FOCUS OF THE MONTH
Where God is there is Unity and/or Strength
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. — Philippians 2:2 (KJV)
Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. — Philippians 2:2 (ESV)
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
!!!! HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!
Sister Mabel Gray – August 23 – Introduction Class
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This Week’s Overview:
Sunday – Instead of wallowing in our past sins, accept God’s grace and forgiveness. Now, let’s follow Jesus in the freedom of full redemption. As we embark on a broader scope of ministry, let’s begin to truly fish for men’s souls that they might be saved.
Monday – Though we enjoy the blessings of the Lord, we are not exempt from the trials and tribulations of this world. When we find ourselves in overwhelming life struggles, put our hope in Jesus and trust Him to see us through.
Tuesday – Keep in mind, God longs to be close to us. Let’s open our eyes and hearts to Him as we study His Word. He is gracious to reveal His character and reward those who diligently seek Him.
Wednesday – Be careful how we live our lives. There are many unforeseen hazards that can derail us. However, God’s boundless power and grace will sustain us if we depend on His guidance and wisdom.
Thursday – In our quest to win souls for Christ, many are oppressed and destitute because of societal disparities of our times. Pray and ask God for ministry opportunities and that He will use us to help rescue the weak.
Friday – In many cases, when we go out of our way to help others who are struggling, they may unintentionally pull us under. Be assured that God is our Refuge, therefore, we must hold on to the Word and promises of God.
***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, August 23, 2020 – No Fishing Allowed – Psalm 130
Our Daily Bread Topic: Forgiveness of Sin
Reflect & Pray
Are you holding on to the false belief that God can’t possibly forgive you for some sin in your life? God wants you to allow His forgiveness to set you free!
Forgiving God, You sent Your Son Jesus to save me from my sins and shame. Help me to live in the freedom of being fully forgiven.
Monday, August 24, 2020 – How Did I Get Here? – Job 2:1-10
Focus: Place our hope in Jesus when life’s struggles are overwhelming. Wondering how we got in that place? Trust Him to see us through.
Scripture(s): Psalm 39:4, 12-13; Job 14:15-16
Our Daily Bread Topic: Doubt; God’s Love; Suggering
Reflect & Pray
What situation fills you with agony and dread? How might you regain your bearings and live with hope and joy?
Father, You’re not surprised by what surprises me. You were good before, and You remain good now.
To learn more about the book of Job and its message, visit bit.ly/337DURd.
Tuesday, August 25, 2020 – Wonderful Reward – Psalm 119:17-24
Focus: Let’s open our eyes and hearts to learn about God’s character. Read His word and experience His presence.
Scripture(s): Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 11:28-30
Our Daily Bread Topic: Living for Christ; Spiritual Disciplines
Reflect & Pray
As you open your Bible and read, how is your heart and mind opened to God and His ways? What would you like to know or experience more of?
How I love Your Word, God. It’s sweet to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 – Spiritual Driving – Ephesians 5:8-20
Focus: Unforeseen hazards in life can derail us. We must depend on God’s Word, His boundless power and grace to live wisely.
Scripture(s): Colossians 1:9-10; 2 Peter 1:4-10
Our Daily Bread Topic: Living for Christ; Temptation
Reflect & Pray
What strategy do you use to recognize what might trip you up spiritually? What role do you think other believers play in identifying and resisting spiritual hazards? How might thanksgiving be an important part of avoiding spiritual pitfalls?
Heavenly Father, as I navigate the spiritual potholes on life’s road, thank You for reminding me to look up to You for help.
Thursday, August 27, 2020 – Rescue the Weak – Psalm 82:3-4
Focus: Many souls today that are oppressed and destitute because of societal disparities. Ask God to show us who we can rescue.
Scripture(s): Matthew 25:35-40; Isaiah 35:3-8
Our Daily Bread Topic: Compassion; Injustice
Reflect & Pray
What are some immediate needs of others you can help meet? How has God uniquely prepared you to rescue and care for others?
Loving God, open my eyes to the needs of those around me.
Friday, August 28, 2020 – God Our Rescuer – Ezekiel 34:5-12
Focus: Oftentimes when we try to rescue others, they may pull us under. Hold to God’s promises rather than panic. He is our Refuge.
Scripture(s): Luke 19:10; Psalm 91:1-4; Psalm 46:1-5
Daily Bread Topic: God’s Love
Reflect & Pray
When you feel panicked, what’s your typical reaction? What problem can you release today as you reach instead for God?
Our rescuing God, when life makes me panic, encourage me to turn from the rolling waves and always reach for You.
Saturday, August 29, 2020 – The Ultimate Wave – Colossians 1:1-8
Our Daily Bread Topic: Evangelism
Reflect & Pray
From whom did you first hear the good news of Jesus? How can you share it with another person close to you this week?
I praise You for the wonderful gift of my salvation, Father. Please send me to someone who needs to hear of Your kindness today!
Inspirational Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson
Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble
In Monday’s lesson, How Did I Get Here, Job told his wife “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” I pondered on John Lewis’ life and his purpose. He leaves a legacy not only because of his work, but because of the lasting impact of his words which will continue to live on.
Here are the lessons we glean from John Lewis’ words:
- Your vote matters – Lewis said “The right to vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful, non-violent tool or instrument we have in a Democratic society. We must use it or lose it.” Go and vote on November 3.
- Never too young to make a difference – Lewis said “I want to see young people in America feel the spirit of the 1960s and find a way to get in trouble, good necessary trouble.” Young people can and should push for transformation change and hold us accountable to it.
- Speak truth – On several occasions, Lewis said “Speak up, speak out, get in the way.” We have to be willing to speak up about injustice always, no matter the cost.
- Never give up – Lewis said “I believe that if you see something that you want to get done, you cannot give up and you cannot give in.”
Job knew his purpose. He said “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that …” “ … in the flesh I will see God.” John Lewis knew his purpose here. He said “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble and help redeem the soul of America.”
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia