Scripture Union Daily Guide 30th January 2025 (Thursday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: The Blessings and Cost of Following Jesus.
OPENING PRAYER: Let me know more of you today dear Lord as I meditate on your word.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Matthew 8:14-22
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
► Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
► Q3: Is there any command for me to obey
Scripture Union Daily Guide 30th January 2025 – OUTLINE
Many today, proclaim the gospel of a crown without a cross, goodies with no costs attached. But the true gospel is balanced, a mixture of the crown and the cross. Part of the blessing of following Jesus for Peter was the privilege to see his mother-in-law receive instant healing (Matthew 8:14-15). Healings and other blessings are some of the goodies we receive as followers of Jesus. But that is only one side of the coin.
Jesus clearly brings out the cost of following him as He addressed two would-be disciples (Matthew 8:19-20). The scribe (religious leader) was too hasty in promising to follow Jesus (Matthew 8:19). The other, a follower, was too slow (Matthew 8:21). What lessons do you learn from them? Jesus’ response indicates two things:
1. A disciple must be committed to follow Jesus even if it leads to suffering from lack of the basic necessities of life (Matthew 8:20).
2. Following Jesus takes priority over social and family obligations (Matthew 8:22). We should not allow our love for family to supersede our love for Christ. Jesus does not give room for any excuse or ill-motives. For the two sides of the kingdom’s coin, meditate on Matthew 19:27-29 and Luke 9:23-25.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Offer a prayer of faith in line with: Romans 16:20
Closing Prayer: I desire to give you the first place in my life. Grant me grace, dear Lord, to do this faithfully
One Bible Reading Guide:
Exodus 3-4, Psalms 26.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN
Thu Jan 30, 2025
PRAYER FOCUS
PLEA FOR MERCY
Show us your mercy, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Psalm 85:7
PRAY FOR:
Today, let us pray for God’s mercy over our lives, and all that pertain unto us. • Read the entire chapter and use it to pray.
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 30th January 2025)