FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
Images of God’s Birthing of His Nation
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
(21) then say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone, and will gather them from all around, and bring them to their own land. (22) And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. And one king shall be king over them all, and they shall be no longer two nations, and no longer divided into two kingdoms. — Ezekiel 37:21-22 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 – HURT FOR INNER HEALING – Isaiah 61:1-3
Our Daily Bread Focus: Salvation; Christ, Savior/Messiah
Reflect & Pray
In what ways do you need Jesus’ healing? Who can you tell about Him and the salvation and wholeness He offers?
Thank You, Jesus, for the healing You’ve brought to me and many others. I look forward to complete healing in heaven one day.
For further study, read New Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel.
Monday, May 8, 2023 – TRUTH SEEKERS – Luke 1:1-4
Daily Bread Focuses: Apologetics; God’s love and care; Living like Christ
Scripture(s): 2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 14:6, 26; Acts 17:11
Reflect & Pray
Why do you think conspiracy theories spread so quickly? How can you be a truth seeker?
Father, help me discern truth from error as Your Spirit guides me.
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 – KNOWN BY GOD – John 20:11-18
Daily Bread Focus: Union with Christ
Scripture(s): Matthew 28:10; Hebrews 2:11; Psalm 22:22
Reflect & Pray
How does it feel knowing that Jesus rose again and knows you by name? How can you know Him better?
Your knowledge of me is humbling, dear Jesus. Thank You for the sacrificial gift of Your knowing love.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 – STOLEN GODS – Genesis 31:19-21; 32:22-30
Daily Bread Focus: Reverence for God; Idolatry
Scripture(s): 1 Samuel 12:24; Revelation 19:5; 1 John 5:21; Exodus 20:3-6
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 11, 2023 – GOD SEES, UNDERSTANDS, AND CARES – Psalm 147:1-5
Daily Bread Focus: Trust in God
Scripture(s): Psalms 28:7; 143:8; Isaiah 26:3-4
How have your neighbors loved you? How can you love others today?
God, please help me see, hear, and love others in practical ways.
For further study, read Loving Our Neighbors.
Friday, May 12, 2023 – HOW’S MY DRIVING? – James 1:19-26
Daily Bread Focuses: Emotions; Obedience; Spiritual growth and transformation
Scripture(s): Philippians 2:5; James 3:5-6
Reflect & Pray
Why can words spoken quickly and in anger be problematic? How can you better live out what you truly believe?
Father, sometimes my anger wins out and I say hurtful things. Please help me to grow in this area.
Saturday, May 13, 2023 – FOR LOVE’S SAKE – Romans 12:9-18
Our Daily Bread Focus: Love for Others
Reflect & Pray
What does it mean for you to love others as God loves them? How does Jesus reveal that love is more than emotion?
God of love, for love’s sake and Your glory, help me to consider others before I consider myself.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE
Jesus tells us to love our neighbors. He said that loving our neighbors is equal to loving God. So what would happen if we all took this commandment seriously and intentionally loved where we live?
God encourages us to love our neighbor who may not love you, may not think like you, speak like you, vote like you, and may not live like you (no exceptions).
Getting to know people beyond our inner circle can be uncomfortable, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of us go about our days, going to and from our homes without knowing our neighbors’ names. Often our social lives take place heavily online or through text messages.
So, what do we do to change that?
When we truly live by the first and greatest commandment, it is easier to follow the second because God’s love works beautifully in the heart.
As a result, our capacity to love others as ourselves comes more naturally.
God created us for community living. So, let’s live like it!