Scripture:
John 10:7-10; Psalm 27:4
Mon, 22 August 2022

God’s Gift of Life

Observation:

What does it mean to “have [life] abundantly” (v.10)?

Deeper Reflection
LIFE IS A GIFT FROM GOD. JESUS CAME TO GIVE HIS PEOPLE life abundantly (v.10). It is life that is superior in quality, because it is lived in relationship with Jesus.27 We must responsibly steward this one life that we have received from God. In his one life, the Psalmist sought the one thing that was most valuable to him: “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life…” (Psa 27:4). The Psalmist wanted above all to be in the presence of God. Our greatest treasure is the gift of life in Christ. How can we live well and not waste our life? Many people seek worldly treasures, educational attainments, career achievements, family happiness, children’s accomplishments, personal wealth and pleasures. These things can be legitimate pursuits, but they will never fully satisfy us. What ultimately satisfies our souls and meets our deepest needs is our relationship with God. Flowing from that vital and most important relationship, we should then lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven (Matt 6:19-20) by seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt 6:33). One way to do that is to step up to serve in church ministry. This involves giving ourselves – our time and energy – in self-giving service to others in order to build up God’s Church for God’s glory. In this way we will steward well this most precious gift from God and not waste our life. “Only one life, t’will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”28
27 Such a life is “more than one would normally expect or anticipate” (per NET Bible Notes), or “rich and satisfying” (per NLT), or “real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of” (per MSG). 28 From a poem by Charles Thomas Studd: www.cavaliersonly.com/poetry_by_christian_poets_of_the_past/only_one_life_twill_soon_be_past_-_poem_by_ct_studd
Application:

What must I do to live well and not waste this one life that God has given me?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ into the world to give His life in order to save sinners so that they may have life abundantly. I am one whom You have given eternal life – never-ending life in relationship with You. Please help me by the empowering of Your Spirit to live this present life in faithful stewardship and self-giving service for Your Kingdom and glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. 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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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 5:7-17
Wed, 31 May 2023

Answering God’s Call in Vocation

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about Daniel?

Deeper Reflection
Daniel did not choose to serve Babylonian kings in Babylon. It was circumstances – a national crisis of his country – that compelled Daniel to be where he was and doing what he was doing. Daniel did not have the privilege, opportunity or freedom to pursue a career of his own desire. However, it was out of these adverse circumstances, that Daniel discovered God’s call for him: To serve God through serving Babylonian kings. And God gave him the specific competency to fulfil God’s call (Dan 1:17). After Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar about his dream and the interpretation, he was “promoted” to be “ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief prefect over all the wise men of Babylon” (Dan 2:48).When Belshazzar gathered his wise men to interpret for him the inscription on the wall, Daniel was not among them. Daniel was not unknown to Belshazzar.59 He knew him as “one of the exiles from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah” and “appointed him chief ” over all the wise men of Babylon (vv.11-12). It was only when the queen mentioned Daniel to him, that Belshazzar called for him (vv.10-11). Belshazzar “deliberately ignored Daniel”60 . Daniel was sidelined. How do you respond to being sidelined? For Daniel, he felt secure. Daniel was secure because he had no ambition to climb the corporate ladder. He had no interest in rewards and promotion. Daniel said to Belshazzar, “Keep your gifts for yourself or give your rewards to someone else” (vv.16-17). But Daniel interpreted the inscription for Belshazzar. Daniel was answering God’s call for him.
59 Ernest C. Lucas, 131 60 Ernest C. Lucas, 131
Application:

What positive attitudes do I need to cultivate in my workplace?

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: To view their vocation as answering God’s call for their lives
  • Pray for self
 

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