Scripture:
Matthew 6:24-34
Sat, 2 July 2022

Seek First the Kingdom of God

Observation:

What does this passage teach us about loyalties, anxieties and priorities?

Deeper Reflection
CHRIST’S DISCIPLES MUST SERVE GOD WITH AN UNDIVIDED loyalty (v.24) and seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness (v.33). We seek first and foremost God’s Kingdom, because it is of greatest and ultimate value. Consequently, we order our priorities to seek God’s Kingdom as our greatest treasure (Matt 13:44-46).If you are a Christ-follower working in the marketplace, will you ask yourself at the start of each workday: What must I do today that will advance the interests of God’s Kingdom? Not first and foremost your company’s interests nor your own personal interests, but the interests of God’s Kingdom! Consider the righteous transformation of the workplace through God’s principles, the godly conduct of God’s servant in the marketplace10 and the faithful proclamation of God’s Gospel in the world. Do not think that you cannot contribute to the work of God’s Kingdom, for that is to disregard the fact that God is with you. You may have many real limitations, but God’s power is not limited (Eph 1:19-20). Pray and take action. Do not think that you can leave the work to other Christians, for that is to shirk your personal responsibility as a disciple of Christ. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 5:14-16 ESV).
10 Consider Ephesians 5:1-21 for instructions on how to live a godly and Spirit-filled life.
Application:

How will I daily seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness in my working life?

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 Church Board: That they will seek first and foremost the Kingdom of God and His righteousness as they serve Him in the marketplace
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
Daniel 7:13-18, 25-27; 11:29-36
Sat, 2 December 2023

The Triumph

Observation:

What characterises the triumph of God’s people in tribulations under tyrants?

Deeper Reflection
God’s people living under tyrants and suffering tribulations under them can triumph – whether we are delivered from or destroyed in tribulation. The triumph rests on a threefold confidence.We know the conclusion of evil. It is repeated in manifold ways in Daniel that evil that comes through inhuman kings – no matter how great and how long – will definitely come to an end: “he will be broken” (Dan 8:25), “he will be found no more” (Dan 11:19), “yet he will come to his end” (Dan 11:45) and “all these events will be completed” (Dan 12:7).We know God’s calling for us: To be a suffering people – to be captured, plundered, burned or killed (Dan 11:33). But in our suffering, we can be strong as “people who know their God” (Dan 11:32), knowing that God is purging and purifying us to become a sanctified (Dan 11:35; 12:10) and shining people who “shine brightly” with heavenly brightness in the hostile world (Dan 12:3). And we will be a steadfast people who “keep waiting and attain to the 1,335 days” (Dan 12:12) – until we become a sovereign people who “receive and possess the kingdom forever” from “the Ancient of Days” (vv.13-14, 18, 27).We know who is in control. The tribulations under the tyrants in Daniel 7 to 12 are all subject to and subsumed under “that which is decreed will be done” (Dan 11:36; 9:26, 27) “at the appointed time” (Dan 11:27, 29, 35).We conclude Daniel with this theological-discipleship summary statement: We can triumph in tribulations under tyrants when we trust with tenacity in the One who is on the throne.
Application:

How can I triumph in tribulations?

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 Church Board: To grow in the faith and perseverance of overcomers in Christ
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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