FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
Walking Together in the Newness of Life
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. — Galatians 5:25 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 of each month
1-605-313-5671; access code 563-972#
start time is 4:45 AM
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), 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 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 15, 2023 – FROM LAMENT TO PRAISE – Habakkuk 3:17-19
Our Daily Bread Focus: Evangelism; Prayer; Suffering and Hope
Reflect & Pray
What are your laments today? How can you turn them into praise?
Dear Jesus, remind me of who You are and of what You’ve done in my life.
For further study, read Wounded in Worship.
Our Daily Bread Focus: Christ, person and work; Justice; Salvation; Spiritual growth and maturity
Scriptures: Isaiah 1:17, Amos 5:24; Isaiah 61:1-3
Reflect & Pray
What’s one injustice that draws your attention? How could you take a step toward doing what’s just and right today?
Give me a hunger for justice, God. Help me be a part of Your work in doing what’s right.
Reflect & Pray
What are you waiting for God to do or provide on your behalf? How can you wait by faith?
For You, Father, I wait. Grant me Your strength and faithful hope in my waiting.
Reflect & Pray
When stress hits you, where do you turn for comfort? What might you need to turn away from today?
Father, show me the idols in my heart. Then help me destroy them and live in Your love.
Reflect & Pray
When’s the last time someone extended love to you when you weren’t “positive”? What’s a tangible way today that you can show love to an enemy?
Father, it’s tempting to surround myself with only those who love me. But that’s not living, at least not the kind of living You desire for me. Help me to love even my enemies.
Reflect & Pray
Where have you encountered strong love? How does Jesus’ love encourage you?
Dear God, please help me to receive Your love and share it with others.
For further study, read How God Loves Us.
Saturday, January 21, 2023 – COFFEE BREATH – Ephesians 4:1-5, 25-31
Our Daily Bread Focus: Spiritual Growth & Maturity; Living with other believers
Reflect & Pray
When has someone gently confronted you? What do you think is most important when you lovingly address a weakness you see in others?
Father, help me to humbly receive correction, and help me to offer it with love, grace, and gentleness.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS BY SISTER CLOVIA
PURSUE JUSTICE
We live in a society plagued by corruption, oppression, and injustice. Yet, for the people of God, pursuing justice is a form of worship and holy obedience. Therefore, it should be a priority worth seeking.
When Christians turn a blind eye to justice, they turn their backs on God. Right now, our country needs justice more than ever. Instead, immigrants and refugees are sleeping in the cold on our borders and jailed without cause. This discrimination is about race, gender, class, and religion.
Homelessness and poverty levels in the United States are at an all-time high. The cost of food, shelter, healthcare, medicine, and clothing steadily increases to where they will eventually be called “luxuries of life” instead of “necessities of life.”
God hates injustice. Proverbs 17:15 tells us, “He who justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are an abomination to the LORD.”
God’s justice is holy and unblemished, seeking to free the enslaved and bring judgment upon the oppressor. There is no middle ground between justice and injustice; as believers, our faith is either manifesting itself for justice or against it. Psalm 106:3 says, “Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.”
As we celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let’s remember his words. To paraphrase, “We need leaders, not in love with self, power, and money. Instead, this world needs leaders, change agents, citizens in love with humankind, service, and justice”.
Let’s no longer tolerate a world in love with earthly trappings but encourage one in love with humanity.” Let’s take care of our home and make others feel welcomed.
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia