Scripture Union Daily Guide Reading for Today 19 April 2024 (Friday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: I Have Engraved You On The Palms of My Hands
OPENING PRAYER: Oh Lord, grant me divine guidance as I read and meditate on your word in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE: ISAIAH 49:14-26
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q4: Is there any promise for me to believe or hope for?
* Q7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide Reading For Today 19 APRIL 2024 OUTLINE
What are the doubts of the people of Israel (v.14)? They felt that God had abandoned and forgotten them in Babylon. The Prophet Isaiah assures them of God’s infinite love. Our God is compassionate and unlike a mother who may forget the child who sucks at her breast, God will never forget His own (v.15, compare Deuteronomy 31:6). God’s assurance of His love comes to us at two fronts:
a) He is a compassionate mother (vs.14-23): The troubles we experience have given some occasion to question God’s care and concern for us. But we have no more reason to question His promise and grace than we have to question His providence and justice. God has a tender affection for His people (v.15). He has us engraved on the palms of His hands!
b) He is a courageous warrior (vs.24-26): Although the Babylonians were fierce warriors, they were no match for the Lord. Out of compassion, God would set Israel free from the Babylonian captivity. We also have a sure promise from the Lord that He will fight our battles for us (vs.25, 26a). For what purpose (v.26b)?
Practice/Word Application
And So: What is one thing that convinces you that the Lord, not some other god or force, is indeed the One you can trust?
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Thank God for engraving you in the palms of His hands and for His protective covering.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 6:2
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 110 – Psalms 121, 123-125, 128-130
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN APRIL 19, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
CHILDREN DEPARTMENT
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path. – Proverbs 3: 4-5
THANK GOD FOR:
* His help over children work in all our formations
* Different programmes and activities that are being carried out to disciple children of all ages
PRAY FOR:
* More enriching and impactful trainings for children workers for a more effective discipleship of these children
* Children workers will have a correct knowledge and understanding of the word of God, so as to give the children what is correct and balanced
PRAY AGAINST:
* Every limitation upon the lives of children workers, which reduces their effectiveness in this work