FOCUS OF THE MONTH
New Beginnings
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. — Hebrews 9:15 (KJV) (TLV)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Sister Angelina Byarugaba – January 28 – Class 02
Sister Cynthia Francis – January 28 – Class 01
Sister Jirgetha Petty-Settles – January 28 – Class 05
Sister Elizabeth Henderson – January 29 – Class 02
Brother Charles Kearney – February 2 – Introduction Class
Call (641) 715-3378, access code 2597-48#; Reference 193# to listen to a review of these lessons.
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Overview: No matter what our circumstances or seasons of life are, we must be examples of God’s love as we tell others about Jesus. Never allow our lifestyles to be a stumbling block to those who are seeking Christ. Instead, with humility and child-like faith, we must have confidence in our loving God to draw those whose hearts are open to receive Jesus.
Though this journey is difficult, God is our refuge and strength. When family and friends are not available to comfort us, we must begin to encourage ourselves. This ultimately will build us up spiritually to help edify our weak brothers and sisters in the faith in their time of need.
We must always humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. If pride or any secret sins of the heart creep into our lives, we must repent today and God will forgive us. Remember, Jesus laid down His life to save sinners.
We, as a nation, must never alter the truth about Jesus, “The National Treasure” of the world, who is able to set people free. As a result, we will suffer persecution for Christ’s sake; however, one day we will receive a crown of righteousness.
In closing, it doesn’t matter how big or mundane a ministry task may seem, we must be the reflectors of God’s love in the earth as we step into ministry opportunities. Let’s make a difference in someone’s life today.
***The Scriptures for this week’s devotionals are taken from the TREE OF LIVE VERSION (TLV). The Tree of Life Version (TLV) speaks with a decidedly Jewish-friendly voice—a voice like the Bible authors themselves—to recover the authentic context of the Bible and the Christian faith.
Jesus’s death and resurrection were not the beginning of a new religion but the fulfillment of the covenant God made with his chosen and called-out people. Yet other Bible translations lose the connection to the Jewish nature of the Bible. As a result, biblical books that were written to Jews, for Jews, and about Jews lose a critical element: their actual Jewish essence.
The TLV is a new Bible translation, produced by Messianic Jewish and Christian scholars, which highlights the rich Hebrew roots of the Christian faith by restoring:
- the Jewish order of the books of the Old Testament
- the Jewish name of the Messiah, Yeshua
- reverence for the four-letter unspoken name of God
- Hebrew transliterated terms, such as shalom, shofar, and shabbat
Discover the rich meaning of the Bible with this faithful new translation that is accurate, readable, reverential, and true to the Hebrew roots of the Christian faith. To learn more, visit Tree Of Life Version.***
Monday, January 29, 2018 – Like a Little Child – Matthew 18:1-5; 19:13-14
Focus: We must never hinder others from coming to Christ. Instead, with confidence of childlike faith, let’s welcome those whose hearts are open and lead them into the Kingdom.
Scriptures: Luke 19:10; John 3:1-6
Tuesday, January 30, 2018 – Able and Available – Psalm 46
Focus: God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. When others can’t be there, we must trust God, encourage ourselves and avail ourselves to help the weak.
Scriptures: Romans 15:1-7
Wednesday, January 31, 2018 – White as Snow – Isaiah 1:16-20
Focus: When God forgives us, He also purifies us. If there are any blemishes in our hearts, we must repent today!
Scriptures: Psalm 51:7
Thursday, February 1, 2018 – National Treasure – Matthew 21:12-16
Focus: Jesus laid down His life to save us. As a nation, we must never alter the truth. Though we suffer persecution, we must be witnesses of Jesus, the National Treasure of the world.
Scriptures: John 12:24-50 (excellent), for the sake of time on review, let’s use – Matthew 5:10-12
Friday, February 2, 2018 – Stepping into Opportunity – Colossians 4:2-6
Focus: No matter how big or mundane a ministry task may be, we must step into that opportunity to make a difference in someone’s day.
Scriptures: Ephesians 5:14-21
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson — Child-like Faith
Give us faith like a child, without fear and doubt
Where the Word of God can root, grow and sprout.
Give us an attitude that believes readily
Where happiness and joy overflows steadily.
Give us child-like faith, pure and simple
One that is steadfast, not unsure or fickle.
Give us a mindset that to God is reachable
A mind that is open, hungry and teachable.
Give us a heart that is willing to obey
That humbly follows without going astray.
Give us faith like a child, innocent and sweet
Eagerly anticipating the day when Jesus and believers will meet.