TOPIC: You Are Among the Chosen Few!
OPENING PRAYER: As I read your word O Lord, grant me an insight and grace to do your will in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE: MARK 3: 7-19
QUESTION FOR REFLECTION
• Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 7th January 2023 MESSAGE
It is not hard to imagine the excitement of the crowd. Those who were healed could not keep quiet. We can imagine how those who saw it happen told their families, friends and neighbours who then came to see it with their own eyes – and they were not disappointed. Jesus now decided to formalise the little inner group who would be the constant companions and the focus of His training for the task of carrying His message to the ends of the earth. They were not a particularly impressive group!
Top of the list was Peter, who was not the deepest of thinkers and seemed to have a habit of speaking before thinking (e.g. Mark 8:31-33). There were James and John, the self-seeking Zebedee brothers with an ambitious mother (Matthew 20:20-21).
Also, there was Simon the Zealot, a political terrorist, Matthew (Levi) the detested tax collector, Judas with his expertise in mishandling finances (John 12:6), and others who have no reason for standing up in the crowd. Together, they constituted the special little band handpicked by Jesus Christ. Apart from Judas Iscariot, they demonstrated what the Holy Spirit can accomplish with ordinary human beings like you and me!
Read again vs.14-15 and reflect on the three reasons for which Jesus chose His disciples. Are those reasons still relevant today?
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
HYMN: The Great Physician
1 The great Physician now is near,
the sympathizing Jesus;
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
oh! hear the voice of Jesus.
Refrain:
Sweetest note in seraph song,
sweetest name on mortal tongue;
sweetest carol ever sung,
Jesus, blessed Jesus.
2 Your many sins are all forgiven,
oh! hear the voice of Jesus;
go on your way in peace to heaven,
and wear a crown with Jesus. [Refrain]
3 All glory to the risen Lamb!
I now believe in Jesus;
I love the blessed Savior’s name,
I love the name of Jesus. [Refrain]
4 His name dispels my guilt and fear,
no other name but Jesus;
oh! how my soul delights to hear
the charming name of Jesus. [Refrain]
CLOSING PRAYER
Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 and praise God for choosing you to be His disciple. Pray for the fullness of His Spirit to enable you to be faithful to Him to the end.
PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
► Thank God for His mercy over you, your family, friends and neighbours.
► Pray for God’s presence, provision, protection for the year 2023.
► Trust God for a more fruitful relationship this year.
Offer A Prayer of Faith in Line With Deuteronomy 31:8
ONE YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Genesis 10, 11, Psalms 9.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Sat, 07-Jan-2023
PRAYER FOCUS
THE CHURCH OF GOD: PREPARED FOR THE TASK
(NATIONAL PRAYER AND FASTING CONTINUES)
Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct and encourage with great patience and teaching. – 2Timothy 4:2
THANK GOD FOR:
► The family and body of Christ tied by his blood.
► His promise to build, strengthen and help his church grow in faith.
PRAY FOR:
► Grace to continue to intercede for the church of God and to continue to lift up the leaders as they remain faithful to their callings.
► The presence of God to continue with us and in us and continue to proclaim His word in righteousness and holiness.
► The church of God not to miss the vision and the call of God, especially as we see the day approaching.
► Brethren in the Northern Nigeria and other parts of the world undergoing persecution, that the Lord will strengthen them.
PRAY AGAINST:
► Wolves in sheep clothings who preach for their stomach and bring shame to the name of the Lord. They shall proceed no further in Jesus name.
► Fear of persecution and failing of hearts due to the happenings in this end time.
Scripture Union Daily Guide 7th January 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.
Salvation Prayer
Have you ever made Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life?
If not, pray this prayer and start a new life in Christ.
Dear God, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I admit that I am not right with You, and I want to be right with You. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. The Bible says if I confess with my mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved (Rom. 10:9). I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of my life. Thank You for saving me! In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
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