Scripture Union Daily Guide 1 January 2022 | Saturday Message
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Topic: A Timely Warning!
Opening Prayer: Oh Lord, grant me divine guidance as I read and meditate on your word in Jesus’ name.
SCRIPTURE: Luke 3:1‐9
Question(s) for Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 1 January 2022 Message
Read Luke 1:14‐17 to remind yourself of the prophecy concerning the ministry of John the Baptist. How much of this prophecy finds fulfilment in his life as mentioned in today’s passage? John lived to fulfil the prophecy which shows that he (and his parents) obeyed the rules laid down by the angel (see Matthew 3:4; cf. Luke 1:15a). If we too live disciplined lives, we will be special instruments in God’s hand. John was sent to prepare the people for the soon appearance and ministry of Jesus – a voice calling on people to ‘prepare for the Lord.’
Note what that preparation meant. Valleys and hills levelled, and crooked ways straightened (v.5) is a pictorial description of repentance (v.8a). And repentance is not by words alone. Obedience to God’s command must always accompany our declaration of repentance. What challenge do you see in v.8b? Claims of ancestral connections or other religious rites, like baptism, church membership or any other religious title cannot save us. We must individually repent and come to the saviour by faith for cleansing.
Practice/Word Application
So What? Imagine that all who claim to be “born again” in your country were to constantly produce fruits of true repentance, what an impact that would have on your country!
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Rock of Ages
1 Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.
2 Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law’s demands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.
3 Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.
4 While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.
Closing Prayer
• Father, I repent of my sins. Please help me to live a holy throughout this New Year. ‐Rededicate yourself, your family to God.
Prayer for the week
• Pray for deliberate growth spiritually, financially and health. Pray for the peace, economic stability and good leaderships in Nigeria.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 81:10
“I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.”
Bible Reading: Genesis 1, Psalm 1,2
Scripture Union Daily Guide 31 December 2021. 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.