FOCUS OF THE MONTH
Loving At All Times
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, — Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!!!
Sister Jacquelina Ruff – February 27 – Class 08
Sister Diane Pierce – February 28 – Class 09/10
Brother Ernest Williams – February 29 – Class 08
Sister Julia Bowman – March 3 – Class 08
Sister Jean Wright-James – March 3 – Class 09/10
Sister Morise George – March 4 – Class 01
Sister Josephine Livingston – March 4 – Class 06
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Open Invitation – Introduction Class
Join the Introduction Class on 1-605-313-4831; access code 259-748#, whenever your Class Facilitator is absent
Did you miss your class today? Do you want an evangelism tool?
If yes — call or share the Introduction Class Instant Replay
1-605-313-4904; access code 259-748#
Open Invitation – Intercessory Prayer
Join the Intercessory Team every 2nd Saturday each month
1-605-313-5671; access code 563-972#
start time is 4:45AM
Instant Replay # 605-313-4106; access code 563-972#
Visit here to submit Prayer Requests
***The English Standard Version (ESV) stands in the classic mainstream of English Bible translations over half-millennium. The fountainhead of that stream was William Tyndale’s New Testament of 1526; marking its course was 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). Faithfulness to the text and vigorous pursuit of accuracy were combined with simplicity, beauty, and dignity of expression in that stream. 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 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 translating 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 the structure and meaning of the original as directly as possible. More about the ESV translation philosophy….***
Sunday, February 27, 2022 – THE JOY OF GOOD NEWS – Isaiah 61:1-7
Our Daily Bread Focus: Hope; Salvation; Suffering
Reflect & Pray
Where do you need to experience good news? When has God’s good news replaced your fear and worry with joy?
God, I need some good news. I hear bad news all the time. I need to hear what You say about things. I need the joy You bring.
Monday, February 28, 2022 – CHOOSING CELEBRATION – 1 Peter 2:1-3, 9-10
Daily Bread Focus: Joy
Scripture(s): Philippians 2:4-5; James 4:5-7
Reflect & Pray
What examples of comparison-free joy have influenced your life? How does remembering your place in the body of Christ free you from the need to compare yourself to others?
Loving God, source of all that’s good, help me to let go of envy’s lies, the kind of lies that suck out joy and “rot the bones.” Help me to instead celebrate the countless beautiful gifts of life in Your kingdom.
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 – A FRIENDLY CONVERSATION – Ephesians 6:18-20
Daily Bread Focus: Evangelism
Scripture(s): Acts 4:29; Jude 1:3; Colossians 4:2-4; 2 Peter 3:9
Reflect & Pray
Whom might God want you to speak to on His behalf? What’s stopping you? What effect would prayer have on this situation?
Dear Father, give me the courage to reach out to people who don’t know You. Give me wisdom to know when and how to start conversations about You.
Wednesday, March 2, 2022 – MANAGING OUR GIFTS – 1 Peter 4:7-11
Daily Bread Focus: Stewardship and Giving
Scripture(s): Romans 12:1-13; John 13:34-35; Matthew 24:36
Reflect & Pray
How would you describe your God-given talents and spiritual gifts? What could you do to manage or steward them better for His glory?
Heavenly Father, at times I’ve squandered my gifts and talents. Sharpen my commitment to manage the gifts You’ve given me so the world praises You.
To learn more about your personality and gifting, visit Discover Yourself and Others.
Thursday, March 3, 2022 – ENCOURAGED IN GOD – 1 Samuel 23:15-24
Daily Bread Focus: God’s Love and Care; Love for Others
Scripture(s): Philippians 4:6-9; Hebrews 10:24-25
Reflect & Pray
How did someone provide special encouragement to you in your faith journey? What can you do to strengthen someone’s faith today?
Loving God, there’s nothing like the encouragement You give. Please give me opportunities to help others find new strength in You.
Friday, March 4, 2022 – UNSHAKABLE FAITH – Matthew 6:19-24
Daily Bread Focus: Joy; Living Like Christ
Scripture(s): 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Proverbs 23:5-6; 2 Corinthians 11:18-31
Are there ways in which your priorities are out of order? What changes do you think God might want you to make?
I love You, dear God, and want You as my greatest love. Show me how I can become more like You.
Saturday, March 5, 2022 – SAFE HANDS – Psalm 32
Our Daily Bread Focus: Life Struggles
Reflect & Pray
What has it meant or what will it mean for you to find shelter, safety, and forgiveness in Jesus? How does He provide what you need for your cares, fears, and burdens?
Father, You know the times I’ve sought to piece my life together without You. Help me to forsake my misguided plans for safety and to run swiftly to You.
This Week’s Thoughts by Sister Clovia Thompson
Treasures In Heaven
Jesus told us to “store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven” (Matthew 6:20). He linked this command to the desires of our hearts, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Most of all, we are to treasure the Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus is our treasure, we’ll commit our resources, money, time, and talents to His work in this world. When we live sacrificially for Jesus’ sake or serve Him by serving the body of Christ, we store up treasures in Heaven.
God cares more about the condition of our hearts than the condition of our bank accounts. That’s why He shows us what’s best for us and our possessions. We can choose to focus our lives on temporary wealth, but God offers us treasures that last forever; a relationship with Him through His son, Jesus, begins here and continues for eternity.
Life’s treasures and our hearts are linked. For what does your heart long? Does it treasure the things of the world, like money, fame, possessions, power, or influence?
Or does your heart long for Jesus to be the greatest treasure in your life forever?
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia