Scripture:
Ephesians 4:1-3, 11-16
Thu, 12 May 2022

To Love Is Not Easy

Observation:

What significant observations can you make about relationship and love in these passages?

Deeper Reflection
OFTENTIMES, THE REASON A PERSON GIVES FOR WANTING to divorce his or her spouse is: “I don’t love you anymore.” What that means is these romantic feelings are not there anymore. That’s not true love. It is actually “I don’t want to love you anymore” rather than “I don’t love you anymore”. True love is a commitment. It is not just emotional, but fundamentally volitional.Love exists in relationship. Love is relational in nature. Relationships can be difficult because people can be difficult. And so, to love is not easy – in all kinds of relationships, including marriage. The ideal hallmark of relationship in Christ is peaceful harmony: “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (v.3). And what does it take for us to relate with others in peaceful harmony? It takes “all humility” (contrast: pride) – mark the words “all”, “gentleness” (contrast: harshness), “patience” (contrast: impatience) and “tolerance” (contrast: intolerance) (v.2). And we are to live out all these “in love” (contrast: unloving). These imply two realities. Relationship is not easy. And peaceful harmony is not smooth sailing relationship without conflicts.It is in the realm of relationship characterised by “love” that we “grow” to maturity (vv.13, 15-16). When we are in a situation in a relationship where inside us, we are bending toward pride, harshness, impatience and intolerance, it is the moment for us to grow and mature. And we grow in character, for humility, gentleness, patience and loving tolerance are traits of Christlike character. And character is developed, demonstrated and displayed in how we relate with all kinds of people in love.
Application:

What challenges do I face in relating with people lovingly and how will I face them?

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: To love difficult people with patience and kindness
  • 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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