FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
Reasons Christ Came Into The World
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. — John 6:38 KJV
For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.– John 6:38 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, December 18, 2022 – THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS – Romans 8:1-10
Our Daily Bread Focus: Christ, birth
Reflect & Pray
What’s the difference between celebrating Jesus at Christmas and celebrating the season of Christmas?
Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to earth as a human baby to free me from the bondage of sin and death.
For further study, read The God Who Is with Us.
Monday, December 19, 2022 – STANDING FIRM BY FAITH – Isaiah 7:1-9
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Faith; Spiritual growth and maturity
Scripture(s): 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Peter 5:9; Ephesians 6:10-11, 13, 16
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced a challenge to your faith? How has God encouraged you to stand firm?
Father, please help me stand firm as You provide the faith I need.
Learn more about walking faithfully with God.
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 – NO CURSING – Numbers 24:10-19
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Christ, birth; Christ, prophecies concerning
Scripture(s): Ephesians 4:29; Psalm 45:6; Genesis 49:10
Reflect & Pray
How does Numbers 24 help you see the Christmas story differently? How might it change the way you act when you encounter people opposing the work of God?
God, please give me eyes to see Your hand at work in all things.
Wednesday, December 21, 2022 – TREASURED PRAYER – Revelation 5:6-10
Our Daily Bread Focus: Prayer
Scripture(s): 1 John 5:14-15; Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 4:16
Reflect & Pray
How does it encourage you to know God never forgets your prayers? Who do you need to pray for today?
Heavenly Father, please give me the perseverance to pray faithfully and the faith to look for what You alone can do.
Thursday, December 22, 2022 – BENDING LOW – 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Encouragement; God, character; Love for others; Parenting; Rest
Scripture(s): 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Romans 5:3-5
Reflect & Pray
In what ways has God comforted you? How can you be a comfort to others because of that?
Father of compassion, come near to me and hold me in Your arms where I can find rest and encouragement.
For further study, read Compassion: When Jesus Asks for More than We Have
Friday, December 23, 2022 – GRANNY WHALE – Psalm 71:15-24
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Mentoring, Influencing People
Scripture(s): Psalm 19:14; Psalm 119:89-91
Reflect & Pray
Who has nurtured your relationship with God? Who needs your wisdom today?
Dear Father, thank You for sending me wisdom through those who’ve walked ahead of me. May I do the same for others in Your power and love.
Saturday, December 24, 2022 – THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD – Isaiah 55:6-13
Our Daily Bread Focus: Evangelism
Reflect & Pray
Who will you share Scripture with today? Who first shared the Bible with you?
Almighty Creator and Sustainer of the world, please give me opportunities daily to share Your wisdom.
For further study, read Knowing God through the Whole Bible.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS BY SISTER CLOVIA
DON’T BREAK GENERATIONAL FAITH
Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” As parents, we are responsible for carrying and passing the baton of faith to our children and grandchildren.
Generation after generation holds memories, stories, and values to pass along to the next generation; this mainly includes the spiritual matters of our faith. We don’t want their faith to drop after they leave home. So passing on your faith begins in the family home as a spiritual practice.
First, talk with our children about the Lord in everyday situations. The Word of God tells us in Proverbs 22:6 to “train up a child in the way he should go.” So, we must walk and speak uprightly before them.
Second, our children must see us read and study the Word of God, the Bible. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) reminds us to “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Third, our children must see and hear our prayers. Ephesians 6: 17-19 (NLT) encourages us to pray at all times and on every occasion.
Lastly, the Word admonishes us to live, promote and teach the behavior that honors God in Titus 2 (NLT). What better place to start than at home, with our children?
We need to use the authority God has given us so that the next generation can see the power of God working in our lives. Then, our children and grandchildren will be more powerful and strong by hearing God’s goodness, grace, and mercy from generation to generation.
Let each generation tell its children of our mighty God; let them proclaim His power and might regularly and often.
Don’t break generational faith!
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia