FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
God Is In Control
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. — Colossians 1:17 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, September 24, 2023 – COMPASSION IN ACTION – Colossians 3:12-14
Our Daily Bread Focus: Love for others, serving
Reflect & Pray
When did you see a hurt or need that, with compassion, you helped solve? How did your compassion make you feel?
As I see pain and need, Loving God, soften my heart to act with Christlike compassion.
Reflect & Pray
What are you fearing today? Ask God for His presence, comfort, and protection for whatever you’re facing.
Father, thank You that You’re with me and that I can trust You in those moments to see me through by Your grace.
For further study, read When Fear Seems Overwhelming: Finding Courage and Hope.
Reflect & Pray
Why are you tempted to rebel against God and seek help apart from Him? How does repentance before Him lead to reconciliation and life?
Dear God, please forgive me for seeking safety, security, and protection apart from You. Please restore my love for You.
For further study, read Feeling the Weight of Sin.
Reflect & Pray
What does it mean to you that Jesus knows your name? How might you similarly encourage others?
Thank You, Jesus, for knowing my name. I rest in Your love for me.
For further study, read Reclaiming Hope: Why We All Need Mercy, Justice, and Hope.
Thursday, September 28, 2023 – TEND YOUR GARDEN – Song of Songs 2:8-17
Daily Bread Focus(es): Living for Christ; Love for others
Scripture(s): Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Reflect & Pray
Where have you become complacent in a close relationship? What foxes are you tolerating?
Jesus, thank You for loving me so well.
Reflect & Pray
How has the generosity of others helped you get closer to Jesus? How can you put someone else’s needs above your own this week?
Dear God, help me give as generously as You’ve given to me.
Saturday, September 30, 2023 – LEAST LIKELY – Joshua 2:1-4, 9-14
Our Daily Bread Focus: Living for Christ, serving
Reflect & Pray
In what ways do you feel “in the background”? What do you think might be the mission God has for you?
Dear God, please help me be ready for Your calling, for the mission You might have for me.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
GIVE GOD YOUR BEST
We can give God our hearts and lives. Once God truly has our hearts, we will find it a joy to give Him our time, talents, and treasures. The gift that pleases God most of all is the gift of ourselves.
We can GIVE Him our praise. Psalm 63:3-4 NKJV says, “Because your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise…”
We should KEEP our promises to God. Psalm 116:18 NLT says, “I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.”
We can HONOR the Lord by bringing our offerings to Him. 1 Chronicles 16:28 NLT says, “O nations of the world, recognize the Lord, recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come to worship Him. Worship the Lord in all His holy splendor.”
Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands—all you can hold. The standard you use for others is the one that God will use for you.
Consider this:
- Whatever you do, do it with all your heart for the glory of God in the name of the Lord Jesus.
- Give God your best, and He will do the rest.
- Have faith in God, and you’ll never fail the test!
What can I give back to God for the blessings He has poured out on me? — Psalm 116:12 (MSG)