Scripture Union Daily Guide 28 November 2024 (Thursday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Let Us Love One Another
OPENING PRAYER: Grant me depth of insight, revelation and knowledge as I meditate on this passage, O Lord.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: 1 JOHN 3:11–24
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
* Q3: Is there any command for me to obey?
Daily Guide 28 November 2024 Scripture Union – MESSAGE
Cain’s story shows what lack of love can lead us into (vs.12,15). Unlike Christ, who gave His life for others, Cain took another’s life (vs.12, 15). That is what jealousy can lead us to. Love is ready to give rather than receive (v.16).
It neither erects boundaries (v.14), nor depends on the behaviour of those at the receiving end (read Matthew 5:43-48). Hatred (v.15), selfishness (v.17), hypocrisy (v.18) are some attitudes that are not consistent with love. What, on the other hand, are the benefits of living in love (vs.14,19, 21-22)?
Vs.18-21 can be difficult to understand. One explanation is that; while we, most times, can depend on the leading of our conscience (v.21), we sometimes have oversensitive (weak) consciences that may falsely condemn us. However, if we are living in love toward our brethren (indeed, not just in words, vs.17-18), we can be assured that we are living in the truth.Our final authority is not our conscience, but God’s word (v.20b).
Practice/Word Application
So? ‘Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth’.
For Further Study
For further study: Read vs.18-21 in many versions. Can you find other ways of explaining these verses?
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Father, help me to love sincerely as Christ loves me
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Philippians 4:6 ‐ 7
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 333-1 Corinthians 1-4
PRAYER FOCUS
LAGOS REGION AND HER MISSION WORK.
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ Thus far He has helped the Region in mission work at Ijebu-ode and the establishment of SU school project in Ijaba, Otta in Ogun State.
‣ The ,474 new converts won during 2023 students/youth camp meeting undergoing follow-up in our various school groups
PRAY FOR:
‣ Provision of more funds, man power and logistics needed in achieving the plan of creation of another Area in the Region.
‣ Revival in our Groups, Zones, and Areas to meet up to the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan demands
‣ Scripture Union school to witness massive patronage
‣ Restoration of all that have been lost
PRAY AGAINST:
‣ All attacks of the enemy on the mission and school projects of the Region.
‣ Further encroachment on the Regional land at Ijede.
National Day of Prayer And Fasting
Tomorrow is National Day of Prayer and Fasting. Prepare your mind for it.
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 28 November 2024)