FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
Reasons Christ Came Into The World
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. — 1 Timothy 1:15 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 Listen To
Class Review 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 25, 2022 – CHRISTMAS-CARD PERFECT – John 7:1-9
Our Daily Bread Focus: Christ, birth; Christ, deity
Reflect & Pray
How do you try to appear to be perfect? How can you better acknowledge your need for Jesus’ perfect strength?
Father, thank You for sending Your Son to provide a way for me to be reconciled to You forever.
Reflect & Pray
What fears or challenges are you facing? How does it help to know that God is with you and wants to help you?
Dear God, thank You for not condemning my fears, but always reassuring me of Your presence. Help me to turn to You when I’m afraid and trust in You.
For further study, read Clinging to Hope in the Storm.
Reflect & Pray
What part of the story of the Bible most captivates you? With whom can you share it?
Thank You, Father, for showing me who You are through the Bible and making me one of Your own.
Reflect & Pray
How are your words and actions a representation of your faith in Jesus? As a believer in Him, why are integrity and sincerity vital in your dealings with others?
Dear God, help me to serve others with such a clear conscience that my love for them is evident.
For further study, read Outrageous Compassion.
Reflect & Pray
What’s your current situation or status in life? What doubts have you expressed about your readiness to be used by God?
Jesus, bid me to come to You, fully dependent on Your grace and power to make a difference.
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced God’s haven of peace in other people? To whom might you offer similar encouragement?
Father, help me to remember to call out to You when the waters of life are rising, and help me to offer hope to others.
For further study, read Navigating the Storms of Life.
Saturday, December 31, 2022 – FINISHING STRONG – 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Our Daily Bread Focus: Spiritual Growth & Maturity
Reflect & Pray
What would it look like for you to finish strong? Who has been an example of finishing well?
God, I want to finish well. Help me to love You more than anything or anyone else.
For further study, read Finishing Well: Gracefully Living with Life’s Changes.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS BY SISTER CLOVIA
REFLECTIONS, SCRIPTURE & PRAYER
2022 Reflections
The year 2022 has been stressful. We are trying to get back to normal or even to a new normal, yet the pandemic (physically and mentally) is still with us. No matter how hard we try, we cannot shake it off.
People, places, and things have shifted this year, and we must continually adjust our lives. We’ve been in situations beyond our control. We’ve experienced unimaginable hardships and setbacks. We’ve seen things we never thought we would. But, through it all, we’ve learned God has never left us. We are only here through God’s grace and mercy.
Let’s not look back on yesterday’s disappointments as this year ends. Instead, look ahead to God’s promises yet to unfold. May the tears we cried in 2022 water the soil and seeds we are planting for 2023. May we always use God’s promises as fertilizer in all areas of our life. He is our constant, our North Star!
2022 Closing Scripture and Prayer
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 KJV.
Dear God, thank You for carrying us this year into the new year with great expectations of goodness in the days to come. We are standing on Your promises. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia