FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
Faithful Fathers Follow God’s Laws
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. — Psalm 103:13 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, June 25, 2023 – REMEMBERING THE SACRIFICE – 1 Corinthians 11:23-28
Our Daily Bread Focus: Christ, Savior/Messiah; Communion
Reflect & Pray
When you approach the Lord’s Table, how do you view it? How can you use it as an opportunity to give thanks for Christ’s sacrifice on your behalf?
Loving God, nothing could ever repay the priceless display of love evidenced in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Help me to display my gratitude for what He’s done for me.
Reflect & Pray
What do you long for the most? What pursuits and obsessions have left you feeling empty?
Dear God, I give my desires over to You. Please help me crave the treasures that You value.
For further study, read Compassion: When Jesus Asks for More than We Have.
Reflect & Pray
What kind act might you do today to “heap burning coals” on your enemy’s head? How might you pray specifically for them?
Dear Jesus, I praise You that Your kindness leads me to repentance and inspires me to be kind to my enemies.
Reflect & Pray
When do you usually feel lonely? How does Psalm 23 encourage you?
Loving God, thank You for always being with me.
For further study, read The Lord Is My Shepherd: Rest and Renewal from Psalm 23.
Thursday, June 29, 2023 – THE GOSPEL IN UNEXPECTED PLACES – Mark 2:13-17
Daily Bread Focus: Christ, life and teaching; Living for Christ
Scripture(s): Matthew 19:24; Luke 3:12-13; Luke 7:34
Reflect & Pray
When have you noticed God at work in a place that surprised you? What adjustments might you make to be open to the Spirit leading you into unexpected places?
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing up even in places where I’m tempted to believe You’re absent. Thank You for calling me to be a part of Your mission.
Friday, June 30, 2023 – PARTING WORDS – 1 Samuel 12:1, 19-24
Reflect & Pray
Why is it vital to turn from sin and ask Christ for forgiveness? What does it mean for you to follow God with all your heart?
Dear God, guide me to true repentance. Please help me to recognize my sin and put my total trust in the saving power of Jesus.
For further study, read Taking Sin Seriously.
Saturday, July 1, 2023 – CONNECTED TO THE POWER SOURCE – 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5; 5:19
Our Daily Bread Focus: Fruit of the Spirit; Holy Spirit
Reflect & Pray
When have you felt the Spirit’s power to be limited? How have you experienced the power of God’s Spirit?
Almighty God, help me experience the power of Your Spirit in my life.
For further study, read A Story of a Life Led by the Spirit at DiscoverySeries.org.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
WAIT ON THE LORD!
In many books of the Bible, particularly Psalms and Proverbs, we find commands to wait on the Lord like this: “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.”
We can wait on the Lord eagerly, knowing He is with us and in control of our lives. He will do what He promises. He promises to rescue and save us. He promises to work for our good, even when we don’t sense Him.
Remember those who stood on God’s promises:
—Joseph waited 13 years to be free of trials and imprisonment. — Genesis 37-52
—Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years for a son. — Genesis 21:1
—Moses waited 40 years to lead the people to the promised land. — Numbers 14:11-20:12
—Job waited on God throughout his suffering, even while his friends pointed fingers of blame. — Job 2:11; Job 4, 8, 11
—David waited faithfully on God to become King. — 2 Samuel 5: 3-5
—Daniel waited on God to answer his prayers. — Daniel 9
—Jesus waited 30 years to begin His ministry on earth. — Luke 3:23
So, if God makes you wait, you are in excellent company.
Six things to do while you’re waiting:
1. Don’t lose confidence in God. — Proverbs 14:26
2. Trust in His unfailing love. — Psalm 52:8
3. Rejoice in His redemption. — Psalm 118:15
4. Cling to God’s Word. — Psalm 119:105
5. Be strong. — Joshua 1:9
6. Be patient. — Romans 12:12
Through patient courage, active trust, and consistently seeking God in prayer, we, too, can learn to wait on the Lord.