Scripture Union Daily Guide 3rd November 2024 (Sunday) Devotional Message
TOPIC:We Will Not Serve Your Gods
OPENING PRAYER: May my heart, O Lord, be receptive to your word as I meditate on it.
SCRIPTURE READING: Daniel 3:1-18
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
* Q7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
What has become of the king’s devotion in 2:47 (compare 3:14)? How long, after an experience of a miracle, does your devotion to God last? The achievements of Daniel and his friends and the rewards they received (chapter 2) must have won them many enemies. That is to be expected. Mountain top experiences go with challenges in the valley of life (Matthew 16:17-19 to 21-23). Be alert.
The punishment for failure to worship the image was death by burning. Death threats still confront Christians in many communities globally. What other punishments do Christians face for not conforming to this world?
Note the position and response of the three friends (vs.16-18), not minding the king’s fury (v.13). They responded that way because they knew God’s command (Deuteronomy 5:7-9a) and chose to obey it instead of the king’s order. Secondly, they knew the God they serve has the power to save (v.17).
Thirdly, they surrendered to God’s sovereign will (v.18); they reckoned that physical death was a better option than denial of their faith. How will you respond in a similar situation? See Luke 9:23.
Although Nebuchadnezzar reacted in anger, we can commend him for first confirming from the three Jews whether what he was told was true. Hearsay is not good enough. Find out the facts before acting.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
HYMN: He Is Able to Deliver Thee
1 ’TIS the grandest theme through the ages rung;
’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal tongue,
’Tis the grandest theme that the world e’er sung,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
Refrain
He is a … ble to deliver thee,
He is a … ble to deliver thee:
Though by sin opprest, go to Him for rest;
Our God is able to deliver thee.
2 ’Tis the grandest theme in the earth or main!
’Tis the grandest theme for a mortal strain,
’Tis the grandest theme, tell the world again,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
3 ’Tis the grandest theme, let the tidings roll
To the guilty heart, to the sinful soul,
Look to God in faith, He will make thee whole,
“Our God is able to deliver thee.”
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, may my love and allegiance to you not diminish no matter the circumstance. Help me to be true to you always.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Philippians 3:13 ‐ 14
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 308- Matthew 22; Mark 12
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Sunday Nov 03, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
PORT-HARCOURT REGION-LEADERSHIP
And say to Archippus, take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfil it.
Col. 4:17.
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ His abundant grace upon all the Regional leaders, the Regional chairman, Engr. Roberts Eke and the RCM members.
PRAY FOR:
‣ Actualization of the vision 3R’s – Renewal / Rebuilding, Recovery/Restoration and Revival
‣ More commitment to the call of God in leadership among the RCM
‣ Positive involvement and participation for fruitfulness among the leaders.
‣ Grace to set goals and means to achieve the targeted goals.
PRAY AGAINST:
‣ Unproductive leadership styles that result in unfruitfulness.
Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. (Scripture Union Daily Guide 3rd November 2024)