Each week I've given you a little assignment to help you put the principles of Psalm 23 into practice in your life. In each assignment, the goal is to help you be mindful of God throughout the day, to recognize his presence in each event, to appreciate the blessings more, and to trust him more for your needs.
Last week I asked you to practice Spiritual Breathing—to fight temptation the minute it makes its ugly appearance in your life and to recommit yourself immediately to walking in holiness.
I also encouraged you to begin each day by asking for direction, and, at the end of each day, to review the day's successes with a prayer of gratitude. How did you do?
This week here's your assignment.
1. Memorize verse four. Repeat it first thing each morning and last thing each night, along with verses one through three.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
2. Get personal with God. Remember how David used the personal pronoun beginning in verse four. Each day this week I want you to latch on to this phrase:
"You are with me." Say it throughout the day. And remember, each time you say it, that the statement is true: you really are not alone. Wherever you are, God is, quite literally, there with you. I want you to repeat this phrase throughout the day.
Specifically, I'm asking you to remind yourself at the top of each hour to repeat this phrase:
You are with me. And as you say these words, ask God for guidance and protection.
This means that between now and next Sunday you will remind yourself more than 100 times that God is there with you. And if you take just a minute each time to focus on his presence, you will indeed experience his presence.
Even when you're walking through the valley.
Make that:
especially when you're walking the valley. You can know that God is with you, and his presence will help melt away your fears, and you will find comfort in his Word and in his Holy Spirit ... as he leads you through the valley, on to higher ground.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THIS SUNDAY: Join us on August 22 at 10:00am for a special service of Praise & Worship led by our Worship Team!
MEMBERSHIP CLASS: Rev. Yates will lead a Membership Class beginning on September 12 during the Sunday School hour. They will meet in the last classroom on the left past the office.
BAPTISM: If you are interested in Baptism, please see Pastor Mike.
MAGNOLIA DISTRICT WOMEN'S RETREAT will be October 22-24 at Camp Garner Creek with speaker Allison Durham Speer.
Click here for details.
YOUTH GROUP NEWS!! Bring a friend and join us for fun, fellowship, and growing in Christ. Youth Group meets on Tuesdays from 6-8pm
. 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.
TAEKWONDO: Join Brice for free Taekwondo classes on Monday, August 23 and Monday, August 30 from 6:00-8:00pm in the Family Life Center. In September, classes will be held on Mondays and Fridays from 6:00-8:00pm. Please
email for more information.
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.
CLASSES & STUDIES
SUNDAYS
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 (grades 6-12), Kelsey Quillen 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 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 31.
YOUTH GROUP meets on Tuesdays from 6-8pm. The first hour will be games and snacks and the second will be the Bible study.
WEDNESDAYS
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
