FOCUS OF THE MONTH
The Presence of the Lord brings a Refreshing Deliverance
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. — Psalm 34:4
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Sister Ernestine Jones-Jennings– August 16 – Class 02
Sister Catherine Foster – August 16 – Class 04
Sister Vanita Adams – August 19 – Introduction Class
Call (641) 715-3378, access code 2597-48#; Reference 169# to listen to a review of these lessons.
For more information our website at www.5ambiblestudyministry.org
Overview: The saying is, it takes a village to raise a child. We must begin to value them as God does. We must look beyond the generational norms of today and commence to share the love of Christ with our children instead of provoking them to wrath. As we train them up in the way they should go, they will not depart from the things of God. In many cases we’ve failed in doing so or our children have chosen to go their own way. This may have cause heartaches and pain, however God reminds us that He is our refuge and He will hide us under His wings to heal and restore our troubled hearts.
We’ve faced many oppositions that have paralyzed us from embracing new adventures in life, however, if by faith, we would put our trust in God, He will move us forward to work while it is day. It’s a common goal to have a safe home environment, however, the reality of life is, there is much unrest in our world today. We must rely on God’s promise of a peaceful home in His kingdom now for the family of God, children and adults and to not be afraid.
There is power in the praise! We are God’s people and He formed us out of His unspeakable love and is still perfecting us for His good pleasure. Let’s share this joy with others by coming before the presence of the Lord with a joyful shout for all that He has done!
*Please note — Story Scriptures this week are referenced from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).
Monday, August 14, 2017 – Love for Children – Matthew 18:1-10
Focus: Children are valued by God. Today they face many challenges; therefore, we must not provoke them but begin to honor the Father by showing His love to them.
Scriptures: Ephesians 6:4
Tuesday, August 15, 2017 – Under His Wings – Psalm 91
Focus: When troubles and heartaches come, we don’t have to face them with fear. Instead, we can pray to God our refuge and He will hide us under His wings.
Scriptures: Psalm 17:6-9
Wednesday, August 16, 2017 – Not Fear but Faith – Numbers 13:25 – 14:9
Focus: Having anxieties and being fearful can paralyze us from embracing a new adventure. By faith, we must trust God to move us forward despite any opposition.
Scriptures: Isaiah 41:10-13; Joshua 1:8-11
Thursday, August 17, 2017 – Promise of a Peaceful Home – Micah 4:1-5
Focus: Many of us desire to have a safe home environment, however, the reality of life is, there is much unrest in our world today with refugees. We must rely on God’s promise of a peaceful home in His kingdom now and work while it is day.
Scriptures: John 14:27; 1 Kings 4:20-25
Friday, August 18, 2017 – You’re an Original – Psalm 100
Focus: God formed each of us out of His unspeakable love and is perfecting us for His good pleasure. Let’s share this joy by coming before His presence with a joyful shout.
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 14:25-26
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson –
Thursday’s lesson touched my heart. The first line of the story in the devotional states that 65 million people had to leave their homes due to conflict and persecution. Also this week, the Trump administration’s immigrant policy was changed to accept only English speaking and skilled people into America and there will not be funds for the sanctuary cities.
The image that symbolizes America’s immigrant heritage is the Statue of Liberty. She has watched over New York’s harbor since 1886. On the base of the status is a poem, penned by Emma Lazarus, which says:
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Is this what America believes or is the new policy by the Trump administration what we believe now? If we do not want our tax dollars to help the poor, then stop saying we want a country based on Christian values because this new policy does not state this.
Let’s be the church of the oppressed, the refugees, the persecuted, the fatherless and the widows. May the refugees be protected when they journey, may they be welcomed when they arrive and may they discover the hope found in Jesus so that weeping turns into joy.
Instead of building mega churches, how about building mega homeless shelters?