SCRIPTURE/FOCUS – October 30 – November 5, 2016
FOCUS OF THE MONTH
Love Opens Hearts and Minds to the Purpose of God
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
But as for you, ye thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good,
to bring to pass as it is this day, to save much people alive. Genesis 50:20
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Overview: Jesus has forgiven us of our sins and given us eternal life with many benefits. We must not be overly concerned about financial prosperity as it relates to our retirement; instead, know that God’s benefits never run out. However, when trouble pursues us, whether financial or relational, let’s not be afraid and run away from it, but run to God who is our Refuge and Strength. We can always pray to Him about any secret faults and He will help us to guard our hearts, resist the temptations of this world and live godly lives. The fact that we will live in a world with diverse people can be a challenge; however, we must pray that God will grant each of us grace and wisdom to serve Him and others in the spirit of love. In closing, keep in mind, we live in a world where there is political oppression; however, we must react wisely and not lose control. We are pilgrims in this world and our eternal home is heaven. Jesus who is our Conqueror will continue to fight our battles and guide us on the right path.
Monday, October 31, 2016 –It Never Runs Out – 1 Peter 1:3-9
Focus: What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? We must put our faith in Jesus who forgives our sins and gives us eternal life that never runs out.
Scriptures: Matthew 16:24-28
Tuesday, November 1, 2016 – Run to Me – Proverbs 18:4-12
Focus: When trouble pursues us and we become too afraid to confront it, don’t run away from God. Instead, run to Him, He’s our Refuge.
Scriptures: Psalms 61:1-5
Wednesday, November 2, 2016 – Watchful and Alert – Genesis 3:1-7
Focus: We must pray to God to keep us from secret faults. As we guard our hearts and live a godly life, we’ll be able to stand in our faith and resist the temptations of this world.
Scriptures: Use scriptures in story.
Thursday, November 3, 2016 – Leading with Love – Philemon 8-18
Focus: We deal with a diverse people in this world. We must pray for God to grant us grace and wisdom to serve one another in harmony and in the spirit of love.
Scriptures: Romans 12:18; Romans 13:8
Friday, November 4, 2016 – Strong Conqueror – John 18:10-14, 36-37
Focus: When under political oppression, we must react wisely and not lose control. Remember, we are pilgrims in this world and we have a strong conqueror who will fight our battles and guide us on the right path.
Scriptures: Revelation 19:11
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson
Temptation
Temptation says “See me so I can destroy you”. Being tempted is not a sin — surrendering to it is. Temptation is also an opportunity to do what is right by fleeing from it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states “no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you will be able to bear it.” NKJV
The best way to escape temptation is to run to God. God is calling us to run to Him because He is our fortified tower and strong conqueror. As we surrender all to Him, we will find rest and be safe.
This is our eternal inheritance through God’s power where we will live forever and never run short of what we need. Let us flee from temptation, turn from sin, seek God and stand firm in the faith.
Every moment of resistance to temptation is a victory.