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  • Apr6Tue

    Faith That Persists Above Feelings

    April 6, 2021
    Filed Under:
    From the Pastor
    “It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.” Hebrews 11:27 (NLT)

    There is a strong belief in our culture that influences every one of us, whether we want it to or not: If it feels good, do it.

    But this kind of thinking allows you to be manipulated by your moods—making you live according to your feelings. God wants you to live a different kind of life. He wants you to live a life of faith, not a life of feelings.

    We don’t always feel like doing the right thing. I don’t know about you, but I don’t always feel like being nice to people. I don’t always feel like stopping what I’m doing to help someone. I don’t always feel like believing God’s promises for my life.

    But our goal as believers is to develop the kind of faith that persists above feelings. You deepen your relationship with God when you spend time with him, even on days when you don’t feel like it.

    It’s like an Olympic athlete exercising when she doesn’t feel like it or a great musician practicing his craft, even when he’s tired. It’s the same with your relationship with God. People who have a regular, consistent quiet time with God didn’t get there because they felt like spending time with God every single morning. They got there because they woke up and decided to read the Bible and pray, even when they didn’t feel like it.

    Faith is being persistent. Faith is refusing to give up no matter how tired you are or how many other things you wish you could be doing.

    Through the example of Moses, the Bible shows us how to begin to develop persistence. Hebrews 11:27 says, “It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible” (NLT).

    That’s how you get there. That’s how you persist. You begin to see the invisible. Only those who see God for who he really is can persist in the most difficult times of life. Only those who see the invisible can do the impossible.

    Believe in faith what God can do in your life, and thank him in advance for how he is going to work.

    Talk It Over
    • What is the danger of living your life according to your feelings?
    • What practical changes to your life might help you persist in a regular quiet time with God?
    • Who is someone you know who has persisted in faith? What have you learned from that person’s example?
    • When have you put your faith above your feelings? What did you learn through that experience?



    ANNOUNCEMENTS

    WOMEN'S BINGO: Women's Ministry will host a Bingo Night on April 16 at 6:00PM in the FLC. There will be (store bought) pies, beverages, and prizes. We will social distance in the FLC and masks will be required to wear unless eating (with family members). We will have hand sanitizer and wipes available. We are looking forward to a fun (and safe) time of fellowship.

    WOMEN'S RETREAT: Old Hickory Women’s Retreat with guest speaker Lisa Miller Rich will be May 21-23 at Oasis Christian Center. More information and registration is here.

    MEMBERSHIP CLASS: Connect with Pastor Mike if you would be interested in joining a membership class.

    SECRETARY NEEDED: We are looking for a part-time secretary to help at the church. If you know of anyone, have them contact Pastor Mike or Terri Ray.

    MEDIA ARTS TEAM: If you would be interested in joining a rotation in media arts to help with worship slides and live stream, please connect with Jenn Houchin.

    FOOD PANTRY: The pantry is open on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00pm and Thursday from 10:00am-12:00pm and volunteers and donations are needed.

    COFFEE SHOP: Uncommon Grounds is open every Monday-Saturday from 7:00am-2:00pm. Invite a friend and use this great outreach to introduce the church to your friends.

    KELLY'S CLOSET: Kelly needs volunteers to help serve women in need of clothing and support. See Kelly Shinn for more information on how you can get involved or donate.

    GIRLFRIEND CIRCLE: Have you ever wished you had a mentor or just a cheerleader to talk about things that you are dealing with? The Girlfriend Circle is a women's support group where you can feel secure to share and talk about your dreams, or just to get advice. Are you tired of looking around and feeling there is no room for you? Come be a mentor, or share. In this day we all need to support each other. Girlfriend Circle will meet on Mondays at 6:00 pm at Uncommon Grounds Coffee House. Bring a friend; open to all women. See Kelly for more information.  

    CHAIR YOGA: Exercise classes with Anita are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30-9:30am in the gym. Masks will be required & we will continue to social distance & sanitize our chairs. If you are interested in starting an exercise regime this year, please join us. We follow the silver sneakers protocol using a chair, including yoga, strength & balance, and we even do some "dancing to the oldies." Come join us... it's free & open to anyone.

    CAMP AT THE CREEK ‘21: High School is June 7-11; Middle School is June 14-18. More details coming soon.

    CLASSES & STUDIES

    SUNDAYS
    Debbie Woodard leads the Young Adult Class via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
    Meeting ID: 868 1977 8952
    Password: Bible101

    Kenneth Ray & Gracie Smith lead the Friendship Class in person and via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join. They meet Sunday mornings at 9am in the classroom beside the office.
    Meeting ID: 846 6822 8046
    Password: Bible101

    NEW! Brice Rupert leads the Teens class in person at 9:00am in the Teen Room.

    SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP begins at 10:00am in the sanctuary. The services will continue to be live streamed on Facebook and our website home page for those unable to be with us in the church building.

    To keep your safety a high priority, the Church Board has asked that we go back to our prior guidelines for seating in the sanctuary. If you are wearing a mask you are welcome to sit anywhere on the main floor. If you would prefer to not wear a mask, we ask that you please sit in the balcony. Thanks for your help as we do our best to keep everyone healthy.

    OH|KIDS CHURCH for K-5th grade meets during the worship hour at 10:00am with Pastor Maddie! Parents can take children directly to the OH|Kids room before worship (instead of starting in the sanctuary). See Maddie if you would like to help. 


    TUESDAYS
    Coffee & Community Bible Study every other Tuesday at 9:30am in the Coffee Shop. Next meeting is on APRIL 13.


    WEDNESDAYS
    Wednesday Night Bible Study with Debbie Woodard is on Facebook Live (from Debbie's page) at 6:30pm. A new study starts April 7!


    THURSDAYS
    Richard leads prayer and devotional on Thursdays at 7:00 PM via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
    Meeting ID: 894 2501 3143
    Password: Prayer605



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