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FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)

Move Forward In Faith

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SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)

So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him, and Lot went with him; and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. Genesis 12:4 – Genesis 12:4 KJV

So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. – Genesis 12:4 ESV

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MINISTRY RESOURCES

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Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)

Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)

MINISTRY FORMS & HANDOUTS

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LET’S CELEBRATE YOUR NEW YEAR!

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

OPEN INVITATION FROM CLASS 7
Please join us whenever your Teacher is absent
1-605-313-4831; access code 259-748#

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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# 

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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#

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Visit here to submit Prayer Requests

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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.

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PRAISE & WORSHIP

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DAILY DEVOTIONALS

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Sunday, March 1, 2026 – GO AND TELL OF JESUS – Romans 10:12-15

Our Daily Bread Focuses:  

Today’s Devotional

As our bus traveled higher and higher on the narrow road along the Andes Mountains, my teammates were busy laughing and singing. I was staring out my window—aghast that there weren’t any guardrails between us and the abyss to our right. I was feeling a bit fearful and anxious as we kept going up and up and up, and I started to wonder why our short-term mission team had come to this remote part of Ecuador. Then it dawned on me: God must really love these people if He would send His own Son to die for them. Surely I could get through a scary bus ride to express that love with them.

It ended up being such a joy to do short Bible lessons, share our testimonies, and pray with the people who welcomed us in the various towns we visited each day.

The apostle Paul was committed to telling others about Jesus so they too could put their trust in Him. In Romans 10:13 he says that all who call on Jesus “will be saved.” But “how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:14-15).

There are people all around us who don’t know Christ. Let’s ask God for the courage to share the good news of Jesus with others, pray with them, and invite them to a church service or activity.

Reflect & Pray

How can you share the message of Christ with those who don’t know Him? What tangible things can you do this week to show someone that you care?

Dear God, please help me to share Jesus.

Learn how to follow Jesus’ example in helping others by clicking here.

Today’s Insights

Romans 9-11 have presented a challenge to Bible scholars, as these chapters don’t seem to fit into the flow of Paul’s argument for the gospel of God’s grace. The Bible Knowledge Commentary offers helpful insight on the apostle’s purpose in writing this section: “Paul here discussed God’s sovereign choice because of a practical problem. The Jews gloried in the fact that as Israelites they were God’s Chosen People.

But now in God’s program of salvation in the church, Jewish involvement was decreasing while Gentile participation was becoming dominant. Had God, then, abandoned the Jewish people?” The apostle answers this question directly in chapter 11: “I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means!” (v. 1). Romans 9-11 celebrate God’s sovereignty and perfect wisdom, concluding with the doxology in chapter 11 (vv. 33-36). We may not always understand God’s ways, but we can join in His purposes by sharing the gospel with others and looking for ways to show them God’s love.

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Today’s Devotional

An auditorium full of medical students at Albert Einstein College of Medicine listened intently as ninety-year-old Ruth Gottesman spoke. As she concluded, Ruth announced—to the students’ gasps, cheers, and pandemonium—that she was donating $1 billion so they could finish their education tuition free. This is the largest donation ever given to a medical school. Yet in the interviews that followed, you would have thought that Gottesman was the one receiving the gift. She expressed joy, delight, and honor to be able to give her money away.

Proverbs tells us that this is how generosity works. The one who “gives freely,” far from being left diminished or bereft, finds blessings they hadn’t anticipated (11:24). When we open our hands to others, we’re left with something more—not less. “Whoever refreshes,” Scripture says, “will be refreshed” (v. 25). We’re often tempted to tightly grip whatever we have, fearful that we’ll be taken advantage of or left with nothing. God’s economy works differently, however. Jesus went a step further, stating that it’s “more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

We can be generous with our lives and our resources, offering what we have to others in need. And then, in return we’ll find that we end up receiving too. There’s plenty for everyone in God’s kingdom.    

Reflect & Pray

How has giving to others blessed you? Where might God be asking you to be more generous?

Dear God, please help me to be generous like You, and trust that I’ll have all I need.

For further study, read The Fool’s Greed and God’s Generosity.

Today’s Insights

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Today’s Devotional

When the Transit Agency of Central Kentucky (TACK) renovated its headquarters, it wanted to make sure people noticed. Instead of a subtle sign or announcement, it installed a massive, nearly twenty-two-feet-tall thumbtack at its entrance. The thumbtack, a world record, is an undeniable marker that no passersby can miss.

In Daniel 6, God used something undeniable to get people’s attention: He miraculously rescued Daniel after he’d been placed in a lion’s den for choosing to defy King Darius’ decree by continuing to pray to God (vv. 10-23). The prophet survived because he’d “trusted in . . . God” (v. 23). Darius then declared that—unlike the dead idols of the Medes and Persians—Daniel’s God was “the living God [who] endures forever” (v. 26). He alone “rescues and . . . saves [and] performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth” (v. 27). It’s remarkable that even a pagan king acknowledged God’s power and sovereignty. Like a giant, divine “thumbtack,” God’s act of power couldn’t be overlooked.

Sometimes God gets our attention as He does something significant and undeniable (v. 27)—supernatural rescues, right-on-time provisions, and heart transformations. Other times, He works quietly as we watch and wait. Let’s stand in awe of what He’s doing in and around us today—trusting in Him and His great power (v. 23).

Reflect & Pray

How has God captured your attention? How can you share with others what He’s shown you?

Sovereign God of heaven and earth, I stand in awe of Your inspiring power.

What is God calling you to? Find out more about journeying with God by reading this woman’s story.

Today’s Insights

An important theme in the book of Daniel is that while human kingdoms and powers rise and fall, behind the scenes God and His eternal kingdom are what will truly endure. Daniel declares, “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others” (2:20-21). In a world that denies God’s power, remaining faithful to Him carries personal risk.

The politically motivated scheming of others led to Daniel being cast into a lions’ den because of his faithfulness to God (6:3-8, 11-16). But when God delivered him, King Darius himself concluded that God is the ultimate ruler: “He is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end” (v. 26). Daniel’s story reminds us to trust and rely on God and His great power.

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Today’s Devotional

After wiping down tables with disinfectant, Shelia stooped to tie a garbage bag filled with used cups and plates. She heaved the bag over her shoulder and turned to survey the church’s multipurpose room. She’d volunteered to clean it for the next gathering and wanted to make sure it was ready. A thought fluttered through her mind: Would anyone notice?

It’s easy to wonder if our everyday contributions to the kingdom are valued. Whether we clean, balance spreadsheets, lead a Bible study, or give money, so many of us remain unseen in our places of service and unnamed in public commendations.

In Luke 8:1-2, the historian catalogs the faithful service of women in the ministry of Jesus. He lists three by name from among the women freed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary of Magdalene; Joanna the wife of Chuza, who managed Herod’s household; and Susanna. Then Luke says, “Many others . . . were helping to support [Jesus and His disciples] out of their own means” (v. 3). Luke spotlights these unnamed women who invested themselves in supporting the gospel, and so underlines their value.

Just as God includes unnamed women in His account of valuable contributions to His kingdom, He sees our efforts. He knows our names (John 10:3), and He sees our investment in His work (Hebrews 6:10).

Reflect & Pray

When have you felt overlooked and undervalued? How does knowing that God included unnamed women in His catalog of contributions encourage you?

Dear God, thank You that You see me, know me, and value all I give You.

Today’s Insights

Luke gives more attention to Jesus’ interactions with women than any other gospel writer. The women—both named and unnamed—mentioned in Luke 8:1-3 are one example, but others include His encounter with the widow of Nain (7:11-17), the “sinful” woman (vv. 36-50), Mary and Martha (10:38-42), a disabled woman (13:10-17), and the women who “mourned and wailed for him” prior to His crucifixion (23:27).

Luke 2 also includes an extended account of Mary’s experience prior to Christ’s birth. In the ancient world, women were often undervalued or devalued, but Jesus elevated their status by showing great care for them. This can remind us today that when we feel undervalued and overlooked by others, we can be assured that we’re valued by God. He sees and knows all that we do in His name.

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Today’s Devotional

Jess was getting on in years when he first heard the children’s folktale about the boy and the butterfly. Right away, he understood the story’s lesson on gaining strength from struggle. In the tale, a boy is given a butterfly cocoon but told not to open it. But as the cocoon slowly twists and shudders in his hand, the boy can’t resist using scissors to split it open so the butterfly inside can escape.

Freed from the struggle, however, the butterfly falls to the ground and dies without ever flying. “What happened?” the boy cries. Jess, after a long life, understood instantly. “The boy prevented the butterfly from using the muscles needed to grow strong and fly.”

The children’s lesson may be a fable, but it affirms the bracing biblical truth taught by Paul to persecuted believers in Jesus in Rome: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

Paul wasn’t saying to celebrate pain or deny its heartbreak. He confirmed instead that God will use life’s troubles to build our character, growing our hope in Him.

It’s in His strength that God develops our trust in His overcoming power. The butterfly was cheated from growing stronger to fly. But in Christ, we can rejoice as struggles lift us with character to God our deliverer.

Reflect & Pray

What’s your attitude regarding struggle? How has struggle grown your trust in God?

As I face life’s struggles, dear Jesus, I thank You for building my character and trust in You.

Today’s Insights

Paul’s argument throughout the book of Romans is complex, and there’s a reason that it forms the foundation of much of our theology of salvation. Chapter 5 comes as the conclusion to his opening argument—that no one is justified (made right) by God on their own. The gentiles failed, and the Jews couldn’t perfectly keep the law.

Only through faith (modeled by Abraham as Paul points out in the previous chapter) can we enter into a right relationship with God. But that relationship won’t always be framed in roses. Faith results in more than the hope we have; it’s also experienced in the refinement we undergo as we endure suffering. We become more like Christ as we grow in both character and faith in the midst of our struggles.

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Today’s Devotional

“Oh no!” That was my response upon opening a beehive and discovering the colony had suddenly died. It had been a thriving hive with lots of honey. I’d carefully maintained it throughout a mild winter and anticipated an early harvest. But a cold snap in the warm weather had led to collapse.

I checked with local experts. “Many beekeepers lost hives this time,” they reassured me. Mild winters present challenges for bees, even healthy hives. Bees fan their wings to maintain warmth in the hive in winter, but when the weather warms briefly, they exhaust themselves seeking even more food. If temperatures drop quickly, they don’t have strength to keep warm. Their “distraction” leads to destruction.

Even good things can become dangers when they turn us from what matters most. Moses cautioned God’s people about this after they left Egypt and before they entered the land God was about to give them—a land with “houses filled with all kinds of good things” that they “did not provide” (Deuteronomy 6:11). “When you eat and are satisfied,” Moses warned, “be careful that you do not forget the Lord” (vv. 11-12).

Remembering God in our blessings helps us because He is the source of “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17). When we humbly respond to His goodness by loving Him with heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5), we find in Him the best blessing of all.

Reflect & Pray

What are you grateful for? How do all good things ultimately come from God?

Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your goodness to me. Please help me to remember You today!

For further study, read The Goodness of Creation.

Today’s Insights

Our reading from Deuteronomy 6 takes us to a major moment in Israel’s story. The Israelites had left Egypt and had depended on God’s miraculous daily provision in the desert just to be alive (8:16). They were now on the threshold of entering a settled land with cities, homes, wells, and farms they had no part in building (6:11).

n moving from slavery to satisfaction, they’d be tempted to forget the source of all this goodness. Jesus would identify Himself as this source one day when feeding multitudes, providing enough for everyone to eat and be satisfied and even to have leftovers (Matthew 14:18-21). As we reflect on God today—the source of all good things—we can respond with gratitude.

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Saturday, March 7, 2026 – ONE IN CHRIST – Ephesians 4:1-7

Our Daily Bread Focuses:  

Today’s Devotional

In January 1967, the town of Winneconne discovered it had been mistakenly omitted from the official Wisconsin state road map, costing the town vital tourist revenue. So the town decided to secede from Wisconsin and become its own sovereign state on July 21 of that year. Some say the secession was a move to embarrass the state government, while others claim it was a tongue-in-cheek act of humor. In any case, months of negotiations resulted in state and town coming together again on July 22, 1967.

Most division isn’t as good-natured or as easily resolved. Division is such a threat that the book of Proverbs lists “the person who stirs up conflict” (6:19) as one of seven things “that are detestable to [God]” (v. 16). 

Division may not only cause problems but misrepresents Jesus and His Father. The night before the cross, Christ prayed that His followers would be one in Him, “that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21).

Jesus made it clear that our unity as brothers and sisters in Christ (or lack of it) impacts the world’s belief in Him! Perhaps that’s why Paul told the Ephesians, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). May we allow the Spirit of Christ to make us one—that the world may be drawn to Him.

Reflect & Pray

What are some of the things that can divide you from other believers? How can those potential points of conflict be resolved, so that the body of Christ might know and display unity?

Dear Father, please give me a heart for my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Learn how you can cultivate unity within your church and community.

Today’s Insights

Disunity keeps the church weak and ineffective in its role of making disciples. In John 17, Jesus prayed for unity among believers in Him (vv. 20-23). He knew they’d need each other as they faced trials because of their faith. Paul also had much to say about the importance of unity. In Ephesians 4, he urged believers “to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (v. 1) and to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (v. 3).

In Philippians, he called Euodia and Syntyche “to be of the same mind in the Lord” (4:2). Finally, in Colossians he urged his readers to “bear with each other and forgive one another” and “put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (3:13-14). When believers in Christ are unified in love for Him, they bring hope and light to a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16).

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THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA

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ON THE WAY TO THE CROSS … Deny Yourself

During the month of March, as we prepare for Resurrection Sunday, the 5AM Ministry will have a 15-minute special prayer on Wednesday mornings.   As we prepare for the celebration, we will examine the commands that Jesus left for his disciples in Matthew 16:24, where they were instructed to:

1) deny themselves,
2) take up their cross; and
3) follow Him.

… Matthew 16:24 “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me.” (KJV)

From the moment of our new birth into Jesus Christ, self-denial becomes a daily exercise for the rest of our lives. With the Holy Spirit now indwelling us, we are thrust into a conflict between the divine Spirit of God and our carnal self.

Through daily self-denial and the crucifying of the flesh, our life in Christ grows, strengthens, and develops more and more. When we deny ourselves, we surrender our personal needs and desires to show our love and esteem for our brothers and sisters in CHRIST. It is the basis for Christian fellowship within the church and an essential part of the Christian life.

First, on our way to the Cross, we deny ourselves by total surrender to dethrone self and enthrone Christ, putting God’s priorities above personal comfort.

Join us each week as we explore these actions more thoroughly.

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CHRISTIAN-BASED MOVIE FOR THE MONTH

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***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***

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Tags: faith