FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
Reasons Christ Came Into The World
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. — John 12:46 KJV
I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. — John 12:46 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 4, 2022 – A LABOR OF LOVE – Colossians 3:23-24
Our Daily Bread Focus: Living for Christ; Serving
Reflect & Pray
When have you felt the good you did went overlooked? How can you practice keeping God at the forefront of your activities?
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to do good things for You. Help me to focus on what You’ve called me to do.
For further study, read Get Outside—Work.
Monday, December 5, 2022 – DAILY DEPENDENCE – Matthew 6:6-13
Our Daily Bread Focus: Prayer
Scripture(s): John 5:19, 15:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Reflect & Pray
What’s the “bread” you’re praying for today? How do you reveal your trust in God as you call out to Him?
Dear Jesus, You’re my Creator and my Sustainer. Please help me to trust in You.
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 – GREAT EXPECTATIONS – Luke 2:25, 36-38
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Aging; Christ’s birth; Waiting on God; Hope and joy
Scripture(s): Isaiah 7:14, 8:6; Psalm 62:5; Matthew 1:23
Reflect & Pray
What lessons have you learned from elderly believers about God’s faithfulness? How does their hopefulness inspire you?
Dear faithful Father, when I lose hope, remind me to wait expectantly for You.
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 – GOD’S SURE PURSUIT – Psalm 23
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): God’s love and care; Love for others
Scripture(s): 2 Peter 3:9; Zephaniah 3:17
Reflect & Pray
Do you believe God’s goodness is actually pursuing you? If not, why not, since Scripture includes the word surely?
Good Shepherd, thank You that Your goodness and love pursue me always.
For further study, read The Lord Is My Shepherd: Rest and Renewal from Psalm 23.
Thursday, December 8, 2022 – FAST-FOOD ENCOURAGEMENT – Ruth 2:15-20
Our Daily Bread Focus: Encouragement
Scripture(s): Romans 15:5
Reflect & Pray
Is there someone around you today that you might invite to “glean” from the abundance in your life? Ask God to reveal the needs around you that you might respond with His heart.
Dear Father, show me who needs me to extend Your love to them today.
For further study, read Living Justly, Loving Mercy: A Biblical Response to Our Broken World.
Friday, December 9, 2022 – LIGHTEN THE LOAD – Galatians 6:1-10
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Family of God; Influencing people; Mentoring; Serving
Scripture(s): Philippians 2:4; Ephesians 4:2
Reflect & Pray
Who’s suffering around you? How can you lighten their load today?
Dear God, thank You for walking alongside me no matter what I face. Help me love others in that way today.
Learn how to care for others spiritually.
Saturday, December 10, 2022 – RUNNING TO OUR SHELTER – 2 Samuel 22:1-7
Our Daily Bread Focus: God, character
Reflect & Pray
What fear are you dealing with these days? How can God help you face it and deal with it?
Dear God, when I’m afraid, remind me to trust You—to depend on You—and praise Your name.
For further study, read Hope: Choosing Faith Instead of Fear.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS BY SISTER CLOVIA
JESUS IS OUR BURDEN BEARER
Isaiah 53:4 says, “Surely, He hath borne our grief and carried our sorrows.” It is that truth that tells us Jesus is our burden bearer. He has promised He will lift our burdens.
He said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). There is a place we can flee to when the burdens of life get heavy and oppressive. That place is Jesus Himself!
God never intended for us to bear loads of life alone! However, we have a personal Savior acquainted with all our grief and sorrows. The Lord says He “hath” borne our grief and sorrow.
If the Lord has already taken care of these things, then when we have a burden or a need, God has a solution ready; Philippians 4:19 tells us, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Jesus Christ, Our Lord, and Savior, already meets our needs. Jesus knows all our tomorrows and has already made provisions for anything you will face.
Whatever your “griefs and sorrows,”; take them to Jesus. He will lift your burden and lighten your load!
You come, and He will meet with you right now.
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia