FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
Count your blessings with a grateful heart
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
MEMBERS BIRTHDAY 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
You Are Welcome To Visit Class Instant Replays
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#
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, November 20, 2022 – THE SOCRATIC CLUB – 1 Peter 3:13-18
Our Daily Bread Focus: Evangelism
Reflect & Pray
How might you share your faith with someone? What evidence for the resurrection of Jesus makes it reasonable, even though it’s clearly miraculous?
Almighty God, thank You for giving me credible evidence to support my faith in You.
For further study, read Why We Believe: Evidences for Christian Faith.
Monday, November 21, 2022 – READING BACKWARDS – John 2:13-22
Daily Bread Focus: Christ, prophesies concerning; Bible, interpretation
Scripture(s): 2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16
Reflect & Pray
What difficulties concern you about your future? When reflecting on your life, how are you learning to understand and believe God’s story that’s best understood and loved when read with eternity in view?
Father in heaven, thank You for letting me live long enough to see Your ability to show up and reveal the wonder of Your presence in ways I could not have foreseen.
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 – FAITH IN ACTION – James 2:14-26
Daily Bread Focus: Salvation; Serving
Scripture(s): Hebrews 11:8; Galatians 5:13
Reflect & Pray
Why do you think it’s important that we do good deeds? What can you do out of your love for God?
May I serve You out of my faith in You and love for You today, dear God.
Wednesday, November 23, 2022 – TRUSTING OUR FUTURE TO GOD – Ecclesiastes 10:12-14
Daily Bread Focus: Trust in God; Decision Making
Scripture(s): Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 118:8; Isaiah 26:3-4
Reflect & Pray
Where do you see temptation to control the future? How can you better trust God with your coming days?
Dear God, help me to simply trust You today.
Thursday, November 24, 2022 – HOPES AND LONGINGS – Proverbs 13:12-19
Daily Bread Focus: Trust in God; Thankfulness
Scripture(s): 1 Chronicles 16:8; Psalm 100:4; Psalm 37:5; Isaiah 26:3-4
Reflect & Pray
When have you felt sick because of an unfulfilled longing? How did God meet you in your time of need?
God our Creator, You fulfill my deepest longings. I give You my hopes and my desires, asking You to grant them according to Your wisdom and love.
Friday, November 25, 2022 – ENDURING HOPE – Revelation 21:1-8
Daily Bread Focus: Hope and Joy
Scripture(s): Isaiah 65:17-18; Romans 5:5; Revelation 7:17
Reflect & Pray
How has acknowledging God’s promise for a new heaven and a new earth comforted you? How can you encourage a hurting friend with the enduring hope of God’s promises?
Loving God, thank You for strengthening my resolve with the surety of my enduring hope.
For further study, read Prophetic Priorities: Wrestling with the End Times.
Saturday, November 26, 2022 – BLESSED REPENTANCE – Hosea 14:1-4
Our Daily Bread Focus: Forgiveness of Sin; Salvation; Sin
Reflect & Pray
What sins separate you from God? Are you ready to confess your need for Him and receive the forgiveness that He’s provided through His Son, Jesus?
Father, search my heart for anything that may contribute to my downfall and distance from you. Cleanse me, forgive me, and use me for Your honor.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS BY SISTER CLOVIA
FAITH AND HOPE
Faith and hope are emotions that give us a sense of optimism. It is our faith and hope that helps us get through hard times.
However, there is a difference between faith and hope. Let’s explore further:
Faith is grounded in the reality of the future, and hope is looking to its validity. Without faith, there is no hope, and without hope, there is no faith. So the two go hand in hand.
The most amazing things in life tend to happen right at the moment you are about to give up hope. Hope is the belief we might get it done, and faith is the knowledge we will get it done.
When you walk by faith, you will never lose hope because:
FAITH makes all things possible;
HOPE makes all things work, and
LOVE makes everything beautiful.
Love gives you hope; hope builds faith; faith brings you closer to God. So let’s keep loving, keep hoping, and always have faith in God.
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia