FOCUS OF THE MONTH
Giving Thanks
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him,
and bless his name. — Psalm 100:4 (KJV) (NABRE)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Sister Martha Vines – November 26 – Introduction Class
Sister Frances Lambright – November 29 – Class 03
Sister Magdalen Harris – December 01 – Class 06
Call (641) 715-3378, access code 2597-48#; Reference 183# to listen to a review of these lessons.
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Overview: When we are knowledgeable of God’s word, we can begin to do better in obeying His command to worship Him. God is gracious to forgive us for falling short of His glory and He will give us a new start to honor His majesty.
Our God is powerful and all things were created by Him and for His glory! Therefore, if we’ve allowed the things of this world to take our attention away from God, we must repent and return to the One who loves us unconditionally and give our devotion to Him.
Keep in mind that Jesus sacrificed His life to give us eternal life. His example of servitude should teach us how to show empathy to the lost and needy at all times. Jesus loves imperfect people and those of us who are recipients of His love must share God’s love with flawed people. Perhaps, they too, might open their hearts to Jesus and be granted a new start.
Our new life in Christ is a road filled with service. As we mimic the example of Christ, we too must look out for the interests of others, instead of being only concerned with ourselves.
When we humble ourselves, God will exalt us in due season. This again, is our act of worship.
***The Scriptures for this week’s lessons are taken from the NEW AMERICAN BIBLE, REVISED EDITION (NABRE). The Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. To learn more, visit New American Bible, Revised Edition.***
Monday, November 27, 2017 – Knowing Better – 2 Kings 22:1-4, 8-13
Focus: We must repent for the ways we’ve fallen short of worshiping God. He will give us a new start to honor Him.
Scriptures: Acts 18:24-28
Tuesday, November 28, 2017 – Our Powerful God – Amos 4:12-13
Focus: Our powerful God created all things for His glory. If we have allowed the things of this world to take us away from Him, we must return and praise Him for His love.
Scriptures: 1 John 2:15-17
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 – The Power of Empathy – Hebrews 2:14-18; 13:1-3
Focus: Jesus’ example of suffering and death to save us, should teach us to have empathy for those around us who are in prison, not saved or in need.
Scriptures: Matthew 25:31-40
Thursday, November 30, 2017 – Imperfect, Yet Loved – Luke 7:36-50
Focus: Jesus loves imperfect people. We, who are recipients of God’s love, must share His love with flawed people. Perhaps, they too, might open their hearts to Jesus.
Scriptures: Luke 6:31-36
Friday, December 1, 2017 – The Last Will Be First – Mark 9:33-37
Focus: Living in a world of me first, Jesus demonstrated how we must look on the interest of others. This is humbling but God will exalt us in due season.
Scriptures: Matthew 18:2-6
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson –
Who Are You Entertaining?
We must be very careful how we treat strangers. They may be someone that God has sent our way to help us. We often pray and ask God for an answer or for help. God sends help and then we reject them because the help did not come in the way we wanted or expected it to. When this happens, we miss out on that which we needed or what God had wanted to bless us with that day. When this happens we are ultimately believing we are in fact God and know what’s best for us.
I believe we entertain angels unaware. I believe they are truly among us and are heaven sent. They come to us in our darkest hour to show us how to live, to teach us how to give and to guide us with a light of love. Angels wear so many faces and show up in the darkest places to grace us with their mercy in our time of need. That is their God-given assignment.
As we venture out this week to shop or visit family and friends, let’s pray to God that He will open our spiritual eyes. Once our eyes are opened we may be able to see the angels that God has sent our way to help us in whatever our needs may be.
Remember we entertain angels unaware! Pray and Stay alert!