Remember, last week's homework was to memorize verse one, then take some time each day to thank God for three material possessions and three spiritual blessings and to make a list of your needs that you could bring to him each day in prayer.
The purpose of last week's exercise was to help you develop an attitude of gratitude, and to help you see more clearly the many ways our Shepherd watches over us and provides for us.
This week, if you want, you continue to make these lists each day—it's a good habit to maintain—and the main idea is that you continue to recognize all the good things God has done for you. If keeping a daily list helps, then keep the list one or two more weeks until the habit becomes stronger.
Now this week's homework. These things will take only a couple of minutes each day. Do them when you wake up and right before you go to sleep; it will help the message of Psalm 23 permeate your soul and spirit at the deepest level. First of all...
1. Memorize Psalm 23:2. This is the verse we looked at Sunday. Recite each day along with last week's verse .
1 - The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 - He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters.
Say this at the beginning of each day and at the end of each day, and as many times as you think of it throughout the day.
2. On the same sheet of paper you used last week, take a few minutes to
identify the green pastures and still waters in your life—those good things that God uses to refresh and renew you. I already mentioned them earlier—spending time with friends and family, reading books, listening to music, taking a walk, and, most of all, spending time in prayer and meditation and Bible study and worship. By making this list, you're saying, "These are the places where I know that God wants to lead me, and so I will keep my eyes open for opportunities to do these things."
3. As you begin each day, pray about which green pasture and quiet stream God will lead you to today.
Visit a 'green pasture' every day of your life. Often, as you prepare the day's activities, he'll speak to you. He'll remind you, for example, that you're free for lunch, that you could take your Bible to a quiet place in the park and spend that time in the Word. Or he'll remind you, today would be a good day to play catch with your son. And so on. No matter what else is going on in your life, he will lead you to rest in green pastures every single day. So you can begin each day saying, "Lord, I surrender the leadership of this day to you, and I'll keep my eyes open for the green pastures you've prepared for me.
4. Each night, right before you sleep, review your verses and remember the green pastures. In other words, before you sleep, take a few minutes to
meditate on the good and pleasant things God has brought into your life. Some call it "counting your blessings." Spend a few minutes thanking him for the day, thanking him for his presence in your life. And then, allow yourself to sleep, knowing that you are in his care, and that he is watching over you.
In another Psalm, David said...
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety. - Psalm 4:8
We aren't by nature peaceful creatures. We're prone to stress and anxiety and tension and friction and obsessing over every little problem.
But those who know the Good Shepherd experience life in a different way.
It's not that you don't face trials and tribulations, it's that even their midst you can experience God's peace, because each day he will lead you to a quiet place, a place of rest and renewal, where you can eat till you're satisfied and sleep securely knowing that your Shepherd is always near, and you are safe in his care.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ZONE RALLY: There will be a Zone Rally for the Nashville North/South Zone on Sunday, August 15 at 6:00pm at Trevecca Community Church. This will be a great night of music and a message from our District Superintendent.
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.
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 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 17.
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
