FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
Walking Together in the Newness of Life
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
— Psalm 133:1 KJV
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! — Psalm 133:1 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 29, 2023 – SEVEN MINUTES OF TERROR – John 11:38-43
Our Daily Bread Focus: Prayer
Reflect & Pray
What are you praying for, but the answer doesn’t seem to be coming? How can God increase your faith as you wait on Him?
Loving God, You know what’s on my heart. Please help me trust You as I await Your answer.
Reflect & Pray
When have you tried to handle overwhelming situations alone? How might you look to God for help?
Dear God, thank You for helping me when the challenges of life seem unbearable.
For further study, read Why Doesn’t God Answer Me? Trusting in Times of Doubt and Trial.
Reflect & Pray
What kindnesses from God are you thankful for today? Who can you help with a blessing you’ve received?
Thank You, Father, for sustaining me every moment. Please help me to recognize Your kindness, so I may share it with others.
For further study, read Compassion: Learning to Love Like Jesus.
Reflect & Pray
What places do you encounter sorrow in your story and in others’ stories? How does Jesus’ promise of blessing alter how you view this grief?
Dear God, when I’m awash in grief and sorrow, please help me to experience Your blessing even in the tears.
Learn more about coping with loss.
Reflect & Pray
What parts of Jesus’ life are you seeking to imitate these days? When is it most difficult for you to imitate Christ, the Master Teacher?
Jesus, my Great Teacher, help my discipline and attentiveness to be worthy of You!
Reflect & Pray
Who might God want you to look after? In what ways has He gifted you to spread His love to others?
Compassionate God, I understand a little what it feels like to be a stranger in this world. Lead me to be an encourager of other foreigners and strangers.
For further study, read Walk with Me: Travelling with Jesus and Others on Life’s Road.
Saturday, February 4, 2023 – WHAT’S YOUR NAME? – Ruth 1:3-8, 15-21
Our Daily Bread Focus: Rest
Reflect & Pray
What name describes you? What does it mean for you to live out the name that describes who you are in Jesus?
Father, I’m coming home to find my rest in Your Son.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS BY SISTER CLOVIA
WHO IS YOUR NEIGHBOR?
To “love your neighbor as yourself” is the second great commandment of Jesus. It immediately follows His commandment to love God with your heart, mind, and soul.
It means seeking the well-being of any person around you, whether a person next door or someone you happen to come across in your daily activities.
So, who is your neighbor? Your neighbor is anyone with whom you can share God’s love. We are encouraged not only to love those similar to us or with whom we are comfortable but all whom God places in our path.
We love our neighbors, including those who seem like enemies to us, when we act toward them with an overflow of God’s love for us and as a way of demonstrating our love toward God.
Love your neighbor who doesn’t look, think, love, speak, pray, believe, and vote like you.
There are no exceptions — so don’t create any!
Jesus put loving your neighbor right up there with loving God. So when we focus on God, genuinely loving our neighbors is not impossible!
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia