FOCUS OF THE MONTH
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence:
and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. — Romans 9:33 (KJV) (NKJV)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Sister Florence Owens – January 2 – Class 03
Brother Robert Davis – January 5 – Class 01
Sister Ruby Brown – January 5 – Class 03
Sister Earnestine White – January 5 – Class 02
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Overview: God has given us grace to start afresh and begin a New Year. If we have made mistakes in the past, we must confess our sins and He will forgive us. Let’s go into this new year with a heart willing to build the Kingdom of God.
Yes, we do live in a very hostile environment; however, we must press on in the strength of the Lord, as we develop our relationship with Him. Jesus will help us to plant seeds in other people’s lives. He will also grant us the grace to endure to the end.
We can’t afford to get so distracted with God’s creation that we forget to give Him praise. In our quest to win souls, let’s stay focused and acknowledge from our heart of hearts His breathtaking glory! Especially, Remember, all things are created for His good pleasure.
It’s a fact that we’ve all missed the mark about our future and others. Even the experts have gotten some things wrong. We must embrace the truth that the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy but Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.
In conclusion, though we strive to be like Jesus and live holy lives, we often fail. However, one day, when our assignments are completed, we will go home to be with Jesus and we’ll be as He is. Praise Emmanuel!
***The Scriptures for this week’s lessons are taken from the NEW KING JAMES VERSION (NKJV). The New King James Version was commissioned in 1975 by Thomas Nelson Publishers, 130 respected Bible scholars, church leaders, and lay Christians worked for seven years to create a completely new, modern translation of Scripture, yet one that would retain the purity and stylistic beauty of the original King James. With unyielding faithfulness to the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts, the translation applies the most recent research in archaeology, linguistics, and textual studies. To learn more, visit New King James Version.***
Monday, January 1, 2018 – Beginning Again – Ezra 1:1-11
Focus: God will forgive mistakes that we’ve made in the past if we would repent. He gives grace for us to start afresh. Let’s continue to build the Kingdom.
Scriptures: Isaiah 58:9-12
Tuesday, January 2, 2018 – Pressing On – Philippians 3:7-14
Focus: Though we live in a hostile environment, we must press on with the strength of the Lord as we grow spiritually and plant seeds.
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 9:19-27; Matthew 24:4-14
Wednesday, January 3, 2018 – Breathtaking Glory – 1 Chronicles 29:10-13
Focus: We must not get so distracted with God’s creation that we forget He created all things. In our heart of hearts, let’s praise Him for His wondrous works.
Scriptures: 1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 6:24; Romans 1:20-25
Thursday, January 4, 2018 – What Do the Experts Say? – John 5:31-40
Focus: Experts can get things wrong concerning our future and there are times we too, have missed the mark. Let us embrace the truth about Jesus and live life abundantly.
Scriptures: John 20:31; John 10:10; James 4:13-16
Friday, January 5, 2018 – Just Like My Father – 1 Peter 5:8-12
Focus: As much as we strive to live holy we sometimes fail to reflect Jesus in our everyday lives. However, when we get to heaven we are promised we’ll be like Him.
Scriptures: 1 John 3:2-7
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson –
The first entry into my 2018 Praise Journal is: Lord, Great is Your Faithfulness!
Good Morning Father! This New Year I resolve to thank you for your kindness every morning and every evening. I will rejoice in all your glory and faithfulness (Psalm 92:2). For great is your love for me, love that is higher than the heavens and your faithfulness reaches the sky (Psalm 108:4).
At least a thousand times last year I failed you, but still your mercy remains. Thank you Lord. You had a purpose for my pain, a reason for my struggle, and a reward for my faith in You. I resolve to trust You and not give up or give in. Father God, Your plan for me is always the best. Sometimes the process is very painful and hard, but I won’t forget that when You are silent, You are working behind the scene for my good and Your glory.
I resolve that I will sing of Your steadfast love for me forever. And also with my mouth, I will let it be known of Your unwavering faithfulness me and to all generations. Lord God, I am excited for this New Year! I know You will turn my worries into worship and my battles into blessings — because Great is Your Faithfulness!!!