SCRIPTURE/FOCUS – Week Of July 24 – 30, 2016
FOCUS OF THE MONTH
“We the People,” of God
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 2 Corinthians 3:3
Call (641) 715-3378, access code 2597-48#; Reference #89 to listen to a review of these lessons.
Visit our website at www.5ambiblestudyministry.org
Overview: As God sustains us through our period of testing, it’s not to punish us but He desires that we seek a closer relationship with Him. During this time, He may use a friend to say cutting words, to make us aware of the rough edges of our behavior. Let’s pray that we will receive these words of correction and become better human beings for God’s glory. However, we must be open and honest about our struggles to one another, then purpose to help each other in love, as iron sharpens iron. Remember, as we adjust to change, we have a friend forever in Jesus and He will be all that we need Him to be if we trust Him. In conclusion, as we grow in our relationship with Christ and receive the abundant blessings that He showers us with each day, let us be more inclined to look around and see others needs and care for them in love.
Monday, July 25, 2016 – Test Match – Psalm 35:17-28
Focus: No matter how difficult our time period of testing might be, let’s seek and delight in a closer relationship with God. Wait on Him for the answer as He sustains us.
Scriptures: Daniel 3:1-25; Psalm 40:1-3, 6-17; Daniel 10:2-14
Tuesday, July 26, 2016 – God’s Sandpaper – Proverbs 27:5-17
Focus: Whether God uses a friend or us to say harsh words to shave off the rough edges of each other’s behavior, let’s pray that these words of correction will give both parties wisdom to change us for God.
Scriptures: 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Proverbs 15:22-24; Proverbs 27:5-6
Wednesday, July 27, 2016 – Visible Vulnerability – Ephesians 4:2-6
Focus: Let’s be open and honest about our struggles to one another. In the body of Christ we have a responsibility to help one another overcome our vulnerabilities in love.
Scriptures: 1 John 4:7-11; James 3:13-18; 2 Timothy 2:22-26; Galatians 6:1-3
Thursday, July 28, 2016 – Best Friend – Forever – James 2:18-26
Focus: Jesus calls us His friends. Let’s be grateful for the best friend that we have forever who sticks closer than a brother.
Scriptures: Matthew 25:31-40; Proverbs 18:24
Friday, July 29, 2016 – Love Your Neighbor – Romans 13:8-11
Focus: God showers us with abundant blessings every day. In turn, we must open our eyes, see the needs of others and do what we can to care for them in love.
Scriptures: 1 John 3:16-18
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson
The Glory of Friendship
To HAVE a good friend is one of the highest delights of life. To BE a good friend is one of the noblest and most difficult undertakings. In a true or honest relationship, friendship does not depend on what we have, but upon our character.
Let’s watch for:
- Someone who will tell you the truth and help you smooth out your rough edges for God’s glory.
- Someone who you can be honest and vulnerable with.
- Someone who will walk alongside you as you battle temptation and learn how to live obediently according to the Word of God.
- Someone who knows all about you and still loves you regardless.
- Someone who does not hesitate to make sacrifices for the good of the relationship.
- Someone who is not too proud to pray for you, to cry for you, to hope for you, and to ask God to be one with you.
Let’s remember:
- There is no treasure like the treasure of a faithful friend;
- There is no pleasure like the pleasure friendship can lend;
- Fame and riches and other pleasures may quickly pass away; and
- Friendship and its golden treasures last forever and a day.
- That friendship must work both ways to ensure balance, mutual love and respect.
What a privilege and a blessing to have Jesus as our best friend!