Scripture Union Daily Guide October 16, 2023, Monday
Scripture Union Daily Guide October 16, 2023, MondayRead Scripture Union Daily Guide October 16, 2023 Devotional, Monday SU Daily Guide Reading
TOPIC: Patient Endurance In Trials
OPENING PRAYER: My dear heavenly Father, as I study your word, let it be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Introduction to the Epistle of James
The author identifies himself as “James” (James 1:1). Whereas there are several men named James in the New Testament, the author is widely thought to be the brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55) and brother to Jude (Jude 1), and the one who made the deciding speech at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:13-22). James was not a follower of Jesus during the Saviour’s time on earth (Mark 3:21-35; John 7:5) but eventually became an apostle in like manner with Paul, as one who had seen and believed the Lord post-resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19).
James is very practical and in no way contradicting the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace alone. He argues that our conduct, as Christians, should reflect what we believe in our hearts and profess with our lips. He argues for a practical outworking of our faith in our worship of God and service to people
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: James 1:1-12
QUESTION FOR REFLECTION
• Q 8: Is there any other Biblical passage that can help me understand this passage better?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 16th October 2023 OUTLINE:
Notice how James begins his letter (vs.2-4). Trials are occasions for joy, not discouragement. Can you see a connection between daily life and spiritual growth, and how God uses the difficulties and challenges of daily life and work to increase our faith? We can count it all joy during trials because they produce perseverance. This is the opposite of what the culture teaches us today.
The world tells us to run from pain and embrace pleasure. However, Scripture teaches us that when we face trials or hardships, we will grow stronger. How does this shape your attitude towards trials and suffering? Take note of the exhortation to allow perseverance to complete its work (v.4). What does this lead to? God sometimes allow trials to come our way to test the sincerity of our faith (see also 2 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter.4:12-13).
In times of trials, wisdom (v.5), prayer (v.5), faith (vs.6-8), humility (vs.9-11) and perseverance (v.12) are essential and most desirable virtues. What trials are you currently experiencing? Do not be discouraged. On the contrary, count it all joy. God is at work in your life. “Any kind” of trial can be an impetus for growth.
FOR FURTHER STUDY
Further thought: Meditate on 1 Corinthians 10:13
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
CLOSING PRAYER
Pray for any Christian (or yourself) whom you know is undergoing trials.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 34:19
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Nehemiah 1‐3; Job 37.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Monday, 16-Oct-2023
PRAYER FOCUS
FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN
Say to the fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear, your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution, he will come to save you. Isaiah 35:4
THANK GOD FOR:
►His unconditional love for us his children
PRAY FOR:
►Faith to believe in Him and to entrust our lives totally to Him
►Grace to face all nameless, unreasonable and unjustifiable fear of the unknown.
PRAY AGAINST:
►Emotions that lead to panic, and eventually paralyses our faith making trust in God’s word difficult
►The spirit that makes us focus on our problems instead of looking up to God
WATCH: NSPPD 16th October 2023 Morning Prayer | God of Suddenly
Scripture Union Daily Guide For October 16, 2023. 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.
READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY