED 破碎的 Description An account of the resource Psalm 51:17 - The sacrifice God desires is a humble spirit— O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject. 诗篇 51:17: 神所要的祭，就是破碎的灵； 神啊！破碎痛悔的心，你必不轻看。 (page 932) Psalm 30:2 - LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. 诗篇 30:2: 耶和华我的　神啊！我曾向你呼求，你也医治了我。 1 Sam 30:8 - Then David asked the LORD, “Should I pursue these troops? Will I catch up with them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD told him. “You will certainly catch up with them and rescue the captives.” 撒母耳记上 30:8: 大卫求问耶和华说：“我可以追赶这群匪徒吗？我可以追上他们吗？”耶和华回答他：“你可以追赶，你必定追上，也必定把一切救回来。” (page 492) Psalm 31:24 - Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD. 诗篇 31:24: 凡仰望耶和华的人啊，要刚强壮胆！(page 909) Psalm 32:5 – “ … until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, “I will confess them to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” 诗篇 32:5: 我向你承认自己的罪，不再隐瞒自己的恶。 我说：“我要向耶和华认罪。”你就赦免了我。(page 909) 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. 以弗所书 4:23,24: 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。 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 02/16/2025 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/d81c405d58eed3f5244299452b24c591.jpeg 50665085701ed55111af6965ac21f1c1 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/051df7b45f4e590578f096bdb30f1c98.mp4 548e81828dd15ba9575fd024051d62c3 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound SHINE: Reflecting God's Light in a Dark World Daniel 12:3 Have you ever been in a place of complete darkness, where even the smallest light becomes a beacon of hope? Like a power outage or in an unfamiliar place at night? …where even the tiniest flame can illuminate an entire room? When things are darkest, we need a good source of Light to be able to see. Today’s scripture tells us, 'People who are wise will shine like the bright sky. Those who help many people to do what is right will also shine brightly forever. They will shine like the stars in the sky at night.' In our world with so much spiritual darkness, God is calling each of us to SHINE—not with our own light, but by reflecting His divine light that can transform lives and illuminate paths. We live in a world desperate for authentic light. People are stumbling in darkness—making decisions without guidance, seeking purpose without direction, and searching for hope in places that only deepen their despair. John 1:4-5 reminds us, 'In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.' The problem isn't just the darkness around us—it's that too often, we who carry God's light have covered it up – made it hard for others to find. We've hidden our light under cultural conformity, fear of rejection, or simple complacency. As Proverbs tells us, 'As a man thinketh... so he is.' Our lives reflect our thoughts, and when our minds are filled with the world rather than God's Word, our light dims. The world doesn't need more artificial light. It needs the authentic reflection of God's glory through transformed lives. Sometimes it may feel challenging to be a light in the midst if darkness. Maybe because of the shame or condemnation we have experienced about our own personal failings. TODAY I want to release you to “walk by faith and not by sight” so you can become Bright Lights for the Kingdom. To SHINE as beacons of Hope for a lost and dying world. The beautiful solution is that we don't need to generate our own light. 2 Cor 4:6 declares, 'For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.' When we are shining properly, we are actually reflecting. Like how the moon doesn't generate its own light but reflects the sun, we reflect the glory of God. 2 Cor 3:18 puts it this way: 'We all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus.' God shines on us first—then we reflect that light. Our purpose is not to seek our own glory but to be vessels that God can use for His glory. Ephesians 5:8 reminds us, 'Once your life was full of sin's darkness, but now you have the very light of our Lord shining through you because of your union with him. Your mission is to live as children flooded with his revelation-light!' When I was in China for two weeks, I stood out as the only American I saw there. I couldn’t escape being “noticed” Similarly, as Christians, we should stand out in this world. We are ambassadors for Christ. Philippians 3:20 tells us, 'For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.' As citizens of another Kingdom, we have both rights and responsibilities. Imagine what our community would look like if every true believer truly reflected God's light: Ÿ Families would be restored as God's love shines through forgiveness and grace Ÿ Workplaces would be transformed by integrity and excellence that glorifies God Ÿ Neighbors would be drawn to Christ not by our words alone, but by seeing His character reflected in our actions Ÿ Those sitting in darkness and the shadow of death would find the path to peace through our consistent witness The closer we get to the Light, the brighter our lives become. As we draw near to God, His light reflects more brilliantly through us. Even when we stumble, we have a solution—run back to the Light! As Micah 7:8 encourages us, 'Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.' 2 Cor 3:18 promises this beautiful transformation: 'We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another.' Let Your Light Shine Jesus commanded in Matthew 5:16, 'Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.' Notice the word 'let'—it indicates intentionality. It's a choice we must make daily. How do we “let our light shine” in practical ways? 1. **Daily Reflection** - Spend time in God's presence through prayer and His Word. You cannot reflect what you haven't first experienced yourself. Make this your first priority each morning. Peter 3:18: But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2. **Remove the Veils** - Identify what might be covering your light—fear, sin, busyness, worldly thinking—and surrender these to God. Confess them daily. “Chip away that version that doesn’t serve you.” 2 Cor 3:16: But the moment one turns to the Lord with an open heart, the veil is lifted and they see. vs 18: with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. 3. **Intentional Witness** - Look for specific opportunities to help others do what is right. Remember : 'Those who help many people to do what is right will also shine brightly forever.' 4. **Community Illumination** - Join with other believers to multiply your light. Commit to serving in one area where our church is bringing light to darkness. 5. **Persevere in Darkness** When facing dark circumstances, remember Micah 7:8: “Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light." Your light shines brightest against the darkest backgrounds. From Glory to Glory 2 Cor 3:18 continues: “…We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” it “comes from the Lord” Proverbs 27:19 tells us, 'As water reflects the face, so one's life reflects the heart.' What does your life reflect today? God has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light, not just for our benefit, but so we can shine for others. As we reflect His glory, we are being transformed 'from glory to glory' into the image of Christ. This week, I challenge each of us to identify one specific way we will intentionally reflect God's light. Perhaps it's in your family, your workplace, or your neighborhood. Write it down, pray over it, and then act on it. Remember the promise from Daniel 12:3: 'People who are wise will shine like the bright sky. Those who help many people to do what is right will also shine brightly forever. They will shine like the stars in the sky at night.' Let us pray: Father, thank You for shining Your light into our hearts. Help us to reflect Your glory in every aspect of our lives. Remove anything that dims our witness, and use us to bring Your light to those still walking in darkness. (removing the veils – “the abundance of grace & the gift of righteousness”) May our lives bring glory to You alone. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2 Cor 4:6: For God, who said, “Let brilliant light shine out of darkness,” is the One Who has cascaded His light into us—the brilliant dawning light of the glorious knowledge of God as we gaze into the face of Jesus Christ. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource SHINE 发光 Description An account of the resource Daniel 12:3: People who are wise will shine like the bright sky. Those who help many people to do what is right will also shine brightly forever. They will shine like the stars in the sky at night. 但 以 理 書 12:3: 智者必发出光辉，如耀眼的穹苍；引导多人归向公义的人必如闪烁的星辰，直到永永远远。 (page 1459) John 1:4,5: Life was in him, and this life was the light of the human race. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 約 翰 福 音 1:4,5: 他蕴含着生命，这生命给人类带来了光明。 光明在黑暗中闪耀，但是黑暗无法战胜光明 (page 1716) 2 Cor 4:6: For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 哥林多后书 4:6: 因为那吩咐光从黑暗中照射出来的上帝光照了我们的心，为要让我们认识上帝在耶稣基督的面容上所彰显的荣耀。 (page 1873) 2 Cor 3:18: We all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. 哥林多后书 3:18: 我们这些脸上不再蒙着帕子的人，可以像镜子一样反映主的荣光，渐渐变成主的样式，荣上加荣。这都是主的作为，主就是那灵。(page 1873) Matthew 5:16: Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 马太福音 5:16: 同样，你们的光也应当照在人面前，好让他们看见你们的好行为，便赞美你们天上的父。(page 1563) Micah 7:8: Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. 弥迦书 7:8: 我的仇敌啊，你们不要对我幸灾乐祸！我虽跌倒，但必再爬起来；我虽坐在黑暗里，但耶和华必做我的光。 (page 1515) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/27/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States