Scripture Union Daily Guide For Today 4th March 2024, Monday Devotional Reading
Scripture Union Daily Guide For Today 4th March 2024 TOPIC: Fear Is An Enemy of Faith
OPENING PRAYER: Grant me grace dear Lord to apply what you will teach me today as I read this passage.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: John 12:37-50
37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:
38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again,
40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Q5: Is there any warning for me to heed?
Daily Guide For Today 4th March 2024 MESSAGE:
No matter how we preach, there are people who will not believe what they hear (v.37). This should not discourage us from sharing the gospel message. Read vs.42-43 again. Many believed in Christ, even the leaders, but could not declare their faith publicly. Why? Do we also behave like that today? Fear of men and praise of men are two enemies of faith. If we love the praise of men or are afraid of what men will say or do to us, we cannot be true disciples of Christ.
Public identification with Christ, is a mark of true discipleship (Luke 9:26-27). Some people have been reluctant to follow Christ for fear they will be disowned by their family or community. Some of us are also not able to stand for the truth for the same reason. How do vs.44-46 help us to overcome such fear and stand for Christ?
Observe how Jesus and the Father work in harmony (vs.47-50). What can we learn from this? Can we equally say, like Jesus, that our messages are from God? Is it what God tells us that we tell people?
Practice/Word Application
What next? How can we overcome the fear of men and help those who are procrastinating putting their faith in Christ because of the fear of their family or community?
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, help me to proclaim only your word to those around me.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with 2 Samuel 22:40
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 64 – Numbers 23-25
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Mon Mar 04, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
2024 SU EASTER PILGRIMS RETREAT, MARCH, 28TH- 31ST
They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…
Isaiah 40:31
THANK GOD FOR:
• This year’s Easter Pilgrims’ retreat holding in all the Areas in SU Nigeria.
• The Area and the Planning committees that have been working to ensure the success of this meeting
• All the Guest Speakers that are going to minister in each of the Conferences
PRAY FOR:
• All the expositors will receive the mind of God for His people
• Wisdom, strength for the members of the planning committee, to prepare adequately for the programme
• Financial provision to meet all the needs of the Conference
• The heart of every participant will be in readiness to meet with the lord at this program
• The success of the Global Assembly starting today at Malaysia
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