Scripture:
John 13:34-35; 15:12-17
Thu, 2 September 2021

Repent of Our Superficiality

Observation:

What are some characteristics of close, trusted relationships among friends?

Deeper Reflection
DISCIPLEMAKING IS MORE than just passing on knowledge and information. It is about life transformation and this best takes place in the context of trusted relationships. Three components are required for trusted relationships to develop. First, space. Adequate space is required to grow the relational trust and intimacy to a point where we can truly be available to listen to and receive from one another without judgment and suspicion. Second, a slower pace. Relationships, much like plants, grow at a slower pace than our busy modern city life would allow. Often, we are impatient in wanting them to develop quickly and unwilling to pay the price in terms of time and energy to nurture the growth. Third, skilful work. Cultivating intimacy takes knowledge and skill. Knowledge of various human temperaments and how to grow our emotional intelligence. Skills to listen well and relate appropriately with other people. The pandemic has revealed to us as a church that while we may be good at passing on knowledge and wisdom, we may not have done so well in developing a broader base of strong, trusted relationships among church members. While there is deep trust between the church board and the pastors, and between the pastors and the lay leaders, we need to work harder on growing this beyond these leadership groups and across the generations. It will certainly take a lot of time, effort and intentionality. Perhaps this pandemic season is just the awakening needed for us to repent of our superficiality and offers us the opportunities to grow a great number of genuine, grace-filled and godly relationships.
Application:

What is the quality of my relationships with members of my family and CG? What will I do to grow trust and intimacy in those relationships?

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 Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: That they will build trusted relationships among team members for strong mutual support and encouragement to reach people in need
  • 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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