“To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace . . . Those who obey their human nature cannot please God.” Romans 8:6, 8 (GNT)
Learning to manage your emotions is the key to peace of mind. In other words, you need to learn to deal with what you feel!
Here are four important reasons why you need to manage your emotions:
Emotions are often unreliable. Your gut is often wrong. Your intuition is often flawed. Your emotions often lead you down a blind alley. You can’t depend on everything you feel! Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (NIV). You don’t have to accept everything you feel, because not everything you feel is right or authentic or will lead you in the right direction.
You don’t want to be manipulated. If you don’t control your emotions, they will control you, and you will be manipulated by your moods. And if you’re always guided by your feelings, other people will take advantage of you. Worst of all, negative emotions are Satan’s favorite tool. He will use fear, resentment, and worry to wreak havoc in your life. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (NIV).
You want to please God. God cannot rule your life if emotions rule your life. If you make your decisions based on how you feel, then you’ve made your feelings your god, and then God can’t be God in your life. Romans 8 says, “To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace . . . Those who obey their human nature cannot please God” (Romans 8:6, 8 GNT).
You want to succeed in life. Study after study has shown that your emotional quotient is far more important than your IQ when it comes to success. How many people do you know who ruined their reputation because of something said in anger? Or missed a job opportunity because of their lack of self-control? The Bible says in Proverbs 5:23, “[People] get lost and die because of their foolishness and lack of self-control” (CEV).
When you choose to follow Jesus, that decision includes your emotions. Jesus wants to be Lord of how you feel, not just what you think and do. He wants to be Lord of your emotions.
The Bible says, “From now on, then, you must live the rest of your earthly lives controlled by God’s will and not by human desires” (1 Peter 4:2 GNT).
Talk It Over
ANNOUNCEMENTS
All Church Lunch: Please join us as we say goodbye to Pastor Mike and Kelly. We will be collecting a love offering and cards, as well as having a church potluck in the FLC immediately after service on April 10. Please bring two sides and a dessert, if you are able!
Men's Lunch: Men meet for a time of food and fellowship every 1st Tuesday of the month at noon. Location TBD.
Sage Retreat: MidSouth District SAGE Retreat will be held April 4-6th. Click here to see the flyer. A sign up sheet will be at the connection table in the lobby.
Women of Joy Conference: OH Women, please join us October 7-9th in Pigeon Forge to worship and fellowship together.
Men's Conference: OH Men, please join us on May 5th to hear Tim Tebow speak. A sign up sheet will be at the connection table in the lobby.
Youth Bunch to Lunch will be every 2nd Sunday. Teens will meet after worship for lunch and fellowship.
WORKERS ARE NEEDED! Please let us know if you can help in the following areas:
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 (make sure your contact information is correct!), see Jenn Houchin.
Food Pantry: The Old Hickory Nazarene location is open by appointment. Please text or call Pastor Mike at (239) 257-8035. Volunteers and non-perishable 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.
GYM: Our gym will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:00am for anyone who wants to walk.
BIBLE STUDIES
SUNDAYS
Debbie Woodard leads the Young Adult class in person and 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 for anyone who would like to join.
Brice Rupert leads the teens class (grades 6-12), Joey Cook leads the kids class (grades 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. K-5th grade kids will gather in the sanctuary at 10:00am for worship then go downstairs for OH|Kids church.
TUESDAYS
Coffee & Community Bible Study every other Tuesday at 9:30am in the Coffee Shop. Next meeting is on April 19.
WEDNESDAYS
YOUTH GROUP meets from 6-8pm. The first hour will be games and snacks and the second will be the Bible study.
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. You are invited to join the Thursday Night Prayer Group on the Church Center App. You can quickly submit a praise or prayer request and be in prayer for others as requests come in.
Meeting ID: 894 2501 3143
Password: Prayer605
