Scripture:
John 15:1-17
Fri, 14 April 2023

Applying the Truth

Observation:

How does a Christian disciple grow in dependence on God and fruit bearing
(e.g. love, joy, etc.)? What will that growth process entail?

Deeper Reflection
Verse 1 is the final “I am” saying of Jesus, where He declared that He was the true vine. In the Old Testament, the vine and vineyard metaphors were often used to represent Israel, which was chosen as a covenant people, planted and tended by God to bear fruit, but failed to do so (e.g. Psa 80:8-19; Isa 5:1-7). In stark contrast, Jesus is the true vine in that He fulfilled God’s purpose for ancient Israel and produces genuine fruit. An important point of Jesus’ teaching is that believers are to live in union with Christ (“Abide in Me, and I in you”, v.4). Otherwise, we will be like unfruitful branches, rendered useless and discarded.There are three interlocking exhortations by our Lord in this text: (1) Abide in Christ (vv.4-7); (2) Abide in Christ’s words19 (v.7); and (3) Abide in Christ’s love (vv.9-10). Common to abiding in Christ and abiding in His love is obedience to Christ’s words (vv.7, 10). The results of obedience to our Lord’s commandments is the assurance of answered prayers, much fruitfulness, glory to the Father and proof that we are authentic disciples (vv.7-8). Tremendously precious too are the promises that we will dwell in the love of the Son (v.10), possess the fullness of joy (v.11) and be called a friend of our Lord (v.14).Let us be a church family that seeks to follow Christ and become more like Him. Can you imagine what our lives will be like if we faithfully apply the truths that we have gleaned from the Bible? Let us press in for greater fruitfulness in the days ahead!
19 And the corollary will be true: Christ’s words abide in us.
Application:

In what areas of my life do I need to grow in obedience to God and love for
Him and His people? What will I do to grow in these areas?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for SGI leaders: To mature in Christ-like character and develop greater capacity to care for their CG members and lead them to grow spiritually
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 6:1-10
Wed, 7 June 2023

Consistent Daily Devotion to God

Observation:

What does verse 10 tell us about Daniel?

Deeper Reflection
For Daniel’s distinguishing competency and character, and commitment to ensuring that the king suffered no loss in his empire, Darius “planned to appoint” him “over the entire kingdom” (v.3). But out of jealousy, Daniel’s fellow-commissioners and the satraps attempted to accuse him of “negligence or corruption” in “government affairs” (v.4a). They could find nothing, because Daniel was “faithful” (v.4b). So, they planned to make accusation against him “with regard to the law of his God” (v.5). And they maliciously instigated Darius to establish a law that “anyone who makes a petition to any god or man” besides the king “for thirty days, shall be cast into the lion’s den” (vv.6-9).Then, “when Daniel knew that the document was signed…he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously” (v.10). This was Daniel’s spiritual discipline with a structure of regular “three times a day”. He kept it daily. We can say that Daniel never missed his quiet time. The most important words in the verse may be “when Daniel knew that the document was signed”. They indicate the context of Daniel’s spiritual discipline: A discipleship challenge where his life was at stake. Daniel’s spiritual discipline was no mere religious ritual and routine. He could have skipped his quiet time “for thirty days” and be safe. He didn’t. Daniel’s spiritual discipline manifested his consistent daily devotion to “his God”: “he continued…three times a day…as he had been doing previously.” At the heart of this spiritual discipline was Daniel’s relationship and fellowship with “his God”.
Application:

How can I cultivate a consistent daily devotion to God?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for the Generations: That young people will seek to be devoted to God consistently
  • Pray for self
 

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