Scripture Union Daily Guide 1 January 2023 | 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: Happy New Life!
Opening Prayer: Open my eyes O Lord that I might behold wondrous things from your word in Jesus name.
Scripture: MARK 1:1-13
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 4: Is there any promise for me to believe or hope for?
Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 1 January 2023
The message of John the Baptist was not merely to proclaim a Happy New Year. It was a Happy New Life he was ushering in with his announcement about Jesus Christ.
His message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (v.4) was one which was the first of its kind to be preached anywhere in the world. With this, he was introducing the One who was going to make this possible with His life, His death, and His resurrection. This is a forgiveness which is available for us right now (1 John 1:8-9). There is no better way to start a new year than to have the assurance that ALL our sins have been forgiven.
This does not mean that we shall be free from all human problems for the rest of the year. Read vs.9-13 again. First the Holy Spirit alighted on Jesus Christ immediately following His baptism. God, the Father in heaven, affirmed Jesus Christ as His Son. What happened immediately after this unity of the Trinity? Jesus Christ did not wander off into the wilderness. He was led there by the Holy Spirit. For what purpose? To be tempted by the devil! Now, look at the end of v.13.
When we are tempted by the devil this year, we should consider it strange. If our master was tempted and he overcame, we shall overcome any temptation. And help is always near for the child of God (1 Corinthians 10:12-13). “O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come…” (Isaac Watts, 1708)
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Pray for those who are yet to accept this message of forgiveness.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Exodus 33:14
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Genesis 1, Psalms 1,2.
Other Daily Devotionals You Can Read Today:
- Happy New Year 2023 Wishes, SMS, Message, Prayers And Declarations
- Prayer Points for New Year 2023 (1st January 2023)
