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 5:17, 25-31; 6:1-2
Mon, 5 June 2023

Serving from Babylon to Persia

Observation:

What is the significance of Daniel serving in the Babylonian and Persian
courts successively?

Deeper Reflection
God’s word to Belshazzar that He would “put an end” to his kingdom and give it “over to the Medes and Persians” was fulfilled immediately – “that same night” (v.30) – after Daniel’s interpretation of the inscription on the wall (vv.25-31). God can fulfil His Word immediately or after a long time. Whatever time God may take to fulfil His Word, He is “trustworthy in all His promises and faithful in all He does” (Psa 145:13b, NIV).The demise of the Babylonian hegemony was not just a historical event, but primarily a theological one. Nebuchadnezzar was “My servant” whom God raised to judge His unfaithful people in the seventy-year Babylonian exile (Jer 25:8-9, 11). When God had accomplished His purpose through Babylon, “I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation” (Jer 25:12). This is how God deals with arrogant and evil nations: “And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans’ pride, will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah” (Isa 13:19).The end of Babylon does not mean an insecure future for Daniel. However drastically our circumstances may change, God’s call for our lives remains when we walk with Him faithfully. We are secure in God’s call, because it is God’s call. Daniel became one of “the three commissioners” in Persia (Dan 6:1-2). It wasn’t that having lost his job Daniel applied to serve the Persian king. Daniel couldn’t do that. It was purely by royal appointment. But behind the “It seemed good to Darius to appoint” (Dan 6:1) was God’s call for Daniel to serve Him from Babylon to Persia.
Application:

How do I relate God’s call for me in drastic changes of my life situations?

Prayer:
Lord, I believe You have a calling for my life which You have intended to be distinctive for me. I want to live my life with a deep sense of answering Your calling. Help me to walk with You faithfully, knowing that as I do so, You will unfold Your plans for me in that calling. Grant me wisdom and understanding to discern Your calling for my life.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

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