SCRIPTURE UNION DAILY GUIDE DEVOTIONAL FOR APRIL 23, 2023 (NO SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND OPPRESSION)
TOPIC: NO SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND OPPRESSION
OPENING PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant me understanding and illumination as I ponder on your word in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY: Exodus 22:16-31
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
• Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Q 3: Is there any command for me to obey?
MESSAGE:
What do we learn of responsible moral attitudes on sexual matters in this passage (vs.16-17, 19, 22-24)? The loss of virginity for an unmarried daughter diminished her value in the eyes of society, and our generation has not changed in this respect, despite increasing permissiveness. Even though society has always been stricter in the way it judges women than the standards applied to men, we must not think that God applies the same unequal measure. It is important that unmarried men and women exercise self-control over their passions, to keep sex for marriage and that married men and women keep sex within their marriage alone.
Those who practise homosexuality today are “gays”. Maybe those practising bestiality (v.19) may soon call themselves “best”. However, God’s standard never changes. He severely punishes those involved in any form of sexual perversion.
What can we learn about God in vs.18,20 & 21-27? Our God is a jealous and compassionate God. He hates all forms of oppression and cruelty against the powerless and less privileged. God deserves our best (vs.28-30) and we must believe, respect, and offer the proceeds of our labour in support of His work. Are you faithful in this regard?
PRACTICE/WORD APPLICATION
So: Reflect on your relationship with God and people!
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, help me to avoid unholy and violent relationships and be compassionate towards the needy.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Isaiah 49:8
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Judges 1, 2, 1Corinthians 1.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN – Sun, 23-Apr-2023
PRAYER FOCUS
PURITY ALL THE WAY
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to you word.
– Psalm 119:9
THANK GOD FOR:
► The blessings He has reserved for all His children who are pure in heart.
PRAY FOR:
► Grace for us to remain exemplary in speech, conduct, love, faith and in purity of life.
► Continuous abiding in God so that His Spirit will continue to dwell in us.
► Purity of thoughts, and actions as we continue to labour in SU children, youths, families.
PRAY AGAINST:
► All forms of defilement in our SU ministry as that will disqualify our labour.
► Hasty acts and reactions that may not bring Glory to the name of our God.
Scripture Union Daily Guide 23 April 2023 Sunday. 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.
