Scripture Union Daily Guide 29 November 2021 – Confession of Sin 2: We Are Arrogant and Stiff-Necked

Scripture Union Daily Guide 29 November 2021 Monday Message

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Topic: Confession of Sin 2: We Are Arrogant and Stiff-Necked

Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that you sanctify my spirit, soul and body as I read your word in Jesus name.

Scripture: Nehemiah 9: 16-37

Question(s) for Reflection
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?

• Is There Any Example For Me To Follow Or Not To Follow?

Outline: The Israelite history, as recalled in this prayer, shows how God’s gracious mercy contrasts with Israel’s waywardness. Despite God’s adequate provision, guidance and miraculous deeds during the 40-year wilderness period, Israel was disobedient and ungrateful to Him (vs.16-18); yet God never abandoned them (vs.19-21).

Their disobedience and rebellion continued even when God had settled them comfortably in the Promised Land (vs.22-25). But God still forgave them even when they killed God’s prophets who warned them (v.26). Whenever they suffered as a result of their sins and cried to God, He rescued them from their enemies (v.27), but they took God’s patience and mercy for granted and continued in their disobedience (vs.28-29).

It took suffering at the hands of other nations to humble and bring Israel to repentance (v.30) and acknowledge that God is gracious and merciful (v.31). God’s grace is free and undeserved. It is not a reward for good deeds but a gift to be accepted. How different are we today from the Israelites? How consistent is God then and today? See Mal 3: 6; Heb 13: 8. Notice the petition and intercession that Nehemiah makes (vs.32-37) and how he appeals to God’s righteous and faithful character while acknowledging the depravity, wickedness and distress of Israelites. How can this inform our penitence and general prayers today?

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
• Make your prayers from vs.16-37.

• Pray for Missionaries witnessing for Christ in their various mission fields: some fields are fiercely hostile, due to war, religion or political creed.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with 2 Chron. 21-22; Luke 9:1-17