Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:15 American Standard Version

Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Timothy 5:24-25 American Standard Version

Some men’s sins are evident, going before unto judgment; and some men also they follow after. In like manner also there are good works that are evident; and such as are otherwise cannot be hid.

Evening Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 32:1-4 American Standard Version

Give ear, ye heavens, and I will speak;
And let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
My doctrine shall drop as the rain;
My speech shall distil as the dew,
As the small rain upon the tender grass,
And as the showers upon the herb.
For I will proclaim the name of Jehovah:
Ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
The Rock, his work is perfect;
For all his ways are justice:
A God of faithfulness and without iniquity,
Just and right is he.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 118:6 American Standard Version

Jehovah is on my side; I will not fear:
What can man do unto me?

Gratitude for Friendships and Unity Bible Study

Welcome to our Bible study as we prepare for the upcoming message on 'Gratitude for Friendships and Unity.' In this study, we will reflect on the importance of friendships and the unity that transcends boundaries. Let's explore key passages and questions to help us connect with the message. Remember, it's not just about the Pilgrims and Native Americans; it's about the power of friendship in our lives today.

Read: Philippians 2:1-2 (NLT)
"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose."

Question 1: How does this verse emphasize unity and working together with one mind and purpose in our friendships and relationships?

Read: Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)
"A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need."

Question 2: What qualities of friendship and loyalty can we glean from this verse, and how do they relate to the gratitude we should have for our friends?

Read: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT)
"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble."

Question 3: How does this passage highlight the significance of friends helping each other and standing together? How does it relate to the theme of unity and gratitude for friendships?

Read: John 15:13 (NLT)
"There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends."

Question 4: In what ways do we show love and gratitude for our friends, and how can we apply the concept of selflessness in our friendships and unity with others?

Reflection:
Take a moment to reflect on the friendships and unity in your own life. How have your friends supported you in times of need? What does unity mean to you, and how do you express your gratitude for the friendships you hold dear?

As you engage in this Bible study, consider the beauty of friendships and unity and how they reflect the gratitude we should embrace. Let your reflections prepare your heart for the upcoming message, where we'll delve deeper into the Pilgrims' remarkable friendships with Native Americans and the lessons they hold for us today.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:14 American Standard Version

The mouth of strange women is a deep pit;
He that is abhorred of Jehovah shall fall therein.

Morning Scripture Reading - 1 Samuel 16:13 American Standard Version

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

Evening Scripture Reading - Genesis 15:1 American Standard Version

After these things the word of Jehovah came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

This Sunday: 'Gratitude for Friendships' and Unity

Join us this Sunday as we explore "Gratitude for Friendships," celebrating the remarkable connections that offer hope and support. Just as the Pilgrims found friendship with Native Americans, we'll discover how these bonds can transcend differences and uplift spirits. Remember, your support helps our ministry grow and spread the Gospel. Consider donating through "Buy Me a Coffee" and be part of our mission to share faith and community with the world.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 118:5 American Standard Version

Out of my distress I called upon Jehovah:
Jehovah answered me and set me in a large place.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:13 American Standard Version

The sluggard saith, There is a lion without;
I shall be slain in the streets.

Morning Scripture Reading - Matthew 28:18-20 American Standard Version

And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

Evening Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 34:5-8 American Standard Version

So Moses the servant of Jehovah died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of Jehovah. And he buried him in the valley in the land of Moab over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping in the mourning for Moses were ended.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 118:4 American Standard Version

Let them now that fear Jehovah say,
That his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

Embracing the Beauty of Friendships

We'll continue our journey through the 'Five Kernels of Corn' with a deep exploration of 'Gratitude for Friendships.' These heartwarming stories of people coming together to help and uplift one another will inspire you. Mark your calendar for this enriching message and help us reach more hearts by supporting our ministry through "Buy Me a Coffee."

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 22:12 American Standard Version

The eyes of Jehovah preserve him that hath knowledge;
But he overthroweth the words of the treacherous man.

Morning Scripture Reading - Colossians 3:5-11 American Standard Version

Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; for which things’ sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience: wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things; but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth: lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him: where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 American Standard Version

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 118:3 American Standard Version

Let the house of Aaron now say,
That his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

Mid-Week Message - A Significant Life

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."  Matthew 10:29-31  (NIV)

Stop what you are doing and come close.  I want you to completely tune in to today's topic.  Answer this question - how do you feel about yourself?  Think before you answer because I want you to truly examine your heart before you respond.  I ask this question because an alarmingly large proportion of those living today struggle with feeling insignificant.  This idea of ourselves can begin in countless ways but the end result is the same.  We wonder why we are even here.  

Notice that I include myself in this.  It is a battle I have fought for most of my life.  Sadly, we spend far too much time feeling as if we don't fit in and far too little time seeking, examining and acknowledging what our Father in Heaven has to say.  This must greatly please the enemy because when we are feeling sorry for ourselves our focus is not on the wonder and majesty of the Lord. 

One of the things you will see me write often is how intimately the Lord desires to be involved in our lives.  Psalm 139 tells us that He was with us in our mothers' wombs and saw us being formed.  It also says that all of our days were written in His book before we even came to be.  So important are we to Him that, as Isaiah 49:16 tells us, our names are engraved on His hand.  

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He was born for you and me.  He left the beauty and perfection of Heaven to begin His life in a feeding trough.  He spent His life teaching about who He is, and declaring His love for us.  Ultimately, He was brutally beaten, belittled, spat upon and horrifyingly nailed to a cross and that also was for you and me.  He gave His life to buy our pardon.  So great is His love for us that He took upon Himself every sin that had ever, and would ever, be committed.  Nails had no power over the Savior.  The only thing strong enough to keep Him on that cross was love.  Then He fulfilled His greatest promise and rose again.  Even now He intercedes for us before the Father.  Does this sound as though He feels we are insignificant?

I am all too aware that each of us faces hardships of one kind or another and that it is easy to feel that nothing ever seems to change for the better.  We can feel isolated and that life is passing us by.  When we sit and focus on ourselves we open the door for the enemy to whisper in our ears that our lives count for little, that few people care about us and that we have very little to contribute.  

But, think about this....Almighty God, perfect in every way, chose to create this world and He didn't think it was complete without you.  He made only one of each of us, so it stands to reason that we each have a purpose.  You may never know how many lives you touch, how many hearts you impact.  Like in the movie "It's A Wonderful Life", if you or I had not been born then this world would be totally different.  Just consider -  our children or grandchildren would never have been born.  Do you think the world is a better place with them in it?  

We have to change our focus.  Spending more time in God's Word will fill our minds and hearts with His thoughts.  Reaching out will lift up others who are struggling too.  There is always a way to make a positive contribution.  Ask the Lord to reveal to you a talent you may be unaware of or how to better use one you are aware of.  Strive to bring joy to someone.  Even if you just impact one life, to that one person you may be the most significant soul on earth.  

I pray that we all might align ourselves with how Jesus sees us then find a way to share His love with as many other people as possible.  May your day, and life, be blessed.