FOCUS OF THE MONTH
New Convictions For A New Year
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. — Romans 6:4 (KJV)
4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. — Romans 6:4 (ESV)
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
!!!! HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!
We do not have any birthdays this week.
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Overview:
Sunday – Our response to God’s sustaining love should be a lifestyle of praise. Sing unto the Lord a new song.
Monday – As beneficiaries of God’s love, let’s spend more time learning about His heart of compassion. In doing so, we too, will begin to show compassion to those in need.
Tuesday – This can become overwhelming, however, the secret of time management is to slow down. Get in step with Jesus, put Him first, ask God for wisdom, then we will be able to properly respond to others.
Wednesday – There are times that we may become distracted and are drawn away of our own desires. In order to prioritize quality time with God and get our ministry assignments, we must allow the Holy Spirit to empower us daily. It’s imperative that we listen to the voice of God and walk in His ways.
Thursday – Our time is in God’s hand. Let’s be wise to surrender our God-given talents to Him to use as He sees fit. God is able to multiply our small efforts and service to others for His glory.
Friday – Life can be stormy. Whether we cause the storms or whether storms chase us because we live in a fallen world, God is still greater! Again, praise God for His loving benefits toward us. Trust Him to quiet the storms and give us peace as we strive to be peacemakers.
***The English Standard Version (ESV) stands in the classic mainstream of English Bible translations over the past half-millennium. The fountainhead of that stream was William Tyndale’s New Testament of 1526; marking its course were the King James Version of 1611 (KJV), the English Revised Version of 1885 (RV), the American Standard Version of 1901 (ASV), and the Revised Standard Version of 1952 and 1971 (RSV). In that stream, faithfulness to the text and vigorous pursuit of accuracy were combined with simplicity, beauty, and dignity of expression. Our goal has been to carry forward this legacy for a new century.
To this end each word and phrase in the ESV has been carefully weighed against the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, to ensure the fullest accuracy and clarity and to avoid under-translating or overlooking any nuance of the original text. The words and phrases themselves grow out of the Tyndale-King James legacy, and most recently out of the RSV, with the 1971 RSV text providing the starting point for our work. Archaic language has been brought to current usage and significant corrections have been made in the translation of key texts. But throughout, our goal has been to retain the depth of meaning and enduring language that have made their indelible mark on the English-speaking world and have defined the life and doctrine of the church over the last four centuries.
The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to capture the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. It seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and meaning of the original. More about the ESV translation philosophy….***
Sunday, January 12, 2020 – A Lifestyle of Praise – Psalm 146
Our Daily Bread Topic: Worship
Reflect & Pray
How can you make singing praises to God a regular part of your day? What’s your favorite song of praise? Tell us why on our Facebook page.
Maker of heaven and earth, when I pause and reflect, Your provision for and protection of me is overwhelming. May my life be a continuous song of praise to You for as long as I live.
Monday, January 13, 2020 – Everyone Needs Compassion – Matthew 9:27-38
Focus: As beneficiaries of God’s loving care, let’s begin to show compassion to those who are in need.
Scripture(s): Colossians 3:12-14; Luke 10:30-35; Zechariah 7:9
Our Daily Bread Topic: God’s Care; Love for Others
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced God’s tender care? Who can you reach out to in compassion?
Heavenly Father, we’re so grateful You had compassion on us! We would be lost without You. Help us to extend Your overflowing compassion to others.
Tuesday, January 14, 2020 – Slowing Down Time – Psalm 90:4, 12-15
Focus: Let’s slow down and manage our time by getting in step with Jesus. Put Him first, seek wisdom, then respond to others.
Scripture(s): Psalm 39:4-5; Psalm 56:3-8, 13
Our Daily Bread Topic: Spiritual Growth
Reflect & Pray
What’s your pace in life? How could you spend more time with God, getting in step with Him?
Gracious God, when we fall out of step with You, draw us closer to abide in You.
Wednesday, January 15, 2020 – Walking with the Spirit – Galatians 5:13-18
Focus: In order to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, we must spend time with God every day. Listen to His voice and walk in His ways.
Scripture(s): Galatians 5:25; Psalm 119:1
Our Daily Bread Topic: Holy Spirit
Reflect & Pray
While being indwelt by the Holy Spirit when we receive salvation is a one-time event, how does this differ from being filled or walking with the Spirit? How have you been exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit?
Father, help me to experience the presence and leading of the Holy Spirit today, so that I might walk with You and live in a way that pleases You.
Thursday, January 16, 2020 – Bring What You Have – John 6:4-14
Focus: We must surrender our God given gifts to Him. He is able to multiply our efforts and service to others for His glory.
Scripture(s): John 20:30-31; Luke 19:12-13, 15-17
Daily Bread Topic: Giving; Serving
Reflect & Pray
What have you been holding back from God? Why is it difficult to bring that area of your life to Him?
Jesus, help me to surrender whatever I have to You, knowing You can multiply a little into a lot.
Friday, January 17, 2020 – Storm Chasers – Psalm 107:23-32
Focus: Whether we chase or cause the storms in our lives or whether the storms of life seem to chase us, begin to trust God to quiet them.
Scripture(s): Acts 27:18-24; Jonah 1:4-6, 14
Our Daily Bread Topic: Life Struggles; Trust in God
Reflect & Pray
When facing difficulties, where do you turn for help? How might you trust your heavenly Father today, who is greater than your storms?
Thank You, Father, that You’re with me in my struggles and Your power is greater than any storm on my horizon.
To learn about why suffering occurs, visit christianuniversity.org/CA211.
Saturday, January 18, 2020 – Instead of Revenge – Romans 12:17-21
Our Daily Bread Topic: Love for Enemies; Revenge
Reflect & Pray
How did Jesus live out the command to love one’s enemies? What will you do today to show God’s love to those who have harmed you?
Abba, Father, it’s difficult, even impossible, for us to love others in our own strength. Help us through Your Spirit to truly love our enemies, and use us to bring them to You.
Inspirational Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson
Time With God
One of the best gifts we can give ourselves is time with God. God wants more than five minutes of our day. He wants to be a part of our every moment, our highs, our lows, and everything in between. Our daily appointment at 5 a.m. with God and His Word is the most important one we will make.
Spending time with God isn’t a magic formula for a perfect life. It is a rock solid foundation that will hold us up when everything around us is quick sand. Spending time with God is the key to our strength and success in all areas of life. Be sure that we never try to work God into our schedule, but work our schedule around God.
Jesus wants us to spend time with Him. He died on the Cross to give us fellowship with Him. Make your appointment each day to spend time with God. He speaks to those who take time to listen and He listens to those who take time to pray. Jesus said I love them that love me and those that seek me early will find me. Proverbs 8:17
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia