Scripture Union Daily Guide 22 August 2024 (Thursday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Seek God’s Guidance In All Things
OPEN PRAYERS: Help me to understand the exceeding greatness of your power as I read through this passage, dear Lord.
SCRIPTURE READING: Joshua 9:1-27
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?
Our warfare against the kingdom of Satan is not a one-off affair. The battles continue throughout our lifetime. After the defeat of Ai, multitudes of other enemy countries united their forces to attack Israel (vs.1-2). But compare the reaction of the Gibeonites in vs.3-4&24. What does that say about their understanding of the power of the God of Israel (cf. 2:8-11). Often the unbelievers recognise the power of our God more than we do.
Joshua again failed to enquire of the Lord before making a treaty with the Gibeonites. This mistake was committed soon after the disaster of Ai. Do we ever learn our lesson? Impulsive or rash decisions without seeking God’s counsel often leads to errors, regrets, and disasters.
Notice the reaction of the Israelites when they found out the Gibeonites’ lies (vs.18-19). Pick a lesson from v.19. Are you sometimes tempted to go back on your word when you find it difficult to uphold? Note also the attitude of the Gibeonites when they were confronted with their offence in vs.24-25 (compare Psalm 51:17). What is your attitude towards correction and criticism?
The Gibeonites were put under the “curse” of being attached to the congregation and to the altar of the Lord. Was this really a curse? See Psalm 84:4,10.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Lord, please help me to lean on you rather than on my own understanding.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with 1 Samuel 2:9
“He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.”
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 235- Jeremiah 49-50
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Thursday Aug 22, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
SAVED AND CALLED
Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works.. 2 Tim 1:9
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ The privilege we have in Christ, to be saved and called by his grace.
PRAY FOR:
‣ God will awaken us to our salvation and calling, so that we will live in holiness, being made to be more like Jesus in every way.
‣ Fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon individual lives for revival, holiness and service.
‣ Grace to daily examine ourselves in the light of the Scripture and in preparation for Jesus’ coming.