FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
Love Lights the Way
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. — Proverbs 8:17 KJV
I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me. — Proverbs 8:17 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, December 7, 2025 – PRAY WHAT’S ON YOUR HEART – Daniel 9:4-6, 15-19
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Prayer; Repentance
Today’s Devotional
Brenda and Eddie got in the car and began their Thursday evening ritual. “Where would you like to eat?” “Oh, Eddie, I don’t care, anywhere is fine, really.” Eddie’s been here before. “Okay, how about The Windmill?” Brenda bristles. “No, anywhere but there!” Eddie sighs. “So where, then?” Brenda insists, “Really, anywhere is fine.”
It’s the stuff of comedy sketches, humorous from a distance because we know how maddening it is in the moment.
Sometimes it can be that way in our prayer lives too. We’re too vague. In contrast, the prayer in Daniel 9 reveals Daniel boldly saying what he wants. First, he confesses the sins of his people: “We have sinned and done wrong” (v. 5). Then he makes his requests. “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant” (v. 17). “Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act” (v. 19). God owed nothing to Daniel, but such was Daniel’s trust in God’s “great mercy” (v. 18) that he felt free to bring the full weight of his desires to Him.
It’s always right to pray “not as I will, but as you will,” as Jesus prayed to His Father the night before He was crucified (Matthew 26:39). But there are also times when saying what we want is the way forward. God honors our boldness when we come before Him with repentant hearts. So be bold, pray what’s on your heart, and entrust it to the God of great mercy.
Reflect & Pray
How do your prayers compare to Daniel 9:4-19? What might you need to confess before making your requests to God?
Now, my God, please hear the prayers of Your servant.
To learn more, check out Forgiveness & Reconciliation Reading Plan.
Today’s Insights
Daniel’s commitment to prayer is seen throughout the book that bears his name. When threatened with death in response to Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (ch. 2), he and his three friends prayed for God’s provision of an answer. We also see his commitment in chapter 6 when he continued his habit of prayer despite the king’s decree and the threat of death in the lions’ den.
Here in chapter 9, we find Daniel’s great intercessory prayer on behalf of himself and his fellow captives. These situations demonstrate the priority he placed on prayer. As we make prayer a priority in our lives, we can boldly bring our concerns to God.
Monday, December 8, 2025 – HOSPITABLE GENEROSITY – Deuteronomy 24:17-22
Daily Bread Focuses: Generosity; God’s love and care; Stewardship
Scriptures: Proverbs 11:24-25; Ruth 2:16
Today’s Devotional
A few years ago, our church hosted refugees fleeing their country because of a change in their political leadership. Entire families came with only what they could fit in a small bag. Several of our church families opened their homes, some with little room to spare.
Such gracious hospitality echoes God’s command to the Israelites before they inhabited the promised land. As an agricultural society, they understood the importance of the harvest. Every bit of food would be essential to get them through until next year’s harvest. God told the Israelites when harvesting not to go back to retrieve what they may have missed. “Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow” (Deuteronomy 24:19). They were to practice generosity not by giving when they knew they had enough but by giving out of a heart of trusting in God’s provision “so that the Lord [their] God may bless [them] in all the work of their hands” (v. 19). God always has enough.
The practice of hospitality also reminded them that they had been “slaves in Egypt” (v. 22). While we may not have experienced such oppression, we’ve all experienced being an outsider or being in need. As we give to others, we do well to remember our most basic need: freedom from our sin. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Reflect & Pray
What needy person or group has God drawn your attention to? What might you give to them?
Dear Father, please open my eyes to those in need.
Discover more about serving others by reading Going the Extra Mile.
Today’s Insights
Deuteronomy 24 describes the act of gleaning, which served as one means for the Israelites to care for the marginalized and poor. The Scriptures record some instances of this practice (the story of Ruth being a prime example), but their failure in this area was commonplace. The prophets charged the Israelites with not being hospitable and oppressing the poor.
Ultimately, it was part of the reason God sent them into exile (see Isaiah 1:17; Amos 4:1-3; Zechariah 7:9-10; Malachi 3:5). Today, He still desires that we practice hospitality by serving those in need. As the Spirit helps us, we can look for ways to be generous to others and celebrate the generosity of God.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 – BEING THE CHURCH – Acts 2:36-47
Daily Bread Focuses: Developing a loving character; Loving others; Multi-culture/Race
Scriptures: Acts 4:32-35; Acts 5:14
Today’s Devotional
On a sunny afternoon, I drew with sidewalk chalk with the Sudanese family next door. We could hear singing coming from the house next to theirs, where a small group holds worship services. The young mom I was talking with was curious about what was going on, so she and I walked over and listened in. They invited us to gather with them. A young man, standing in a tank filled with water for baptism, spoke about receiving forgiveness for his sins and committing himself to follow Jesus.
This was a unique opportunity for us to hear a testimony of salvation in the yard right next door. This group was being the church in our neighborhood.
Jesus is building His church around the world. In the days before His ascension, He told His followers that He would send the Spirit to live in them and that they would be His witnesses “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). He would build His church through their Spirit-empowered preaching and teaching. And immediately God began to add “to their number daily those who were being saved” (2:47).
We can be a part of building Christ’s church by being His church as we live out our faith in our neighborhoods and share with others what He’s done for us. He gave His life and was resurrected so that we might be forgiven and have eternal life. And He’ll help us learn how to serve others in His church today.
Reflect & Pray
In what ways might God be using you to build Jesus’ church? What more might you do?
Dear Jesus, thank You that You’re adding people to Your church daily.
Discover more about Acts 2 by reading Fulfillment, Foundation, and Foreshadowing.
Today’s Insights
Acts 2 offers a glimpse of early faith communities after the Spirit was poured out at Pentecost (vv. 1-13). In response to hearing that forgiveness, salvation, and the “gift of the Holy Spirit” (v. 38) were possible because of Jesus’ resurrection as “Lord and Messiah” (v. 36), “about three thousand” people became believers in Christ (v. 41).
These new believers’ faith was deepened through “[devoting] themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (v. 42) and giving “to anyone who had need” (v. 45). God’s Spirit draws people into faith and deepens it through fellowship and service in community.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 – UNFORGETTABLE LESSONS – Proverbs 3:1-12
Daily Bread Focus: Living Like Christ; Personal behavior/responsibility
Scriptures: Psalm 119:11; James 3:13; 1 John 2:6
Today’s Devotional
Corey Brooks—“The Rooftop Pastor”—spent 343 days living on the rooftop of his church on Chicago’s south side to inspire community transformation. Online, Brooks posted a “shout-out” to his elementary school teacher Joe Stokes, who taught him four unforgettable lessons: the power of perseverance, the importance of integrity, the value of community engagement, and the impact of education.
By embracing Solomon’s wisdom in Proverbs 3, we likewise can strive to live in ways that have community impact. Solomon taught four lessons that are just right for those who trust in God and are called to be a positive force: “Trust in the Lord” (v. 5); “fear the Lord and shun evil” (v. 7); “honor the Lord with your wealth” (v. 9); “do not despise the Lord’s discipline” (v. 11). Such wisdom compels us to be God-focused, but there are people-touching dimensions to our faith too.
In Matthew 5:3-12, Jesus, the ultimate embodiment of wisdom, eloquently described the internal disposition of believers in Jesus. Furthermore, He reminded them that they were high-impact people. “You are the salt of the earth” (v. 13). “You are the light of the world” (v. 14). As such, we are honored to “Let [our] light shine . . . that they may see [our] good deeds and glorify [our] Father in heaven” (v. 16).
Reflect & Pray
Who compels you to honor God in ways that also touch people? How can you reengage with lessons from the Bible you may have forgotten?
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my failure to honor You fully. Renew my heart through Your words today.
For further study, read At the City Gates.
Today’s Insights
The “proverbs of Solomon” were written “for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight” (Proverbs 1:1-2). Solomon says the beginning of such wisdom is “the fear of the Lord” (v. 7). In chapter 3, he warns his son not to be “wise in [his] own eyes” (v. 7). Only by wholly trusting in, honoring, and obeying God could he gain wisdom (vv. 5-6).
That’s true for us today. When God, the source of all wisdom (2:6), is central in our hearts and minds, Scripture, prayer, and the Spirit guide and direct our lives and choices, including our interactions with others. Wisdom helps to keep us from making foolish decisions (vv. 12, 16) and helps us to treat others with love, patience, and kindness (Galatians 5:22-23; James 3:13) and thereby influence our community for good.
Thursday, December 11, 2025 – POINTING TO JESUS – Colossians 3:12-17
Daily Bread Focuses: Living Like Christ; Loving Others
Scriptures: John 13:34-35; Romans 12:1-2
Today’s Devotional
An older man jogging down a street in New York City stopped in his tracks when he noticed a pair of battered sneakers placed near a homeless man’s sign requesting help. When the jogger learned that the two men wore a similar size, he gave the younger, homeless man the shoes (and socks!) off his feet and walked home barefoot. But not before explaining, “I’ve been blessed my whole life. God has been very good to me, so I feel like I should bless you too.”
Just as this man showed kindness to another because God had been good to him, so too believers in Jesus are called to “clothe [our]selves with . . . kindness” (Colossians 3:12). In fact, in whatever we do or say, we’re to do it as “a representative of the Lord Jesus” (v. 17 nlt). Along with kindness, we’re also to embody the characteristics of “compassion, . . . humility, gentleness and patience” (v. 12). The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) grows in us because we have the Spirit dwelling inside us; and this fruit is evidenced by God’s love for us flowing out to others—binding all these virtues “together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14).
Like the jogger, may we be on alert for opportunities to be kind—an encouraging word, a thoughtful act, or even giving the shoes off our feet—and as we do, let’s point to Jesus (v. 17).
Reflect & Pray
What effect has another’s kindness had on you? How might you show kindness to someone today?
Loving Father, please help me be attuned to opportunities to spread Your love through kind words and actions. I want to be more like You!
Consider three things we can learn from the kindness Jesus showed to everyday people.
Today’s Insights
Paul’s encouragement to the believers in Jesus in Colossae to forgive and love each other (Colossians 3:13-14) is reminiscent of Christ’s words to His twelve closest followers in the upper room: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).
Jesus reached out to the ostracized and called the sinner to repentance (Luke 5:32). His example is reflected in the apostle’s plea for the Colossian believers to live in such a way that benefits others (Colossians 3:12-17). Today, when we look for ways to love others and “clothe [ourselves] with compassion [and] kindness” (v. 12), our lives can point others to Christ.
Friday, December 12, 2025 – CULTIVATING GRATITUDE – Psalm 9:1-12
Daily Bread Focuses: God’s love and care; Thankfulness
Scriptures: Psalm 100:1-5; Isaiah 49:13-15; 1 Timothy 1:12-14
Today’s Devotional
“Dad, can you get me some water?” my youngest daughter asked. “Sure,” I said, bringing her a full cup. She took it wordlessly. Then my oldest daughter made the same request. She didn’t respond either after I got her some water. Annoyed, I blurted out, “Is anyone going to say, ‘Thank you’? Why is that so hard?”
Sometimes there’s nothing like parental frustration to open the door for God to work. Immediately I felt the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit: Yes, Adam, why is it so hard to say, “Thank you”? Busted. Turns out a lack of gratitude isn’t just my kids’ problem; it’s mine too.
I don’t know why saying thank you can be so hard, but it certainly seems to be a part of the human condition. In the psalms, however, we see a model for growing in gratitude. There, David and others often praise God amid myriad trials. And a particular phrase frequently precedes their thanksgiving: “I will . . . .”
In Psalm 9:1, David deliberately chooses thankfulness: “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” We might be prone to think of gratitude primarily as a feeling. But David reminds us that it’s also a choice.
Like David, as we choose to cultivate a habit of giving thanks, we can gradually grow to recognize and appreciate God’s goodness in every aspect of life.
Reflect & Pray
How can we cultivate the habit of gratitude? What are some things you’re thankful for?
Dear Father, thank You for all You’ve given me. Please help me to choose gratitude today for the many ways You’ve blessed me.
To learn more about Psalm 9, read The Voice of the Silenced.
Today’s Insights
In the original language of the Old Testament, Psalms 9 and 10 form what’s called an acrostic poem. Each major thought or stanza begins with the next letter in the Hebrew alphabet. The Septuagint—the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament—even combines Psalms 9 and 10 into one song, unifying the flow from beginning to end.
Acrostic poems and songs played an important function in ancient Israelite society. Because they were built on the alphabet, they were easy to remember. These two psalms of thanksgiving and help were designed to memorably remain in the minds of those who heard them. As a result, the reader or listener could quickly recall the message in the music. By rehearsing the words of David, they’d receive a regular injection of the importance of living a life of gratitude and dependence on God. Today, as we meditate on Scripture, may we also strive to cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving.
Examine other types of Hebrew poetry in the book of Psalms.
Saturday, December 13, 2025 – JOY AND STRENGTH IN GOD – Nehemiah 8:5-6, 8-12
Our Daily Bread Focuses: God’s character; Healing; Suffering
Today’s Devotional
In the midst of colorful creations made from old plastic bottles cut to resemble feathers and even lampshades, a tour guide at a New Orleans Museum shared the thinking behind the use of such material. “For a city that’s had such hardship, we’ve also learned to use what we have to create joy and beauty. We don’t focus only on the hard times; we celebrate the resilience.”
Nehemiah and the Israelites also faced hardship but resiliently pressed on in God’s joy. They’d been captured and taken away from their home, and at last were able to return to Jerusalem from exile (Nehemiah 3:7-12, 18). But upon arriving, they still faced opposition to rebuild the wall that protected Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6). Even after the wall was completed and they gathered for a celebration, hearing the words of God’s law, their spirits were heavy. They were “weeping as they listened” (8:9). But Nehemiah reminded them that they could find joy and strength in God—remembering who He was and what He’d brought them through. Nehemiah told them, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (v. 10).
Focusing on God can give us “great joy” and strength too, especially when our circumstances seem dire. God’s ability, character, and the Scriptures can renew our minds and bring us joy (v. 12)—providing the strength and resilience we need.
Reflect & Pray
When have you found joy and strength in God? How can you practice resilience amid your trials?
Holy God, when my circumstances seem bleak, please remind me to focus on You to find joy and strength.
For further study, read Why Should I Trust God?
Today’s Insights
Nehemiah 8 captures a scene of God’s people unified by reverence for Scripture. As the priest Ezra read from the “Book of the Law” (likely a portion from the first five books of the Bible), “all the people listened attentively” (v. 3). He stood on “a high wooden platform built for the occasion” (v. 4), allowing for everyone to see him (v. 5).
The people responded with awe-filled worship (v. 6). Perhaps recognizing their sin in the words read, they began to weep (v. 9), though the gathering was meant to be joyful (v. 11). So Nehemiah encouraged them to find strength in “the joy of the Lord” (v. 10). In our circumstances today, we also can find strength and joy as we focus on God and the Scriptures.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
GRATITUDE AND GRIEF CAN CO-EXIST
This time of year can stir up so much joy and also so much sadness. We celebrate. We connect. We reflect on the year. But we also feel the absences more deeply. The losses. The distance. The memories of years that looked different.
This season always brings up a mix of emotions, the people we have lost. Life didn’t go according to plan. You don’t need to pretend everything is great to be grateful just because you’re grieving something or someone.
Gratitude and grief can co-exist—one honors the love that remains, and the other, the love that was. In the midst of suffering, we find gratitude for the memories that bring us comfort.
The things we are most grateful for reflect what we are grieving most.
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-