Scripture Union Daily Guide Reading for Today 20 April 2024 (Saturday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: When Adversity Comes Knocking
OPENING PRAYER: Grant me depth of insight, revelation and knowledge as I meditate on this passage, O Lord.
INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORINTHIANS
Paul wrote this letter at a difficult time in his relationship with the Church in Corinth. The letter is a mixture of Paul’s insistence on his apostolic authority, his integrity and a plea for sympathy and understanding. The book is full of references to Paul’s personal experiences and frustrations in the ministry. He outlined these as a response to critics who were challenging his apostolic authority and integrity.
In Chapters 1-7, Paul openly admits his frustrations. Immediately after a sparse greeting, he mentioned hardship so severe that, “we despair of even life” (1:8). He also explains the reason he had responded with severity to the critics, expressing joy that the severity had resulted in repentance and reconciliation (7:7-9). In chapters 8 and 9, he appeals to the Corinthians for generous offering to help the needy Christians in Judea. In chapters 10-13, Paul strongly defends his apostleship.
The letter provides us with valuable lessons on the nature of Christian ministry and relationships which are very relevant to us today just as when it was written.
SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: 2 CORINTHIANS 1:1-11
Question for Reflection
* Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
Scripture Union Daily Guide Reading For Today 20 APRIL 2024 OUTLINE
Paul writes to the church in Corinth with the heart of a father. This is not surprising for after all, he was the one who founded the church at Corinth and served there for 18 months. See Acts 18:1-11.
Paul leaves his readers in no doubt as to who God is. See vs.3,4. God is Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. How comforting! What insights about suffering can you pick from vs.5-7?
Based on vs.8-11, what should our attitude to suffering be? Also see Matthew 5:10-12; 1 Peter 3:14; 4:12-14.
As Christians, we may go through trials just like our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Such experiences position us to help others who may go through similar experiences, as shown by v.4. We should face suffering with confidence in the sovereignty of God, trusting that He will work all things out for our good (Romans 8:28).
Practice/Word Application
Thought: Whatever happens, just keep your focus on God. He is in control.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that you know everything about me. Help me to keep looking up to you, in the full assurance that it is well with my soul.
Prayer for the week
* Pray for Christians in places of authority, to be bold and courageous in upholding integrity • Pray that they will not bow to the depravation of the society • Pray that God will remove the spirit of covetousness from their eyes.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 41:2
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 111 – 2 Samuel 1-4
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Sat Apr 20, 2024
PRAYER FOCUS
CHILDREN DEPARTMENT CONTINUES
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5
THANK GOD FOR:
* The life of the HOD, Children – Bro. Gbenga Ige, the Children TSes and members of the Board
* The Grace to oversee the work in this department
PRAY FOR:
* God’s wisdom and understanding for the Hod and his Team in moving this work forward
* Grace to embark on aggressive production of resource materials for children
* Pilgrims to support the work more with funding the activities in this department adequately.