FOCUS OF THE MONTH
The Amazing Love of God
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
(4)But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
(5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved;) – Ephesians 2:4-5 (KJV)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
We do not have any birthdays this week.
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Overview: We must never be selfish with what God has given us. He has been generous to give us all that we have. Therefore, never doubt His provision and let’s begin to do good and share with those in need.
Yes, there are times that we, ourselves have urgent physical and material needs but we must realize there are people in the world who needs the Great Physician. So in our times of distress and even persecution, we must remember to abide in God and His word must abide in us. This is the antidote that will change our minds and hearts and give us a new vision for our overall well-being and purpose. Then, we can begin to look out among the needy and help the lost.
Ministry assignment can be challenging and scary because there are times that we must struggle with demonic forces, however, we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us to give us strength and power in our inner man to overcome our fears. It’s a fact that life doesn’t always warn us of unsettling turbulence. However, we can go into God’s throne room and pray with confidence. He will give us grace and help as we buckle up through the storms of life.
Again, it’s important to remember that while ministering to people that God has put in our paths, we must never show favoritism or judge anyone by their actions especially when it doesn’t benefit us. Instead, we must always be merciful, even as our Father has been merciful to us.
***The Scriptures for this week’s devotionals are taken from the THE KING JAMES VERSION (KJV). In 1604, King James I of England authorized that a new translation of the Bible into English be started. It was finished in 1611, just 85 years after the first translation of the New Testament into English appeared (Tyndale, 1526). The Authorized Version, or King James Version, quickly became the standard for English-speaking Protestants. Its flowing language and prose rhythm has had a profound influence on the literature of the past 400 years. The King James Version present on the Bible Gateway matches the 1987 printing. The KJV is public domain in the United States. To learn more, visit The King James Version Bible.***
Monday, February 19, 2018 – Not Enough? – 2 Corinthians 9:10-15
Focus: Never doubt God’s provision for us. Everything we have comes from Him. Let’s be willing to do good and share generously with others in need.
Scriptures: 1 Kings 17 (Feb. 12 lesson); Proverbs 3:27-28
Tuesday, February 20, 2018 – The Great Physician – Matthew 4:23 – 5:12
Focus: Many people are in need of the Great Physician. In our times of need and distress, we must abide in Him and His Word abide in us. This will change the attitude of our minds and hearts and give us a new vision for our overall well-being as we help the lost.
Scriptures: Luke 6: 31-38; Colossians 1:23-24
Wednesday, February 21, 2018 – Of Spiders and God’s Presence – Ephesians 3:14-19
Focus: When we are afraid, we sometimes struggle to believe that God is with us. We must pray that the Holy Spirit will give us strength and power in our inner man to overcome our fears.
Scriptures: Use scriptures in the story. Psalm 42:2-5
Thursday, February 22, 2013 – Buckling Up! – Hebrews 4:11-16
Focus: Life doesn’t always warn us of unsettling turbulence. However, we can pray with confidence and trust God to give us grace as we buckle up through the storm.
Scriptures: Philippians 4:2-6; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Psalm 77:1-6; Romans 8:26-27
Friday, February 23, 2013 – Mercy over Judgment – James 2:1-13
Focus: We must never show favoritism or judge someone by their actions when it doesn’t benefit us. Instead, we must always show mercy the same way God showed us mercy.
Scriptures: Matthew 18: 23-35
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson
Be Merciful
Jesus calls believers to be merciful, even as our Heavenly Father is merciful. A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.
Our job on earth is not to criticize, reject, or judge. Our purpose is to offer a helping hand, compassion, and mercy. We are to do unto others as we hope they will do unto us. Mercy is the stuff we give to people that do not deserve it. Where mercy is shown, mercy is given.
When we see something wrong in the world, be merciful. When we see hatred, anger and hurt, don’t place judgment over mercy – be merciful. When our heart cries out for justice, know that the greatest answer to this cry is God’s mercy. Jesus is God’s answer to our cry. Through Christ, God pours out His abundant mercy and it is fresh and new every morning.
God’s mercy is bigger than any mistake we have made. So let us do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly before our God to help this world to be a better place.