FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
God’s April Showers – A Time to Plant
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Ask rain from the Lord in the season of the spring rain, from the Lord who makes the storm clouds,
and he will give them showers of rain, to everyone the vegetation in the field. — Zechariah 10:1 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, April 2, 2023 – BLUESTONE CHURCH BELLS – Luke 19:37-42
Our Daily Bread Focus: Christ, death; Creation; Worship
Reflect & Pray
How many ways can you think of in which creation praises God? How can you join in daily worship of our Creator?
Creator God, You are deserving of all worship, praise, and gratitude. When my heart grows hard and I lose sight of Your worthiness, remind me that all creation sings Your praise.
For further study, read All Creation Sings.
Reflect & Pray
When have you tried to overcome a struggle on your own? How can you look to God for strength?
Dear heavenly Father, thank You for being the source of my strength and guiding me each day.
For further reading, check out this article: Christian Pulisic reaches out to God for strength with Chelsea in FA Cup, Champions League finals.
Reflect & Pray
What pulls you away from your home in Jesus? How has Jesus shown Himself to be your true source of life?
Jesus, I like to roam. I’m pulled in all kinds of directions. But I want to stay at home with You. You’re my life. Help me to abide in You.
Learn more about abiding in Christ.
Reflect & Pray
What does it mean for you to follow Jesus? How is He asking you to sacrifice your life for Him?
Dear Jesus, help me give up anything that competes with You and Your kingdom.
Thursday, April 6, 2023 – THE CHALLENGE TO SERVE – John 13:3-15
Our Daily Bread Focus: Serving
Scripture(s): 1 Peter 5:1-6; John 15:20
Reflect & Pray
What about God’s love and compassion means the most to you? How can you use your gifts and talents to serve others?
Dear God, show me how to love others with the same love You have for me.
Reflect & Pray
Why is it important for you to remember Jesus’ suffering? How does His example help you when you suffer?
Jesus, thank You for being willing to suffer, even to death, so that I might receive eternal life.
Learn more about Jesus’ example for us.
Saturday, April 8, 2023 – RUNNING TO JESUS – John 20:1-10
Our Daily Bread Focus: God’s love & care
Reflect & Pray
If you don’t know Jesus, what will you do to begin running toward Him and His love? If you’re a believer, how will you share His love with others?
Dear Jesus, lead me into Your loving arms today.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS BY SISTER CLOVIA
REVIVAL SEASON – A JOURNEY THROUGH HOLY WEEK
During our revival season, let’s take a biblical journey through Holy Week leading to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
As you read the Scriptures about what occurred that day, let’s pray daily for clarity and understanding.
Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. On that day, everyone celebrated Him with shouts of Hosanna. Pray and meditate on Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; and John 12:12-19.
Holy Monday—Jesus cleared the Temple, drove them out, and overturned their tables. Pray and meditate on Matthew 21:10-17, Mark 11:15-18, and Luke 19:45-48.
Holy Tuesday—Jesus evaded the traps set by the priests. He taught in parables and warned the people against the Pharisees. He predicted the destruction of Herod’s great Temple, future events, and His future. Pray and meditate on Matthew 21 to 24, Mark 11 to 13, and Luke 20.
Holy Wednesday or Spy Wednesday—while Jesus rested in Bethany at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, the plot of the high priests and the authorities to kill Jesus is in full swing. This fact is not in the Gospels. Pray and meditate on scriptures about forgiveness.
Maundy Thursday commemorates the foot washing and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the apostles. So let’s pray and meditate on Matthew 26:17:30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-23, and John 13:1-30.
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and His death at Calvary. Pray and meditate on Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 22-23, and John 18-19.
Holy Saturday commemorates Jesus’ body resting in the tomb. Pray and meditate on Isaiah 53:9 and Luke 23:55-56.
Easter Sunday/Resurrection Day celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead and His victory over sin and death. Pray and meditate on Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-20, Luke 24:1-49 and John 20:1-31.
The Bible tells our Savior’s life story—a life of love, purpose, obedience, leadership, sacrifice, death, and resurrection.
Holy Week is the centerpiece.
“My friends, make time for God every day because He always has time for you.” — Sister Clovia