Daily Guide 4 December 2023 | Scripture Union Devotional
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Today’s Topic: Take root below and bear fruits above
Opening Prayer: Help me to understand the exceeding greatness of your power as I read through this passage, dear Lord.
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 37:21-38
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 4 December 2023
God answered Hezekiah in several ways because he had prayed (v.21). The answer came in the form of promises and blessings. What if the king had only discussed with military and political leaders? Part of Joseph Scriven’s popular hymn says:
O what peace we often forfeit?
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
God had observed the insults and boast about previous exploits which the Assyrians attributed to their “many chariots”. Who was behind it all (vs.26-27)?
Read v.28 again. Assyrians used to chain and insert hooks into the noses of their captives. God promised them the same punishment, while blessing Israel (vs.29-32). Survivors and remnants in Israel were to grow into a nation. God guaranteed these promises with His name. In contrast, see what was to happen to Assyria and why (vs.34-35). King David’s godly heritage years earlier was still a blessing to Israel. The events of v.38 may have happened years later.
Practice/Word Application
To ponder: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall”, Prov.16:18. Hezekiah’s humility led to the rebirth of his nation, while Assyria headed for destruction because of foolish pride. Survivors of any calamity must remain rooted in Jesus Christ and produce abiding fruits (John 15:4-9,16).
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, let the spirit of humility that was in Christ Jesus fall on me.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 100:5
One Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Thessalonians 3; Proverbs 24.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FOR 4TH DECEMBER 2023
PRAYER FOCUS: FOCUSED ON THE RACE
So, I run with a purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline myself like an athlete. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27a
THANK GOD FOR:
►The race we have been called to run
►The sufficient grace He has supplied for us
PRAY FOR:
►Grace to be disciplined, focused and not be distracted as we continue in the race
►Grace to lay aside every weight that will not allow us to run well ►That our first will not be the last.
