“Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts." Proverbs 4:23 (GNT)
God is far more interested in changing your mind than in changing your circumstances.
Most people long for God to take away all problems, pain, sorrow, suffering, sickness, and sadness. But God wants to work on you first, because transformation won’t happen in your life until you renew your mind—until your thoughts begin to change.
Why is it so important to learn how to manage your mind? Here are three reasons:
Because your thoughts control your life.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts” (GNT). Your thoughts have tremendous ability to shape your life for good or for bad. For example, maybe you were told while growing up: “You’re worthless. You don’t matter.” And you accepted that thought, even though it was wrong. Now, years later, it’s shaping your life. That’s why it’s important to choose which thoughts you allow to affect you.
Because the mind is the battleground for sin.
All temptation happens in the mind. Paul said in Romans 7:22-23, “I love to do God’s will so far as my new nature is concerned; but there is something else deep within me, in my lower nature, that is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. In my mind I want to be God’s willing servant, but instead I find myself still enslaved to sin” (TLB).
One reason you get mentally fatigued is because there’s a battle in your brain 24 hours a day. It’s debilitating because it’s intense, and it’s intense because your mind is your greatest asset. Satan wants your greatest asset!
Because it’s the key to peace and happiness.
An unmanaged mind leads to tension. A managed mind leads to tranquility. An unmanaged mind leads to conflict. A managed mind leads to confidence. When you don’t control the way you direct your thoughts, you will experience an enormous amount of stress in your life. But a managed mind leads to strength, security, and serenity.
The Bible says, “Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace” (Romans 8:6 NLT).
Talk It Over
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PARENTS and Child Care Volunteers: Please plan to join us for a brief meeting after service on January 16th. We will meet at the front of the sanctuary. This is your opportunity to meet Joey Cook, who will be taking over the role of Children's Pastor.
Kentucky Relief Drop-off: We will serve as a community drop off point for donations to Kentucky’s storm relief. Donations accepted until January 15th!
Special Guest: Plan to join us on February 13th as Rondy Smith, founder of Rest Stop Ministries, comes to speak with us!
Men's Lunch: Men meet for a time of food and fellowship every 1st Tuesday of the month at noon. Location TBD.
YOUTH BUNCH TO LUNCH will be every 2nd and 4th 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 on Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 PM. 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.
BIBLE 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 next to the 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 January 18th.
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. Note that there will be no Bible Study January 12 or January 26.
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
