Scripture:
Psalm 75:6-8; Genesis 2:16; 3:6; Jeremiah 15:1-7
Tue, 27 December 2022

The Hand of God Against Sin

Observation:

How do these passages define sin?

Deeper Reflection
GENESIS 3:6 DOES NOT MENTION ANY HANDS, BUT YOU CAN use your imagination to trace the actions. The woman took some of the fruit from the tree that God had forbidden and ate it. She also gave some to her husband and he ate it. Each one of these actions portrays human hands exalted up against the will of God, thus incurring the wrath of God, in whose hands are the cup of judgment (v.8).This cup of judgment is still being poured out against sin today. In Hebrew, the second half of Jeremiah 15:6 says literally to God’s disobedient covenantal people, “My hand is stretched out against you and I will ruin you.” Our God does not condone sin, for sin ruins His good creation and purposes. He must act against sin.Amazingly, God’s action against sin leads Him to take upon Himself the burden of sin. In a passage that reminds us of Genesis 3:6, Paul in Philippians 2:6 describes Jesus the Messiah as not considering equality with God something to be grasped or taken. He has done it for us, and died on the cross to resolve the problem of sin. God struck Himself with His powerful hand against sin, for the judgment and salvation of the world.
Application:

As we come to the close of the year, reflect on whether there is any area of sin
in your life that you need to repent of.

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 their lives in holiness before God as we prepare for 2023
  • 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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Download this General Fund for BPJ QR Code  and upload it to your banking app via your gallery/album. 

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