FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
One Nation Under God
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: — Colossians 1:16 KJV
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. — Colossians 1:16 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 23, 2023 – REMEMBER IN PRAYER – Philemon 1:1-4
Our Daily Bread Focus: Love for others; Prayer
Reflect & Pray
What has helped you be faithful in prayer? How have you been blessed by someone’s prayers for you?
Father, help me to be faithful in prayer, knowing You always hear me.
Reflect & Pray
How can you draw strength from God’s promises to those who follow Him? How can you comfort someone grieving over a loved one or friend?
Father, thank You for Your hope and comfort today. Strengthen me today so I can encourage others too.
For further study, read Clinging to Hope in the Storm.
Reflect & Pray
When have you felt truly seen in your pain? How has God comforted you in hard times?
Dear God, thank You for seeing, understanding, and carrying all my grief.
Reflect & Pray
In times of ordeal, are you more likely to ask for help or try and face the problem alone? What “castaway” do you know who needs encouragement?
Dear God, please give me “castaway faith” to face times of difficulty well.
Thursday, July 27, 2023 – EXTRA GRACE REQUIRED – Ephesians 2:1-10
Daily Bread Focus: Salvation
Scripture(s): John 3:3; Romans 12:2; Titus 2:11-12
Reflect & Pray
When have you judged others for requiring extra grace? In what area of your life do you require grace today?
Father God, please help me extend grace to others as freely and generously as You’ve lavished Your abounding grace on me.
Learn more about how to find peace by forgiving others.
Reflect & Pray
What questions do you have for God? How will you trust Him to keep His word?
Heavenly Father, I can always rely on You. Forgive me when I lose sight of that truth.
Saturday, July 29, 2023 – QUIET, PLEASE – Luke 5:12-16
Our Daily Bread Focus: Prayer; Spiritual disciplines
Reflect & Pray
What are some of the distractions that can interrupt your prayer times? How could having a designated quiet place help you stay focused in prayer?
Father, sometimes the background noise of life in this world is deafening, pulling my attention away from You and hindering the time with You. Help me find a place where I can come away from it all and simply enjoy Your wonderful presence.
For further study, see Talking with My Father: Jesus Teaches on Prayer.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
FROM GRIEF TO GRACE
Grief touches our lives but doesn’t have to paralyze us with fear and inaction. God allows suffering because He knows how powerful it can be to our spiritual lives and to help us fully embrace His love and mercy.
Grief never ends. But it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith. It’s the price of love. God brings beauty from the ashes.
In the midst of any and every trial, His grace is enough, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. Learn to live a life of redemptive suffering that will draw you through grief into holiness and joy.
May your GRIEF be turned into GRACE.
May your MESS become a MESSAGE.
May your PAIN become POWER.
May your TEST change into TESTIMONY.
May your TRIALS turn into TRIUMPH.
May your WOES become WONDER.
And may your WOUNDS become WISDOM.
— Author Unknown
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. — Matthew 5:4 (NKJV)