FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
God is our refuge and strength
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. — Psalm 61:3 (KJV)
for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. — Psalm 61:3 (ESV)
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
MEMBER BIRTHDAYS CELEBRATION
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
Welcome To The Class Instant Replay
Introduction Class – (605) 313-4904; access code 259-748#
Class 5 – (605) 468-8114; access code 694-591#
Class 6 – (605) 313-4899; access code 943-172#
Class 8 – (267) 807-9603; access code 547-846#
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….***
PRAISE & WORSHIP
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Sunday, August 28, 2022 – LOVE AND LEAN ON GOD – Ruth 1:11-19
Our Daily Bread Focus: Worship
Reflect & Pray
What does it mean for you to lean on God during your times of grief? Who may need your support right now?
Father, I’m grateful for Your faithful love and care for me. Use me to encourage others to trust You.
Monday, August 29, 2022 – SEEDS OF TIME – Mark 4:13-20
Daily Bread Focus: Evangelism
Scripture(s): Mark 16:15; Isaiah 61:1; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
Reflect & Pray
Consider an example of how you shared the good news with someone. How did that person respond? How are you praying for that person today?
Dear God, please give me courage to share Jesus with friends and colleagues.
Tuesday, August 30, 2022 – LEAVE THE LIGHT ON – Matthew 5:13-16
Daily Bread Focus: Living like Christ
Scripture(s): John 8:12; Proverbs 4:18
Reflect & Pray
In what ways can you shine your light for Jesus today? What can prevent you from shining for Him?
Jesus, help me to shine brightly so that others may be drawn to You.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 – WHEN KNOWLEDGE HURTS – Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
Daily Bread Focus: Suffering and tragedy
Scripture(s): John 16:33; 1 Peter 5:10
Reflect & Pray
What’s something you wished you didn’t know? Tell Jesus about it. Then leave it with Him. Whenever it troubles you, take it to Jesus again.
Jesus, I don’t enjoy pain, but if it drives me to You, it’s worth it.
For further study, read Why? Seeing God in Our Pain.
Thursday, September 1, 2022 – WHEN WE GATHER TOGETHER – Hebrews 10:19-25
Daily Bread Focus: Relationships; Church life
Scripture(s): Acts 2:42, 46-47; Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:32; Romans 12:9-10
Reflect & Pray
How has gathering together with others encouraged you? Who can you encourage with an open heart?
Thank You, God, that I can encourage other believers and be encouraged by them when we gather together.
For further study, read Understanding the Bible: The Letter to the Hebrews.
Friday, September 2, 2022 – LIGHTING CANDLES – Luke 12:35-40
Daily Bread Focus: Christ, return; Living like Christ
Scripture(s): Mark 13:35-37; Matthew 5:16
Reflect & Pray
What would you do differently if you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow? How will you shine His light today?
Come soon, Jesus! I pray You’ll find me ready on that day, and that the way I live now will draw others to You.
Learn more about walking daily in the Spirit.
Saturday, September 3, 2022 – ROOTED IN LOVE – Ruth 2:5-13
Our Daily Bread Focus: Love For Others
Reflect & Pray
How has God comforted you when you felt alone? How has He used other people to support you through a community rooted in His love?
Loving Father, thank You for promising to be with me and for providing all I need.
For further study, read What Is Real Love?
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS BY SISTER CLOVIA
WHAT KEEPS YOUR LIGHT FROM SHINING?
Sin dulls our shine as “lights for Jesus Christ.”
Lives that used to sparkle with joy can become clouded by lust for the world.
Always inspect your light before you try to be a light to others. Ask yourself if sin has dulled any evidence of Christ in you. If yes, then maybe it’s time to step back, take a moment and ask God to reveal any sin you might be ignoring that’s dulling His light in you.
Whatever sin you repeatedly struggle with, write it down, repent and pray over it. Then, ask God for His forgiveness and help in changing your heart.
You’ll never be perfect in this world, but you need to address your sin because it does impact others, affects your ministry, and slowly separates you from God.
The closer you are to God, the brighter your light shines. Let the light of God’s love shine so bright in you that others walking in darkness may draw near. Your light may ignite the love of the Lord in someone’s heart so they will have a Godly light of their own.
God will make you shine bright so no one can dim your light.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. — Matthew 5:14 (NKJV)
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia