Scripture Union Daily Guide 9th September 2024 (Monday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: STEPHEN PROCLAIMS THE GOSPEL – PART 1
OPENING PRAYER: As I read your word O Lord, grant me an insight and grace to do your will in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE READING: ACTS 7:1-16
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
* Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
* Q3: Is there any command for me to obey?
* Q5: Is there any warning for me to heed?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 9th September 2024 OUTLINE
What accusation did the members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (6:9) level against Stephen in 6:11, 13-14? Notice the people who formed the audience of Stephen’s response (6:15 and 7:1) and how carefully he invalidated their accusations:
* The call of and promise to Abraham (vs.2-8): the clarity with which Stephen summarized God’s call to Abraham, and the promise for land, descendants, slavery, and deliverance is admirable. Why do you think Stephen referenced the covenant of circumcision in his defence? Circumcision was designed to serve as an outer symbol of an inner reality.
* The journey to and stay in Egypt (vs.9-16): notice the motif of selling into slavery in v.9, which although intended for Joseph, actually became a reality for the Israelites in Egypt. God converted an act born out of jealousy to an opportunity for salvation and blessing to not only Joseph’s family but also the Egyptians. Similarly, there are many occasions that God converts actions and voices of malice and jealousy to moments of blessings and favour for those who walk in His ways.
With these words, Stephen laid a strong foundation for a further explanation of Israel’s history. The depth with which he understood the history of his faith is worth emulating. How well do you know the Scriptures? Stephen did not have time to make reference to the written Word. He had it all in his heart.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to faithfully meditate on the Scriptures, and to store them in my heart and mind always.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Exodus 23:25
“And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.”
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 253- Ezekiel 43-45
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Monday Sep 09, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
AID FOR LIFE WEEK OF EMPHASIS IN PILGRIM GROUPS;
9TH — 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2024.
Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11.
THANK GOD FOR:
‣ The HOD Schools/Youth and Aid for Life Department, his life, ministry and family.
‣ Volunteers supporting people who are living with HIV, drug addiction, depression, etc.
‣ How He has sustained the life of people living with HIV and other challenging conditions.
‣ The impact of God’s word at restoring hope to the hopeless.
Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, 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.