FOCUS FOR THE MONTH
STEPPING OUT UPON HIS PROMISE
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. — Matthew 7:7 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, January 21, 2024 – DROP BY DROP – 1 John 4:9-19
Our Daily Bread Focus: God’s Faithfulness
Reflect & Pray
In what ways have you experienced God’s grace “drop by drop” in your life? How has God’s love helped you overcome fear in exchange for hope and trust?
Faithful God, thank You for loving me first, even when my heart was too wounded and hurting to trust You. Thank You for the many ways You reach me wherever I am.
Reflect & Pray
What are you focused on? How can you shift your focus to more of an eternal perspective?
Heavenly Father, thank You for writing my name in heaven. I rejoice in knowing You.
Learn more about having a personal relationship with God.
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 – SCRAPS TO BEAUTY – Micah 4:1-5
Reflect & Pray
Where have you seen evil transformed by God’s love? How can you turn scraps into beauty?
Dear God, please change our world. Work through me to bring beauty here.
Learn how to trust God when the world is mess.
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 – QUICK TO LISTEN – James 1:18-20
Reflect & Pray
How has James’ instruction helped you in the past? How can you employ it today?
Gracious God, please remind me to be quick to listen and slow to become offended.
Thursday, January 25, 2024 – STRANGE PLACES – Esther 2:3-4, 12-17
Daily Bread Focuses: God’s character; Holy Spirit, leading
Scripture(s): Genesis 50:19-20
Reflect & Pray
When has God led you to a strange place? Why can you trust in His perfect plans?
Dear God, help me to trust You even when I don’t understand what You’re doing.
For further study read A Place for Doubt in a Growing Faith.
Friday, January 26, 2024 – NO MORE PREJUDICE – 1 Samuel 16:1-7
Reflect & Pray
Why is it vital not to judge someone based on personal prejudices? What does it mean for you to have a true heart for God?
Compassionate God, please help me not to evaluate people based on their appearances.
Saturday, January 27, 2023 – REFRESHING WORDS – Proverbs 25:23-27
Our Daily Bread Focus: Living for Christ; Spiritual Growth
Reflect & Pray
When have you seen the profound effect of words? How might the Spirit guide you to use refreshing words?
Heavenly Father, please help me to reflect Your compassion in my interactions by using gracious and kind words.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
CHARACTER MATTERS!
Without any doubt, the character of a person matters. Character is who you are when no one looks AND who you are when everyone looks. Throughout the scriptures, good character is commended far above any gift or work for the Lord. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort.
Friends, God seeks men and women with the character He can trust in His favor. As the Bible outlines, your ultimate life’s focus should be living based on solid ethical values and principles. True godly character requires you to surrender to God’s direction when it makes sense and when it does not.
People of character do the right thing even when doing right will cost them their comfort. They understand that upholding their character is the key to progressing in God’s vision for them.
Biblical People With Character:
- Moses – The Man of Patience
- Abraham – The Man of Faith
- Noah – The Man of Endurance
- Elijah – The Bold
- Daniel – The Man of Devotion
- David – The Man After God’s Own Heart
- Job – The Man of Perseverance
- Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego – The Underdogs
- Paul – The Man Against All Odds
- Jesus – The Sacrificial Lamb
- Mary of Nazareth – Mother of Jesus
- Ruth the Moabite – Justice for the People
- Mary Magdalene – Faithful Follower of Jesus
- Rachel – Strong in the Face of Adversity
- Hannah – Faithfulness To God
- Eve – Mother of all Beings
- Deborah – The Only Female Judge
- Esther – Jewish Queen of a Gentile Nation; Influencer
- Miriam – The Prophetess; Moses Sister
- Sarah – A Woman of Strength
- Elizabeth – A Woman of Faith
- Priscilla – Church leader, Faithful and Hospitable
- Mary of Bethany – The Fellowshipper
- Martha of Bethany – Devoted to Jesus
- Jehosheba – Brave and faithful to God
- Leah – Unloved, Resilient, Patient amidst Adversity, and Mother of Levi and Judah
“I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” — (Martin Luther King, Jr., Brainy Quotes)
“Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” — 1 Corinthians 15:33 NET