Scripture:
John 1:4-5
Tue, 6 December 2022

The Light of Christmas

Observation:

What do verses 4 to 5 tell you about light and how this light is connected to
the life that comes from God?

Deeper Reflection
CHRISTMAS IS, IN SOME WAYS, A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. Just look at the fabulous Orchard Road Christmas light-up or the fairy lights on our Christmas trees. Pretty lights cheer us up!Light isn’t just beautiful, however, it is absolutely needful. Without sunlight, plants and other photosynthetic organisms would not be able to convert solar energy into the chemical energy needed to sustain life in every cell. No light, no life.There is also a spiritual connection between light and life. John the Evangelist writes: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (v.4). God alone has life in Himself (Jn 5:26). This life is light to us because it is His revelation. Just as light is needed to illuminate our path on a dark night, we need the light of God’s salvation when we are trapped in sin’s darkness.And here’s the good news. The moral and spiritual darkness we see in the world and in our own hearts has not defeated the light (v.5)! No matter how overwhelming the darkness might feel to us, the truth is that it is no match for the true light. This is because darkness is simply the absence of light – it flees when light comes! No matter how resistant our friends or family members might be to the light of Christ, we can continue to intercede with hope. And in dark and troubling situations, we can sing with the hymnwriter Maltbie Babcock:This is my Father’s world: O let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet.
Application:

Pray for a friend, family member or colleague who is in a dark place and
needs the light of Christ.

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 continue to lead by God’s light and life, leaning on His grace constantly
  • 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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