FOCUS OF THE MONTH
Jesus’ Journey To Calvary
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. — Luke 23:26 (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 Patricia Andrewn – April 1 – Class 01
Sister Nancy Roy – April 2 – Class 01
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This Week’s Overview:
Sunday – Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, with childlike joy, praise Jesus as we revel in His presence! He’s alive forevermore! We must stay focused on Him and do not let the things in life distract us
Monday – Remember, Jesus told us to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. Therefore, when we face battles, run to Him for protection. He is our shelter.
Tuesday – God wants us to surrender our lives to Him totally. When the enemy of our souls tries to present us with false gods, he wants to break and suffocate us. On the other hand, God is willing to rescue us. With the breath of His nostrils, He will give us a fresh start.
Wednesday – We must intentionally and wisely decide to rid ourselves of sin. Ask God to show us the error of our ways, then repent and get back in right fellowship with Him and each other.
Thursday – We need each other! There is great value in practicing Christian hospitality. As we have opportunities, let’s begin to look out for others who are in need.
Friday – During this time to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, consider the sacrifice that He made on our behalf. Let’s thank God that our sin debt was paid in full at the cross! It is finished! Let’s now begin to live a victorious life for 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, March 28, 2021 – Watch Me! – Matthew 21:12-17
Our Daily Bread Topic: Christ, Savior/Messiah; Joy
Reflect & Pray
How do the daily distractions and discontent of others draw your focus away from God? What will help you to keep your eyes on Jesus?
Loving God, thank You for all You’ve done for me! I’m amazed at the great lengths You went to so that I could find joy in You. Help me to keep my focus firmly on You.
Monday, March 29, 2021 – Facing The Battles With God – Psalm 11
Focus: Life can be like a battlefield. However, you must remember to run to God. He is your shelter.
Scripture(s): Psalm 18:1-3; 1 Samuel 17:46-47
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced life’s hostile fire and been tempted to find shelter in something other than God? Can you recall times when God came to your rescue and your hope in Him was renewed?
Father, help me to see You more clearly than any force that opposes me and run to You for true safety and security.
Tuesday, March 30, 2021 – Got Your Nose – Exodus 12:12-19
Focus: Jesus rescued you from the enemy. You must trust Him with your life and don’t allow false gods to suffocate you.
Scripture(s): Numbers 23:19-20; Psalm 9:1-8; Acts 17:16-18
Reflect & Pray
What false god is suffocating your life? How might you show God you’re trusting only in Him?
Father of life, I give You my life. Help me recognize that any perceived “enemies” in my life are nothing compared to Your power.
Wednesday, March 31, 2021 – Wisely Weeding – Psalm 139:1-6, 23-24
Focus: You must decide to rid yourself of sin. Ask God to show you your wayward ways and repent.
Scripture(s): Psalm 19:12-14, 26:2; Jeremiah 17:10; Job 13:20-23
Reflect & Pray
When you ask God to search your heart, what personal wrongs do you discover? How does intentional “weeding” help rid you of a relentless sin?
Loving God, when You show me my personal sin, point me to Your plan to pull those weeds.
Thursday, April 1, 2021 – “So Helpful” – 1 Peter 4:7-11
Focus: There is value in practicing Christian hospitality. Care for those in need, as you have opportunity.
Scripture(s): Matthew 26:6-12; Galatians 6:9-10
What has God equipped you to do for those in need? How has God revealed His own hospitable nature?
Loving God, help me to look around for people who need an encouraging word or action from me. Then help me offer hospitality to them.
Friday, April 2, 2021 – The Cost – John 19:25-30
Focus: As you contemplate the death of Jesus, consider the price He paid. Thank God for His love and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection!
Scripture(s): John 3:16-17; Mark 8:31; Isaiah 53:5
Reflect & Pray
How could each meaning of tetelestai be applied to the cross of Jesus and what He accomplished there? Why does each one have meaning to you?
Father, when I consider the sacrifice Jesus made on my behalf, I am humbled and deeply grateful. Thank You for Jesus, and thank You for the cross.
Saturday, April 3, 2021 – Riding The Waves – Psalm 89:5-17
Our Daily Bread Topic: Life struggles; Trust in God
Reflect & Pray
When facing rough waves in life, how can reflecting on God’s wonders fill you with peace, courage, and confidence in His ongoing presence and sufficient care? What situations do you need to release to God as you ride the waves of life?
Father, thank You for empowering me to ride the waves of life with courageous faith, anchored in Your proven faithfulness.
Inspirational Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson
The Cost of the Cross
The Cross is the symbol of our faith,
That strengthens us each day.
As we, by God’s grace,
Walk the narrow way.
We see God’s own Son,
He gave His life for you and me.
And took our debt of sin,
To a place called Calvary.
We owe Him our lives,
And all we’ll ever be.
All He asks is that we
will let Him live through you and me.
The Cost of The Cross, the price our Savior paid,
The blood that He shed from the riches of His grace.
May we never forget the debt our sin cost!
And live forever grateful for The Cost of the Cross.
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia
***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***
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