FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
GOD’S GREATEST GIFT
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 6:23 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 31, 2023 – THE RIGHTEOUS CITY – Hebrews 13:14-21
Our Daily Bread Focus: Spiritual Growth
Reflect & Pray
For what Christlike attributes would you like to be known? How can you encourage others to seek God’s righteousness?
Dear God, please work in me what’s pleasing to You.
Reflect & Pray
What does it mean to you that a new beginning is possible with God? How can you live as His “new creation”?
Abba, Father, thank You for sending Your Son to save me. Please send me to someone who needs You too.
Reflect & Pray
What occupies your time and what meaning does it hold? How might you change your priorities to follow Jesus?
Loving Father, help me find my fulfillment in You.
Reflect & Pray
How has God used nature to affirm your hope in Him? How can you serve as part of His care team?
Loving Creator and Sustainer, help me be a hope-spotter who faithfully serves on Your care team.
Thursday, January 4, 2024 – QUIET FAITHFULNESS IN CHRIST – 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2, 9-12
Daily Bread Focus: Living for Christ
Scripture(s): Romans 13:13-14; Hebrews 10:22-23
How should your faith affect the way you work? In what ways is being a faithful worker a powerful testimony?
Father, please help me to remember that there are no small jobs in Your kingdom and to faithfully serve You each day.
Reflect & Pray
Where do you need direction today? How might God be revealing Himself to you?
Dear God, when I’m uncertain, help me to stand at the crossroads and look for Your provision.
Saturday, January 6, 2023 – THE MEANING OF MYRRH – Matthew 2:9-13
Our Daily Bread Focus: Christ, birth
Reflect & Pray
How do you feel when you ponder the truth that Jesus was born to die for you? How does His resurrection inspire you?
Heavenly Father, may Your Spirit help me live my life in gratitude for Your Son giving His life for me.
For further study, read Jesus or Herod? The Choice of the Magi.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
STANDING AT THE CROSSROADS OF A NEW YEAR
This New Year is a time for hope and change, a time to make decisions to change specific paths and resist others. In Jeremiah 6:16 (KJV), the Lord said, “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.”
Amid the pain and challenges of life, it is easy for us to become enslaved by feelings of resentment, anxiety, and criticism, which do not give rest to our souls.
In 2024, let’s continue the 40-day prayer challenge and make it a 365-day prayer challenge. Reflect on the health of your soul; rediscover the ancient path to give you rest.
Here are five things you can do to help.
1. Thank God often and consistently.
2. Confess your sins.
3. Be ready to accept humiliation.
4. Do not worry about status.
5. Use your sense of humor.
Are you at a crossroads? Do not let another minute go by with it unanswered. I would encourage you right now to take the time to stop, look around, pray, ask God for direction, and follow His directions.
Stay on the ancient path, and you will find rest for your soul.
Let us take care of our souls in 2024.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!