Scripture Union Daily Guide 22 October 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: Humble yourself before the Lord
Opening As I read through this passage dear Lord, let your word bring transformation to my life.
SCRIPTURE: James 4:1-12
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 3: Is there any command for me to obey?
Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 22 October 2023
‘Where do wars and fights come from among you,’ James asks? He accurately describes strife among Christians as wars and fights. Notice the source of these wars and fights (v.1) and identify the controlling factors that eventually lead to conflict (vs.2-3). It is instructive that the reason these destructive desires exist among Christians is either because there is no prayer (v.2) or there is selfish prayer (v.3). We are encouraged to remember that the purpose of prayer is not to persuade a reluctant God to do our bidding, but rather to align our will with His, and in partnership with Him, to ask Him to accomplish His will on this earth (Matthew 6:10). Reflect on how James refers to such a people (v.4) and compare his language here with passages such as Jeremiah 3:8-9, Ezekiel 6:9; 16:32. As James saw it here, their covetousness was idolatry (Colossians 3:5) and friendship with the world. Indeed, we cannot both be friends of this world system in rebellion against God, and friends of God at the same time (see also Matthew 6:24). Read vs.7-12 again and meditate on the admonitions James offers as the solution to the strife described earlier in the passage.
Practice/Word Application
So: Humble yourself before God. He will lift you up beyond reach of the devil and his wiles. Thank God for this.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Psalms 149:4
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Esther 3, 4; Psalms 74.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FOR 22ND OCTOBER 2023
PRAYER FOCUS: STAND IN THE GAP
If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chr. 7:14
THANK GOD FOR:
►The privilege to be called His people.
►The assurance we have that He is willing and ready to heal us and our land when we pray.
PRAY FOR:
►Grace to humble ourselves, forsake our wicked ways
►Grace for complete obedience to God
