Scripture Union Daily Guide 20 June 2024 (Thursday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Be Firm Against Misbehaving Believers!
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, may the entrance of your word bring light and life to all I will do today.
SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: 2 CORINTHIANS 12.14-21
14 Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! 17 Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?
19 Again, [a]do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification. 20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults;
21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
* Q7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 20 June 2024 MESSAGE
Can you remember when last your General Overseer, Bishop or District Superintendent visited your local church? It is sad that in many cases, the local church’s fears increase because of the financial burdens that accompany such visits. That is different from what we see in vs.14-15.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 and assess the roles Titus and other leaders played in stabilising the church at Corinth. Do you know anyone who has been similarly used to facilitate progress and peace in your local church?
Despite these, what do vs.19-21 indicate were Paul’s fears? Some would want to seek for peace at the expense of affirming the truth. No! We must maintain the delicate balance which alone ensures that things are done in line with the standards of God.
Read Ephesians 4:14-16. We should not be swayed by doctrines, compromises, or personalities. We should learn to speak the truth in love and listen to the truth in humility. It may hurt but God will turn things around making what would have otherwise divided and destroyed us to rather strengthen and purify us (v.19).
Practice/Word Application
And so? Speak the truth boldly but with divine love to ensure that it ministers grace to your hearers.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Thank you Father, for those who have helped build our faith and strengthened our love as your people.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 4:1
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 172 – 1 Kings 10-11; 2 Chronicles 9
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Thursday Jun 20, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
MISSIONS AND OUTREACH
And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15
THANK GOD FOR:
● The missions and outreach opportunities we have to spread the gospel.
● The lives impacted through our mission endeavors.
PRAY FOR:
● Success and safety in all our mission activities.
● God’s guidance in reaching the unreached and sharing His love.
PRAY AGAINST:
● Obstacles and challenges that may hinder our missions and outreach efforts.
● Spiritual opposition to our mission work.