FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
Images of God’s Birthing of His Nation
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. — Isaiah 49:15 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, May 14, 2023 – LOVING LEADERSHIP – 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12
Our Daily Bread Focus: Mentoring; Serving
Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced leadership motivated by love? How might you encourage those under your care?
Heavenly Father, help me to extend to others the loving care You graciously show to me.
Monday, May 15, 2023 – EXPLORING THE STARS – Psalm 19:1-6
Daily Bread Focus: Apologetics; Creation; God’s character
Scripture(s): Deuteronomy 4:15-19; Psalms 97:1-2; 121:1-2
Reflect & Pray
How do the stars and the entire universe speak of God and His creative ways? What thoughts and emotions strike you as you think about His power?
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating such an amazing universe for me to enjoy.
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 – WHO AM I? – John 1:6-13
Daily Bread Focus: Union with Christ
Scripture(s): Acts 1:8; Romans 8:14-17
Reflect & Pray
How do you know you’re chosen by God? How does being His child help you understand your true identity?
God, I know that I’m Yours. Help me feel confidence in knowing that I’m born of You—a child of the King.
Learn more about your identity in Christ through salvation.
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 – GOD REMEMBERS NAMES – Isaiah 43:1-7
Daily Bread Focus: God’s character
Scripture(s): John 10:3; 14-15; Psalm 139:16
Reflect & Pray
What trials are you facing these days? How can focusing on the fact that God knows you by name help you walk through trying times with confidence?
Thank You for knowing me by name, dear God.
Thursday, May 18, 2023 – GRANDMOTHER RESEARCH – Zephaniah 3:17-20
Daily Bread Focus: God’s love and care
Scripture(s): Psalm 119:59; John 3:16
How have you felt the pleasure of God? How does this make you feel?
Dear God, help me to feel Your smile upon me.
Friday, May 19, 2023 – YOU ARE HEARD – Psalm 116:1-7
Daily Bread Focus: God’s love and care; Suffering and tragedy; Trust in God
Scripture(s): 2 Kings 20:5; Genesis 16:11
Reflect & Pray
What do you do when you’re feeling alone or abandoned? What will you ask God, who hears your every cry and cares for you?
Father, thank You for always hearing the cries of my heart. Your help and presence are my rest.
Saturday, May 20, 2023 – KEEP IN TOUCH – Matthew 6:5-9
Our Daily Bread Focus: Friendship; Prayer; Spiritual Disciplines
Reflect & Pray
How can you better stay in touch with others? How have you experienced keeping in touch with the Father?
Father, thank You for knowing my needs before I even speak them.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE FOR A REASON
Everyone probably doubted their worth at least once, especially in God’s eyes. Some questioned their appearance, some questioned their circumstances, and some even asked why God created them that way. So, we ponder the question, “Who am I?”
The Bible answers this question in Psalm 139:13-14, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful; I know that full well.”
Russell Kelfer nailed this question down with his beautiful poem,
“You Are Who You Are For A Reason.”
You are who you are for a reason.
You’re part of an intricate plan.
You’re a precious and perfect unique design,
Called “God’s special woman or man.”
You look like you look for a reason.
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You’re just what He wanted to make!
The parents you had were the ones He chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with God’s plan in mind,
And they bear the Master’s seal.
No, that trauma you faced was not easy;
And God wept that it hurt you so.
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into His likeness you’d grow.
You are who you are for a reason.
You’ve been formed by the Master’s rod
You are who you are, Beloved,
Because there is a GOD.
— Russell Kelfer