TOPIC: Our Help in Times of Trouble
OPENING PRAYER: Grant me depth of insight, revelation and knowledge as I meditate on this passage, O Lord.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Mark 6:45-56
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
• Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Q 2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 4th February 2023 MESSAGE
The other time the Lord came to the coastal city of Gennesaret, He healed only one person, casting out the legion of demons from him. The Lord is back in the same city again: Compare 5:1 with 6:53-56 and see how He came to heal more people in the same place. Their unique experiences were multi-layered. The people who begged Him to leave their territory earlier (5:17), now came to touch Him, get healed and delivered. He went about their villages, marketplaces, and the countryside. What can we learn from these? We should realise that the Lord Jesus Christ also experienced the challenges we face on the mission field today. He has promised to be “with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b).
Observe also that He spoke to the disciples right in the middle of their struggles with stormy waters (v.50). What encouragement do we find in vs.48-50? Our God knows where we are and the challenges we are going through, and He ensures that they do not overwhelm us. This is because He has power over every situation (v.51; John 16:33, 1 Corinthians 10:13). Whenever He steps into our situation, we experience peace and tranquillity.
PRACTICE/WORD APPLICATION
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Thought: “Don’t be afraid, take courage, I am here.”
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
HYMN: Have I need of aught
1. Have I need of aught, O Savior!
Aught on earth but Thee?
Have I any in the heavens,
Any one but Thee?
Refrain
Only Thee, only Thee,
O the wondrous love shown me!
Only Thee, only Thee,
None on earth but Thee.
2. Tho’ I have of friends so many,
Love, and gold, and health;
If I have not Thee, my Savior,
Hold I any wealth?
3. Is there heart so kind and patient
With my failings all?
Or a voice so true and ready,
Answering my call?
4. Not for worlds would I exchange it—
This sweet faith in Thee!
Earthly treasures cannot equal
All Thou art to me.
CLOSING PRAYER
While I wonder at your goodness and miracles in my life, help me not to be hard-hearted or unbelieving.
PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
► Pray for orphans, the less privileged and the people in IDP camp in Nigeria and other countries.
► Pray that God will visit them today with His love.
► Believe God to intervene in whatever situation they are going through today.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Ephesians 1:18
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Exodus 13,14, Psalms 31.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Sat, 04-Feb-2023
PRAYER FOCUS
CHALLENGES IN SU WORK
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trials when it comes upon you, but rejoice, in so far as you share Christ’s sufferings.
– 1 Peter 4:12-13
THANK GOD FOR:
► Calling us in SU to work among children, youths and families and the provisions He has always made available for us.
► The provisions of grace and will to follow His biddings as we work among these classes of people.
PRAY FOR:
► Increased obedience to God’s word as we continue to do the work despite all the challenges we face.
► Staff and Missionaries attached to SU Nigeria as they continue in the work of the Master that they be not discouraged.
PRAY AGAINST:
► Pulling out or dropping out of the work due to the challenges they face.
► Feeling abandoned by God and men, thereby failing to call upon God in distress.
Scripture Union Daily Guide 4th February 2023. Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
