Scripture:
Romans 1:18-2:11
Tue, 4 April 2023

History Derailed from Destiny

Observation:

What is the shocking contrast between today’s Scripture passage and the
picture we saw in yesterday’s passage?

Deeper Reflection
Paul’s list of indictments in verses 21 to 31 is long. I wonder, as you were reading, how many of them you felt apply to you. I find myself guilty among those who continue to do the very things we know that God does not approve of (v.32).Perhaps we, as Christians, have tended to underestimate or underdefine sin. Perhaps we, as Christians, are too eager to brush aside sin and appeal to the grace of God. Perhaps we, as Christians, have forgotten the wrath of God (Rom 2:1-11). Perhaps we, as Christians, have undermined the Gospel of grace by omitting true repentance and sincere faith.Perhaps we, as Christians, have not let the fact sink in, that sin has derailed history from its glorious destiny. And that we are part of it, having no excuse.Biblical scholar Don Carson’s little-known collaborative song with Sandra McCracken has lyrics which are appropriate for our reflection and prayer:I used to nurture bitterness, To count up every slight. The world’s a moral wilderness, And I have felt its blight. Self-pity ruled, resentment reigned; No one understood my pain. I spiraled down in murky night, Insisting that I had the right To hate and hate again.I am ashamed; O, my Lord, forgive.
Click here to listen to the song
Application:

Spend a few moments in silence meditating on the utter holiness of God,
then do as the Holy Spirit leads or prompts you.

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 reconsecrate themselves to God, that they may know His grace, power and leading to fulfil His calling individually and as a church
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self
 

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 6:1-10
Wed, 7 June 2023

Consistent Daily Devotion to God

Observation:

What does verse 10 tell us about Daniel?

Deeper Reflection
For Daniel’s distinguishing competency and character, and commitment to ensuring that the king suffered no loss in his empire, Darius “planned to appoint” him “over the entire kingdom” (v.3). But out of jealousy, Daniel’s fellow-commissioners and the satraps attempted to accuse him of “negligence or corruption” in “government affairs” (v.4a). They could find nothing, because Daniel was “faithful” (v.4b). So, they planned to make accusation against him “with regard to the law of his God” (v.5). And they maliciously instigated Darius to establish a law that “anyone who makes a petition to any god or man” besides the king “for thirty days, shall be cast into the lion’s den” (vv.6-9).Then, “when Daniel knew that the document was signed…he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously” (v.10). This was Daniel’s spiritual discipline with a structure of regular “three times a day”. He kept it daily. We can say that Daniel never missed his quiet time. The most important words in the verse may be “when Daniel knew that the document was signed”. They indicate the context of Daniel’s spiritual discipline: A discipleship challenge where his life was at stake. Daniel’s spiritual discipline was no mere religious ritual and routine. He could have skipped his quiet time “for thirty days” and be safe. He didn’t. Daniel’s spiritual discipline manifested his consistent daily devotion to “his God”: “he continued…three times a day…as he had been doing previously.” At the heart of this spiritual discipline was Daniel’s relationship and fellowship with “his God”.
Application:

How can I cultivate a consistent daily devotion to God?

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: That young people will seek to be devoted to God consistently
  • Pray for self
 

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