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:
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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