Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 2:7, 11-12; Ephesians 6:4; Proverbs 1:8
Tue, 15 March 2022

Combining the Father’s and Mother’s Roles

Observation:

What do these passages say about the roles of a father and a mother?

Deeper Reflection
DISCIPLEMAKING IS SPIRITUAL PARENTING. IN BUILDING the faith of the Thessalonians, Paul did so “like a mother feeding and caring for her own children” (v.7, NLT) and “like a father with his children”, exhorting, encouraging and urging them in their walk with God (vv.11-12).There is no need to deduce from the two metaphors that Paul uses, that he is laying down a stereotype of sexual roles in the home: the mother feeding and the father teaching their children.14 In instructing fathers to “bring them [children] up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4), Paul is not saying that this is solely the father’s role and not the mother’s – a way which we tend to take. Even in the patriarchal culture in Old Testament times, the call of wisdom is, “My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching” (Prov 1:8). It is not healthy nor helpful in parenting to draw such clear lines regarding the father’s and mother’s roles. In parenting our children, it is wholesome that fathering and mothering are done in combining both the father’s and mother’s roles, and to do so in partnership as a team. I have observed over the years that many parents are not on the same page in parenting. And this results in conflicts between husband and wife, confusion for the children and division in the family. Parenting ought to be grounded on the foundational “one flesh” commitment of husband and wife (Gen 2:24). 
14 John R. W. Stott, 54
Application:

What changes do I need to make regarding my parenting roles?

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 pastors and staff: To be effective in spiritual parenting of people under their charge
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 7:13-18, 25-27; 11:29-36
Sat, 2 December 2023

The Triumph

Observation:

What characterises the triumph of God’s people in tribulations under tyrants?

Deeper Reflection
God’s people living under tyrants and suffering tribulations under them can triumph – whether we are delivered from or destroyed in tribulation. The triumph rests on a threefold confidence.We know the conclusion of evil. It is repeated in manifold ways in Daniel that evil that comes through inhuman kings – no matter how great and how long – will definitely come to an end: “he will be broken” (Dan 8:25), “he will be found no more” (Dan 11:19), “yet he will come to his end” (Dan 11:45) and “all these events will be completed” (Dan 12:7).We know God’s calling for us: To be a suffering people – to be captured, plundered, burned or killed (Dan 11:33). But in our suffering, we can be strong as “people who know their God” (Dan 11:32), knowing that God is purging and purifying us to become a sanctified (Dan 11:35; 12:10) and shining people who “shine brightly” with heavenly brightness in the hostile world (Dan 12:3). And we will be a steadfast people who “keep waiting and attain to the 1,335 days” (Dan 12:12) – until we become a sovereign people who “receive and possess the kingdom forever” from “the Ancient of Days” (vv.13-14, 18, 27).We know who is in control. The tribulations under the tyrants in Daniel 7 to 12 are all subject to and subsumed under “that which is decreed will be done” (Dan 11:36; 9:26, 27) “at the appointed time” (Dan 11:27, 29, 35).We conclude Daniel with this theological-discipleship summary statement: We can triumph in tribulations under tyrants when we trust with tenacity in the One who is on the throne.
Application:

How can I triumph in tribulations?

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 Church Board: To grow in the faith and perseverance of overcomers in Christ
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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