1 10 83 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 2022 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 Hurry Up! Hebrews 3:16 –Hebrews 4:16 “This 2022 season of Lent will not be a time of stopping or giving up. It will be a time to BEGIN.” We honor those whom we refer to as “the self-made man” or woman. Our world has been shaped by the pioneers, the entrepreneurs and the bigger thinkers. The dreamers who were also doers. …but in 2022 we live in a world of rising prices and emptying store shelves. Even more frustrating is, most of us know that it is not for a lack of resources. There are things we can control, and there are things that, in the natural realm, are truly out of our control. It can lead to feelings of frustration – and powerlessness. Some people even just “give up.” “GOD is going to settle your life.” “Power, Love and a Sound Mind” “Power, Love and a Self-Discipline” Jehovah Shalom (rebukes the chaos) Kingdom People: Hear (The Word of God) Believe (The Word of God) DO (The Word of God) Jesus said, “What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” (Matt 6:33) To seek the kingdom is to make the rule of God the object of our desires. If we want God to settle our lives, we need to start walking by faith in accordance with God’s Kingdom ways – and God’s Kingdom Purposes. 1 Cor 4:20: For the kingdom realm of God comes with power, not simply impressive words. God’s Kingdom is a Kingdom of POWER – and it is also a Kingdom of REST. “Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Make this world right again, starting with me.” It’s time to learn to rest. The Children of Israel – Old Testament Heb 3:19 - “because of their unbelief.” Chapter 3 ended with the warning that it was unbelief that kept the people of Israel from entering into the promised land and the rest God had promised there. Hebrews 3:19: “And so we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.” Heb 4:2 – “the message they heard had no value” - “those who heard it did not combine it with faith.” Heb 4:6 – “because of their disobedience” (unbelief – lack of faith) “without faith it is impossible to please God” 4:1 - “Therefore, [that’s the sign that the writer is drawing a conclusion from what he just said in 3:19] let us fear, lest, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it” “We will not enter into God’s rest — God’s Kingdom — if we do not trust his promises.” The connection with Hebrews 3:19 surely tells us the thing we are to fear is unbelief. Verse 19: “They were not able to enter [God’s rest] because of unbelief.” Therefore fear that unbelief, because that’s what will keep you from entering God’s rest “So we should be very careful that none of you fails to get that promise.” Fear unbelief. Fear not trusting God. We may be far from living in God’s rest and not even realize it. ( ) “I prayed hard about that situation” “be anxious for nothing” It’s time for you and I to enter God’s Rest …which is the opposite of doubt and unbelief. It is the end of the struggle. When we rest in God we enter His Presence with a peaceful confidence Heb 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. The message today is entitled “Don’t Hurry Up” It seems often when we try to “hurry up” we get into trouble. I do that at work when I get into panic mode instead of pooling all of the needed resources and voices of skill and experience together first. All thorough The Bible we see how people got out of rest and into unbelief when they tried to “fix things” in the natural (operating from a carnal mindset) in their attempt to “help God” – or speed up the process. • Abraham (Ishmael) • Moses (beating the rock three times) • Peter (cutting off the soldier’s ear) Entering into His Rest is our submission to a power greater than ourselves “Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Make this world right again, starting with me.” “THY Kingdom come, THY Will be done…” The Kingdom is within you Repentance. Repentance from unbelief. Doubt. From “dead works” Rest in His Peace Rest in His Shalom Blessing God’s Peace. Provision. God’s Loving Care “The Lord is my Shepherd” “Be Still and Know” Cease from your own works. Our prayer time should allow us to enter His rest Holy Communion is a “means of grace” that should allow us to enter His rest Our daily life should be a time of rest as well. “Trust and Obey” We have to abandon the carnal/global mindset and become Kingdom Minded It is a walk of faith and trust Eph 2:2 - That was the road you used to travel, keeping in step with this world’s ‘present age’; in step, too, with the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is, even now, at work among people whose whole lives consist of disobeying God. Eph 2:4,5: - But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. “I BELIEVE on the Lord Jesus Christ and I am SAVED.” Made Whole. Restored. Provided For. Healed. Delivered. Redeemed. Renewed. Jesus said, “Take MY yoke upon you… …and You Will Find REST for your souls.” Rest is the opposite of doubt and unbelief It is Trust. It is true Expectation Entering into God’s Rest PROVES that we trust God. “When you pray, BELIEVE…” “Father, thank You that whenever I find myself stuck in a problem or setback, You have the power to reverse it and even restore what’s been lost. Thank You that I can offer You a sacrifice of praise because You hold my future in the palms of Your hands. I believe that You will never disappoint me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.” “ …giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” You have a Kingdom inheritance “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.” Col 1:13: God made us free from the power of darkness. And he brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son. “ … has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,” 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 别着急 Dont Hurry Up Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/27/2022 Description An account of the resource Heb 3:19 – So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief. 希伯來書 3:19: 这样看来，他们不能进入安息是因为不信的缘故了。(pg 1942) Heb 4:1 – And we still have the promise that God gave those people. That promise is that we can enter his place of rest. So we should be very careful that none of you fails to get that promise. 希伯來書 4:1: 既然我们能够进入上帝安息的许诺依然存在，那么就让我们当心吧，不要让你们中间任何人被认为失败了。(pg 1942) Heb 11:6 - And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 希伯來書 11:6: 人非有信，就不能得神的喜悦；因为到神面前来的人必须信有神，且信他赏赐那寻求他的人。(pg 1950) Eph 2:4,5: - But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 以弗所書 2:4,5: 但是，上帝的仁慈是非常丰富的，他对我们的爱是博大的。当我们在精神上因为犯罪而死的时候，上帝让我们与基督一起得到了新的生命。他的恩典拯救了我们。(page 1895) Matt 11:28,29: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 馬太福音 11:28,29: 凡劳苦担重担的人可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息。我心里柔和谦卑，你们当负我的轭，学我的样式；这样，你们心里就必得享安息。(pg 1577) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/85d9a0a2257f892265eff3b073ae09ee.jpg a8c36f192a900750aaac7aa9c1572921 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/69fc7ea4fe4d9d3c57a31f634ee73f5e.mp4 daa5e7996021b749b56832e9e22e1eca 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. 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 It's Our Wedding Day, a MTV shot at Hillside Church! 在山坡教堂拍摄的婚礼歌曲 MTV ！ Description An account of the resource <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QN4d4rMncFs?si=QQsW3Z9Nkr12NfCE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kenneth Jordan Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN4d4rMncFs https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/81016086cf8e62fc65870833e04ea67f.jpeg f045cab6aee635a117c6374be93a5e8e https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/e1f54321b3427dc5d483756fe0238309.mp4 e4b9ce52b9f5207e7db8635726e5c0f2 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 2024 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 LOVE is Not Passive Hebrews 10:19-25 Maurice “Moe” Sill – he liked to call himself an “old hillbilly” but his life and legacy proved him to be an amazing man. A philanthropist. He served in the Peace Corps in India and Pakistan. He was an amateur pilot. He taught Rural Sociology at Marshall University. He married the daughter of a Russian Orthodox priest. He took her faith and made it his own. He and his wife settled into an Appalachian farm and on their farm built the first Orthodox church in Wayne County. Moe was a visionary, and wanted to build a community of faith right there in the middle of West Virginia coal country. In the late 1990s he donated his farmland to a group of Orthodox monks so they could build a monastery there (they had been displaced from their land in Missouri.) Moe lived to see the monastery grow and flourish. He witnessed the founding of a parish church in Wayne to help care for the families drawn to the area by the monastery. By the time he passed away in 2019, he could behold the fruit of his labors—the vibrant Appalachian Orthodoxy he envisioned all those years before. He was faithful, he persevered, and through his patience and foresight, and he left a legacy for his entire community. For some of you church members, this probably sounds a lot like the earlier generations of your family who helped establish this church. from the video, it describes a man named Charley Bradshaw, who lived on the farm decades before Mo and his wife. He built the log cabin that they first lived in when they bought the farm: “And when you live with hope for the future, you build things to last. That’s why Charles Golden Bradshaw’s chestnut log cabin still stands to this day, over 120 years since he built it back in the 1890s. It’s the oldest building on the grounds of our monastery. Charley Bradshaw lived here, he labored here, and he died here. They buried him at the top of the ridge. Like so many West Virginians before him, he left a legacy to his family by the sweat of his brow and the work of his hands.” …and now, here WE are. We’re laying a spiritual foundation for all future generations to experience the fullness of our Biblical Christian faith We serve God’s people with purpose – with Love – and Love is not passive. Mo Sill had what we have referred to before as a “Magnificent Obsession” Living and serving from a higher purpose – motivated by Love for God and Love for his fellow man. Gal 6:10 - Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Our love for God and for our brothers and sisters in Christ should cause love to empower us, by God’s grace (KEY) to serve and become more. To strive for excellence in all we commit our hands to . To raise the bar of possibility in 2024 To become more. John 13:34,35: (Jesus said) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” This passage may be one of the most famous in the New Testament, and one of the most challenging. Love is the nature of God. By looking at Jesus and what he does, how he treats and responds to people, how, in the end, he sacrifices everything in order to save us from the slavery of sin and death, you get a real sense of what love is, and what it is that he is asking us to do with our lives. Jesus shows us what real love is about. It is about being attentive to the suffering and the needs of the other. It is about being willing to sacrifice your desires, even your needs, when you are confronted by the greater needs of another. This is true for our personal relationships, in our marriages, in our parenting, in our dealings with our neighbors, our co-workers, even those we do not know, who we encounter in various situations during our day, and, yes, even our enemies. The love that Jesus models is unconditional and merciful. At the same time, it is challenging and encouraging. It hates the sin, but loves the sinner. Romans 5:8: But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. This love is active, not passive. This morning’s scripture speaks to us directly in the 21st century church First of all, it reminds we have been made righteous because of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross for us. And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. …and then, because of this, it tells us how we should step forward in faith now (second portion of today’s scripture) “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” In our human thinking we don’t always feel worthy or qualified, but we must remind ourselves that He is the Vine – and we are the branches. We must move forward in faith. “Forward is not a place you are, it is a direction you go.” Accept the freedom that comes from Christ to live out that which has been placed inside of you. Remember – the anointing on your life is not for you – it for the people God has called you to serve. Love compels us to strive for excellence. “Early to bed and early to rise” has been a phrase I have heard my whole life. …but now it a reality. But it comes from desire – a magnificent obsession – to make a bigger impact. To become more. To serve more effectively. “They who have no central purpose in life fall an easy prey to petty worries.” I once heard a coworker humorously state, “Every day it’s the same thing – breathe , breathe, breathe.” We owe it to ourselves and everyone we are partnered with to become more than that. To have a magnificent obsession. To live from purpose and passion. It’s been said, “Love is not a passive state. It is an active force. It is the force of the soul.” Love is not passive. Kindness is not silence, and compassion is not quiet. Sometimes it means we raise our voices… The apostles gave all for the sake of the gospel. Paul said, (Phil 2:17 ) My life is being poured out as a part of the sacrifice and service I offer to God for your faith. Yet, I am filled with joy, and I share that joy with all of you. We can do this. He is the Vine - We are the branches 1 John 4:9: This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. Strive for progress – not perfection He is the Vine - We are the branches Eph 3:20: Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx4dUXEWDkQ&t=8s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx4dUXEWDkQ&t=8s</a> 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 Love is not Passive 爱不是被动的 Description An account of the resource Heb 10:19-25: And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 希伯来书 10:19-25: 弟兄姊妹，耶稣已用宝血为我们开辟了一条又新又活的路，使我们可以穿过幔子，就是祂的身体，坦然进入至圣所。并且，我们有一位大祭司管理上帝的家，祂洁净了我们被罪困扰的良心，用清水洗净了我们的身体。因此，我们要信心十足、真诚地到上帝面前。我们要坚定不移地持守我们所认定的盼望，因为赐应许的那位是信实的。我们要想办法彼此相顾，激发爱心，勉励行善。不要停止聚会，像那些停止惯了的人，要互相鼓励，特别是你们知道主再来的日子近了 (page 1951) John 13:34,35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 约翰福音 13:35: 你们如果彼此相爱，世人就会认出你们是我的门徒。(page 1747) Eph 3:20: Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; 以弗所书 3:20: 上帝的能力运行在我们里面，能够丰丰富富地成就一切，超过我们所求所想的。(page 1897) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/07/2024 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/1730a2e0cd537630fc69d2ea65b1f683.jpeg 7d3070115f7c2967e6a89f89d9c24f65 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 2023 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 A New Year – A New Heart - 2023 John 8:31, 32 “A new heart I will give you, and a new spirit I will put within you.” —Ezekiel 36:26 Last Sunday I told Eddie I really felt the Lord was about to do something brand new for us (our church) in 2023. I know for God to do a new thing, we have to be open and receptive to it… to put away our presumptions and limitations. Are we ready? Are we teachable? Are we ready to grow in our faith? Was there ever a time in your childhood when you thought you had already learned it all? That you knew it all – that you had it all figured out? Is anybody honest? ;) 1 Peter 2:2 – “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.” I can look back on my Christian life and shudder to think that I might have considered myself “taught” by the time I was 12 or 14… because I was pretty much hearing the same message again and again. It was a good foundational message, but there was a whole lot more Bible left to hear about. Heb 6:1: Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity What if I had been exposed to deeper scriptural truths at that time, (meat) but these teachings were hard to digest… If what I heard hadn’t lined up with what I had been taught up to that point, I might have just thrown up a wall and rejected any additional truth. Jesus: "Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given--and you will receive even more.” Everyone starts at the start… but what we do after that is also very important. Jesus said, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” • There is an “if” and a “then” in this scripture – a conditional promise of blessing. • What will we choose to do with the Word GOD has given us? • What will we choose to do with the New Covenant? • The Truth won’t set you free if you don’t know it. It’s NOW 2023. What do we do now? We must continue. On Day One of the Christian Era (New Covenant) these brand new Christians woke up to a new world. Everything had changed… or had it? In their minds, they were still entrenched with generations upon generations of Law and Old Covenant practices. Peter, John and Luke (and later, Paul) hadn’t written their books yet… Revelation, for the most part, was still ahead for them. They weren’t instantly walking in New Covenant understanding and provision They were, however, after Pentecost, walking in a fresh and mighty Holy Spirit anointing of Power and Holy Fire from heaven. They had been charged and equipped by Jesus to go and do the works that He had told them to do. “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” (Matt 10:8) “they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” (Mark 16:18) Because just ‘cause we don’t know everything (yet) doesn’t mean we wait until we do. (we’d sure be waiting a long time, wouldn’t we?) …but if we follow Jesus’ charge to us and continue in His Word… If we seek first the Kingdom of God… …we will know the truth… and all things will be added unto us. Jesus: "Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given--and you will receive even more.” According to your faith it is done unto you – so it is vitally important what you believe. Wrong believing will bring about wrong results. …because your faith will be looking for (expecting) the wrong outcomes. ? Is there room in our hearts for God’s Word to be further revealed to us? John 8:37 “ …some of you are trying to kill me because my message does not find a home within your hearts.” “…because you have no room for my word.” (vs 47) “If I am speaking the truth, why is it that you do not believe me? The man who is born of God can hear these words of God and the reason why you cannot hear the words of God is simply this, that you are not the sons of God.” It’s difficult (impossible) for someone to ask for God’s help if they don’t fully realize GOD loves them and desires to give good things to them. (God’s Will) (This is the confidence….) You wouldn’t feel safe coming to a God who just might put bad things on you. But we have a loving Heavenly Father… ABBA Matt 7:11 – “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” Luke 12:32 - "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” “Seek ye first the Kingdom of GOD…” So many scriptures that tell of His great love for us. “For God so loved the world…” He gave us Jesus – He sent Jesus to do what? What is our 4-word creed? “Jesus Paid It All” God sent Jesus to pay it all for you and me. Jesus paid it all – paid in full. Sealed in His Royal Blood for us. “If you continue in my word…” Jesus paid it all. It is paid in full. …but you have to know that. You have to continue in that Truth. The Word of God is a lifelong study that leads to abundant life. His Words are life. “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” In Him was Life and that Life was the Light of men. You have to seek that which Jesus paid such an awesome price for us to benefit from. “To Don’ts” for 2023 1. Don’t look to the past to create your future 2. Don’t hold any grudges or unforgiveness in your heart (you don’t need that extra weight going into a new year) 3. Don’t limit God by your past doubt & unbelief. What will you do with the truth you have received? “Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them." “Free to Dance” This song in my heart, this song in my soul This song I was born to sing It's Your song of freedom, now I'm free to dance again I'll sing in the darkness, I'll laugh in the rain Rejoice in Your love again It's Your song of freedom, now I'm free to dance again Your Spirit brings me liberty Your breath of life has set me free Jesus, Your love, it lifts me high Gives me reason to run the race with joy This song within me, Lord, will bless Your Holy name Jesus, I'll dance before Your throne Bring this heavenly sound to You alone This song within me. Lord, will bless Your Holy name This song in my heart, this song in my soul This song I was born to sing It's Your song of freedom, now I'm free to dance again “You are reasonable people. Decide for yourselves if what I am saying is true. When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ?” ~ 1 Cor 10: 15,16 Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO1p6eZvFV0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO1p6eZvFV0</a> 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 A New Year – A New Heart 新年新心 Description An account of the resource John 8:31,31: To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 約翰福音 8:31,32: 耶稣对信仰了他的犹太人说∶“你们如果遵守我的教导，就真正是我的门徒了。你们会认识真理，而真理将使你们获得自由。” (page 1734) 1 Peter 2:2 – “Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation.” 彼得前书 2:2: 像初生婴孩爱慕那纯净的灵奶，好叫你们靠它长大，进入救恩 (page 1966) John 8:47: “If I am speaking the truth, why is it that you do not believe me? The man who is born of God can hear these words of God and the reason why you cannot hear the words of God is simply this, that you are not the sons of God.” 約翰福音 8:47: 属于上帝的人，听上帝的话。这是你们不听的原因：因为你们不是属于上帝的人 (page 1735) Matt 7:11 – “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” 馬太福音 7:11: 你们虽然邪恶，但是还知道如何把好东西给自己的孩子，那么，你们的天父肯定会把好东西给那些向他请求的人们了！ (page 1735) Luke 12:32 - "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” 路加福音 12:32: 你们这小群，不要惧怕，因为你们的父乐意把国赐给你们。 (page 1735) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2023 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/8e12fe34e20914f5e2838de1ca60234f.jpeg c349d3ed0b0408576dabd2a41546888f 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 2023 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 Gratitude 2023 Luke 2:10 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people. The Automat. Served ALL people. Quality at a low price This business plan clearly arose from a desire to contribute. To give back. As we prepare for a brand-new year, it is good to recognize all of God’s blessings from this past year. It wasn’t perfect, but it had its moments. We know even in adversity we can discover the treasures that lead to our growth, strength, and often times, a much better life. 1 Thess 5:18 - Give thanks in every situation because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Pastor at the Methodist Church: “Thank You, GOD, for the Gift of Life.” Gratitude is an awareness of just how really and truly blessed we are. It is also looking beyond those things that are not yet “perfect” Gratitude should be demonstrated in our lives through: Contribution “If you wake up deciding what you want to give versus what you’re going to get…” Being “Blessed to BE a Blessing” Living by example Becoming the ONE Refusing to take your foot off the gas Let this revelation become our seed of highest resolve. To share. To give back from a heart of true gratitude for the gift of salvation made available to ALL people. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people. Be thankful today that GOD allows our eyes to be opened and our ears to hear the gospel so that we may be saved – healed and restored. Jesus (John 6:44) "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them” Romans 10:14: But how can they call on Him if they have not put their trust in Him? And how can they put their trust in Him if they have not heard of Him? And how can they hear of Him unless someone tells them? Jesus: (Matt 24:14 ) And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. Today we can be thankful that God’s Grace has given us this crucial hour together to receive from Him so that we can share this message with others. Psalm 118:29 Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever." Having a Thankful heart gives us the chance we need to make a real change – the change we need in order to find true satisfaction in life. To go from being just a receiver into a true Giver. The desire to give of ourselves is a God-given desire. The opposite is a selfish, carnal attitude. A withholder. Prov 11:24 - One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. Our hearts need to open to the joy of thankfulness – and giving The Prayer of St Francis: O divine master grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console to be understood as to understand To be loved as to love For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned And it's in dying that we are born to eternal life So many people are only looking for love to be poured out on them – without considering they need to first plant the seed of love from their own heart We go from taking love to giving love Prov 11:24 - One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. The “takers” – the “witholders” attitude always reflects lack. The heart of a giver will set you free from the chains of attachment and codependence. God’s Word is our guide in life. His Word shows us what we need to change – and even how to do it! Don’t ever be discouraged when the Word shows you an area in your life that needs and upgrade. That is actually a very good thing to see. If we don’t recognize the need to change we would never work toward making the necessary changes. In your moment of clarity and recognition – you are then on the verge of personal growth and breakthrough. Yes – it is true that the things we see that need changing in others should pretty much be a sign of what also needs to be changed in us. Humility is required. ;) If you’re unhappy today, you’re probably not viewing your life from a perspective of gratitude. There’s an incompleteness that comes because of a perspective of lack Gratitude enhances our clarity. Gratitude instantly prioritizes our options so that we can focus on the right things. The fastest way out of overwhelm is to focus on what really matters – and all the things you have to be grateful for in this very moment. Invest your energy and attention there. Confusion is a state brought on by a lack of gratitude. If you want your life to make more sense, begin with a list of what you’re grateful for. Opportunities flow from clarity. Gratitude keeps us in the Present Moment Being Grateful: Gets our eyes off ourselves, and helps us to focus back on God. It reminds us that we are not in control, but that we serve a Mighty God who is. It keeps us in a place of humility and dependency on Him, as we recognize how much we need Him. Psalm 100:4,5 - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” You can’t really enter into the deeper Presence of God without a truly thankful heart. Be thankful for being your age. Many people never got that chance. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Can you offer up a thankful prayer to your Father today? Acknowledging all He’s done for you – even in the midst of your storm? A true "Thank You" prayer acknowledges God's will concerning us. It releases His power to flow into our situations. Gratitude IS the Law of Attraction in Action Gratitude is a very powerful focusing tool. When we are grateful, our thoughts simply cannot be on something that we don’t want more of in our lives. Our grateful hearts open us up to the blessings of God to flow through us. Col 2:7 - "Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_NZw6rnkwI">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_NZw6rnkwI</a> 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 GRATITUDE 感激 Description An account of the resource Luke 2:10: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 路加福音 2:10: 天使对他们说∶“不要害怕，我给你们带来了好消息。这个消息也将给普天下的人们带来极大的喜悦。(pg 1658) 1 Thess 5:18 - Give thanks in every situation because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 帖撒罗尼迦前书 5:18: 凡事谢恩，因为这是上帝在基督耶稣里给你们的旨意。(page 1918) Romans 10:14: But how can they call on Him if they have not put their trust in Him? And how can they put their trust in Him if they have not heard of Him? And how can they hear of Him unless someone tells them? 罗马书 10:14: 可是，人还没信祂，怎能求告祂呢？还没听说过祂，怎能信祂呢？没有人传道，怎能听说过祂呢？(page 1836) Matt 24:14: And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. 马太福音 24:14: 这天国的福音将传遍天下，让万民都听见，然后末日才会来临。(page 1603) Psalm 118:29 Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever. 诗篇 118:29: 你们要称谢耶和华，因为祂是美善的，祂的慈爱永远长存。(page 1003) Col 2:7 - Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. 歌罗西书 2:7: 按照你们所受的教导在祂里面扎根成长，信心坚固，满怀感恩 (page 1910) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/08/2022 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 2024 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 Love Connection 2 Timothy 3:1-5 A new year should be a great opportunity to pursue new things – or at least, live from a new, fresh perspective. A perspective of gratitude – humility – and most of all, love. Love for God. Love for His people. Today’s Scripture: You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! “in the last days…” – doesn’t this sound exactly like the days we are living in now? A young child lives from the self-centered perspective. “Mine.” It’s basically a survival mechanism – but it needs to be something we grow out of. In 2024, we see a large percentage of our population is still living under that same immature selfishness. Mine! It is really a form of fear. A fear of lack. Of inadequacy. Paul said: (1 Cor 13:11) When I was a child, I spoke like a child. I thought like a child. I understood like a child. Now I am a man. I do not act like a child anymore. Where does hoarding come from? Clinging. It is Fear. In this first month of a new year, it is a great opportunity to clear away the clutter caused by fear and selfishness and step into a new day of freedom, of liberation, of LOVE. Ecc 3:6 - A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; Last week we talked about two paths in life – a wide path and a narrow path. One led to destruction – and one to eternal life. When the world looks at us, do they see us following the path of Christ – or living just like they are (as described in today’s scripture lesson?) Is our heart full of clutter today? (Jesus said) Mark 4:19 - But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. “But you need to be aware that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce. People will be self-centered lovers of themselves and obsessed with money. They will boast of great things as they strut around in their arrogant pride and mock all that is right. They will ignore their own families. They will be ungrateful and ungodly. They will become addicted to hateful and malicious slander. Slaves to their desires, they will be ferocious, belligerent haters of what is good and right. With brutal treachery, they will act without restraint, bigoted and wrapped in clouds of their conceit. They will find their delight in the pleasures of this world more than the pleasures of the loving God. They may pretend to have a respect for God, but in reality they want nothing to do with God’s power. Stay away from people like these!” WE are not supposed to BE like these people – we’re not even supposed to hang out with them! When we live like this, we are like the dog chasing its own tail. It never achieves its goal. It is a fruitless effort. Examine your own heart. “It starts with me” 1 John 4:7: Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him. We ALL know that when we act from love - - when we focus on contribution – our lives are happier. “Let us love one another.” It is a tough challenge sometimes. Our foundation is our salvation. 1 John 4:19: Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us. Spurgeon: “Love is the cause of love.” 1 John 4:8: Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. Word of Caution: Today is a day for us to hear God’s Word with new ears. (don’t miss your moment) ? How can we possibly gain a fresh perspective without first being open-hearted to what Holy Spirit wants to tell us today? New Wine goes in New Wineskins. (amen?) So – let’s get back to the purpose of this message - and our mission for 2024: We need to un-clutter our hearts. Uncluttering our hearts will unclutter our lives 1 Cor 14:33 - For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. One of the Desert Fathers: “It’s not possessing something that is harmful, but being attached to it” Jesus: “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:15: Then He (Jesus) said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Clinging is a symptom of deep-rooted fear of some kind. (whether it is clinging to things, status, approval or false security) Can we approach this shift – this radical transition - with confidence? Can this new start now begin – and then continued? 1 John 4:18: Perfect love cast out fear It starts with me. It starts with repentance of my own fears – my own selfishness – my own clinging. My own need to fill the empty places with the things that fade and disappear. “ …in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. …reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.” WE must BE the Change Believe and Live by Jesus’ Commands Matt 22:34-40: Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 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.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (another version) Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ If we live by Jesus’ commands, we will, by default, seek to unclutter our hearts of anything that would block the flow of God’s love in and through us. “Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him” The behaviors we read about today in our opening scripture passage describe the type of lifestyle that is the exact opposite of living by Jesus’ commands: “self-centered lovers of themselves and obsessed with money. arrogant pride and mock all that is right. They will ignore their own families. They will be ungrateful and ungodly. They will become addicted to hateful and malicious slander. Slaves to their desires haters of what is good and right. They will find their delight in the pleasures of this world more than the pleasures of the loving God.” John 13:34,35: “I’m giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you. Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other.” “So I give you now a new commandment: Love each other just as much as I have loved you. For when you demonstrate the same love I have for you by loving one another, everyone will know that you’re my true followers.” An uncluttered heart can see the world with a whole new set of eyes Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. 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 Love Connection 爱之纽带 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/21/2024 Description An account of the resource 2 Timothy 3:1-5: But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 提摩太後書 3:1-5: 你要知道，在最后的日子里，困难的时刻会降临在我们身上。那时人们会自私、贪婪、自夸、骄傲、亵渎圣灵，不孝敬父母、不善良、没有信仰、不互爱、不宽恕人、造谣诽谤、缺乏自制、野蛮、嫉善如仇，他们出卖朋友、鲁莽、骄傲自满、爱享乐胜过爱上帝。他们披着宗教的外衣，但是却否认它的权力。要离他们远远的 (page 1931) Mark 4:19 - But the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.馬可福音 4:19: 但却让现世的烦恼、财富的诱惑和其它的欲望膨胀，窒息了福音，而无结果。(page 1623) 1 John 4:7: Those who are loved by God, let his love continually pour from you to one another, because God is love. Everyone who loves is fathered by God and experiences an intimate knowledge of him. 約翰一書 4:7: 亲爱的朋友们，让我们彼此相爱吧。因为爱来自上帝，有爱的人就是上帝的孩子，也认识上帝。(page 1981) 1 John 4:19: Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us. 約翰一書 4:19: 我们爱，是因为上帝先爱我们。(pg 1981) John 13:34,35: “I’m giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you.” 約翰福音 13:34: 我给你们一条新的命令：你们要彼此相爱。就像我爱你们一样，你们也要彼此互爱。(page 1747) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike 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 2024 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 Near-Life Experiences John 10:1-10 Turbulence on a plane ride home… My thoughts were not so much about past mistakes, but about what contributions I had still hoped to make in my life. All of the life I had postponed until “someday soon.” The times I had held back on taking new actions because of fear or self-limitations. The fear of breaking free from my own comfort zone. Everybody needs a “do-over” at some point. Look around – you’ll see a lot of do-overs that never happened. The new beginning must start with an end. “closure” The end is only the beginning, because it releases the new into existence. Last week: Decluttering our hearts. Cleaning out the closet of your life. Surrendering the past. Surrendering should not be viewed as a loss – it should be a liberation. "Personal growth is a process where we begin to lose the limitations of who we were in recognition of who we can become." Jesus said in John 12:24 – “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” ? What do you need to die to in order to come back to life – to a new beginning? Prayer of St Francis: “It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” Eph 5:14: “Awake, thou that sleepest…” Only by waking from our sleep can we recognize we have been asleep. ? Are we living our lives or just trying to stay safe until we leave this earthly body? How long can a person just go through the motions without ever truly living? A spy was captured and sentenced to death by a general in the opposing army. Before carrying out the sentence the general gave the spy a strange choice. He told him he could have his choice of a firing squad or a big black door. After much deliberation the spy chose the firing squad and within a few moments he was dead. The general turned to his aide and said, “They always prefer the known way to the unknown.” The aide then asked the general, “What’s behind the black door?” “Freedom!,” replied the general. Behind the black door is a passageway that leads outside, but only a few have been brave enough to see what was behind it! Fear is the big, black door that keeps us trapped inside our comfort zones! In order to be free from what imprisons us, we must be brave enough to open the door! We must be brave enough to let go of what we have in order to receive what God wants to give us – which is a truly abundant life. In the human body, scar tissue can inhibit healthy functioning. It is the same way with our emotions. Trauma – hurts - disappointments We can often allow scar tissue to form on our soul that inhibits us from receiving fresh light from the Son. We are all unique individuals – with unique and vital purposes for being here.  Your purpose is not a job – your purpose is a life-long journey that should be filled with joy and a passion for daily living. “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation." We can no longer tolerate going through the motions in our lives, having a near-life experience. Today is a day to wake-up and live. “The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Good Things Your new life begins on the other side of your comfort zone. (dog sitting on a nail) Your comfort zone may not be so “comfortable” – but it is what you are used to. …What you’re “familiar” with Notice the word “familiar” ends with the letters “liar” …because we are responding and resonating with what is comfortable – what may be familiar to us – but not what is necessarily true or best for us. This is why we often gravitate back to the same people and make the same kinds of mistakes. Prov 26:11 – “As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.” We have to abandon our comfort zones – we must forsake the familiar – if we are to grow. We may feel comfortable with people and situations just because of our previous programming. This is a symptom of a near-life experience. The comfort zone may seem “comfortable” – like a well-worn pair of sneakers – but those old shoes won’t serve you well if you are planning on training to run a 5k… …or even a nice walk around the park. Jung : “First you must realize you are asleep, then you wake, Then you die so you can be born You cannot be born until you die and you cannot die until you wake.” unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” “Awake thou that sleepest…” it’s time to wake up and live again. Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” “God, grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know that one is me.” People will do all kinds of odd things in order to stay comfortable. (hoarding) Many people find ways to stop addictive behaviors but never escape the shame of their past actions. They’re still addicts and abusers in their self-images. Sometimes it’s destructive actions we take – sometimes it’s in-action Avoidance – Resistance – Denial – all are ways to keep us trapped in our pasts. “Paralysis by Analysis” We remain stuck. Inertia. We still identify with a past that we haven’t fully died to yet. (ponder) The shame of the past can be healed by a present-day confession and release. Liberation is God’s plan for us. “The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” The thief wants to keep you in chains to your past so you cannot live in today. “Confess your faults that you may be healed.” (intention) Can you just confess your faults – your old mistakes – and then die to them? Gal 2:20 – “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, (key) who loved me and gave himself for me.” Your sin – your shame – were nailed to the cross. > You can’t take them back off of that cross – no matter how hard you may try. (what are you still holding on to?) Substitutionary Atonement: “The guiltless given for the guilty” 4 Words (Jesus Paid It All) Heb 12:2 - We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. ? Are you redeemed by Christ and His sacrifice? “I’ve been redeemed” “A double-minded person is unstable in all their ways” The choices and actions we make that are still based on our past mistakes (sins) are the equivalent to driving your car using your rearview mirror There is a reason your windshield is much larger It indicates the direction we should be moving. Forward. Prayer: Hold out your hands. Hold your past hurts and failures in your hands. Feel them. “Lord, I give you my past hurts. My past failures. My past sins. My past mistreatment. I know that you bore all of this on the cross for me, so that I wouldn’t have to. You knew I couldn’t handle this in my own power – so you allowed Your strength to overcome my weaknesses. Take this all away from me now. Give me the grace to let it go. In Jesus’ name.” Look into your hands and realize that there is nothing there. 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 LIFE 生活 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/28/2024 Description An account of the resource John 10:7-10: Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 約翰福音 10:7-10: 耶稣又说∶“我实话告诉你们，我就是羊圈的门。在我之前来的人都是小偷、强盗，而且羊群也不听他们的。我就是这扇门，从我这扇门进来的人将得救。他既能进又能出，他将会找到牧场。小偷来只会偷、会杀、会破坏。我来是为了让他们获得生命—那是富足和美好的生命。 (page 1738) John 12:24 – “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” 約翰福音 12:24: 我实话告诉你们，如果一颗麦粒没有落在地里死去，它依然是一粒种子，但是，一旦它死了，它就会结出许多麦粒 (page 1744) Eph 5:14: Thus God speaks through the scriptures: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you 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) Gal 2:20 – My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 加拉太书 2:20: 我已经与基督一同被钉在十字架上，现在活着的不再是我，而是基督活在我里面。我现在是靠信上帝的儿子而活着，祂爱我，为我舍命。(page 1887) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor Mike https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/ace29eaeb39e6bcc7bb2ca13b6f4200f.jpg b7a52e59436067f28552e863dd02de19 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/911ee2a6ec22db61e015c8ddd4433180.mp4 e5974413479b85111793ed6b9fa60811 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound <h1>Peace with God: The Ultimate Gift Romans 5:1-2</h1> I was almost "done"...          almost. I did my part. I waited impatiently at the red light for my turn to cross the intersection onto a very busy midday Veterans parkway. The light turned green and I pressed the accelerator. Fortunately, I didn't floor it.  A big white truck decided to run their red light at over 60 miles an hour. Had I gone just a few feet further, nothing would have been the same for me.  I give God all the praise and I thank Him for His promised angels guarding me... but it sure got me to thinking about "stuff" - about what truly matters in this life. Ed Mylett asks a profound question: "What If This Was the Last Time?"  "Have you ever stopped to think, What if this was the last time I got to do this? Not the first time. The last time. That thought has been hitting me hard lately—and I believe it's one of the most powerful mindset shifts you can make to live a deeper, richer life."  Too often, we rush through our days on autopilot—scrolling, working, hustling—without realizing we're living what will one day be our "good old days." We treat moments with our kids, our friends, and our loved ones like they'll happen forever... until one day, they don't.  The Stoic principle "Memento mori," which translates to "remember you will die," reminds us of our mortality to encourage a more meaningful and purposeful life. As Seneca said, "Let us prepare our minds as if we'd come to the very end of life. Let us postpone nothing. Let us balance life's books each day... The one who puts the finishing touches on their life each day is never short of time."  But there's a deeper problem beyond our mortality. We were separated from God because of our sinful nature. The fall of man took us out of the garden and into this dysfunctional world. We all need Peace with God - we want to have a real, living relationship with our Creator, but we first must recognize our own desperate need for a savior. We can't fix this on our own. When we live without peace with God, we might still somehow be driven—but are we driven by the right things? If not, it's just OCD—obsessive behavior without purpose.  Even if people don't recognize it because their mind is cluttered by the cares of this world, Peace with God is what we all want. What we all need most.  1 Cori 1:18 tells us: "The message about the cross is nonsense to those who are being destroyed, but it is God's power to us who are being saved."   Without this peace, we remain distant from GOD, "living in the shadows of evil thoughts and actions," as Colossians describes. We remain separated from our Creator, unable to experience the relationship we were designed for. But God...  As the familiar verse says, "God so loved the world..."  Romans 5:1-2 declares: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand."  TPT: "Our faith in Jesus transfers God's righteousness to us and he now declares us flawless in his eyes. This means we can now enjoy true and lasting peace with God, all because of what our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, has done for us."  Spurgeon so eloquently put it: "My entire theology can be condensed into four words: 'Jesus died for me.'"  This is the Message of the Cross. As 1 Cor 1:23 states: "We preach Christ crucified." God sent a savior because we needed to be saved. When we receive this gift of salvation through faith, look at what happens: Col 1:18-19, 21-22: "For God is satisfied to have all his fullness dwelling in Christ. And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again! Even though you were once distant from him, living in the shadows of your evil thoughts and actions, he reconnected you back to himself. He released his supernatural peace to you through the sacrifice of his own body as the sin-payment on your behalf so that you would dwell in his presence. And now there is nothing between you and Father God, for he sees you as holy, flawless, and restored."   The Amplified Bible expands (our KEY verses) Romans 5:1-2: "Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, let us grasp the fact that we have peace with God and the joy of reconciliation with Him through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we also have access by faith into this remarkable state of grace in which we firmly and safely and securely stand. Let us rejoice in our hope and the confident assurance of experiencing and enjoying the glory of our great God—the manifestation of His excellence and power."  This Peace with God brings us: Justification and righteousness - Reconciliation with our Creator Access to God's presence - Security in His grace The love of God poured into our hearts - Confidence to approach God   I had a deep conversation with a good friend last week about whether it is proper for us to ask God to bless us.  I hadn’t realized this can be a real concern. This conversation was my initial inspiration for this message today.  Our salvation is our biggest gift - our biggest blessing from GOD. So as the scripture says, how will He not also give us all things?  Matthew 7:11 reminds us: "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"  We assume people know things that just haven't always been properly taught to them. It is crucial we understand the truth that makes us free. Free to receive the Father's love and care.  We can be confident of His love for us because of Jesus.   The Wesleyan Tradition emphasizes:  Justification by Faith: Wesley believed that justification, the act of being declared righteous in God's sight, is received through faith in Jesus Christ. Peace with God: A key consequence of justification is that believers experience peace with God. This peace is a result of being reconciled to God through faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice. Access to God: Justification also grants believers access to God. This means they can approach God with confidence and boldness, knowing they are accepted and loved by Him. Love of God Shed Abroad: Wesley also highlights that the love of God is "shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost" (Romans 5:5), indicating a personal experience of God's love accompanying justification.  Aligning our thoughts and words is only possible as we properly renew our minds to Truth - truth that is found in God's Word about who we are in Christ. The New Testament emphasizes that God's love is the driving force behind the plan of salvation, which includes our justification. justification refers to God's act of declaring a sinner righteous and acceptable in His sight, based on the merits of Jesus Christ's sacrifice and through faith in Him. Justification, as understood through faith in Jesus Christ, reveals the depth of God's love for humanity.  Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us: "For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us to Christ! So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving."   ALL that GOD wants for you - all that He has for you - is yours (“yes” and “amen”)   if you can receive it by faith today.  Jesus stands at the door of your heart, and He is ready to come in to your heart today.  Romans 5:5: "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."  Today’s KEY Verse: Romans 5:1: "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  > What would I want to share with the people God has given me to share with,  if I only had one last chance? < This message of Peace with God - because it's what matters most. Today, if you hear His voice, don't harden your heart. Receive His peace, His love, His salvation. It's the gift that truly matters in light of eternity. Jesus says, “Come” Jesus says, “All who are thirsty, come and drink”   John 7:37,38:  Jesus stood and shouted out to the crowds— “All you thirsty ones, come to me! Come to me and drink! Believe in me so that rivers of living water will burst out from within you, flowing from your innermost being, just like the Scripture says!” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Peace with God 与神相和 Description An account of the resource Romans 5:1,2: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 羅馬書 5:1,2: 由于我们的信仰，我们得到了上帝的认可，通过我们的主耶稣基督，我们与上帝和平相处。通过我们的信仰，基督把我们带进了我们现在享有的上帝的恩典祝福里。我们非常欣喜，因为我们有希望分享上帝的荣耀。(page 1827) Col 1:19,20: For God is satisfied to have all his fullness dwelling in Christ. And by the blood of his cross, everything in heaven and earth is brought back to himself—back to its original intent, restored to innocence again! 歌罗西书 1:19,20: 因为上帝乐意让一切的丰盛住在祂里面，又借着祂在十字架上所流的血成就了和平，使天地万物借着祂与上帝和好。 (page1909) Colossians 1:21-22: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. 歌罗西书 1:21,22: 你们从前与上帝隔绝，行事邪恶，心思意念与祂为敌；但现在上帝借着基督肉身的死使你们与祂和好了，让你们在祂面前成为圣洁无瑕、无可指责的人。(page 1909) Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us to Christ! So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving. 以弗所书 2:8,9: 你们得救是靠恩典，凭信心。这不是出于你们自己，而是上帝的礼物；也不是由于你们的行为，以免有人自夸。(page 1895) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/17/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 美国凤城山坡堂 3739 US 80 PO Box 8513 Columbus, Georgia 31908 Phenix City AL 36870 United States Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Video Language A language of the resource English audio and Chinese subtitles https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/5c94cc80d963f84c975a66475292cc5c.jpg 3b782b9775a49423b0dc392499837ce0 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/e50201d796b5ffdb50898dca4d39674e.mp4 5278e34b8e29db4fc7abd6a41ffcc26c Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound The Spiritual Compass Aligning Our Words and Thoughts with God Our Spiritual Alignment Like a compass that guides a hiker through wilderness, God's Word provides direction for our spiritual journey. When we lose alignment, we experience consequences in body, mind, and spirit. Our Guiding Verse "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." Two Things We Can Control In a world spinning out of control, we can still control our thoughts and our words. These are the compass points that keep us aligned with God's purposes. Using Your Spiritual Compass Daily <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">Realign regularly 2. Drive on (looking forward, not repeating cycles) 3. Watch your words 4. Guard your thoughts 5. Expect good things</li> </ol> Scripture References Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." (KJV) Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." (NIV) 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here." (NIV) Romans 6:11 "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." (NIV) Proverbs 4:25-26 "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Decide carefully where you are going in life. Then you will be on a good, safe path." (NIV/NLT)       Discussion Questions <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;">In what areas of your life do you feel most out of alignment with God's purposes?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">What old patterns or labels are you holding onto that God may be asking you to release?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">How can you better align your words and thoughts with God's truth this week?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">What specific scripture can serve as your compass point when you feel lost or disoriented?</li> <li style="font-weight: 400;">How might your life change if you consistently applied the five daily practices mentioned in the sermon?</li> </ol> Key Takeaways <ul style="font-weight: 400;"> <li>Your words and thoughts are your spiritual compass — they determine your direction and destination (Psalm 19:14)</li> <li>You cannot enter a new season with yesterday's mindset — transformation requires releasing old patterns (2 Corinthians 5:17)</li> <li>Being 'in Christ' means the old is already gone, even when you still feel familiar — walk in who God says you are (Romans 6:11)</li> <li>Alignment requires regular maintenance — realign your thoughts and words with God's truth daily (Romans 12:2)</li> <li>Expect God's goodness as you walk in alignment — He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly (Psalm 84:11)</li> </ul>   The Spiritual Compass: Aligning Our Words and Thoughts with God Traveling with my mother in the pre-GPS days taught me an important lesson. We decided, "Just keep going in the same direction and somewhere the road will open up again." That's what alignment is all about—staying on track and continuing to move in the right direction. Isn't that how a compass works? It points us in the right direction even when there is no outward indication that we are moving forward properly. A hiker might use a compass while in the wilderness to ensure they're following the correct path, even when there is no visible trail. In our spiritual journey, we need a reliable spiritual compass to guide us through life's wilderness. Our key verse today gives us clear guidelines on how we can keep on track with God. Psalm 19:14 - "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." In a world spinning out of control, we may somehow find ourselves disoriented, unsure of which direction to take. Many of us have grown up in church, hearing Scripture our whole lives. But familiarity can breed complacency. If we're not careful, we filter what we hear based on our previous understanding. That could be good—but it could also be dangerous to our spiritual growth. We find ourselves emotionally attached to outdated versions of ourselves, wearing labels God never gave us, and defending patterns that destroy our potential. We say, "That's just who I am," but at that point, we're not following our spiritual compass—we're following a comfortable pattern, a routine, our old programming. We get stuck in cycles of: - Insecurity – Judgmental attitudes - Procrastination - Spiritual laziness - Negative thought patterns - Harmful speech habits Our Bible talks about how we are to walk in a way pleasing to God: - Psalm 15:2: "The one who walks with integrity, who does what is right, and speaks truth in his heart..." Ephesians 4:1: "...walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called." But how do we maintain this alignment when life constantly tries to pull us off course? We need a compass “May the words from my mouth and the thoughts from my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my defender.” When we lose our spiritual alignment, we experience consequences in all three parts of our lives: - Body - Mind - Spirit We become incomplete, fragmented, unable to experience the fullness God intends for us. As Myles Munroe wisely observed: "You can't enter your next season wearing yesterday's mindset. People pray for God to elevate them while still holding on to the insecurities, habits, and fears that define who they used to be. They want resurrection without crucifixion. They want promotion without preparation." When our compass is pointed in the wrong direction, we: - Remain trapped in old patterns - Miss divine opportunities - Speak words that tear down rather than build up - Fill our minds with thoughts that limit rather than liberate - Fail to reflect true Kingdom living God won’t pour fresh oil into an old vessel. Something has to break. Something has to be released. Our key verse reveals that in a world out of control, there are two things we can control: our thoughts and our words. "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer." This is our spiritual compass—aligning both our speech and our thoughts with God's truth. When properly calibrated, this compass works in all three parts of our lives: body, mind, and spirit, making us "complete in Him." Romans 6:11 provides a powerful recalibration point: "In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus." This verse emphasizes our identity in Christ, highlighting a shift from a life dominated by sin to one alive in God's grace. When we're making critical life decisions, when we're being tempted to make less-than-wise choices, our compass should always redirect our thoughts with this truth: "alive to God in Christ Jesus." Meditate on that truth. Declare that truth. When we follow this spiritual compass, our lives begin to reflect true Kingdom living. This is being "transformed by the renewing of our minds" (Romans 12:2). God is always calling us out of darkness, out of the ritual, habitual patterns that are holding us down in life. Your compass should always redirect you with Divine Thoughts that are full of faith, hope, and expectancy. "When you lose your path, you get an opportunity to discover a world you have never known—and better worlds are often found this way!" 2 Cor 5:17 declares: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here." It doesn't say the old will go when you feel ready. It doesn't say the new will come when it's convenient. It boldly affirms that the moment you are in Christ, the old is over—the old habits, the old mindset, the old pain, the old narrative. That means God sees you as new, even if you still feel familiar. And the journey of growth is choosing to walk in who God says you are, even when it's uncomfortable. How do we practically implement this spiritual compass in our daily lives? 1. **Realign regularly**: Sometimes we get off-track. We need realignment. Acts 20:24 reminds us: "None of these things move me." Set your face like a stone with no compromise. 2. **Drive on**: Sometimes the best you can do is just "drive on." But "Drive On" does NOT mean repeating the cycle again. It means looking forward. As Proverbs 4:25-26 instructs: "Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Decide carefully where you are going in life. Then you will be on a good, safe path." 3. **Watch your words**: Your words are seeds. (the sower sows the word) Ask yourself: "How should I be speaking about myself? What words am I planting in my own heart and the hearts of others?" 4. **Guard your thoughts**: What should we be letting dominate our thought life? Fill your mind with God's promises. ReFire – ReWire (put LIFE in) (Today’s Verse) Psalm 19:14 says: "So may the words of my mouth, my meditation-thoughts, and every movement of my heart be always pure and pleasing, acceptable before your eyes." 5. **Expect Good Things**: (this is a great example of refiring – rewiring) If you are using your spiritual compass properly, you are always looking for and confessing the Good Things of God over your life and your family. Psalm 84:11 assures us: "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly." The version of you that's called to impact nations, to lead in your generation, to glorify God boldly, cannot be built on the blueprint of fear, shame, or self-doubt. Eventually, you have to look yourself in the mirror and say, "I've stayed here long enough." Long enough in insecurity. Long enough in procrastination. Long enough in spiritual laziness. long enough in cycles that drain my joy. Not because you feel ready, but because God has already made you new. Use the compass—use the tools God gave you to navigate out of the old and into the new: - Your thoughts - Your words Jesus said, "The person who has will have more, and they will have an abundance." When we align our thoughts and words with God's truth, we position ourselves to receive His abundance. The Posture of Faith So today, I challenge you to reset your spiritual compass. Let the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart be acceptable in God's sight. Follow His direction, even when the path isn't clear. Follow Jesus’ two commands Keep moving forward in faith, knowing that He is your strength and your redeemer. " Let my words and my thoughts be pleasing to you, LORD, because you are my mighty rock and my protector.” Amen. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource COMPASS 罗盘 Description An account of the resource Psalm 19:14: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. 诗篇 19:14: 耶和华——我的磐石、我的救赎主啊，愿你喜悦我口中的言语、心中的意念 (page 897) Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. 罗马书 12:2: 你们不可追随世界的潮流，要随着思想的不断更新而改变，这样就能明辨上帝的旨意，知道什么是良善、纯全、蒙祂悦纳的。 (page1839) 2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone. The new is here. 哥林多后书 5:17: 若有人在基督里，他就是新造的人，旧事已过，看啊，一切都更新了。(page 1875) Romans 6:11: In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 罗马书 6:11: 这样，你们应当看自己是向罪死了，但向上帝则看自己是活在基督耶稣里 (page 1829) Proverbs 4:25-26: Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Decide carefully where you are going in life. Then you will be on a good, safe path. 箴言 4:25,26: 眼睛要正视前方，双目要向前直看。要铺平脚下的路，使所行之道稳妥。 (page 1038) Psalm 84:11: For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 诗篇 84:11: 因为耶和华上帝是太阳，是盾牌；祂赐下恩惠和尊荣，不留下任何好处不赐给行为正直的人 (page 968) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/10/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 美国凤城山坡堂 3739 US 80 PO Box 8513 Columbus, Georgia 31908 Phenix City AL 36870 United States Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Video Language A language of the resource English audio and Chinese subtitles https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/7781f1bc394533b44a6712f7f8530fee.jpeg 70414ba4fc6a019e8fdcfac026141da4 https://church.jhkpress.com/files/original/6310ae40a053c1da741a2a73b43aae05.mp4 ba04a19cc8fcecaee13f761eb232941d Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource 2025 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Transcription Any written text transcribed from a sound Divine Alignment: John 17:3 Part of owning an automobile is doing regular required maintenance. Getting regular frontend alignments can prevent unnecessary wear on your tires, as well as provide a safer and smoother ride down the highways. Hitting a pothole in the road can instantly put your frontend out of alignment. Sounds kinda like life, doesn't it? Alignment: arrangement in a straight line, or in correct or appropriate relative positions; a position of agreement or alliance. Isaiah 40:3 declares: "Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting, 'Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!'" For us as Christians, alignment means readjusting ourselves. Getting back on track. Removing the hindrances that block God's power. When we are in “Misalignment” we drift and get off-track (“wandering generality”) We all experience seasons when our lives fall out of divine alignment. Our thoughts become stagnant, our faith weakens, and our spiritual momentum slows. Ron Carpenter puts it this way: "You are never truly stuck in life—only in thought. When your mindset stagnates, so does your momentum. God's Word is the cleansing agent for 'stinking thinking,' realigning your internal world to reflect His truth. As your mind is renewed, your path will begin to move again, aligned with your thoughts and faith." This misalignment manifests in our attitudes and actions. (double-minded) Tony Robbins reminds us: "All beliefs carry with them consequences." Our beliefs—created by what we hear, read, watch, and meditate on—have consequences that either keep us in alignment or throw us out of alignment. The Solution is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ Our key verse today, John 17:3, reveals the solution: "Eternal life means to know and experience you as the only true God, and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son whom you have sent." In this prayer, Jesus defines eternal life not just as living forever, but as a relationship of knowing God the Father and Jesus Christ. This knowledge is described as an intimate, experiential understanding that transforms one's life. Romans 5:17 affirms this truth: "Death once held us in its grip... But now, how much more are we held in the grip of grace and continue reigning as kings in life, enjoying our regal freedom through the gift of perfect righteousness in the one and only Jesus, the Messiah!" Romans 6:9 tells us: "Since Jesus has been raised from the dead to die no more, his resurrection life has vanquished death and its power over Him is finished." As Spurgeon beautifully expressed: "Our gracious Lord has many 'agains' in His dealings with us. He gave us pardon, and He sees us again and repeats the absolving word as fresh sins cause us grief. He has revealed to us our acceptance before God, and when our faith in that blessing grows a little dim, He comes to us again and again and says, 'Peace be unto you,' and our hearts are glad." Tony Robbins: “All beliefs carry with them consequences” Our beliefs – which are created by what we hear, read, watch and meditate on, have consequences that either keep us in alignment or throw us out of alignment. If I keep believing what I am believing – if my thoughts and actions continue down this same path – where will it lead me? Where will I end up? We get out of Divine Alignment, and we need to repent. To get back on the “straight and narrow.” A Life in Divine Alignment Imagine what your life would look like in perfect divine alignment—where your attitudes and actions reflect the truth of who God is and who you are in Christ. Luke 3:4-5 paints this picture: "Make straight every twisted thing in your lives. Bring into the light every dark way. Make right every wrong. Remove injustice. Every heart of pride will humbly bow before him. Every deception will be exposed and replaced by the truth to prepare everyone everywhere to see the Life of God!" When we're in alignment, our focus shifts from self-preservation to contribution. We naturally uplift others and "encourage one another" as Scripture instructs. This doesn't mean burning ourselves out—Godly wisdom knows when to "sharpen the saw" and rest. A life in divine alignment is characterized by: • Truth that turns to power to overcome • A heart that remains teachable • A life that experiences the goodness of God in the land of the living • A new wineskin ready to receive fresh revelation • An upgraded belief system based on God's Word Today, don’t just embrace these TRUTHS intellectually – bury them deep within your heart with extreme GRATITUDE You’ve no doubt heard of the placebo effect a beneficial effect produced by a placebo drug or treatment, which cannot be attributed to the properties of the placebo itself, and must therefore be due to the patient's belief in that treatment. …but have you heard of The “nocebo effect?” The nocebo effect is a phenomenon where a person experiences negative symptoms or worsening of their condition due to their negative beliefs or expectations We may find ourselves embracing this 'nocebo effect'—where negative beliefs produce negative outcomes in our lives. Just as the placebo effect shows how positive belief can create positive outcomes, the nocebo effect demonstrates how negative expectations can manifest harmful results. Everyone has a form of faith – but if you believe wrong, you are no doubt living in fear – which is a counter-productive form of faith if your thoughts aren't aligned with God’s Word, your mind will resist what your spirit knows. an unrenewed mind will fight against the Word of God Our faith should be an expectation based on God’s Word “Good Things” When we choose to get back into Divine Alignment – Divine Purpose – we stop accepting numbness and mediocrity. We say “no” to living small and say “Yes” to the continuous growth and expansion God had planned for us in advance. We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aid, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn. All beliefs have consequences Luke 3:4,5: “Make straight every twisted thing in your lives. Bring into the light every dark way. Make right every wrong. Remove injustice. Every heart of pride will humbly bow before him. Every deception will be exposed and replaced by the truth to prepare everyone everywhere to see the Life of God!” Action Steps Toward Realignment Today, I'm calling you to take specific steps toward divine alignment: 1. Don't just embrace these truths intellectually—bury them deep within your heart with extreme GRATITUDE. Allow God to plow up your heart for the seed of the Living Word. Commit to the lifelong journey of faith—this is not some "quick fix"—this is YOUR LIFE! Move from an "old testament" mindset into your NEW Testament reality. The Ongoing Journey of Alignment Brothers and Sisters, it's time for your attitude (your heart) and your actions to come into Divine Alignment. This alignment positions you to experience what Jesus defined as eternal life—knowing and experiencing God and His Son. Jesus prayed to the Father: "Eternal life means to know and experience you as the only true God, and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son whom you have sent." All beliefs carry with them consequences. Maybe it's time for your beliefs to get an upgrade? As we close today, I challenge you: Are you still "teachable?" Is your heart a New Wineskin that can accept what God would say to you now – in 2025? Sometimes we have to release the old to embrace the new things God wants to reveal to us. Gal 5:9: Don't you know that when you allow even a little lie into your heart, it can permeate your entire belief system? Have you been discouraged by past attempts at realigning your life that seemingly end in failure? We get out of Divine Alignment, and we need to repent… …To get back on the “straight and narrow.” Jesus: “It is difficult to go through the small gate. And it is difficult to walk on the narrow road. But when you do go that way, you will get true life. Not many people find that narrow gate.” The process of getting out of alignment could be very gradual. One small error in judgement – one bad choice. ( ) Holy Spirit can reveal to us that moment where we started to get off course. ( ) Repent from that moment. What started as a small step off-course gradually takes us far away – we drift until we are shocked to find ourt how far away we are. …but it all started with an initial step away from the path. Here is our hope: 2 Cor 3:17: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Romans 8:7-9: In fact, the mind-set focused on the flesh fights God’s plan and refuses to submit to his direction, because it cannot! For no matter how hard they try, God finds no pleasure with those who are controlled by the flesh. But when the Spirit of Christ empowers your life, you are not dominated by the flesh but by the Spirit. Let's pray together for divine alignment in every area of our lives: Lord, I ask You to help me surrender my thoughts to Your truth. Teach me how to renew my mind daily through Your Word so that my spirit and soul can walk in unity. I don’t want to waste my anointing on recovery—I want to walk boldly in purpose. z In Jesus' name, amen. Heb 13:21: May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource ALIGNMENT 校准 Description An account of the resource John 17:3: "Eternal life means to know and experience you as the only true God, and to know and experience Jesus Christ, as the Son whom you have sent." 约翰福音 17:3: 这永生就是，认识你——独一的真神，并且认识你所差来的耶稣基督。(page 1752) Isaiah 40:3: Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting, 'Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!’ 以赛亚书 40:3: 听啊，有人高喊：“在旷野预备耶和华的道， 在沙漠修直我们上帝的路。(1175) Romans 5:17: Death once held us in its grip... But now, how much more are we held in the grip of grace and continue reigning as kings in life, enjoying our regal freedom through the gift of perfect righteousness in the one and only Jesus, the Messiah! 罗马书 5:17: 如果因一人的过犯，死亡就借着那人做了王，那么接受上帝洪恩又得到祂所赐之义的人，岂不更要借着耶稣基督一人在生命中做王吗？ (page 1828) Luke 3:4,5: "Make straight every twisted thing in your lives. Bring into the light every dark way. Make right every wrong. Remove injustice. Every heart of pride will humbly bow before him. Every deception will be exposed and replaced by the truth to prepare everyone everywhere to see the Life of God!" 路加福音 3:4,5: 这正应验了以赛亚先知书上的话：“在旷野有人大声呼喊，“‘预备主的道，修直祂的路。一切山谷将被填满，大山小丘将被削平，弯曲的道路要被修直，崎岖的路径要被铺平。'" (page 1660) Matt 7:14: “It is difficult to go through the small gate. And it is difficult to walk on the narrow road. But when you do go that way, you will get true life. Not many people find that narrow gate.” 马太福音 7:14: 但通向永生的门小，路窄，找到的人也少 (p 1568) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Pastor: Mike J Koger Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/03/2025 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Hillside United Methodist Church 3739 US 80 Phenix City AL 36870 United States