First New Madrid UMC

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

Good morning Abba,

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1

Forgive me for my weak faith. Help me not only believe this, but also help me act like I believe it a little each day.

“Gently open our souls, and speak your Word into them. We believe you want to do it, and we wait for you to do it now. In your name, amen.”
Dallas Willard - Life Without Lack”

09/01/2026

Psalm 23

Before you drift off to sleep, reflect on Psalm 23 as the day ends.

Allow yourself to fully absorb each verse as you read it. As you read, keep in mind the theme of divine guidance, as in “The Lord Is My Shepherd.” The Supreme Being and Creator of the universe.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters,

He refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths, for His name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Amen. Rest in the peace of God as you sleep tonight.

08/31/2026

Character Remodeling

Navigating life while following Jesus can sometimes feel perplexing and overwhelming. Consequently, the initial good intentions of many Christians often falter, leading to struggles in their sustained efforts to faithfully follow the principles and lessons Jesus imparted.

What is the process through which a follower of Jesus develops the deep-seated desire and the practical habit of striving to emulate Him each day? It is a challenge for us to fully grasp the immense, abundant life that Jesus provides, a life made possible by his sacrificial act and the enduring principles of his teachings. We do not fully understand the wisdom of Jesus’s teachings. The journey of embracing the life Jesus provides, even with small, initial efforts, initiates a profound and ongoing transformation.

As a result of this understanding, I will be initiating our journey into these transformative teachings through a gradual, step-by-step approach beginning this autumn. This week and on Sunday, we will start by examining Psalm 23. I’m asking you to follow along with me this week, right here, to get you ready for Sunday. Thank you, and may Christ’s love fill your hearts abundantly this coming week.

08/31/2026

Abba,

Morning has broken.
A new day has begun.

I’m thanking you, God, from the bottom of my soul.
Take my hand, keep me on the right path today.

I love you, God.
You're the solid ground beneath my feet.

God, my shepherd.
I lack nothing.
Your beauty and love pursue me every day of my life.

Amen

08/31/2026

Abba,

This Sabbath day comes to a close.
My heartfelt joy wells up as I spend time with you,
worshipping and praising you throughout the day.

Heartfelt praise to Christ, who loves us.

At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep,
For you, God, have put my life back together.

Yes! Come, Master Jesus!

The grace of the Master Jesus be with all of you.

Oh, Yes!

Amen

08/30/2026

Trust Him To Know Him. 8/30 Sermon

08/30/2026

For the Lord your God goes wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. Psalm 55:22

Lord, I believe. Help me with my unbelief.
Amen.

08/30/2026

“My soul lay prone.
Raised to new life at last
This contract 'tween us passed,
That the Beloved should be all mine own,

I am His alone!”
Sister Teresa of Avila

Abba,
As I surrender this day, may the Holy Spirit remind me that the Cross is the doorway to You. Jesus opened that door for all. Forgive me for my complacency. Stir up in me a greater desire to know Your Son, our Savior.
Amen.

08/29/2026

The beauty of knowing Jesus. These eight pictures tell that story. Join us Sunday morning at 10:30 am for: I Trust Him Because I Know Him.