We’ve reached Day 8 of Scripture Union International’s daily devotional series “God’s word for times like these”

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

We hear a lot about the fact that, just because we cannot see something, it does not mean it is not there. Take the coronavirus, for instance! It is invisible, yet it is alive and all around us. But today, Paul wants to turn our attention towards another invisible reality which is far greater than anything else, seen or unseen – and that is God’s eternal Kingdom, of which we are a part.

Click here to read the eighth devotional ‘Unseen, but real’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-8/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Day-8-EN.pdf

We’ve reached Day 7 of Scripture Union International’s daily devotional series “God’s word for times like these”

Romans 12:9-13

In these days there is a lot of necessary activity – disinfecting, cleaning, isolating, cancelling, researching and so on. As God’s people, these words from Romans today remind us of a focus for our activity. While we need to do all we can to look after our own health, our eyes are not to shift from the needs of our brothers and sisters around us persevering, contributing, serving, rejoicing, praying and practising hospitality.

This is the absolute and overriding requirement of love.

Click here to read the seventh devotional ‘Practising hope-filled generosity’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-7/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Gods-Word-Day-7-EN.pdf

We’ve reached Day 6 of Scripture Union International’s daily devotional series “God’s word for times like these”

Matthew 6:25-34

As many of us around the world find ourselves inside, this passage comes as a reminder to stop and look out of the window. Notice the clouds in the sky, watch a bird circle on the wind, pay attention to the flower growing in the container by your door. As we pause and take notice, we can hear Jesus’ words afresh, ‘Are you not of more value than they?’ These words, spoken thousands of years ago, are coming to life for us in new ways. Our creator God cares more for us than the blades of grass. Jesus urges his friends not to worry about tomorrow. While we will naturally have concerns, we are not to be overcome. Rather, we can focus our attention on the things of God. We are to strive for God’s kingdom. Now is the time to seek God’s righteousness, and to bring God’s presence to those we meet, whether in our own homes or via a screen. Let us encourage each other to take one day at a time, for today’s troubles are enough for today (v34).

Click here to read the sixth devotional ‘Pause’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-6/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Gods-Word-Day-6-EN.pdf

We’ve reached Day 5 of Scripture Union International’s daily devotional series “God’s word for times like these”

Lamentations 3:21-26

The situation could not have been worse. Jerusalem was in ruins and Jeremiah’s people were in captivity. Pain and poverty were all around. There was much to mourn and lament about! Yet Jeremiah deliberately stops thinking this way and focuses his thoughts in a different way. “Yet this I CALL TO MIND, and THEREFORE I have hope” (21) and he parks his restless mind on the unchanging character of God. “I SAY TO MYSELF: The Lord is my portion” (24).

We can learn from Jeremiah! Today in the midst of all the difficult things we face, we can choose to focus on what we already know about our Father: that He greatly loves us, His heart goes out for us and He will never forsake us (22-23). We may not be able to change our circumstances, but we can see our circumstances in a different light, if we filter them through the truth of these verses. Sometimes we need to preach to our souls, as Jeremiah did!

Click here to read the fifth devotional ‘Preach to your soul!’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-5/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Gods-Word-Day-5-EN.pdf

The team over at Scripture Union Wales have launched a new video series called INspire!

INspire videos focus on a range of current topics, with the purpose of connecting teens and young adults to the bible.

You can watch the videos at their YouTube Playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvk5fboUt6LRWemNnvTeik4FCH9oMP9Cw

Alternatively, visit: https://content.scriptureunion.org.uk/inspire

We’ve reached Day 4 of Scripture Union International’s daily devotional series “God’s word for times like these”

Psalm 46

Nearly every country in the world is implementing an unprecedented course of protective measures – from closing borders to limiting activities. These measures are in place to restore control and prevent panic. Ironically, control is somewhat illusive, whilst panic is real and growing.

Are we losing this battle, the same way as the Jews were losing theirs with numerous enemies many years ago? Are we ready to cry out with the Psalmist, that the only help we have, the only strength we possess, the only refuge we can count on, is our God?

He is here with us in the midst of the chaos. He is still in control. He calms us when we become still and know that He is God. So, put down your broken weapon of wanting to be in control and come and find confidence in Him.

Click here to read the fourth devotional ‘Still in control’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-4/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Gods-Word-Day-4-EN.pdf

Scripture Union NSW, working with the YouVersion Bible App, have released some fantastic resources to help people engage with the bible – especially in the midst of Covid-19.

Here are some links to a range of reading plans made for children, teens and adults.

‘Who Do You Say I Am?’ (Primary Age): https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/19079-who-do-you-say-i-am-primary-age

‘Stories Of The Kingdom‘ (Primary Age): https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/19091-stories-of-the-kingdom-primary-age

‘A Step Of Faith‘: https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/18788-a-step-of-faith

‘Jonah: Taking Part In God’s Big Story‘: https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/18954-jonah-taking-part-in-gods-big-story

‘The One Behind The Book‘: https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/18992-the-one-behind-the-book

‘A Recklessly Extravagant Love‘: https://www.bible.com/en-GB/reading-plans/19010-a-recklessly-extravagant-love

We’re up to Day 3 of Scripture Union International’s daily devotional series “God’s word for times like these”

2 Chronicles 7:11-16

King Solomon and Israel have just dedicated the new temple to God and then God speaks to Solomon. He tells him that, when the difficult times come (including plague), there is a process for the people to receive God’s healing: be humble, pray, seek, turn, hear, forgive – then healing will come. It’s a combination of dependence on God and action.

Like Solomon, we can demonstrate to people this act of total dependence on God. For if we turn to God, He will heal.

Click here to read the third devotional ‘Turn to God for Healing’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-2/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Day-2-copy.pdf

Today we’re continuing Scripture Union International’s Daily Devotionals for the Covid-19 season.

Psalm 90

As most of us are experiencing a ‘lockdown’, and/or working from home, we probably think on times when we could enjoy wide open spaces! Moses and the people of Israel were in the wilderness – open space! But it seemed as though their heads were still inside Egypt. This must have been a very difficult time for Moses and we can feel the anguish within this Psalm – which is possibly the only Psalm he wrote. However, Moses points us to a God who listens, who answers and who has compassion. This is a God who has been, is and will be – our dwelling place. In him there is safety, security, shelter, protection and refuge.

Click here to read the second devotional ‘Run for Refuge’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-2/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Day-2-copy.pdf

‘God’s Word for times like these’ is a series of 10 inspirational Bible reading notes produced by Scripture Union International as the world tries to cope with the immediacy and the urgency of Covid-19. As the threat of the unknown looms large, as the anxiety of the heart overtakes the head’s ability to make rational decisions and as the world is in hysteria over toilet paper and food, reality has never hit home stronger. In such a situation, where do we turn? What brings us hope? What brings us encouragement? In the words of Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”.

We’ll be posting these 10 devotionals over the next 10 days.

Click here to read the first devotional ‘Keep On Asking’ online: https://scriptureunion.global/covid-19/bible-engagement/day-1/

Click here to download a pdf version: https://scriptureunion.global/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Gods-Word-Day-1-.pdf