Scripture Union Daily Guide 16 April 2024 (Monday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: How Are You Known?
OPENING PRAYER: Lord, I pray that you lead me into your truth as I meditate on your word in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 48:1-11
1 Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.
2 For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The Lord of hosts is his name.
3 I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass.
4 Because I knew that thou art obstinate, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass;
5 I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I shewed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them.
6 Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.
7 They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.
8 Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.
9 For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.
10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
11 For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
* Q3: Is there any command for me to obey?
DAILY GUIDE FOR TODAY APRIL 16, 2024 OUTLINE:
Observe here the hypocritical profession which many of the Jews made of religion and their relation to God. It is interesting to also note how high their profession of religion soared (vs.1,2). They profess with their lips a belief in the God of Israel but do not confess their sin. They identify themselves with the holy city, but they are not holy. They lean on the God of Israel, but they are not godly. We must equally understand that the fact that we have a Christian heritage does not necessarily make us part of the Christian faith. We must seek after a personal relationship with God.
The captivity of Israel was the punishment of their iniquity. It is true they were very corrupt and ill disposed, but God would himself refine them, and make them fit for mercy. The challenges we go through are all meant to bring us to a point where we can appreciate God’s grace and mercies upon our life and His power to refine us, like silver till all the dross is separated (vs.9-11, see also Psalm 119:119).
Practice/Word Application
And so: What, if anything, do you want to change in order to honestly call upon the Lord in “truth and righteousness?” (v.1).
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
CLOSING PRAYER
O God, grant me the grace that I will not lead a rebellious life that may impact negatively on others and hinder your blessings upon my life.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Ephesians 1:3 ‐ 4
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 107 – 1 Samuel 25-27
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Tue Apr 16, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS ORIENTATION (18TH – 21ST APRIL)
Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 15:58
THANK GOD FOR:
* The grace and privilege to work in God’s vineyard
* The lives of all those who have become Council members, by virtue of their election or appointment
PRAY FOR:
* Journey mercies for all participants
* The purpose of this orientation will be fulfilled in the lives of all
* Every member will leave the programme with new vision, renewed zeal, and fresh unction to function in their various areas of calling