FOCUS OF THE MONTH
A Perfect Gift
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15
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Overview: As we are nearing the end of another year, we may have encountered people that are difficult to love. However, we must pray to God to give us grace to show mercy and conquer hate with love. Remember, Christ commended His love toward us when we were enemies of God. We now have been chosen to be Christ’s messengers of joy to this world, so let’s allow the Holy Spirit to use us each day, especially throughout this Christmas season.
Jesus said, the poor and needy will always be among us and today. Unfortunately, we see many desperate mothers who are not able to care for their own children. This may be the time that God wants us to invest His love in them and bring hope to a needy family. These are the kinds of situations that will cause some people to become angry, bitter and disappointed with life.
We must be prepared to share the simplicity of the gospel — that Jesus, the Christ Child came to save, to forgive and to bring peace and joy to all that will put their hope in Him. Jesus is the Best Gift ever and everybody needs to know Him. Therefore we all should be thankful for the many benefits that God has provided through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Let’s challenge ourselves before we approach the New Year by asking ourselves, what do we really desire of God to give us? What are we willing to offer Him? In both cases, God wants our whole heart so that He can use us mightily in His Kingdom.
Monday, December 19, 2016 – Enemy Love – Jonah 3:10-4:11
Focus: Naturally we may be inclined to hate our enemies. Christ loved us when we were His enemies, therefore, we must pray and ask God to extend grace to help us conquer hate with love.
Scriptures: Matthew 5:43-48
Tuesday, December 20, 2016 – Spreading Joy – John 16:16-24
Focus: We are Christ’s messengers of joy to the world. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to use us each day during this Christmas season.
Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; 1 Peter 3:15
Wednesday, December 21, 2016 – A Personal Story – Exodus 1:22-2:10
Focus: Many desperate mothers today who can’t take care of their children could use our help. Let’s pray and ask God how we can help the poor and defenseless children everywhere as we share His love.
Scriptures: 1 King 17:13-24; 2 Samuel 9:7-13
Thursday, December 22, 2016 – The Best Gift Ever – 1 Peter 3:8-16
Focus: We should always be prepared to share the best Christmas Gift ever! Tell those who are disappointed with life that Jesus, the Christ Child came to bring hope, forgiveness, joy and peace to all that will trust Him as their Savior.
Scriptures: John 3:1-21
Friday, December 23, 2016 – What Can I Give Him? – Psalm 103:1-18
Focus: If we were to ask for or give a gift to Jesus, what would it be? If we’re not sure in either case, let’s pray and ask God how to show us what He wants most from us. We can be sure that He wants our whole heart.
Scriptures: Psalms 116:12-14
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson
God’s Perfect Gift
God’s perfect gift to us this Christmas is a gift from the heart
A gift that is so special that it cannot be brought
So priceless it cannot be sold and it’s worth more than gold
Of such quality it will never let you down and you can wear it as a crown
So rare it’s one of a kind and nothing can be compared to it comes mind
So precious you will want to share it every day and live by it in every way
There is only one perfect gift that is all of these
It is JESUS!
He will make your life complete and all you have to do is receive it
John 3:16