Daily Guide 18th December 2023 | Scripture Union Devotional
Do You Know That? Daily Guide Reading is published by Scripture Union Press & Books Ltd, an arm of Scripture Union Nigeria. Daily Guide is a true nondenominational, interdenominational Christian Bible engagement/reading aid – meditate on the Bible without denominational colorations. May the Lord bless you as you study!
Today’s Topic: Jonah’s frustration and God’s solution
Opening Prayer: Oh Lord, fill me with the power of the Holy Ghost as I study your word.
SCRIPTURE: Jonah 4:1-11
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 3: Is there any command for me to obey?
• Q 7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 18 December 2023
Many would have thanked God for a great revival, but not Jonah (v.1). Notice his sound theology in v.2 which he, unfortunately, wrongly applied. For Jonah, the compassion of God is reserved for him and his people only, not for pagan Nineveh. His prayer here is therefore a clear example of a misinformed prayer (vs.2-3).
Jonah said that it was better for him to die than to live (v. 3) to face the shame of prophesying what never happened. Is there an example in this for the ‘prophets of prosperity’ and the ‘prophets of doom’ that we have today all around us? Prophets ought to exhibit God’s compassion and pray earnestly for God’s mercy for perishing souls.
God took further steps to work on Jonah, to help him understand. Unfortunately, Jonah felt he was right, and would not take correction (v.9). Again, is this not the problem with many today?
The sinful people of Nineveh repented, while the religious Jonah did not. The Holy and righteous God was concerned to save sinners, while the self-righteous Jonah was not! We need to align our thoughts with the character of God rather than acting on the whims of our inclinations. We need to understand who God is and emulate him as we follow His agenda.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Grant me, dear Lord, the heart that is filled with compassion for the lost.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 37:4
One Year Bible Reading Plan
2 John , Psalms 139, 140.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FOR 18TH DECEMBER 2023
PRAYER FOCUS: UYO REGION CONTD.
Hear, Oh Lord, when I cry with my voice, and be gracious to me and answer me. Psalm 27:7
THANK GOD FOR:
►Travelling mercies in all journeys
►His faithfulness in the lives of members and families and the Union.
PRAY FOR:
►For unity and oneness of heart among leaders in the Region.
►That Christ will be properly formed in the lives of the brethren as they have a closer walk with Him.
►For fresh out pouring of the Holy Ghost, a fresh zeal and power to serve Him this year.
