Scripture:
Philippians 1:21-26; Ephesians 4:11-16
Tue, 23 August 2022

Godly Perspective on Life

Observation:

What was the Apostle Paul’s perspective on life?

Deeper Reflection
PAUL’S MEMORABLE STATEMENT REFLECTED HIS MINDSET as a slave29 of Jesus Christ: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (v.21). What a Christ-centred perspective on life! Paul’s life was all about Christ. To live was to work hard to advance the cause of Christ (“fruitful labour”, v.22). Although Paul’s desire was to depart and be with the Lord (v.23), he was prepared to live on and continue to serve the church for their spiritual growth (vv.24-25). Paul was determined to live for Christ. In practical terms, serving the Lord means using our spiritual gifts and giving our time, energy and money, to serve His Church by bringing in, building up and sending out God’s people. Brothers and sisters, we are to faithfully serve the Lord as long as we have the health, strength and ability to do so. In the journey of discipleship, nothing surpasses the value of knowing Christ; there is to be no looking back nor holding back (Phil 3:7-8, 13-14). We are to do all things for the sake of Christ.Each member of the Church, that is, the body of Christ, has a part to play, a vital contribution to make, in building up the body in faith, knowledge, wisdom, maturity, unity, harmony and love (Eph 4:11-16). Therefore, in the local church, no member is without a role or function. No one should be disconnected and disengaged from the life of the church. Are you connected to a small group community?30 Are you engaged in serving in a ministry?31 If you are not, it is time to step up.
29 Translated from the Greek word doulos (see Phil 1:1), which can also be translated as “servant”. 30 To get connected to a community, visit https://www.cefc.org.sg/get-connected/ 31 To get involved in a ministry, visit https://www.cefc.org.sg/multiply/#getting-involved
Application:

How does “to live is Christ” look like for me in practical day-to-day living?

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 live for Christ and work hard to equip the church for ministry
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
John 20:19-21; Luke 4:14-21
Mon, 2 October 2023

Sent by the Lord

Observation:

What is the analogy that Jesus used in sending forth His disciples (v.21)?

Deeper Reflection
As we enter the month of October with our upcoming two Missions Sundays, let us focus our attention and prayers on Covenant EFC’s third Faith Exploit, “Disciple the Nations”. In today’s Scripture, verse 21 is a very significant statement that Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection. And it applies equally to all those who are Jesus’ disciples today. There are three key observations we can make.First, the analogy that Jesus used – His having been sent by the Father – points us to Jesus’ foundational teachings that He came to accomplish the very will and works of the Father (Jn 4:34; 5:30, 36; cf. Lk 4:14-21). Second, the idea of Jesus’ disciples being “sent” reminds us that world missions is not a result of human initiative, but is God-initiated and God-directed. It is God’s mission in the world. Third, verse 21 reminds us that Jesus is not merely calling us to join God in His mission, but to relate to Him as our heavenly Father – in love, obedience and dependence.1Therefore, the more fundamental question is not “Are we being sent?” or “What must we do?”. Rather, it is “To what extent do we understand and treasure our sonship in relation to God our Father (Jn 20:17)?” So that, as beloved children of God, we will respond rightly to our heavenly Father who created us in His image, redeemed us in Jesus Christ, and called us to join Him in His mission. Out of gratitude and love towards God, we joyfully walk in the Lord’s will for us, and fully rely on His resources as we faithfully serve Him.
1 This is consistent with John’s emphasis in his writings on the Father-Son relationship that anchored and motivated Jesus in all that He did in submission and obedience to the Father’s will.
Application:

How do the purposes for which Jesus sends forth His disciples impact the
way I plan and live out the years of my life?

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, what manner of love You have bestowed on me that I should be called Your child! Every opportunity given to me to carry out Your will is a privilege for me to participate in Your glorious purposes. Help me to clearly discern the things that You want me to accomplish and to faithfully work at them with a heart that loves and depends on You and always seeks Your glory. Amen.
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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