FOCUS OF THE MONTH
Jesus, The Gift, That Brings Everlasting Peace
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. — John 3:16 (KJV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. — John 3:16 (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 Frances Melvin – December 7 – Class 03
Sister Betty Walker – December 8 – Class 09/10
Sister Rosa Martin – December 11 – Class 03
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Here is this week’s Facilitators’ Tuesday Review
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This Week’s Overview:
Sunday – We must obey God’s commandments and trust the Holy Spirit to show us how to love and serve with joy.
Monday – There are seasons in our lives that we are so broken down that we don’t know how to pray effectively. Ask God for strength and allow the Holy Spirit to intercede on our behalf.
Tuesday – In our distress, instead of competing with each other, let’s be supportive and encourage one another. Remember, we’re on the same team.
Wednesday – Also, when making life decisions that can impact others negatively or positively, let’s first ask God for wisdom and allow Him to counsel and guide us in His way.
Thursday – Jesus demonstrated true servanthood when He humbled himself and died so that we could live eternally. We too, must humble ourselves and with a grateful heart share His love with others.
Friday – Even though we are God’s servants, we sometimes sin. Be thankful that He erases our sins, never to remember them again. Stay on the battlefield as an overcomer for the cause of Christ.
***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, December 6, 2020 – Aunt Betty’s Way – 1 John 5:1-6
Our Daily Bread Topic: Love for God; Obedience
Reflect & Pray
When do you find it most difficult to obey God? How does this connection between obedience and love offer new insight for your life in Christ?
God, I say I love You, but it’s hard to love. It’s hard to obey. Help me see the truth and to love You with my actions.
Monday, December 7, 2020 – Prayer Of The Broken Down – Psalm 109:21-27
Focus: Tough seasons in life can break us down. If we don’t know how to pray, ask God for wisdom and strength.
Scripture(s): Psalm 55:22; Psalm 34:18; James 1:2-5
Our Daily Bread Topic: Suffering; Trust in God
Reflect & Pray
When was the last time you felt broken down by life? If you have a family member or friend who currently feels that way, how might you help?
Dear Father, some days are hard. They feel hopeless. Turn my heart to You in my brokenness. Give me strength to simply ask for help.
To learn more about the practice of prayer, visit ChristianUniversity.org/SF120.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 – On The Same Team – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, 16-18
Focus: We’re on the same team. Let’s not war against each other but rather build up one another.
Scripture(s): Ephesians 4:1-3, 29; Proverbs 12:25
Our Daily Bread Topic: Encouragement
Reflect & Pray
Who has encouraged you while serving on the same team? How can you encourage someone who serves alongside you?
Jesus, please give me opportunities today to encourage someone who serves with me.
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 – God’s Guidance – Psalm 1:1-3
Focus: Anytime we have to make decisions in life, ask God for wisdom and guidance.
Scripture(s): 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 31:3
Our Daily Bread Topic: Temptation; Trust in God
Reflect & Pray
Why do you believe Scripture is essential in making godly decisions? Who are your counselors that help you with wise advice?
God, before I seek Your advice about things I don’t know, help me to practice obedience in the areas I do know, and in loving You and others.
Thursday, December 10, 2020 – The True Servant – Philippians 2:6-11
Focus: Jesus, the True Servant died so that we could live. Give Him thanks for His love and humble ourselves as we share with others.
Scripture(s): John 12:26; Mark 9:35
Our Daily Bread Topic: Humility
Reflect & Pray
Why is it true that we’re never out of God’s reach? What does it mean for you to know that Jesus is the Servant who suffered and died in order to save you?
Dear Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for me. Your servanthood wasn’t a show but the reality of Your love for me. Fill my heart with love and gratitude today.
Friday, December 11, 2020 – Morning Mist – Isaiah 44:9-11, 21-23
Focus: Sometimes as servants of God, we sin. Ask Him to erase our sin and give us grace to overcome.
Scripture(s): 1 John 1:9; Isaiah 1:18; Jeremiah 3:22
Daily Bread Topic: Forgiveness of Sin; Repentance; Sin
Reflect & Pray
As you notice the numerous needs of people around you, how can you show God’s love in a practical way? How does serving God help your faith to grow?
Father, fill my heart with the willingness to help when I see a need. Help me to give joyfully and serve You with gratitude.
Read Compassion: Learning to Love Like Jesus at DiscoverySeries.org/Q0208.
Saturday, December 12, 2020 – Prayerful Wrestling – Genesis 32:24-32
Our Daily Bread Topic: Prayer; Trust in God
Reflect & Pray
What are you struggling with that you could bring before God in prayer? What are some of the benefits of praying from the depths of our hearts even when He chooses not to change the situation?
Father, help me to see that life’s difficulties and challenges are opportunities for me to seek You in prayer and to grow in my understanding of who You are.
Inspirational Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson
Let Go And Move On
Forgive and forget, they say. But forgiving someone who has wronged us and hurt us is truly difficult to do. And yet, God reminds us that forgiveness is the doorway to compassion and love and that when we forgive, we are not forgetting what was done to us but letting it go so we can move on.
Forgiveness requires the strength to release old grudges and resentments. It also requires the courage to go forward even though we are still hurting. Our wounds may be deep, but they will heal with time. We may feel lost, alone, and hopeless, but God is with those who forgive, ready to take us by the hand and help us get on with our lives with a new hope and a new perspective.
Only the act of forgiveness can help heal wounds that have pierced our hearts and souls. So forgive by letting go of the hate, and move on. God will be smiling down upon us when we do.
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia