FOCUS OF THE MONTH
A Perfect Gift
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. Hebrews 5:9
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Overview: Jesus taught often on the principles of money; however, He warned against allowing this commodity to rule our decision making process. Believers must ALWAYS seek God first in all things to provide for our daily needs. As we continue to grow in our faith, sometimes tragedies such as natural disasters, poverty, famine, unemployment, separation of families, either by death or divorce can be overwhelming news as it pertains to outcome of one’s life and finances.
That’s why it’s imperative that we proclaim the good news of the gospel that a Savior is born! Jesus is able to save anyone from the despairs of life if we would just believe on Him. Remember, as we witness, it may seem very difficult to love people because they perhaps are covering their pain in ways that will cause them to strike out in a negative way. We too, experienced the dark cloud of God’s judgement until God extended His grace and mercy toward us. Now that the light of Jesus shines in our hearts, let’s share that light with the unlovable.
Keep in mind, it’s getting late in the evening and though many of us may fear death itself, it’s important for believers to put our trust in the promises of Jesus that one day we will see Him face to face. All of us are a short sleep away from eternity; therefore, let us take heed to what God is telling us throughout this week’s lessons.
God is a comforter, and He wants us to be comforted and comfort others. In doing so, there are times that God will use people to declare that He won’t tolerate sin. Remember on Monday’s lesson, if we allow the money making decision or the devastating circumstances of our lives (Tuesday) to cause us to respond like the world instead of seeking the kingdom of God, He may use people to remind us of our sin. If so, let’s not reject God’s way of comforting us. These words of correction will cause us to repent and to be healed.
Monday, December 12, 2016 – The Money – Matthew 6:24-34
Focus: Even though money matters, let’s choose to store our treasures in heaven. Put God first in all things and continue to grow in faith, knowing that He will take care of us.
Scriptures: Joshua 24:14-15
Tuesday, December 13, 2016 – Good News! – Nahum 1:7-15
Focus: Though we hear of so many tragedies in our world news today, we have the best, good news ever about Jesus! Let’s proclaim that, “Christ the Savior is born!”
Scriptures: Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 10:11-15; Isaiah 7:14
Wednesday, December 14, 2016 – Living in the Light – 1 John 2:3-11
Focus: Loving people is not always easy. However, just as God allowed His dark cloud of judgement to pass over our lives and He extended grace and mercy toward us, we too must allow the light of Jesus to shine from our hearts and love one another.
Scriptures: Matthew 5:16; John 3:19-21
Thursday, December 15, 2016 – One Short Sleep – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Focus: Many of us fear death. However, it’s important to put our trust in the promises of Jesus. We’re just one short sleep away from seeing Him face to face.
Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 5:5-11; 1 John 3:2; Matthew 16:27-28
Friday, December 16, 2016 – Another Side of Comfort – Jeremiah 7:1-11
Focus: Another side of God’s comfort is to use people to declare that He won’t tolerate sin. Let’s learn to respond to the healing effects of God’s words instead of hiding behind our sins.
Scriptures: 2 Pete 2:9; Revelation 3:14-20
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson are not available this week.