Scripture Union Daily Guide 23 May 2026: Today’s Devotional Reading and Reflection – Saturday
Are you looking for the Scripture Union Daily Guide 23 May 2026? Discover today’s devotional reading, Bible passage, and reflection to strengthen your spiritual journey. This Daily Guide provides clear, scripture-based insight and life applications to help you grow in faith, understand God’s Word, and live a Christ-centered life. Whether for personal devotion or group study, today’s message is a timely word for your walk with God.
TOPIC: Did Philemon have a choice?
Opening Prayer
Grant me grace dear Lord to apply what you will teach me today as I read this passage.
Bible Reading
Philemon 1:15-25
15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, 16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me. 18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account. 19 I, Paul, am writing with my own hand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides. 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Lord.
21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Meditation Question
►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 23 May 2026 OUTLINE
Observe the following set of relationships: Paul and Philemon, Paul and Onesimus, Philemon and Onesimus. What ties them together? Yes, it is the brotherhood in Jesus Christ (Philemon 1:16). Yet, Philemon appears to have had difficulty accepting Onesimus in this new relationship. Notice the nature of personal appeal that Paul makes to Philemon (Philemon 1:16-17). Given this relationship between Paul and Philemon,
Philemon is not only called upon to forgive, but also to let go of anything Onesimus owes him (Philemon 1:18-19). When we are wronged by others in the church or community, do we have any choice but to forgive (Colossians 3:13)? In real life as believers, we are faced with situations like that faced by Philemon. It is not how many times someone has wronged us or how serious the issue is, we must forgive.
Forgiveness is painful, that is why the Lord Jesus was hanged on our behalf. God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). We live in obedience to our God.
And So
Why would Paul offer himself as surety for Onesimus? Would your pastor or Christian friends vouch for you that much?
Closing Prayer
Reflect on the fact that we pray, ‘Forgive our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us’ (Matthew 6:12) and ask God for grace to always forgive.
Prayer of Faith
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Philippians 4:13
Prayer for the Week
Pray for all those who are afflicted of the devil, spiritually, mentally, physically that God’s power will go forth to heal and deliver them.
One Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Samuel 24; 1 Chronicles 21-22; Psalms 30
Prayer Bulletin – Sat 23 May, 2026
PRAYER FOCUS
WAITING MOTHERS
‘God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?’ Num. 23:19
THANK GOD FOR:
•Keeping his promises to his people.
•His mercy that endures forever
PRAY FOR:
•Grace to all our brethren who are waiting on the Lord for the fruit of the womb, to keep their eyes steadfast on the Lord.
•Husband and wife to encourage and support each other through this time.
•That none of them will yield to the suggestion of the enemy to seek for help outside God.
•Rebuke every power causing miscarriage of babies in our pregnant sisters.
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 23 May 2026)