Scripture Union Daily Guide 20 July 2020
Topic: Consider Their Threats? Stretch Out Your Hand, Lord!
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Opening Prayer: May my heart, O Lord, be receptive to your word as I meditate on it.
Scripture: Acts 4:23–31
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any prayer for me to remember?
After being set free by the Sanhedrin, Peter and John went directly back to where the believers were meeting and reported what had transpired (v.23). How would we react after such threats? Instead of complaining or being fearful, notice the immediate response of the believers (v.24a) and the content of their response (vv.24b–30), especially their request in vv.29–30.
Observe also how God responded to such a prayer that focuses on him and his glory (v.31). Let us be encouraged and assured that the Lord will also answer our prayers that are focused on his glory and mission. May the Lord help us to turn first to him when we get into trouble, not only for our faith but in any kind of trouble.
God hears us when we pray but the way he answers our prayer is neither always the same, nor is his response always immediate as it is in this case. We must never put God in a straight jacket. He does what he knows is right and best for each situation.
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• What next? How supportive are we of believers suffering for their faith around the world? Can we be trusted to faithfully uphold them in prayer when asked to do so? How long do you continue to support them in prayer ─ once only, for a week or continuously?
Prayer Points
• Make vv.29–30 your prayer for yourself and the many persecuted Christians who are seeking to make Christ known.
• Pray for CAPRO, CMF and other missionary organizations for provisions and fruitful missions.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Deuteronomy 20:4
Read the Bible in one Year
Psalms 29–30; Acts 15:22–41
Scripture Union Daily Guide 20 July 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, 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.
