FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
Walking Together in the Newness of Life
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
“Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet? — Amos 3:3 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, January 1, 2023 – CHOOSE JOY – Philippians 1:12-21
Our Daily Bread Focus:
Reflect & Pray
What personal suffering or injustice causes you to languish in your sorrow? How might the truth of Jesus bring you joy?
Father, please raise my eyes above my circumstances. I look to You alone for joy.
For further study, read Why? Seeing God in Our Pain.
Monday, January 2, 2023 – A SMALL START – Micah 5:2-4
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Christ, person and work; Humility; Salvation
Scripture(s): Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:16; Isaiah 9:6-7
Reflect & Pray
What small or big thing is God doing in your heart? How will you humbly respond to Him?
Jesus, thank You for humbly coming to save me by Your great sacrifice.
Learn more about the life of Christ.
Tuesday, January 3, 2023 – RESCUE MISSION – Psalm 38:11-22
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): God, character; Suffering and hope
Scripture(s): 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 40:1-3; Psalm 39:12
Reflect & Pray
How has God revealed His faithfulness when you’ve felt weighed down? How has God used others to comfort and support you?
Gracious God, help me to encourage others who feel weighed down, lost, or forgotten.
Wednesday, January 4, 2023 – NEW VISION – Isaiah 43:18-21
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): God, character; Spiritual growth and maturity
Scripture(s): 1 Corinthians 2:9-10; Philippians 3:13-14; Jeremiah 16:14-15
Reflect & Pray
What new things do you see cropping up even in your wilderness? How can adjusting your vision help you focus on the new rather than the past?
God of new beginnings, thank You for all Your promises. Help me to see the new that You bring about even in my wilderness moments.
For further study, read When God Says No—Broken Dreams to New Beginnings.
Thursday, January 5, 2023 – A NESTING PLACE – John 14:1-4
Our Daily Bread Focus: Heaven
Scripture(s): 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14; 1 Corinthians 2:9
Reflect & Pray
When have you felt you weren’t “at home” in this life? What do you most look forward to about heaven?
Thank You, Jesus, for preparing a place for me in heaven with You.
Friday, January 6, 2023 – MADE FOR ADVENTURE – Genesis 1:21-28
Our Daily Bread Focus: Creation
Scripture(s): Psalm 127:1,3; Genesis 9:1
Reflect & Pray
How else do you see God being adventurous in Scripture? How can His adventures inspire our own?
Adventurous God, send me on a new adventure out of love for You and others!
For further study, read Genesis to Revelation: Why the Whole Story of the Bible Matters.
Saturday, January 7, 2023 – WHO ARE YOU, LORD? – Acts 9:1-9
Our Daily Bread Focus:
Reflect & Pray
What guilt are you experiencing or have experienced? How do you sense God is calling or has called you back to Himself?
Jesus, I’ve strayed from You, but I feel You tugging at my heart. Forgive me of my sins, I pray.
For further study, read The Forgiveness of God.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS BY SISTER CLOVIA
2023 VISION, SCRIPTURE AND PRAYERS
2023 Visions
Proverbs 29:18 states, “where there is no vision, the people perish….” Creating a written personal vision in 2023 allows you to plan the most efficient blueprint of your heart’s goals. This blueprint will also clarify when to say “yes” or “no” to things based on your values and vision. It also helps you to spot roadblocks before they impact you.
As the dawn breaks on a new year, let’s give thanks for all we hold dear, our health, our family, and our friends. Let’s release our grudges, anger, and pains, for these are binding chains. Let’s serve all who need it, regardless of race, color, or creed. Let’s keep God of our understanding in our hearts and chant His name and praises daily. Finally, remember that we are one, embracing all and discriminating against none.
2023 Guiding Scripture
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. — Habakkuk 2:2 KJV
2023 Prayers
In the Name of Jesus:
1. May your conversations (prayers) with God increase.
2. May your daily bible study impact your actions.
3. May your faith in God grow exponentially.
4. May your God-given purpose on earth be realized.
5. May your finances multiply.
6. May your mental, physical and spiritual health improve.
7. May your family and friends feel authentic love always.
8. May your pains and troubles decrease.
9. May your worries disappear.
10. May your joy brighten every room you enter.
11. May your peace always comfort and encourage others.
12. May your love for God stay steadfast and unmovable.
13. May your 2023 journey always keep God first.
May the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bless you with His grace, love, protection, and mercy. After all, God is our promise keeper!
Amen, Amen, and Amen!
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia