FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
CELEBRATING SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS WITH THANKFULNESS
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV
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, November 19, 2023 – GATHERING STRENGTH IN GOD – 2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Our Daily Bread Focus: Encouragement
Reflect & Pray
Where are you experiencing weakness today? How can you—in that exact weakness—gather God’s strength for your journey?
Dear Father, help me gather my strength from Yours as I face what’s ahead in my life today.
Monday, November 20, 2023 – PRICELESS RESULTS – Proverbs 17:12-22
Daily Bread Focus(es): Hope; Living for Christ
Scripture(s): Romans 15:13; Psalms 16:11, 51:12; Luke 15:7, 10
Reflect & Pray
When has someone done something to bring you joy? What was the result?
Dear Father, thank You for giving me joy. Help me to spread it to others.
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 – PRECIOUS TO GOD – Isaiah 43:1-7
Daily Bread Focus: God’s love
Scripture(s): John 3:16; 1 John 4:10; Ephesians 2:4
Reflect & Pray
What’s your experience of relating to God as a Father? How can you remind yourself that you’re precious to Him?
Father, I want to live each day as Your child, precious and honored in Your sight.
Wednesday, November 22, 2023 – SHINING STARS – Philippians 2:12-16
Daily Bread Focus(es): Disciple-making; Evangelism
Scripture(s): 2 Timothy 2:1-2; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13-17
Reflect & Pray
How can you focus on Christ today, rather than the world’s evil? How can you shine His light today in your neighborhood?
Dear Jesus, thank You for being the Light of the World who brings me out of darkness.
Thursday, November 23, 2023 – A THANKSGIVING BLESSING – Luke 14:12-14
Daily Bread Focus(es): Living like Christ; Thankfulness
Scripture(s): 1 John 2:6; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
Reflect & Pray
When has an unexpected invitation encouraged you? What blessings did you experience?
Heavenly Father, may my invitations reflect a heart that wants to bless others as You lead me.
For further study, read Giving It Away.
Friday, November 24, 2023 – WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE –- Psalm 18:1-6
Daily Bread Focus: God’s love, Worship
Scripture(s): Psalm 116:16-17; 1 John 4:19; Psalm 18:32
Reflect & Pray
In what ways do you share your love for God with Him and with others? What might be standing in the way of your worship?
Heavenly Father, You’ve put a new song in my mouth. Please help my worship to express Your true goodness and greatness.
For further study, read Understanding the Bible: The Poetic Books.
Saturday, November 25, 2023 – SEEING BY FAITH – Hebrews 11:1-8
Our Daily Bread Focus: Spiritual Growth; Union With Christ
Reflect & Pray
What are you trusting God to do even though you may not see it clearly right now? How has He delivered you or your family in the past?
Heavenly Father, thank You for all the ways You’ve provided for me in the past. Help me to walk by faith even if I can’t see all You’re doing.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
BE THANKFUL FOR …
It’s effortless to be thankful for the plentiful good things God gives us. He lavishes us with grace and mercy daily.
Giving thanks in times of trouble and trials uncovers how God blesses us daily, showing our genuine relationship with Him.
But what are your first thoughts in times of trouble? Is it thankfulness and gratitude? Or is it doubt, blame, or fear?
We are made to worship and “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus “(1 Thessalonians 5:18).
We are not made to grumble and complain over His gifts, which include the COVID-19 pandemic, wars, the high cost of living, and other complex troubles we have faced in 2023 and most likely for many years.
Let’s be thankful for the difficult times. During those times, we grow.
Let’s be thankful for our limitations because they give us opportunities for improvement and protection.
Let’s be thankful for new challenges because they will build your strength and character.
Let’s be thankful for our mistakes. They will teach valuable lessons and direct our focus towards God, not man.
Let’s be thankful in all of our circumstances, good and bad! Our relationship with God will grow stronger in this posture of thankfulness.
To God be all the glory, Amen!