FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
Cultivate a Heart of Thanksgiving
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. — Psalm 100:4 KJV
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! — Psalm 100:4 ESV
MINISTRY RESOURCES
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
LET’S CELEBRATE YOUR NEW YEAR!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPEN INVITATION FROM CLASS 7
Please join us whenever your Class Facilitator is absent
1-605-313-4831; access code 259-748#
Did you miss your class today? Do you want an evangelism tool?
If yes — call or share the Class 7 Instant Replay
1-605-313-4904; access code 259-748#
Open Invitation – Intercessory Prayer
Join the Ministry for Intercessory Prayer every 2nd Saturday of each month
1-605-313-5671; access code 563-972#
start time is at 4:45 AM
You Are Welcome To Listen To Class Review Instant Replays
Class 5 – (605) 468-8114; access code 694-591#
Class 6 – (605) 313-4899; access code 943-172#
Class 7 – (605) 313-4904; access code 259-748#
Visit here to submit Prayer Requests
ESV Translation Philosophy
The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to reproduce the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. As such, its emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence, at the same time taking full account of differences in grammar, syntax, and idiom between current literary English and the original languages. Thus it seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and exact force of the original.
In contrast to the ESV, some Bible versions have followed a “thought-for-thought” rather than “word-for-word” translation philosophy, emphasizing “dynamic equivalence” rather than the “essentially literal” meaning of the original. A “thought-for-thought” translation is of necessity more inclined to reflect the interpretive views of the translator and the influences of contemporary culture.
Every translation is at many points a trade-off between literal precision and readability, between “formal equivalence” in expression and “functional equivalence” in communication, and the ESV is no exception. Within this framework, we have sought to be “as literal as possible” while maintaining clarity of expression and literary excellence. Therefore, to the extent that plain English permits and the meaning in each case allows, we have sought to use the same English word for important recurring words in the original; and, as far as grammar and syntax allow, we have rendered Old Testament passages cited in the New in ways that show their correspondence. Thus in each of these areas, as well as throughout the Bible as a whole, we have sought to capture all the echoes and overtones of meaning that are so abundantly present in the original texts.
As an essentially literal translation, taking into account grammar and syntax, the ESV thus seeks to carry over every possible nuance of meaning in the original words of Scripture into our own language. As such, the ESV is ideally suited for in-depth study of the Bible. Indeed, with its commitment to literary excellence, the ESV is equally well suited for public reading and preaching, for private reading and reflection, for both academic and devotional study, and for Scripture memorization.
PRAISE & WORSHIP
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Sunday, November 9, 2025 – RADICAL MISSION – Matthew 28:16-20
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Christ, resurrection; Disciple-making; Evangelism; Influencing people; Theology of Mission
Today’s Devotional
Diognetus, a second-century pagan, noticed that followers of Christ “day by day increase more and more.” This was despite regular persecution they endured under the hand of the Romans. He asked a believer in Jesus why this was true. In a document we know as the Letter to Diognetus, that early church father replied to him, “Do you not see that the more of them are punished, the greater becomes the number of the rest? This does not seem to be the work of man: this is the power of God.”
As Jesus gave His final words to His disciples before ascending into heaven, they could little imagine the growth the church would experience in the coming centuries. He told them, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). This has become known as the Great Commission, but using this phrase to describe Christ’s final words to His disciples can make it feel burdensome. In reality, this is what He calls all those who follow Him to do: As we go about our day, make disciples. We don’t have to go to the ends of the earth; the message will travel wherever we carry it with us.
Don’t be discouraged by the difficulties of the moment. Jesus also said, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (v. 20). We take Him with us everywhere we go.
Reflect & Pray
Who are the people in your life who need to hear the gospel? How will you share the good news with them today?
Dear Father, please give me an opportunity to share my story of salvation.
Today’s Insights
In the Gospels, Jesus is described as a man who “taught as one who had authority” (Matthew 7:29) and “has authority on earth to forgive sins” (9:6). The Greek word exousia carries the meaning of “authority, power, the right to control or govern; dominion, the area or sphere of jurisdiction.” Christ called twelve men, discipled them, and then “[sent] them out to preach” (Mark 3:14).
He “gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases” and instructed them “to proclaim the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:1-2). As the Son of God and Son of Man, Jesus has been given “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18), for God granted “him authority over all people” (John 17:2).
We’re also armed with His authority—although ours is limited—to go into the world and tell others about Him. As believers in Jesus, we can ask God to give us opportunities to share Him with others and disciple them (Matthew 28:19-20).
Monday, November 10, 2025 – A GOD-FEARING WOMAN – Proverbs 31:24-31
Daily Bread Focuses: Living like Christ; Living with other believers; Wisdom
Scriptures: Titus 2:3-5; Proverbs 9:10; 1 Peter 3:4-6
Today’s Devotional
Rosie’s birthday celebration was unforgettable. The food was tasty, the table banter was fun, and the presence of her first grandson was icing on the cake! These good things, however, paled in view of her two sons’ tributes to her. Though Rosie’s marriage didn’t last, her exceptional skills as a single mom marked her sons. Their accolades reflected how she did everything possible to provide for their needs. The younger son’s comment best captured Rosie’s posture before them: “She is a God-fearing woman.”
In Proverbs 31:10-31 readers get to see what fear-informed wisdom looks like in the home. The fear of the Lord (v. 30), which is a humble reverence for God, compels one to be trustworthy (vv. 11-12) and hardworking and thrifty (vv. 13-19). And, while the wise woman possesses a “home first” attitude (vv. 21-28), that doesn’t mean “home only.” Meeting the needs of outsiders also gets attention (v. 20).
As with Rosie, the lifestyles of God-fearing women don’t go unnoticed—especially among those who live with them (v. 28). It’s not surprising when those closest to them sing their praises. Want to be a God-fearing follower of Jesus? Why not ask God for His help? And don’t be surprised when those prayers are answered—even in challenging circumstances.
Reflect & Pray
How do others inspire you to live in humble awe of God, even in less-than-ideal circumstances? How can you reverently seek Him and His wisdom?
Wise Father, please give me courage to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in the way I love, honor, and respect You.
Today’s Insights
The book of Proverbs introduces us to two central figures—Woman Wisdom and Woman Folly. Woman Wisdom is the embodiment of God’s wisdom. She entreats the public to follow her way, which is also the path of flourishing (1:20-33). Woman Folly, on the other hand, seduces those who hear her voice, causing them to choose the path of foolish disregard of divine wisdom (9:13-18).
At the close of Proverbs, we’re also introduced to the “wife of noble character” (31:10; see also 12:4), whom we can understand as a person whose life genuinely reflects the wisdom of Woman Wisdom. This same phrase—“woman of noble character” (“wife” can also be translated “woman”)—is also used to describe Ruth (Ruth 3:11). Her faithful care of her mother-in-law, Naomi, is a concrete example of what being a woman of noble character looks like in practice—having a character of such faithfulness that others notice it.
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 – FLASHBULB MEMORIES – John 20:18-20, 30-31
Daily Bread Focuses: Christ, crucifixion; Christ, life/teaching; Joy; Persecution
Scriptures: 1 John 3:2; Acts 5:30-32
Today’s Devotional
Early winter 1941. The Sunday service had just concluded. As their father lingered at the little north-country church, my dad and his siblings walked the short distance home. When their father came up the snowy hill to the farmhouse, he was crying. He’d just learned Pearl Harbor had been bombed. His sons—my dad included—would be going to war. Dad always recalled the moment in vivid detail.
Researchers call such events “flashbulb memories”—moments seared into our minds. Think of 9/11, or the day you lost someone close. Think too of your most joyous experience.
Imagine the flashbulb memories of Jesus’ disciples. They witnessed miracle after miracle. Suddenly catastrophe struck. The Son of God was arrested and crucified. But then, resurrection! Mary Magdalene hurried to tell the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” (John 20:18). Still, the disciples hid in fear. They didn’t believe the news (Luke 24:11), not until “Jesus came and stood among them” (John 20:19). Then, “The disciples were overjoyed” (v. 20).
John recorded some of those moments, saying, “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (v. 31). “Flashbulb memories” with eternal significance.
Reflect & Pray
What flashbulb memories do you have? How would you describe your biggest spiritual decision and what it means?
Dear Father, thank You for being with us in all our moments, big and small, and for the biggest event in history—the resurrection of Your Son.
For further study, read A Prayer for Remembering History.
Today’s Insights
The gospel of John contains many “flashbulb” moments—significant events that are impressed on our minds—which shed light on Jesus’ identity and mission. Perhaps that’s why John uses variations of the phrase “come and see” four times in his gospel (1:39; 1:46; 4:29; 11:34). As the individuals in the story are invited to come and see what John is unveiling about Christ, the reader is also invited to pay attention.
The apostle is shining the light on Jesus’ person and work so that we “may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing [we] may have life in his name” (20:31). This life He offers is eternal: “Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (3:16). Because of Christ’s resurrection—the most significant event in history—those who believe in Him for the forgiveness of sins will spend eternity with Him.
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 – BEYOND DREAMSCROLLING – 1 Peter 1:3-9, 13
Daily Bread Focus: Trust in God
Scriptures: John 1:12-13; 1 Corinthians 15:20; Colossians 3:2-3
Today’s Devotional
ach fall in my youth, my grandmother got the JCPenney Christmas catalog. With a zealous delight, I spirited it away to ponder its marvelous images.
These days, those images show up on our smartphones daily—the algorithmic distillation of our hopes and dreams, a personalized feed tailored to us. It’s easy to get lost in them. Recently, experts have named this digital phenomenon dreamscrolling. A survey conducted by OnePoll indicates that the average U.S. smartphone user dreamscrolls more than two hours a day! The images that tantalize our hearts invite us to hope, to believe, that if we just had this one thing, it would all be good.
Scripture, in contrast, invites us to relinquish our grip on material things. In 1 Peter 1:3-4, we read, “In [God’s] great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” Peter contrasts our temporal yearnings with the promise of something that will satisfy: placing our hope in God’s grace. Later he adds, “Set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming” (v. 13).
Truth? I’m a dreamscroller. But I’m asking God to help me gradually learn to lean into His bigger hope, to set my desire fully on Him.
Reflect & Pray
What are you truly seeking when you dreamscroll? What’s captivating your heart?
Dear Father, the world is full of promises that will only leave me empty. But my hope in You will never disappoint. Please help me set my hope on You today.
Discover more about faith in a digital world.
Today’s Insights
The apostle Peter wrote to encourage believers in Jesus scattered throughout the Roman provinces (1 Peter 1:1) in what is now Turkey. They faced persecution from three places: the Romans under evil Emperor Nero (AD 37-68), the Jews, and their own families. The Romans persecuted them because they refused to worship the emperor as God and to worship at pagan temples. The believers also didn’t support Roman ideals and rejected the immorality of that culture.
Peter reminded them to stay strong (vv. 6-9), for they have a “living hope” (v. 3) and an everlasting “inheritance” (v. 4). Of 1 Peter 1:3-5, theologian Ray Stedman wrote: “Here is the hope of heaven—a place in eternity that is already reserved for [believers in Jesus]. . . . We not only have a living hope for the future and eternity, but we have present power—right now, today!” When we focus on Christ and set our desires on Him, the things of this world lose their appeal.
Thursday, November 13, 2025 – KINDNESS FOR THE SUFFERING – Obadiah 1:4-9, 12-13
Daily Bread Focuses: Community; Loving others
Scriptures: Proverbs 24:16-18; Ephesians 4:13-16
Today’s Devotional
One of the deadliest wildfires in US history decimated the town of Lahaina, Hawaii, in August 2023, killing ninety-nine people and destroying more than two thousand buildings. Still reeling from the devastation, residents experienced additional trauma when some looters pillaged buildings and greedy realtors attempted to gobble up land.
The corrupt desire to take advantage of tragic circumstances is the backdrop of a strong message from God to the nation of Edom. The prophet Obadiah warned the Edomites, Israel’s enemies for generations (Ezekiel 35:5), of God’s coming justice because the Edomites used their geographic advantage (Obadiah 1:3) and acquired wealth (v. 6), alliances with other nations (v. 7), wisdom (v. 8), and military strength (v. 9) to exploit the weak. Obadiah also rebuked the way Edom gloated as Israel was sent into captivity. Instead of compassion, Edom looted Israelite homes and marched through defeated cities in victory (vv. 12-13).
Although Lahaina residents saw despicable actions, they also experienced kindness when churches on the island became hospitality centers offering shelter, hot meals, and emergency supplies.
When someone is suffering, we face a similar choice. We can try to benefit from their loss. Or we can respond in the way God desires, like the churches in Lahaina, with kindness and generosity.
Reflect & Pray
When have you been tempted to take advantage of someone’s suffering? How does God’s love compel us to kindness?
Dear God, please help me extend kindness when someone is hurting.
Learn more about Edom read, The Big Story in a Little Book.
Today’s Insights
Edom’s betrayal of Israel cuts even deeper than one nation taking advantage of another nation’s plight (Obadiah 1:1-13). The nation of Edom descended from Jacob’s twin brother, Esau (Genesis 25:24-30). The tension between the brothers continued throughout their lives, but it’s epitomized in Jacob stealing Esau’s birthright and blessing from their father (25:29-34; 27:1-41). That family tension continued to plague Jacob’s descendants (Israel) for centuries (see Numbers 20:14-21).
The prophecies in Obadiah condemn Edom for rejoicing in God’s judgment against Judah and exploiting their vulnerabilities (Obadiah 1:12-14; see Amos 1:11-12). When someone is suffering, we honor God when we respond with kindness and generosity instead of exploitation.
Friday, November 14, 2025 – WAITING FOR GOD – Lamentations 3:22-33
Daily Bread Focus: Waiting on God
Scriptures: Psalm 27:14; Micah 7:7
Today’s Devotional
When a country erupted in civil war, authorities conscripted a man into military service. However, he objected: “I don’t want any part in destroying [my country].” So he left it. Because he didn’t have proper visas, however, he eventually found himself stuck in another country’s airport. For months, airport employees gave the man food and thousands followed his tweets as he roamed terminals, knitted scarves, and clung to hope. Hearing of his perpetual plight, a community in Canada raised money and found him a job and a house.
The book of Lamentations presents the cry of Jeremiah, who waited for God and the end of His discipline for the sins of his people. The prophet remained confident in an everlasting God who he knew could be trusted. “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him” (3:25). God’s people can experience hope even when troubles overwhelm and relief seems impossible. Though they might need to humbly accept God’s discipline, they can cling to the reality that “there may yet be hope” (v. 29). Those who know God can experience a hope that flows from Him. “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (v. 26).
Without answers or any clear way of escape, we wait for the God who’s proven Himself faithful over and over again to help us.
Reflect & Pray
What situation comes to mind when you think about waiting on God? Why is this difficult, and how is God meeting you there?
Dear God, please help me patiently wait for You to act out Your will in my life.
For further study, watch Waiting in Hard Times.
Today’s Insights
The prophet Jeremiah wrote with heavy sorrow regarding Jerusalem’s destruction by Babylon (586 BC) and the captivity of his people: “How deserted lies the city, once so full of people! . . . After affliction and harsh labor, Judah has gone into exile” (Lamentations 1:1, 3). His call to be a prophet to Judah began during the righteous reign of King Josiah (Jeremiah 1:1-3). Josiah’s reforms didn’t last, and the people quickly returned to their idolatry.
Jeremiah prophesied the Israelites’ seventy-year captivity and their return from exile. Despite all he suffered personally and in his role as prophet, however, he expresses hope and trust in God and stands firm in his faith: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). We also can share in this great hope as we patiently wait on God and trust Him to work in our lives.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 – SINGING THE SCRIPTURES – Song of Songs 1:1-6
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Identity in Christ; Worship
Today’s Devotional
For her daily devotions, Julie began singing the Scriptures. “As I sang, my heart and mind actually began to do and believe what I was singing about!” Through vocalizing God’s Word in song, Julie wanted His truth to shed light on the things she disliked about herself, such as her voice and her height.
She said, “I began to sing from Song of Solomon 1:5: ‘Dark I am, yet lovely.’ ” (In that agrarian culture, a woman tanned by the sun wasn’t seen as beautiful.) As Julie sang the Scripture passage, God changed her thoughts. Suddenly she understood: “God loves me even though I am not perfect.”
Julie sang from a beautiful poem found in the Old Testament’s Wisdom Literature. Some people interpret the Song of Songs as an allegory of God’s love for His people, but many view it as a celebration of marital love. In witnessing the beauty of the couple’s commitment to each other, we can echo the friends’ words: “We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine” (v. 4).
However we interpret these ancient words, we can affirm with Julie that God revels in His chosen people. As He says elsewhere in the Old Testament: “You are precious and honored in my sight, and . . . I love you” (Isaiah 43:4).
Reflect & Pray
Along with singing, how else could you engage with the words of the Bible in new ways? How can you embrace the truth that God loves you?
Creator God, You’ve formed me in Your image and say that You love me. Please help me to know this truth in my head and my heart, that I might share Your love with others.
For further study, check out the Biblical Study Page.
Today’s Insights
For centuries, scholars have debated how to read the Song of Solomon. Some have maintained that the Song is an extended allegory portraying the love between God and His chosen people, Israel. Others say that it’s an allegory that describes the love between Christ and the church. Still others propose that the story is a celebration of love between a husband and wife. These three pictures all affirm a very high view of love and offer potential answers for why Song of Solomon has been preserved in the Scriptures. Throughout this song, we’re reminded of the beauty of love, which ultimately points to God’s love for us.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
WAITING
We all have our seasons of waiting. Seasons filled with excitement, anticipation, doubt, fear, and silence. It’s a real challenge to sit and wait. Although we know God’s promises to be true, we tend to struggle with self-control and impatience.
Seasons of waiting are designed to prepare you, stretch your faith, and get you ready for everything that’s coming next. God said in Isaiah 60:12 “… I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time.”
If you are in a season of waiting, I encourage you to persevere in waiting. Wait upon the Lord with excitement and praise. Ask God to show you where you are to serve in your current season.
We should use this “waiting” time wisely because we know that when we wait for God, He is good to us. He will strengthen our hearts, and He hears our cries!
“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart;
wait, I say, on the Lord.” — Psalm 27:14
CHRISTIAN-BASED MOVIE FOR THE MONTH
***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***
-END OF PAGE-