FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
GOD’S GREATEST GIFT
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 KJV
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 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, December 24, 2023 – THE CHRISTMAS STAR – Matthew 2:1-5, 7-12
Our Daily Bread Focus: Christ, birth
Reflect & Pray
In what practical way will you follow Jesus today? What can you do this week to share His love with others?
Dear Jesus, thank You for being the Way to my forever-home in heaven. Please help guide me by Your light today!
For further study, read Why Should I Trust God?
Monday, December 25, 2023 – THE PROMISE OF CHRIST’S BIRTH – Luke 2:1-7
Daily Bread Focuses: Christ, birth; Prophecies concerning Christ; Eschatology
Scripture(s): Matthew 2:6; John 7:42
Reflect & Pray
How might you respond in worship to the truth of the prophecies of Christ’s birth? How does His promise to return for us impact your decision-making?
Loving Father, I’m so grateful for the birth of Jesus and His mission of rescue and redemption. Thank You for His certain return for me.
Tuesday, December 26, 2023 – THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS – Luke 2:15-20
Daily Bread Focuses: Christ, person/work; Christ, birth; Encouragement
Scripture(s): Luke 1:30-33; John 3:16
Reflect & Pray
When are you prone to feeling a “low” after a “high”? How can you ponder today all that Jesus has brought into the world?
Dear Jesus, I praise You for entering our dark world, forever brightening my days with Your presence.
Wednesday, December 27, 2023 – GOD’S WISDOM SAVES LIVES – Proverbs 11:24-31
Daily Bread Focus: Wisdom
Scripture(s): Daniel 12:3; James 1:5
Reflect & Pray
How can you use wisdom to help someone today? How much do you value wisdom?
Heavenly Father, please give me wisdom to follow Your path and directions. Help me to look out for others as You guide me.
Learn more about your God-given calling.
Thursday, December 28, 2023 – MEETING THE NEEDS OF OTHERS – Exodus 22:22-27
Daily Bread Focuses: Loving others; Serving
Scripture(s): Acts 20:35; 1 Peter 4:10; Proverbs 19:17
How has God supplied your needs through others? Whose needs might you be able to supply?
Heavenly Father, please open my eyes to the needs of others.
Friday, December 29, 2023 – THE CROWN OF LIFE – James 1:1-12
Daily Bread Focuses: Spiritual growth; Union with Christ
Scripture(s): Revelation 2:10; 1 Peter 5:4
Reflect & Pray
What difficulty are you enduring right now? What can you do to remain faithful to God as you undergo testing?
Dear God, my legs are tired, and I feel like giving up. Please strengthen me.
Saturday, December 30, 2023 – TROUBLED SOULS, HONEST PRAYERS – John 12:27-32
Our Daily Bread Focus: Prayer
Reflect & Pray
What experiences have prompted prayers for God to be honored? What advice would you give to others facing such situations?
Father, please help me to face challenging things honestly and prayerfully that are for my good and will bring You glory.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
BIBLICAL CROWNS
The Bible mentions five types of crowns in Heaven promised to Believers. The five crowns are not the only crowns in life, but they are the only ones mentioned in the Bible. Crowns are not things we wear on our heads but are the glory of our resurrected bodies.
1. The Crown of Righteousness mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:8 is the crown for those who long for Heaven, their true home, who long to see the face of their Savior when He comes for them in the clouds.
2. 1 Corinthians 9:25 tells us about an Incorruptible Crown. This crown, also known as the “Imperishable Crown,” was given to individuals who demonstrated self-denial and perseverance.
3. People who have patiently endured trials, testing, and persecution receive the Crown Of Life, according to James 1:12. It is for the people who bravely confront persecution for Jesus Christ to the point of death. (Read Our Daily Bread lesson entitled “The Crown of Life,” December 29, 2023.)
4. According to 1 Peter 5:2-4, Crowns of Glory were given to the faithful shepherds of God’s people. It will reward those who answer the leadership call and carry out the Great Commission.
5. There is a Crown of Rejoicing for every saint, every saved person, in 1 Thessalonians 2:19. Salvation is only by grace through faith, given to those who engage in the evangelism of those outside the Christian church.
One day, we will lay our crowns back down at the feet of Jesus because He deserves all the credit for our crowns.
He is the One who called us into His service, equipped us with everything we need to fulfill that calling, and rewarded us with eternal life.