FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
God’s April Showers – A Time to Plant
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers. — Psalm 1:3 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 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 30, 2023 – WAGGING TAILS AND TONGUES – Proverbs 18:1-8
Our Daily Bread Focus: Betrayal; Living like Christ; Personal Behavior & Responsibility
Reflect & Pray
How does it encourage you to know that God isn’t affected by what someone may say or think about you? How will you celebrate His perfect love today?
Abba, Father, thank You for making me Your child. Help me to share Your love with others today.
Reflect & Pray
Who in your life is sharing or asking about the reason for your hope? What will you share with them?
Jesus, thank You for growing the seed of faith in my life. Help me to share the reason for my hope—You—with those who ask and may they grow in their love for You.
Learn more about sharing and defending your faith.
Reflect & Pray
Where’s your joy and contentment found in this life? In what ways do you exhibit new life in Christ?
Jesus, help me take hold of the abundant life that You’ve given to me.
Reflect & Pray
How does it make you feel that Christ resides in you by His Spirit (5:5)? When you find yourself “groaning,” how does prayer help you?
Father, thank You for Your continual presence. When I’m physically uncomfortable, help me to trust You even as I anticipate an eternal dwelling that will last forever.
Thursday, May 4, 2023 – OPERATING WITH PRAYER – 2 Chronicles 20:1-12
Daily Bread Focus: Prayer; Trust in God
Scripture(s): John 15:5; Psalm 46:1; 2 Chronicles 17:4
Reflect & Pray
How has prayer helped you? What current challenge in your life might benefit from prayer?
Dear God, thank You for listening and responding to prayer. I worship You as the all-knowing, all-powerful God. Please help me in each challenge I face today.
Learn how to pray effectively.
Reflect & Pray
How has God and His grace changed you? What are the changes He’s calling you to make these days?
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your life-changing grace.
Saturday, May 6, 2023 – THANKFUL HEARTS – Luke 17:11-19
Our Daily Bread Focus: Thankfulness
Reflect & Pray
What can you thank God for today? How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude?
Dear God, You’ve been so good to me. I give thanks to You today for ________________.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
AFTER REVIVAL, WHAT IS NEXT?
We had a remarkable revival season for eight weeks. We connected with each class and its members to receive a refresh of God’s Word. But, after almost any revival, we tend to lose the “spark” revival because, despite our fresh zeal, we lose the focus and refreshing each member brought to the study.
What’s next? How can we keep a hunger for the things of God?
We must remain exposed to the Word of God. Therefore, reading our bible and communing with God is vital for each of us, regardless of the time. Thus, after this revival, this becomes our primary objective.
In 1 Timothy 1, Paul encouraged Timothy to “stir up the gift of God.” So often, in our devotions, church services, or revival, we neglect to remind ourselves what God gave us. When God gives us something (salvation, answered prayers, blessings), they are valuable and should be examined and refreshed often.
The more we participate in revival for others, the harder it will be for us to lose that spirit of revival. Revivals are often characterized by fire. A lit torch can ignite others; as it does, it keeps itself burning.
So what’s next for us individually and as an organization? Well, let’s,
1) Remain exposed to the Word of God;
2) Continuously stir up your gift of God; and,
3) Always encourage others with the Word of God.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. — Psalm 51:10 ESV