Life is a gift—but it’s rarely quiet. It comes with pressure, temptation, disappointment, loss… and yes, even prosperity. Bishop D. G. Hargrove reminded us that every season tests something. Sickness tests endurance. Loss tests trust. Pressure tests peace. And prosperity tests dependency.

And right in the middle of all that noise, God keeps putting one powerful question in front of us:

What are you going to choose?

Because according to Bishop, there really is one thing that changes anything—and it’s not your feelings, your past, your personality, or your circumstances.

It’s your choice.

For our North Cities family in Garland, TX, and across Rowlett, Wylie, Murphy, Plano, and Richardson—in Dallas County, Collin County, and Rockwall County—this message hits home where real life happens: in the daily decisions that shape who we become.

Life Is a Blessing, But It’s Filled With Tests

Bishop started with a reality check we all understand: life includes trials. But he also pushed deeper—because some of the most dangerous tests don’t look like trouble.

They look like comfort.

He talked about the trial of prosperity—how “having enough” can quietly drain hunger for God. When we’re full, we start drifting. When we’re busy, we start “selectively choosing God.” When life is smooth, we start living like we have need of nothing.

But Bishop’s conviction was clear:

“No matter what comes… I need God.”

That’s a word for anyone in the DFW area who’s trying to keep faith steady while the world offers endless distractions.

The One Thing That Changes Anything: Choice

Bishop framed the whole sermon around this spiritual truth:

It’s not the number of choices that changes our lives. It’s the intentional ones.

He quoted the idea that people make thousands of decisions each day—many subconscious. But then he pointed to the decisions that actually shape a life:

  • the choice to stay faithful

  • the choice to forgive

  • the choice to resist temptation

  • the choice to come home to God

  • the choice to keep joy when life hurts

Choices Don’t Just Reveal Your Heart—They Redirect Your Future

Bishop said it plainly: choice redirects direction.

You may not control what happens to you, but you can control your response. And one decision—made in faith—can shift your entire trajectory spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

Scripture backs it up:

  • “Choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

  • “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15)

  • The prodigal’s life changed when he decided, “I will arise and go home.”

Somebody reading this needs to hear that: your future can turn on a single holy decision.

Moses: The Power of Refusal and the Strength of Choosing

Bishop anchored the message in Hebrews 11:24–29, where Moses stands at a crossroads of identity and appetite.

By faith, Moses:

  • refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter

  • chose suffering with God’s people over sin’s temporary pleasure

  • esteemed the reproach of Christ greater than Egypt’s treasures

  • endured as seeing Him who is invisible

That’s not just ancient history—that’s a blueprint.

Bishop pointed out something we all need to remember:

Sin is seasonal.
It’s short-term. It has an expiration date. It promises relief but delivers regret.

Moses looked down the road. He saw beyond the moment. He had “respect unto the recompense of the reward.”

And Bishop’s line landed strong:

“Instead of staring out the windshield at what’s right in front of you, look down the road.”
Because heaven will be worth everything you put into it.

When the Enemy Tries to Hijack Your Joy

Bishop got personal—talking about being in the hospital, battling vulnerability, and choosing what Scripture commands in James:

“Count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations.”

Then he clarified something that sets people free:

Joy in James 1 isn’t a feeling. It’s a decision.

That’s Bishop’s pastoral brilliance—he didn’t pretend pain isn’t real. He just reminded us that pain doesn’t get to be the boss.

He said, in essence:

  • I didn’t “feel” better.

  • I decided joy.

  • And that decision changed my spirit in the middle of my circumstance.

That’s what the Holy Ghost does in us—He gives a joy that the world can’t manufacture and trouble can’t steal.

Two Groups, One Altar Call

Bishop preached to two kinds of people—both found in every church in Garland and throughout the DFW metroplex:

1) Those who haven’t made the choice to fully serve God

Maybe you’ve been near faith but not committed. On the sideline. Half-in. Waiting.

Bishop’s word was urgent and loving:

Today is the day. Make the choice.

2) Those who love God, but your joy has been evaporating

You’re still here, still faithful—but worn. Pressured. Heavy. Maybe even numb.

Bishop’s instruction was simple:

Make the choice again: “I’m going to have joy.”

Not because everything is easy—but because God is faithful and your joy is rooted in Him.

Practical Takeaways for Families in Garland and the DFW Area

If you’re building a life in Murphy, Plano, Richardson, Rowlett, Wylie, or anywhere across Dallas County, Collin County, and Rockwall County, here’s how you live this message:

  • Choose God daily—not selectively.

  • Choose joy on purpose—even when it’s counterintuitive.

  • Choose faithfulness in your marriage—because “it’s not worth it.”

  • Choose hunger over comfort—because prosperity can dull dependence.

  • Choose the long view—the reward is real, and heaven is worth it.

The enemy loves to convince people they’re stuck. Bishop reminded us: you’re not stuck. You’re one decision away from a new direction.

One thing changes anything. Choose.

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