Scripture Union Daily Guide 20 October 2023
Read Scripture Union Daily Guide 20 October 2023 Devotional, Friday SU Daily Guide Reading
TOPIC: Taming the Tongue
OPENING PRAYER: Oh Lord, grant me spiritual insight into the truth of your word as I study it.
SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: James 3:1-12
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
• Q 2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Q 6: Is there any prayer for me to remember?
• Q 8: Is there any other Biblical passage that can help me understand this passage better?
SU DAILY GUIDE MESSAGE FOR 20TH OCTOBER 2023
Notice James’ admonition to those who would become teachers in the church (v.1). They must take the responsibility seriously, because their accountability is greater, and they shall receive a stricter judgment compared to the student (see also Luke 12:48). The greater accountability of teachers is especially sobering in light of our common weaknesses, for we all stumble in many ways (v.2), yet, one is considered mature if he/she does not stumble in words (see also Matthew 12:34-37). In which ways do we stumble in words?
Observe the comparison between the tongue on one hand and the bits in horses’ mouths, a small rudder in a large ship and a small fire in a forest on the other hand (v.3-6). What do these four have in common? Identify the effects of an uncontrolled tongue from this passage. Meditate on how such can affect others in your family, church, or community. See vs.7-8 (cf. James 1:19) and note some practical ways believers can control their tongues. Only God can fully transform our tongues. A salt spring does not produce fresh water because that is its nature. Similarly, unless a person is transformed by Christ, we can expect nothing good from his mouth.
PRACTICE/WORD APPLICATION
Thought: What kind of comments do you make about people around you?
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
CLOSING PRAYER
“Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” Psalm 141:3.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with 2 Samuel 22:3 ‐ 4
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Nehemiah 12, 13; Job 42.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Friday, 20-Oct-2023
PRAYER FOCUS
SCRIPTURE UNION AND CHURCH RELATIONS
I must work the work of he that sent me while it is day, for the night comes when no man can work again. John 9:4,
THANK GOD FOR:
►The vision of Scripture Union to work with churches
►Using SU as a training ground to ensure continuity and revival in the various denominations
PRAY FOR:
►More SU members to fulfil SU aims of working with churches to make God’s good news known to children, young people and families
►SU members to continue to show quality character and faithfulness in their denominations.
Scripture Union Daily Guide 20 October 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.