FOCUS OF THE MONTH
The Risen Savior
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. — 1 Thessalonians 4:14 (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 Peggy Griffin – May 1 – Class 08
Open Invitation
Join the Introduction Class on 1-605-313-4831; access code 259-748#, whenever your Class Facilitator is absent
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1-605-313-4904; access code 259-748#
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***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, April 25, 2021 – A Tree To Heal – Genesis 3:1-11
Our Daily Bread Topic: Fall, the; Salvation; Sin
Reflect & Pray
How do we already experience the reality of Jesus’ victory over sin and death today? What do you think is an appropriate response to His sacrifice for us?
Father, don’t let me forget the price it cost Your Son to undo the curse we set in motion way back in the garden of Eden. All I can say is thank You. All I can give You is my life.
Reflect & Pray
Why do you think you sometimes cling to negative judgments about others? What experiences have you had of “being wrong” about someone?
God, it’s really hard, sometimes, to let go of that impulse to judge and compare, to resist that need to see myself as better than others. Help me to grasp, deep in my heart, the truth that I don’t need to compete and that I am loved.
What’s a recent foolish choice you’ve made? What do you think God wants you to learn from it?
Thank You, Father, for using my foolishness to train me. May I accept Your discipline graciously as You continue to work in me.
Reflect & Pray
When was the last time you rested quietly in God’s love? What barriers, if any, might keep you from experiencing the Father’s delight for you?
Father, thank You for Your perfect love for me. Help me to remember that love and to rest in Your goodness and delight in me.
How can you trust God by asking for help or offering help to someone in leadership this week? How has He provided you the support of trustworthy people?
Father God, thank You for never asking me to handle life without Your help or the support of others.
Reflect & Pray
In simple terms, how would you explain the gospel? How can you avoid expecting people who aren’t believers in Jesus to think or behave as you do?
Jesus, thank You for reaching me in ways I could understand.
Saturday, May 1, 2021 – Dwelling In Our Hearts – Ephesians 3:14-21
Our Daily Bread Topic: God’s love and care; Holy Spirit
Reflect & Pray
How does Jesus dwelling inside you give you great comfort? How can you grow closer to God knowing that His power gives you strength?
God, You’re not far off, but are close to me. May I delight in Your love and share it with others.
Inspirational Thoughts from Sister Clovia Thompson
Do You Need A Hug From God?
The COVID-19 crisis has reminded us all humans do crave a hug or a friendly touch. We need it! In the pandemic, greetings are no longer by hugs, handshakes, or kisses on the cheek. An “elbow bump” is the preferred pandemic greeting.
Our first contact in life is essentially the hug; newborn babies are constantly cradled, nursed, and cuddled. We are principally social creatures, and this need continues into childhood and adulthood. Scientists say that hugging is a form of communication because it can say things you don’t have the words for, and the most wondrous thing about a hug is you usually can’t give a hug without getting one.
The medical experts say frequent hugging and hand-holding can help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes. Hugging boosts self-esteem. Touch is a powerful language that we can use to convey feelings to a greater community.
Sometimes in life, we need a hug—no words, no advice, just a hug to make you feel you matter. God says in Acts 20:37, “And there is much weeping on the part of all, they embraced Paul and kissed him.” God’s hugs are available where He wraps His arms around us and lets us feel how much He loves us.
God’s hugs are those times when our thoughts turn towards Him, and we realize He’s always there for us. It brings us comfort, joy, and assurance. His hugs prevent discouragement and fear, and we need them daily. We all need to feel the comfort and warmth that flows through a hug from God.
“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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