SCRIPTURE/FOCUS – Week of December 28, 2015 – January 1, 2016
FOCUS OF THE MONTH
Jesus is the Reason for the Season
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Matthew 1:23
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Overview: As we are about to embark on a New Year with so many uncertainties, let’s not fall prey to the Enemy’s tactics to emotionally overload us with worry. Instead, let’s take refuge in Jesus, the Prince of Peace. We must never lose sight of our assignment to help the needy. God will give us a heart of compassion to be creative in helping to find solutions to their problems of weariness, pain, hunger, debt, poverty, disease and death. Be mindful to come aside from time to time and find rest for our souls in the Lord. Never doubt God’s omniscience and omnipresence to keep track of us in difficult times. Despite this world growing increasingly chaotic because of sin, this is the time that we must be absolutely sure of our salvation and live godly lives as we anticipate the coming of the Lord at any time.
Monday, December 28, 2015 – A Place of Shelter – Psalm 61
Focus: When we become emotionally overloaded, we are more vulnerable to the enemy’s tactics. Let’s take our refuge in Jesus Christ and He will give us peace and protection.
Scriptures: Psalm 91; Psalm 62:1-8; Jeremiah 3:25-25; (see John 16:33 in the story)
Tuesday, December 29, 2015 – Reject Apathy – Nehemiah 1:1-10
Focus: There are great needs around us. Let’s ask our great God to use us in a great way, to show compassion and to be creative in solving problems as we reach out to the needy.
Scriptures: Proverbs 14:31; 1 John 3:16-18
Wednesday, December 30, 2015 – An Invitation to Rest – Revelation 21:1-5
Focus: Our world is full of weariness, pain, hunger, debt, poverty, disease and death. Let’s accept Jesus’ invitation to rest in Him. One day, God will wipe away all tears from our eyes.
Scriptures: See December 17 lesson; Psalm 132:13-18
Thursday, December 31, 2015 – On the Wing – Matthew 10:27-31
Focus: When we face difficult circumstances, fear causes us to wonder if God is aware of our situation. Let’s be confident that God never loses track of us because we are under His wings.
Scriptures: Psalm 91:1-2; Isaiah 32:2; Isaiah 49:16
Friday, January 1, 2016 – This Could Be the Year – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Focus: With sin abounding, the world is becoming increasingly chaotic. We must be sure that we are saved and living a godly life to be ready to meet the Lord if this is the year that He will appear.
Scriptures: Revelation 22:8-14
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson – It is the end of 2015 when we reflect on all that has occurred these past twelve months. As members of the 5 A.M. Bible Study Ministry, we cannot imagine our lives without Jesus in it. Throughout this year, God has been our refuge and a shelter in life’s storms. He has moved us out of our comfortable position to meet the needs of others so we can be a blessing. When we were weary in life’s struggles, Jesus invited us to enter His rest. As we reflect over this year we can see how deeply God cared for us and was in control. Two thousand sixteen (2016) could be the year that Jesus could appear.
My challenge to you starts on Friday, January 1, the first blank page of a 365-page book. What will you write?
Remember the three C’s of life: Choices, Chances, Changes:
- Make a Choice to follow Jesus
- Take a Chance on what the New Year will bring
- Rest assured your life will Change for the good.