CHANGING FOR THE BETTER
Pastor Corey Mantz
Woodland Church
Sunday, January 4, 2026
(Philippians 3:13-14, NLT) “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
1. Cultivate a cheerful attitude
(Proverbs 15:13, Message) “A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.”
(Romans 8:28, NLT) “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
2. Seek to serve others
(Philippians 2:5-8, GNT) “The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had: He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God. Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant. He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness. He was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death—his death on the cross.”
- I discover my giftings
- I experience miracles
- My faith increases
- I experience God’s presence
(Colossians 3:23-24, CEV) “Do your work willingly, as though you were serving the Lord himself, and not just your earthly master. In fact, the Lord Christ is the one you are really serving, and you know he will reward you.”
3. Embrace God’s plan for you
(Proverbs 3:5-6, GW) “Trust the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths smooth.”
Growthwork
1. Be flexible
2. Identify an area that needs to change
3. Ask God for help