Daily Guide 2 December 2023 | Scripture Union Devotional

242

Today’s Topic: On whom are you depending?

Opening Prayer: Let me know more of you today dear Lord as I meditate on your word.

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 36:1-22

Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Q 5: Is there any warning for me to heed?

Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 2 December 2023

This passage is a contrast to the prophecy of joy, renewal, and encouragement in the previous chapter. Generally, confidence leads to victory while discouragement brings defeat. As Assyria’s army surrounds Jerusalem, their commander tried to undermine the confidence of God’s people through the tactics of demoralization. Note his intimidating strategy in vs.4-10 and his ignorance regarding Hezekiah’s reforms (v.7) and the power of the God of Israel in comparison to other nations’ idols (vs.18-20). He even made false claims about God in an attempt to confuse the people (v.10).

In this difficult time, King Hezekiah had encouraged the people to depend on the Lord to deliver them (vs.7,15&18). The commander tried to damage the confidence the king nurtured in the people (vs.15&19)? Why was it necessary for the people to remain silent at the commander’s provocation (v.21)? Silence is helpful in keeping us under control when irritated.

We must refuse to succumb to discouragement however formidable the challenges we may face. We must rather wholly trust in the Lord, our defender.

• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?

Closing Prayer
O Lord, help me never to be frightened by the threats of man.
Prayer for the week
► Pray for Christian elders in the faith that God will help them continue strong and help them finish well in the race.
► Pray for Grace to continue in the teachings they have held, believed and taught even in the face of trials and temptations to do the contrary.
► Pray against anything that will make them deviate from the faith.

Offer a prayer of faith in line with 2 Peter 1:3 ‐ 4
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Thessalonians 3‐5; Proverbs 22.

NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FOR 2ND DECEMBER 2023

PRAYER FOCUS: DAILY POWER QUIZ COMPETITION AT NATIONAL LEVEL HOLDS TODAY
Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…”. Colossians 3:16
THANK GOD FOR:
►Safety of all participants who have travelled for this competition
►Provision of resources to make this competition a reality
PRAY FOR:
►The competition will stir up in these young people a hunger for more and more of God
►Others will be challenged to participate in future editions
►This event will cause the Word of Christ to dwell more abundantly in young people and by it distinguish them for God as they grow up.