FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
One Nation Under God
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. — 2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.– 2 Corinthians 3:17 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
Young Adult Prayer Call (Age Group 18-35)
1-605-472-5660; access code 781-480#
start time is 7:30 PM – every Sunday
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, July 16, 2023 – PRAYER AND TRANSFORMATION – Psalm 107:23-36
Our Daily Bread Focus: Prayer
Reflect & Pray
When have you seen God do something transformative? What’s the connection between His actions and our prayers?
Dear God, I need Your transforming work. Please change what only You can change.
Reflect & Pray
Whom can you encourage to believe in Jesus? What opportunities to share the gospel can you pray for?
Dear Jesus, open my eyes and heart to people around me who need to hear of Your love. Please give me the opportunity to share the gospel with them.
Reflect & Pray
What regrets do you have? How might you honor God by letting Him redeem them and use you to serve Him?
Thank You, Father, that You’re always ready to hear my honest prayers.
Reflect & Pray
Are there any ways you’re sometimes tempted to “slow-walk” your sin? What barriers keep you from confession?
Heavenly Father, thank You that my sin doesn’t have the last word. Help me to remember, as I tell You and others the truth, that I can be confident of Your mercy and forgiveness.
Thursday, July 20, 2023 – PUTTING ON HUMILITY – Philippians 2:5-11
Daily Bread Focus: Humility
Scripture(s): Mark 10:45; 1 Peter 1:18-19
Reflect & Pray
How can you lovingly address the needs and issues others are facing? What does it mean for you to live out the humility of Jesus?
Holy God, thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus for me. Please give me the mindset of Christ as I humbly serve my brothers and sisters.
Reflect & Pray
What are some ways God communes with His children? Why is it vital to regularly communicate with Him?
Loving Father, quiet my heart and mind so I’m ready to meet with You today.
Saturday, July 22, 2023 – DRENCHED BY THE SPIRIT – Acts 1:1-8
Our Daily Bread Focus: Holy Spirit
Reflect & Pray
How can you see the difference that the Holy Spirit has made in you? How can you welcome God’s Spirit to work in and through you more?
Loving God, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Help me to love You and others more today.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
FROM PEN TO PAPER
(A REFLECTION SHARED AT THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR FRANCES MELVIN-NORMAN)
What does one say about a faithful friend for over a half-century? Where should one begin? Let’s start with our first encounter.
In 1969, Frances and I met as recruits with the USPS. I was from a small coal mining town in West Virginia and needed a friend. God sent me Frances from Stoney Creek, Virginia. We became “kindred spirits.”
Frances has left us a legacy of faithful service. She impacted others most by living a life that points to Jesus.
Frances, you may be gone from our midst
But you aren’t gone from our hearts
Because we will never forget you
Though you are no longer here.
Your legacies remain alive with us
You were a mother like no other
You were a friend from the beginning to the end
You expressed God’s love from above
You lived your life full of love.
You ran the race God set before you
Now that you have gone the way of all men
We are sad that you are no longer here
But we will always celebrate your memory
Till we meet again in the Lord’s bosom.
I am so glad I had the chance to know you — a shining example of faithfulness and loyalty. You stayed faithful to God until your last breath. You never went back on your word. You always did what you promised.
Your face always carried a cheerful smile that radiated to those around you. And we are here to celebrate and to testify of your faithful service.
Frances Melvin-Norman is now in the 5 A.M. Bible Study Ministry’s Heavenly Hall of Faithful Service. She put her faith into action by using her gifts of finance, correspondence, and technical skills to serve the Ministry.
“His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. — Matthew 25:23