FOCUS OF THE MONTH
The Amazing Love of God
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. — 1 John 4:9 (KJV) (CEV)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Brother James Gaddis – February 25 – Class 05
Sister Jacquelina Ruff – February 27 – Class 08
Brother George Brown – February 26 – Introduction Class
Sister Diane Pierce – February 28 – Class 09/10
Sister Zelpha Ware – March 2 – Introduction Class
Sister Jean Wright – March 3 – Class 09/10
Sister Tara Dorsey – March 3 – Introduction Class
Sister Julia Bowman – March 3 – Class 07/08
Call (641) 715-3378, access code 2597-48#; Reference 197# to listen to a review of these lessons.
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Overview: As we continue to build our lives on the foundation of Jesus, we will be able to embrace His eternal principals. Jesus is our Solid Rock! We must appreciate His generosity of salvation, love, joy, peace, protection and provision. Keep in mind that He is our source and if we have withheld our resources from Him and others, we too must begin to give as we have opportunity to do so.
In this world, there are so many life demands and people need to be fed. They struggle with overwhelming needs of material and spiritual restoration. If we suffer anxiety because we don’t know what and how to meet their needs, let’s rest in Jesus’ power. He will help us to release the fears and give us peace.
There are times when we, the sheep stray from God and our assignments. He knows each of us by name and is waiting for us to repent and return to our first love. Let’s not be consumed by the overwhelming troubles and uncertainties of today’s times. Do not allow life experiences to break us. Instead trust God to lift the heavy burdens we carry.
Never neglect to take our burdens to the Lord. Remember, there are no restrictions, He’s always available. He knows our voices and is pleading with us to communicate with Him about our concerns. We must pray without ceasing and never lose hope.
***The Scriptures for this week’s devotionals are taken from the THE CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION (CEV). Uncompromising simplicity marked the American Bible Society’s (ABS) translation of the Contemporary English Version (CEV) that was first published in 1995. The text is easily read by grade schoolers, second language readers, and those who prefer the more contemporized form. The CEV is not a paraphrase. It is an accurate and faithful translation of the original manuscripts. To learn more visit The Contemporary English Version Bible.***
Monday, February 26, 2018 – Fearless Giving – Malachi 3:8-12
Focus: If we have withheld our resources from God and others, let’s begin to appreciate our source and give generously.
Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 9:10-15; Deuteronomy 28:8-12
Tuesday, February 27, 2018 – The Release of Fear – Mark 6:45-53
Focus: When we suffer with anxiety, we must rest in Jesus’ power. In doing so, this will release the fear and give us peace.
Scriptures: John 14:27; Isaiah 26:3-4
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 – Lost but Found – Luke 15:1-9
Focus: Jesus, the Chief Shepherd of the sheep, knows when we stray away. Whether we’re young or old, let’s return to our first love.
Scriptures: Hosea 14:4; Revelations 2:4
Thursday, March 1, 2018 – We Won’t Break – Matthew 6:25-34
Focus: We must not worry about the overwhelming troubles and uncertainties that could cause us to break. Instead, trust God to lift the heavy burdens.
Scriptures: Job 13:15; Psalm 55:22
Friday, March 2, 2018 – Phone Zone – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Focus: Communicate with God through prayer and remember there are no restrictions. God is always available so, let’s not lose hope, but pray continually.
Scriptures: Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 121:1, 4-5
Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson
God’s Phone
The first ever cordless phone was created by God. He named it “Prayer”. It never loses its signal. The recharging is done by the Holy Spirit and sending text is from the Bible. When we spread His Word it goes viral and around the globe. It is not only smart, it also shines brighter than the sun. Prayer is the world’s greatest, wireless connection. Unlike our cell phones which die on us and we become frustrated and isolated, God’s phone – the act of talking through prayer – always works and it will never crash on us.
What if we begin to treat our prayer life the way we treat our cell phone? What if we pray the very first thing early in the morning? What if we check in with our Father before we make any decisions? What if we use it in the case of an emergency? What if we spent an hour or more just talking to our Father daily? What if we stop and pray before we go anywhere or do anything?
How spiritually frustrated and isolated must we be when we do not connect often with God in prayer. Set your cell phone to alert you to pray ASAP – Always Say A Prayer. Call God on His line, dial Jeremiah 33:3 to connect and put Philippians 4:6 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17 on your speed dial.