“Don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed." James 1:4 (The Message)
Be patient with God and with yourself.
God’s timetable is rarely the same as yours. You’re often in a hurry—but God isn’t. It can be frustrating when it feels like the progress you’re making is slow.
But remember this: God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time. He will use your entire lifetime to prepare you for your role in eternity.
The Bible is filled with examples of how God uses a long process to develop character, especially in leaders. He took 80 years to prepare Moses, including 40 in the wilderness. For those 14,600 wilderness days, Moses kept waiting and wondering, “Is it time?” But God kept saying, “Not yet.”
Great souls are grown through struggles, storms, and seasons of suffering. Be patient with the process. James advised,
“Don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed” (James 1:4 The Message).
Don’t get discouraged. When Habakkuk became depressed because he didn’t think God was acting quickly enough, God said:
“These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” (Habakkuk 2:3 TLB).
Remember how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be.
Years ago people wore a popular button with the letters PBPGINFWMY. It stood for “Please be patient. God is not finished with me yet.”
God isn’t finished with you either. Be patient with him and with yourself. And keep on moving forward. Even the snail reached the ark by persevering.
Talk It Over
- What lessons have you learned when God has delayed something in your life?
- What do you think God wants you to do when you get discouraged with his timing?
- How can you show patience with others like God is patient with you? How can you encourage people today in their spiritual growth?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
YOUTH GROUP NEWS!! Bring a friend and join us for fun, fellowship, and growing in Christ. Youth Group meets on Tuesdays from 6-8pm
(Youth Group will not meet on July 20). The first hour will be games and snacks and the second will be the Bible study with a dive into Romans. BRING A FRIEND AND JOIN US! Contact Brice for more information.
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH! is July 31 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, featuring vendors, bake sale, live music, silent auction, free food, and kids activities.
We have several volunteer opportunities available - contact Rhonda Emanuelson. Click this link and share with your friends and neighbors.
WORKERS ARE NEEDED. Please let us know if you can help in the following areas...
- the Children's Department.
- to serve as ushers and greeters.
CHURCH CENTER: You are invited to join us on the Church Center app! Church Center is a place to connect with small groups and church events, send messages to your group, update your profile, and more! Download from the App Store and connect today. If you have trouble with setting up or updating your profile to keep your contact information up to date, see Jenn Houchin or Terri Ray.
FOOD PANTRY: The Old Hickory Nazarene location is open on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 PM. Volunteers and donations are needed.
COFFEE SHOP: Uncommon Grounds is open every Monday-Saturday from 7:00 AM-2:00 PM. Invite a friend and use this great outreach to introduce the church to your friends.
TAEKWONDO: If you are interested in free Taekwondo classes please email for more information.
CLASSES & STUDIES
SUNDAYS
Debbie’s class will not meet this Sunday, July 25. All are welcome to join Kenneth’s and Gracie’s class👇🏻
Debbie Woodard leads the Young Adult class in person and via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join. They meet Sunday mornings at 9am in the classroom beside the new office.
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 down the hall and to the right of the office.
Meeting ID: 846 6822 8046
Password: Bible101
Brice Rupert leads the teens class (6-12), Kelsey Quillen leads the kids class (k-5), both in person at 9:00am. We have kids classes for all ages.
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.
OH|KIDS CHURCH for K-5th grade meets in the kids room downstairs during the worship hour at 10:00am.
TUESDAYS
Coffee & Community Bible Study every other Tuesday at 9:30am in the Coffee Shop. Next meeting is on August 3.
WEDNESDAYS
Debbie’s study will not meet this Wednesday, July 21.
Wednesday Night Bible Study with Debbie Woodard is on Facebook Live (from Debbie's page) at 6:30pm.
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
