Scripture Union Daily Guide 22nd December 2024 (Sunday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: God’s Mercy Extends To Those Who Fear Him
OPENING PRAYER: Help me to understand the exceeding greatness of your power as I read through this passage, dear Lord.
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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: LUKE 1:39-56
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 22nd December 2024 Outline
What the angel said in yesterday’s passage (v.36), must have contributed to strengthening Mary’s faith as she hurried to visit Elizabeth (vs.39-40; 45). When you are confused or do not understand what is happening in your life, to whom do you go? Not many people would have understood Mary’s story and situation.
She took the right step by going to a person of like mind and similar experience. She and Elizabeth could mutually encourage each other as they share their experiences. Remember the two women would raise crucial personalities in God’s salvation plan: a forerunner and the Saviour. We need the fellowship of other Christians, especially when passing through a particularly difficult period.
Notice how Elizabeth’s proclamation centred on God’s blessings and favour and commendation of Mary’s faith (vs.42-45). She did not envy Mary (v.42). How do you react to friends whom God blesses in a special way?
Mary’s song (vs.47-55), commonly called the Magnificat, after the Latin translation of the first word, expresses God’s progressive fulfilment of the salvation plan through history. What other truths does Mary say about God’s character (vs.49,50), the way He works among people (vs.51-53), and His faithfulness (vs.54-55)?
Practice/Word Application
And so? The yet unborn baby in Elizabeth’s womb was already spiritually sensitive (v.44). What does this say about abortion and Christian mothers’ responsibility to their babies even before they are born?
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Rest of the weary
1. Rest of the weary, joy of the sad,
Hope of the dreary, light of the glad;
Home of the stranger, strength to the end,
Refuge from danger, Savior and friend!
2. Pillow where lying, love rests its head,
Peace of the dying, life of the dead:
Path of the lowly, prize at the end,
Breath of the holy, Savior and friend!
3. When my feet stumble, to Thee I’ll cry,
Crown of the humble, cross of the high;
When my steps wander, over me bend
Truer and fonder, Savior and friend!
4. Ever confessing Thee, I will raise
Unto Thee blessing, glory and praise:
All my endeavor, world without end,
Thine to be ever, Savior and friend!
Closing Prayer
Lord, help me to truly rejoice with, and encourage those you have blessed in a special way.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 357- Hebrews 11-13
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN 22 DECEMBER 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
MISSIONS AND BIBLE USE DEPARTMENT
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ The successes of all the programs embarked upon by the department
‣ Protection and deliverance of all field missionaries
PRAY FOR:
‣ God’s protection, provisions and grace for more exploits in the mission fields
‣ Growth and sustenance of the indigenous converts, that they will begin to take charge of Ministry responsibilities in their areas
‣ God to raise more labourers in the mission fields
‣ Missions and Bible Use Board, under the chairmanship of Brother Ndubuisi Ucheya, that God will give wisdom and revelation in giving leadership to fulfil the mandate of the Union in the department
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 22nd December 2024)
