I've been closing each message in this series with a little bit of homework. Last time was simple. In addition to memorizing the verse, I asked to repeat as many times as possible throughout the day: "You are with me." Specifically, I asked you to make it a point to repeat these words at the top of the hour.
The idea was to help you practice the presence of God in your daily life by reminding yourself constantly that he is there with you, where ever you are.
Now this week's assignment...
1. Memorize verse five. Each day quote the first five verses of this psalm together.
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. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
2. Yield to the Holy Spirit. Begin each day with a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to fill you, to anoint you, to consecrate you, to refresh you, to strengthen you. Begin the day this way, and repeat this prayer throughout the day.
3. Make a "cup-runneth-over" list. As early as possible this week, sit down with pen and paper and begin a list of all the areas in your life in which you have more than enough. Start the list early, because as the week goes on, you'll undoubtedly add to it again and again as more things come to mind. For each item on the list, make it a point to say "Thank You" to God for giving you such abundance.
The biggest mistake we can make is to measure abundance merely in terms of money and the things it can buy.
There are so many things in life so much more important than these—and God is willing to give you more than have room to hold ... and he already has in so many ways.
Do you know what I've noticed? The more you focus on the abundance in your life, the more abundance comes your way. So, this week allow yourself to celebrate the riches of God's blessings in your life.
This means that between now and next Sunday you will remind yourself more than one hundred 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
UNDERSTANDING THE CHURCH: Rev. Yates will lead a class to help us understand who we are as a church beginning on September 12 during the Sunday School hour. They will meet in the last classroom on the left past the office.
MEN’S LUNCH: Men will meet for a time of lunch and fellowship on September 9th at noon at the Flat Tire Restaurant on Lebanon Road.
LIFE LINE SCREENING: There will be another Life Line Screening at Old Hickory on Friday, October 29.
Click here for details or register by calling toll free 1-888-653-6441 or text the word "circle" to 797979.
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.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR: Kick off your holiday shopping by supporting local crafters and vendors at the Holiday Bazaar in the FLC from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on November 13.
https://fb.me/e/1d0i0DQzO
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 Mondays and Fridays from 6:00-7:00pm in the Family Life Center.. 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 September 14.
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
