Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 3:1-3a; Revelation 2:8-11
Wed, 6 April 2022

Steadfastness in Discipleship Suffering

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about discipleship suffering (v.3; Rev 2:8-11)?

Deeper Reflection
WITH GREAT URGENCY, PAUL SENT TIMOTHY TO THE Thessalonians “to establish and encourage you in your faith” (v.2). The great urgency is reflected in the purpose: “that no one be shaken by these afflictions” (v.3, NRSV). Paul was deeply concerned that the Thessalonians’ “faith” was “shaken” (sainomai) by the persecutions that they were undergoing. Sainomai means being so emotionally disturbed as to be shaken in one’s belief and give up and turn way from one’s belief.10The contrast of being “shaken” is steadfastness. Steadfastness is enduring and persevering, not giving in, not giving up. Our belief in God and His Word enables us to remain steadfast in suffering. We trust in God, and God Himself – the person of God – is our trust (Jer 17:7). Suffering hits at what we believe in. Hence, knowing what we believe in is a vital key to steadfastness in discipleship suffering. And what we believe in becomes our conviction – really believing what we believe in, and our conviction establishes our commitment and gives us confidence. Discipleship suffering trains and tests our conviction about God, our commitment to God and our confidence in God.The Lord called the church in Smyrna to “be faithful unto death” in suffering “tribulation” (Rev 2:10). The extent of our steadfastness in discipleship suffering is “unto death”. The Lord calls us to trust in Him who is “the first and the last”, and “do not fear” to suffer faithfully “unto death”, because He is the One “who had died and came to life” (Rev 2:8, 10).
10 Johannes P. Louw & Eugene A. Nida, 31.66
Application:

What does it mean for me to be steadfast in suffering in my discipleship journey?

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 accept discipleship suffering and be steadfast in the Lord
  • Pray for self

Download this Building Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for East QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for WDL QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

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
 

Download this New Life Fund QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

Download this General Fund for BPJ QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.