What Are You Buying This Week?

Good Morning

Let us be thankful! Last night we saw two more baptisms. Two more public declarations of faith in Jesus as Lord. Amazing. When you pray ask God to help all of those who have been baptized this year. May they grow in faith and love.

Thank you to everyone who made our fellowship dinner wonderful. If you set up chairs and tables or prepared food or helped clean everything up at the end of the night, thank you! 

A thought for your week; we purchase our future with the choices we make today. It's the little choices we make daily that make the biggest difference in our lives of tomorrow.

Financial Peace University

Chad Anderson will begin the next Financial Peace group on August 31. Please sign up in the foyer of the church or contact the church office to be added to the list. 

Social Media

You know we have a Facebook group page. But did you know we are also on Instagram and Twitter? Get connected and stay informed.

Revelation Study

The Inspiration Group that meets Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary is studying the book of Revelation. This is a great time to get involved. 

Breakfast for Students

Each Sunday morning volunteers serve breakfast to our students. A schedule is on the white board in the fellowship hall. See Barbara Rackliff if you would like to provide the breakfast one of the available weeks. 

Plug-In To A Group

Ongoing groups are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday nights at 6:30. Other groups are available. A list of all groups is on the table in the foyer of the church. You can find out more about groups by calling the church office or emailing Debbie Bohannon. 

Monday Morning 5

1. My Dark Night of the Soul
2. A PASTOR’S GREATEST REGRET AFTER A LIFETIME OF MINISTRY
3. AMERICANS INCREASINGLY SUPPORT SAME-SEX MARRIAGE AMID CONFUSION
4. Bible Verses Prosperity Preachers Wish Didn’t Exist
5. From the Flooded Grounds of Houston

Monday Meditation

Devotions From Time Of Grace

There’s Got to Be More

Do you ever have the feeling that you are chasing something in life that won’t fully satisfy you? Pay attention to that feeling. It’s from God.

We’re not just talking about substance abuse issues, although drinking and pursuing other addictions are certainly ways of chasing something futile. But we’ve also known a lot of “good church people” who sit in a service every week—or who preach from a pulpit to those people—who feel themselves to be far from God. They’re “successful” or “put together” or “righteous” on the outside, but they’re missing God on the inside. They keep busy with religious practices and work, school, or family, but it just isn’t enough. They long for God to feel real to them.

That longing is the first spiritual awakening for all of us finding our way back to God: “There’s got to be more.”

When you long for a love that is deep and satisfying, when you want to give yourself to something that will truly make a difference, or when you seek answers to life’s most difficult questions, you are looking for God. You’ve really got two options: you can keep searching to fill these longings on your own, or you can look to the One who gave you those longings in the first place.

Our longing for real love goes all the way back to how the human race was made in the first place. God intended that we experience his love both directly from him and through others we relate to in a healthy way. What we long for, God doesn’t just have but actually God is. He is love and he pursues us with love.

We’ve heard it said that every man who knocks on the door of a brothel is really looking for God. If you are knocking on the door of some self-destructive behavior or relationship, you might actually have arrived at an important point in your journey back to God. Why? Because the disappointment you inevitably feel in cheap substitutes will make you wonder where you can find real love. Will you open yourself up to letting God fill your longing to love and be loved?

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

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MMU: Blessed are the peacemakers

Good Morning

Another day to be a peacemaker! "Blessed are the peacemakers" was the text for yesterday's message. If there are people in your life from whom you have withheld forgiveness and refused to make things right, I encourage you to work on that today. Start now. Some of God's blessings will only be realized once you become a peacemaker.

I heard there is an eclipse today. I also heard we should not stare at it. Be careful out there folks.

When you pray this week remember our students. The older students are beginning a series Wednesday night called Authentic Love: Christ, Culture, and the Pursuit of Purity. It's great material and can have wonderful benefits for our students. 

Super Sunday

Next Sunday night is our monthly evening service with baptisms and dinner. Everything starts at 6pm, so bring a friend and your favorite side dish or dessert. 

Financial Peace University

Chad Anderson will begin the next Financial Peace group on August 31. Please sign up in the foyer of the church or contact the church office to be added to the list. 

Social Media

You know we have a Facebook group page. But did you know we are also on Instagram and Twitter? Get connected and stay informed.

Revelation Study

The Inspiration Group that meets Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary is studying the book of Revelation. This is a great time to get involved. 

Breakfast for Students

Each Sunday morning volunteers serve breakfast to our students. A schedule is on the white board in the fellowship hall. See Barbara Rackliff if you would like to provide the breakfast one of the available weeks. 

Plug-In To A Group

Ongoing groups are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday nights at 6:30. Other groups are available. A list of all groups is on the table in the foyer of the church. You can find out more about groups by calling the church office or emailing Debbie Bohannon. 

Monday Morning 5

1. Satan Has a Forked Tongue
2. 4 Money Principles for Millennials
3. USING TECHNOLOGY WISELY
4. Seeing Ourselves in ‘The End of the Affair’
5. Your Wedding Is Still Something Worth Wanting

Monday Meditation

Devotions From Time Of Grace

I’m afraid I’m too far gone

One of the most powerful features of the Star Wars movies is that they retell the greatest of all human stories, the conflict of good and evil. Luke Skywalker’s father, Anakin, had thrown in his lot with evil and had become the sinister Darth Vader. Luke pleaded with his father to come back, but Vader believed he was too far gone. “You don’t know the power of the Dark Side. . . . It is too late for me.” 

Perhaps you know someone who has tasted that kind of despair, or maybe you’ve felt it yourself. It is a serious thing to push God out of your life, and the longer you’ve done it, the heavier the blanket of inertia that weighs down your shoulders. As long as you think you must generate the goodness and positive energy to change yourself, you will remain stuck.

Let God talk to you: “‘Come now, let us settle the matter,’ says the Lord. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool’” (Isaiah 1:18). He knows your sins and loves you anyway. He knows how long it’s been and wants you back still. Let his gracious words of forgiveness wash your sins away through the precious blood of Jesus. Let the power of his Spirit jump-start your drooping willpower.

Let the kindness of his tone convince your fearful heart that it’s not too late.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

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MMU: Thank You for Serving!

Good Morning

What a great Sunday at Mt. Olive. The Peru report was tremendous and an encouragement to be more involved in serving Christ all over the world. And that Peru song Chad wrote/sang...well what can I say about that?

Last night was the Leadership Banquet and we celebrated the way God works through people to do His will. I am honored to serve along so many leaders and I look forward to what God has for us in the future.

Financial Peace University

Chad Anderson will begin the next Financial Peace group on August 31. Please sign up in the foyer of the church or contact the church office to be added to the list. 

Social Media

You know we have a Facebook group page. But did you know we are also on Instagram and Twitter? Get connected and stay informed.

Revelation Study

The Inspiration Group that meets Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary is studying the book of Revelation. This is a great time to get involved. 

Breakfast for Students

Each Sunday morning volunteers serve breakfast to our students. A schedule is on the white board in the fellowship hall. See Barbara Rackliff if you would like to provide the breakfast one of the available weeks. 

Plug-In To A Group

Ongoing groups are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday nights at 6:30. Other groups are available. A list of all groups is on the table in the foyer of the church. You can find out more about groups by calling the church office or emailing Debbie Bohannon. 

Monday Morning 5

1. Belonging Is About More Than Biology
2. 4 Painful Lies Stay-at-Home Moms Tell Themselves
3. How to Survive World Religions 101
4. Is God’s Grace Really Free, or Does It Cost Me Everything?
5. Dear College Freshman: 5 Ways to Stay Strong in the Lord

Monday Meditation

Devotions From Time Of Grace

Anxiety

All of us have at least one disability of one kind or another. Sometimes that challenge in our lives proves to be a great energy source: the youngest child who is ignored and patronized in the family becomes an overachiever “to show them I’m somebody.” A middle schooler with a stutter is driven to overcome it and become a great speaker. Someone who lives with daily anxiety might compensate by channeling that fear and energy into excellence at work. Or the reverse—the frequent panic attacks make every kind of scholastic test or work evaluation a time of total emotional terror and shutdown. 

Daily anxiety is a widespread plague—over 10% of American adults take some form of antidepressant medication. Whether you are on a med or not, there is a form of relief available to all believers in Christ: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Scripture promises us that God is indeed tracking our day-to-day lives, that he cares deeply for us, that his ears are attuned to our prayers, that each prayer receives an appropriate answer at the right time, and that God actually does intervene in human history for the benefit of believers.

He is not merely watching us. He is engaged. That means you’re not alone. That means even your hardships can turn into blessings. That means you always win in the end. 

Go ahead. Cast your anxiety on him. His shoulders are big enough to take it all.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

Connect

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904.692.1995
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Back to School Prayers

Good Morning

School starts this week! Many of our students have had a tremendous summer and have grown in their faith. Pray for them as they go back to school because they have both great opportunities to influence others with their faith and they will face challenges and temptations. 

Church update: we have gained 12 new members in the last 2 months. Eleven of those were by baptism. Let's thank God today for what He is doing at Mt. Olive.

Dale Barnes and Chad Anderson will give their Peru report next Sunday morning. They have lots of pictures and stories to share with the church. You don't want to miss it.

Leadership Banquet

August 13th at 6pm is our second annual Leadership Banquet. If you serve in any leadership role or on any committee you are invited. You don't need to bring anything. Please let me know if you cannot attend. The banquet is a way of celebrating the work God has done through you and a way of saying thank you for your service to the Lord through the church.

Financial Peace University

Chad Anderson will begin the next Financial Peace group on August 31. Please sign up in the foyer of the church or contact the church office to be added to the list. 

Social Media

You know we have a Facebook group page. But did you know we are also on Instagram and Twitter? Get connected and stay informed.

Revelation Study

The Inspiration Group that meets Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary is studying the book of Revelation. This is a great time to get involved. 

Breakfast for Students

Each Sunday morning volunteers serve breakfast to our students. A schedule is on the white board in the fellowship hall. See Barbara Rackliff if you would like to provide the breakfast one of the available weeks. 

Plug-In To A Group

Ongoing groups are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday nights at 6:30. Other groups are available. A list of all groups is on the table in the foyer of the church. You can find out more about groups by calling the church office or emailing Debbie Bohannon. 

Monday Morning 5

1. Does God Like Me?
2. The Case for Satan
3. Envision the End of Your Sin
4. When Your Spouse Is Mentally Ill
5. A Millennial Anomaly? Why I’m Still In Church

Monday Meditation

Our Daily Bread

Peace and Trust

When I was six years old I rode a roller coaster for the first time with my older brothers. As soon as we hit a turn at a high speed I started to yell: “Stop this thing right now! I want to get off!” Of course the roller coaster didn’t stop, and I had to “white knuckle” it, hanging on tight for the rest of the ride.

Sometimes life can feel like an unwanted roller coaster ride, with “downhill” drops and hairpin curves we never see coming. When unexpected difficulties occur, the Bible reminds us that our best recourse is to place our trust in God. It was in a tumultuous time when invasion threatened his country that the prophet Isaiah, inspired by the Spirit, discerned this powerful promise from the Lord: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isa. 26:3).

Life will have its difficulties, but our Savior, who loves us more than life, is greater than them all.
The peace our Savior gives us as we turn to Him “transcends all understanding” (Phil. 4:7). I will never forget the words of a woman who was struggling with breast cancer. After a group from our church prayed for her one evening, she said, “I don’t know what will happen, but I know that I’ll be okay, because the Lord was here with us tonight.”

Life will have its difficulties, but our Savior, who loves us more than life, is greater than them all.

Lord, help me to trust in You so that I may live in peace.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

Connect

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MMU: Baptisms and Blessings

Good Morning

If you missed it, we had five baptisms last night! Each one was a public testimony of faith in Jesus. Of all the things we do, baptism is the visual reminder of what we are all about. No matter what activities or events we might hold, our purpose is to help people know Jesus by faith. And when that happens they follow Him publicly in baptism. We have much for which to be grateful today.

I want to thank everyone who shared a song last night in the service. With Chad away in Peru I know it was different, but your willingness to sing and share was a blessing to us all. I especially want to thank the students who led the congregational singing. You guys are special to me and a blessing to the church.

Leadership Banquet

August 13th at 6pm is our second annual Leadership Banquet. If you serve in any leadership role or on any committee you are invited. You don't need to bring anything. Invitations will be sent out soon. Please let me know if you cannot attend. The banquet is a way of celebrating the work God has done through you and a way of saying thank you for your service to the Lord through the church.

Church Council

The quarterly church council meeting is next Sunday, August 6th, at 5pm. 

Social Media

You know we have a Facebook group page. But did you know we are also on Instagram and Twitter? Get connected and stay informed.

Revelation Study

The Inspiration Group that meets Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary is studying the book of Revelation. This is a great time to get involved. 

Breakfast for Students

Each Sunday morning volunteers serve breakfast to our students. A schedule is on the white board in the fellowship hall. See Barbara Rackliff if you would like to provide the breakfast one of the available weeks. 

Plug-In To A Group

Ongoing groups are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday nights at 6:30. Other groups are available. A list of all groups is on the table in the foyer of the church. You can find out more about groups by calling the church office or emailing Debbie Bohannon. 

Monday Morning 5

1. Hugh Freeze and the Peril of Public Faith
2. Reflections on the 50th Anniversary of My Diving Accident
3. OCD and the Death of the Christian
4. Suffering That Crushes Faith
5. READING WARS

Monday Meditation

Our Daily Bread

All Generations

My parents married in 1933 during the Great Depression. My wife and I are Baby Boomers, part of the dramatic increase in births following World War II. Our four daughters, born in the seventies and eighties, belong to Generations X and Y. Growing up in such different times, it’s not surprising that we have different opinions about many things!

Generations differ widely in their life experiences and values. And this is true among followers of Jesus. But no matter what we wear or the kind of music we enjoy, our spiritual connection is stronger than those differences.

God’s kingdom is alive and active in all generations.
Psalm 145, a mighty song of praise to God, proclaims our bond of faith. “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. . . . They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness” (vv. 4, 7). Within a great diversity of age and experience, we come together by honoring the Lord. “They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might” (v. 11).

While differences and preferences could divide us, shared faith in Jesus Christ the Lord brings us together in mutual trust, encouragement, and praise. Whatever our age and outlook, we need each other! No matter which generation we belong to, we can learn from each other and together honor the Lord—“So that all people may know of [His] mighty acts and the glorious splendor of [His] kingdom” (v. 12).

Lord, unite Your people from all generations to honor and praise You as we bear witness of Your love.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

Connect

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Crazy Shirts Are Back

Good Morning

Yesterday was a special day at Mt. Olive. Our students lead us in worship and sang three songs. At the end of the service another student joined the church and will be baptized next Sunday. 

Remember in your prayers Dale and Chad as they serve the Lord this week in Peru. 

Next Sunday we have our monthly night service with baptisms and dinner. Make plans to be part of it at 6pm.

God has given us this week to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. I'm praying for you. Let's do this.

Social Media

You know we have a Facebook group page. But did you know we are also on Instagram and Twitter? Get connected and stay informed.

Super Sunday Night!

Next Sunday night at 6pm we have a song service followed by baptisms and then a fellowship meal. If you want to share a song please let me know this week or call the church office. Bring your favorite side dish or dessert and enjoy time with your church family. And wear your CRAZY shirts!

Revelation Study

The Inspiration Group that meets Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the sanctuary is studying the book of Revelation. This is a great time to get involved. 

Breakfast for Students

Each Sunday morning volunteers serve breakfast to our students. A schedule is on the white board in the fellowship hall. See Barbara Rackliff if you would like to provide the breakfast one of the available weeks. 

Plug-In To A Group

Ongoing groups are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday nights at 6:30. Other groups are available. A list of all groups is on the table in the foyer of the church. You can find out more about groups by calling the church office or emailing Debbie Bohannon. 

Monday Morning 5

1. An Open Letter to Husbands who Abuse Their Wives
2. SHOULD WE STOP ASKING JESUS INTO OUR HEARTS?
3. Seven Ways to Pray for Your Heart
4. 4 TYPES OF PEOPLE CURIOUS ABOUT THE CHURCH
5. The Most Frightening Prayer I Could Pray for My Children

Monday Meditation

The Upper Room

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13

“Christ gives us power to persevere.” These words have been written on the chalkboard in my family’s kitchen since January 2003. At the time, I was in the habit of writing The Upper Room’s “Thought for the Day” on the chalkboard so that the whole family could meditate on it during the day. However, a family crisis occurred around the time I wrote, “Christ gives us power to persevere,” and the saying has remained on our chalkboard ever since. These words have reminded us to rely on Christ’s strength again and again.

The Bible tells us that God alone is the source of our strength (Ps. 18:1; 28:7) and that we gain strength by waiting upon the Lord (Isa. 40:31). The apostle Paul learned this lesson through his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7). We too can learn from difficult experiences.

Our chalkboard reminder that God through Christ empowers us to endure has seen our family through my grandma’s decade-long illness, a family friend’s suicide, my dad’s cancer diagnosis, and the deaths of my grandma and dad. In the years since then, these words have been a daily comfort to my mom and me. Rather than being a thought for a single day, the promise of Christ’s strength can be an encouraging reminder for us each and every day.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

Connect

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904.692.1995
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MMU: Pray for Peru

Good Morning

Next Friday we have two men going to Peru for a mission experience. Yesterday we had Dale and Chad stand down front and the church gathered around them, laid hands on them, and prayed. We will have a prayer guide for the church to use during the time the men are away. I encourage you now to pray for them and for the work they will be doing.

The Five Love Languages

Michelle and I are team teaching The Five Love Languages at 6pm on Sunday nights. This is a three week group that includes the personal assessment, an overview of each of the love languages, and lots of examples of how the dynamics work in personal and family life. Books will be available for a small fee and you can sign up Sunday at church or contact me by email. 

Revelation Study

The Inspiration Group that meets Wednesdays at 6:30 pm will begin a study of the book of Revelation this week. This is a great time to get involved. 

Breakfast for Students

Each Sunday morning volunteers serve breakfast to our students. A schedule is on the white board in the fellowship hall. See Barbara Rackliff if you would like to provide the breakfast one of the available weeks. 

Plug-In To A Group

Ongoing groups are held Sunday mornings at 9:30 and Wednesday nights at 6:30. Other groups are available. A list of all groups is on the table in the foyer of the church. You can find out more about groups by calling the church office or emailing Debbie Bohannon. 

Monday Morning 5

1. The ‘Gospel’ That Almost Killed Me
2. How to Reach People Who Don’t Care About the Afterlife
3. Though You Do Not See Him, You Love Him
4. How to change the world without ever leaving town
5. Eugene Peterson and Perhaps the Deepest Kind of Repentance

Monday Meditation

My Utmost for His Highest July 17, 2017

Just Like Dad

The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. John 5:19

Isn’t it endearing to see a child mimicking his parents? How often we’ve seen the young boy in a car seat, gripping his imaginary steering wheel intently while keeping a close eye on the driver to see what Daddy does next.

I remember doing the same thing when I was young. Nothing gave me greater pleasure than doing exactly what my dad did—and I’m sure he got an even bigger kick watching me copy his actions.

Jesus, thank You for showing us the way to the Father.
I would like to think God felt the same way when He saw His dearest Son doing exactly what the Father did—reaching out to the lost, helping the needy, and healing the sick. Jesus said, "the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does" (John 5:19).

We too are called to do the same—to “follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love” (Eph. 5:1–2). As we continue growing to be more like Jesus, may we seek to love like the Father loves, forgive like He forgives, care like He cares, and live in ways that please Him. It is a delight to copy His actions, in the power of the Spirit, knowing that our reward is the affectionate, tender smile of a loving Father.

And as always, your pastor is praying for you.

Connect

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904.692.1995
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