“Happy are those who . . . find joy in obeying the Law of the LORD, and they study it day and night. They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do.” Psalm 1:1-3 (GNT)
If you want to change your life, start by changing the way you think.
Changing your thoughts is the key to a fresh start in any area—a hobby, a career, a relationship, marriage, or parenting. Ephesians 4:23 says, “Be continually renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh, untarnished mental and spiritual attitude]” (AMP).
What is a renewed mind? It means you have fresh thoughts and fresh attitudes. It means you take your wrong attitudes and thoughts and surrender them, letting “God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect” (Romans 12:2 GNT).
You renew your mind by doing two things:
First, listen to God’s Word more than the world. The Bible says, “Happy are those who . . . find joy in obeying the Law of the LORD, and they study it day and night. They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do” (Psalm 1:1-3 GNT). Would you like those characteristics to be true of your life? If so, then meditate on God’s Word every day.
Second, think about what you think about. Instead of automatically accepting every thought you have, challenge your thoughts. When you have a thought, ask questions like: Do I want to think about this? Is this really true? Is this helpful? How does it make me feel—and do I want to feel that way?
The Bible tells us to “take every thought captive and make it obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 GNT).
All your feelings are caused by thoughts. If you don’t like the way you feel, then you need to change the way you think. Simply take the thought causing bad feelings and replace it with a different thought.
The Bible says, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts” (Proverbs 4:23 GNT).
Instead of playing old tapes over and over again in your mind, confront those thoughts. What you think about is your choice, and you don’t have to believe every thought you have. When you confront a thought that you know isn’t true, you can choose to change what you’re thinking! You can replace it with God’s truth.
The only way to know truth is to get in God’s Word. The more time you choose to spend in God’s Word, the more his truth will help you change your thoughts.
Start changing your thinking today. It will give you a fresh start, and eventually it will change your life!
Talk It Over
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join us THIS SUNDAY, February 13 as Rondy Smith, director of Rest Stop Ministries, shares about this amazing organization as they work to end sex trafficking while providing a safe place for victims to find hope and restoration.
Men's Lunch: Men meet for a time of food and fellowship every 1st Tuesday of the month at noon at Flat Tire Diner (4700 Old Hickory Blvd, Old Hickory).
Youth Bunch to Lunch will be every 2nd Sunday. Teens will meet after worship for lunch and fellowship.
You're invited to a community Valentine's Dinner on February 11 at 6:00pm in the FLC. Tickets can be purchased here.
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 and via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
Meeting ID: 846 6822 8046
Password: Bible101
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 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 February 15.
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
