SCRIPTURE/FOCUS – Week Of August 14 – 20, 2016
FOCUS OF THE MONTH
Praying Your Way Through
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16
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Overview: The life we live today will determine the legacy that we will leave for our families and friends. As we pursue a righteous life that glorifies God, we intentionally lead people out of a world of darkness and confusion. We must let our lights shine and show them the way. It can become very difficult as we witness to others on this Christian journey; however, just as Jesus carries us, we need to encourage one another and support one another when there is a need. When the battles become overwhelming, turn to the Lord in faith, others may appreciate our prayers and the results, consequently, they too may begin to develop a prayer life themselves and begin to trust God. Let’s stay humble and never think that we are better than anyone else, nor be jealous, wanting to be like others. Remember, God created each of us for His good pleasure and can use us to do significant things for His glory.
Monday, August 15, 2016 – A Legacy Life – Proverbs 22:1-16
Focus: The kind of life that we live today will determine the legacy that we’ll leave for our families and friends. Let’s pursue a righteous lifestyle that will glorify God.
Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 7:1; Matthew 11:11; Galatians 2:19-21
Tuesday, August 16, 2016 – Bringing Light into Darkness – John 1:1-8
Focus: Our world today is filled with confusion and darkness. Many people are looking for direction in life. We must let our light shine and show them the way to Jesus.
Scriptures: Matthew 5:16; Ephesians 5:8-20
Wednesday, August 17, 2016 – The Swagger – Romans 16:1-3, 13, 21-23
Focus: On our Christian journey, we all need friends to encourage us. We know that Jesus carries us daily; however, we must support one another in the time of need.
Scriptures: Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:16; Romans 15:1-2
Thursday, August 18, 2016 – That Thing You Do – 2 Chronicles 13:10-18
Focus: We must turn to the Lord in faith to fight our battles. In doing so, others may also begin to appreciate our prayers and the results. They too, may develop a prayer life and trust God.
Scriptures: 2 Chronicles 20:1-18
Friday, August 19, 2016 – Comparison Obsession – Matthew 20:1-16
Focus: We must never be prideful to think that we’re better than others, nor jealous, wanting to be like others. God created us and through His goodness, He can use us to do significant things for His glory.
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12; Judges 6:11-15
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson
Do You Ever Wonder What Kind of Legacy You Will Leave Behind?
As Paul pondered the end of his life in 2 Timothy 4:7, he made three very simple statements about his legacy that we can use as a guideline.
1. Paul had “fought the good fight”. Let’s stand firm as spiritual warriors, clothed in the armor of God, faithfully defending the truth of the gospel to bring light into the darkness of this world.
2. Paul had “finished the race”. Let’s continue to run the marathon race of life and when the road of life gets difficult, let’s be encouraged by our friends who will pick us up and also be encouragers to pick others up when trouble weighs then down.
3. Most importantly, Paul had “kept the faith”. Let’s remain true, committed, and loyal to the One who rescued us from sin and darkness. God will never turn away whoever turns to Him in faith.
Notice that Paul’s brief statement in this verse says nothing about the education he had received, the places he had travelled, or the letters he had written. He flat out wanted his legacy to be labeled as “faithful.” This is what we should aspire to be as followers of Jesus.
How should we pursue this kind of legacy? It means that our choices should be more about fighting the good fight. We need to put on the spiritual armor each morning. It means that in every situation, we want our attitude, our words, and our action to be true to Jesus. There is no better time than to start NOW to set our sight on new goals that will develop a legacy worth leaving so we can hear Jesus say, “well done good and faithful servant.” That’s a legacy worth living.
You get to decide the legacy that you will leave. The legacy you leave behind is the life you live today.