Week 38 September 19 September 25 LGC Daily Devotion Guide 2010 I. Adoration (1) Invocation Prayer Almighty God, who hast given Thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavor ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer) (2) Adoration through Psalm 38 (We ll use this Psalm, not for today s Bible reading, but for the sake of focusing our thoughts on God) Read slowly this passage at least three times and each day gather one thought about this psalm that points to God s character that should be reflected in our lives and translate it into a prayer of adoration. II. Confession Pause now and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you your sins and ask for forgiveness. III. Thanksgiving List, one by one, things for which you should give thanks. IV. Scriptural Reflection: We shall continue with the reading of the book of Philippians as we learn from the Apostle Paul in his pursuit of knowing Christ and be like Him and begin reading the Seven Letters in Revelation as a transition to the next theme, which is Drawing close to the heart of Christ. Read slowly and reflectively the assigned passage twice at least and consider the questions below each day: September 19 Philippians 3:9-11 (1) Paul deeply regrets and despises his former total reliance on work for salvation and is committed to having a righteousness only through faith in Christ. What do you regret in your past that you, too, are now committed not to repeat again? (2) As Paul changes his goals of life, he now sets three new goals for his life in v.10. What are they? (3) Whether consciously or subconsciously, we do have goals in life. What are your three most important goals or purposes of your life? (4) Compare your goals with those of Paul. How different are they, and why? (5) Should Paul s goals be yours? Why or why not? (6) What is meant by to know Christ as a goal, to know the power of His resurrection and its implications?, and to know the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings (7) Of the three, the last one is a little scary, but how does Paul explain the reason for his 3 rd desire (see v.11) (8) What can you emulate Paul as he seeks to know Christ? September 20 Philippians 3:12-16 (1) What is Christ s desire in taking hold of us, and how does Paul respond to Him? (2) Before we can take hold of Christ (which hopefully is related to your three goals of life), we first have to let go. 1 2
What might you need to let go in order to take hold of Christ? (3) In letting go, what might be the greatest hurdle? How does Paul s example of forgetting what is behind help you overcome this hurdle? (4) Paul is looking forward to, and thus seems to be motivated by, the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. What might that prize be? (refer to II Timothy 4:8) Why can it provide such motivation for Paul to press on? What about you? What is your motivation to press on to achieve your goals? (5) In vv.15-16, the original version (as KJV has it) indicates that while Paul thinks that we all should take his view (i.e. having the same goals), but should we differ, (and God may show us differently), we need to be the same, i.e. walk the same rule (word is for canon ), and be of the same mind. (a) Based on the foregoing, what is the same rule that we should walk by, and (b) What is the same mind that we need to have? (6) What can you emulate Paul as he seeks to imitate Christ? September 21 Philippians 3:17-21 (1) Paul urges the Philippians to join others in imitating him. Is Paul being conceited and proud? Should he not urge them to follow Christ instead? What might be the difference between urging others to follow his example and to follow Christ s? (2) What then is his example that we need to follow (v.17)? (3) Paul urges us not to follow the enemies of the cross of Christ. Why highlight the cross of Christ? What does it mean to be enemies of such? (4) In v.19, Paul highlights these enemies in terms of the following and contrast them in vv. 20-21. Try to reflect on these four areas, contrasting how as citizens of heaven, we should differ from the enemies of the Cross, when it comes to (a) Our destiny, (b) Who our God/god is, (c) In what do we take glory, and (d) Where our mind is. (5) How can you emulate Paul as he seeks to imitate Christ? 3 September 22 Philippians 4:1-7 (1) Paul calls the Philippians, his joy and crown, whom he loves and longs for. Most of us have others who have contributed to our knowing Christ or being our shepherds or mentors, or even spiritual fathers or mothers. Would they be able to think of us as Paul thinks of the Philippians? Why or why not? (2) Paul mentions the names of two sisters openly who have contended at his side in the cause of the gospel. How come such committed sisters in Christ could disagree to the point that attracts Paul s attention? What could be there disagreement about? How does Paul admonish them to resolve it? Paul asks the church to help them. How may they help, helpfully? Why would Paul mention that their names are in the book of life here? (3) Paul urges them to rejoice again and again. Can you think of any reason that the Philippians might find it hard to rejoice? What about you? Is there anything that might cause you not being able to rejoice? (4) What has being gentle to do with rejoicing? Why does it need to be evident to others? (5) What has the Lord being near to do with gentleness? (6) Try to memorize vv. 6-7 and write them down on your journal. (7) We all have worries, but this is how Paul asks us to deal with them In everything, don t just pray, but give thanks: why is thanksgiving so important even as we are bogged down by worries? Paul is implying that even under the most terrible or impossible situation, there is still things for which you can give thanks. Do you agree? Why or why not? And when you present your request, with thanksgiving, Paul assures us that the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (a) How will the peace of God guard our hearts in Christ Jesus? 4
(b) How will the peace of God guard our minds in Christ Jesus? (c) What is meant by peace that transcends all understanding? (8) What is the one thing that you have been reminded by the Spirit that you should act on? September 23 Philippians 4:8-14 (1) Paul speaks of the peace of God in the last section. Now he speaks of the God of peace (v.9). Which one are you pursuing? Is there a difference? (2) In summing up his letter, he urges the readers to practice what they learn from him and others, especially in the following areas. Use some time to reflect on each, and think of examples, either from someone you know, failing that, think of the Apostle Paul or Christ when it comes to What is noble: What is right: What is pure: What is lovely: What is admirable: Which is excellent: What is praise-worthy (3) It appears that apart from sending Epaphroditus to him some time ago, the Philippians had kind of forgotten about Paul, and now they have renewed their concern to Paul. Have you felt forgotten or neglected by others? How does Paul deal with this apparent negligence (v.10)? (4) Paul says he has learned the lesson of contentment. Reflect on times that were tough or lacking in your life? How hard was it? Reflect also on times that were great and plentiful. Have you learned the lesson of contentment? What should be the greatest mark of true contentment? Then have you really learned this lesson? (5) I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Evander Holyfield, the former boxing champion who shocked the world by beating Mike Tyson in the 11 th round (TKO) when the boxing world gave him no chance, liked to wear this verse into the ring. You may not like boxing or even 5 Holyfield, but we are engaged in a spiritual warfare daily. How may this verse help you in your fight? (6) What is the most significant lesson you have learned today and how can you apply it to yourself? September 24 Philippians 4:15-23 (1) Most churches in the 1 st century were under much persecution and many of them were in needs. Read Paul s commendation of the church of Philippi (which is in Macedonia) to the church of Corinth in II Corinthians 8:1-5. As you also read Paul s praise for them in vv. 15-16, Underline words that Paul uses that serve to highlight how special this church is in giving? What makes it different from the others? How can you and your church emulate them? (2) Paul describes their giving as a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God. What is a sacrifice, both in terms of OT usage and the etymology (word meaning) of the word? What makes a sacrifice fragment normally? What then makes a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God? (See Roman 12:1) (3) Do you give regularly to the work of God? Do you think your offering qualifies as a fragrant? acceptable and pleasing? sacrifice? Why or why not? (4) All the saints especially those who belong to Caesar s household How does this greeting echo 1:12-13? (5) Pause and reflect on the entire epistle. What might be the things that God has touched you through the reading of this letter? Try to name three. September 25 Revelation 1:1-8 We shall only be studying the first three chapters of Revelation, with the purpose of drawing close the heart of Jesus. As you know, this book is written by the Apostle John in his old age, while exiled in the island of Patmos for his faith. Even today, this 6
island is only accessible during the warmer months and beginning with October till the end of winter, it is a very much deserted place. (1) As a preface to the book, vv.1-5 give us much information. Try to jot down the following and reflect on them: The contents of this book: Its source: How reliable the book is: How may we benefit from it, and: The reason: (2) The greetings to the seven churches in Asia come from the Holy Trinity. Reflect on how John presents the three persons of God and the significance of the emphases: God the Father: God the Spirit (note 1): God the Son (note 2): Note 1: most ancient commentators see the Seven Spirits point to the fullness and completeness of God s Spirit Note 2: John gives a fuller and more detailed description of the Son, so try to write down each description and reflect on its significance, especially given that we are in the end-times. (3) Given the state in which the world is in today and the lapse of over 2,000 years since John wrote this book, how important is this statement in v.8? (4) What might be the dominating attitude or desire of Christians in reading Revelation? What should your attitude be? V. Meditative Reflection This week we shall continue to reflect some of our articles from The Aidan Liturgy from the Northumbria Community's Celtic Daily Prayer. (Permission to reprint granted). September 19 O Son of Mary, how wonderful Your friendliness to me! How deep! How unchanging! Help me to pass it on. Help me to End my happiness in my acceptance of what is Your purpose for me: in friendly eyes; in work well done; in quietness born of trust; and, most of all, in the awareness of Your presence in my spirit. Come, Lord Jesus, come as King. Rule in our minds: come as peace. Rule in our actions: come as power. Rule in our days: come as joy. Thy Kingdom come among us. Amen. September 20 FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF GOOD MEN OF OLD Where young and old with gladness dance with Me I ll give My house of hospitality. Don t store false treasure. Follow their example, these good men of old; and buy My field with moth-strewn gold. True men and women who responded: these were empty vessels, filled with treasure hidden deep within them by My hand. 7 8
Freely you have received, so freely you must give your plans to Me, right from the start; then you will truly live. Good men of old learned not to say, I m sorry I believe I look not for wary, reluctant followers on the fringe. Instead I shall allow, in full community, My waymarks to proclaim My truth, My name; empty vessels standing low awaiting the ebb or flow, from My deciding, guiding hand, of waters hidden deep within the land. Son, they have little wine at this feast. And at her request the jars are filled, even the best. The water now offered is made choicest wine. And the Father surely smiles. Oh to respond, empty vessels, as good men of times past, and carry this vintage refreshment to those coming last! September 21 IN HOSPITALITY There is a door to which you have the key, and you are the sole keeper. There is a latch no hand can lift save yours. No ruler, nor warrior, writer, thinker: but only you. O heart, hurry now and welcome your King to sit by the warmth of your fire. 9 Ken Lydon September 22 IN OBEDIENCE When the shadows fall upon hill and glen; and the bird-music is mute; when the silken dark is a friend; and the river sings to the stars: ask yourself, sister, ask yourself, brother, the question you alone have power to answer: O King and Saviour of all, what is Thy gift to me? and do I use it to Thy pleasing? September 23 Often I strain and climb and struggle to lay hold of everything I m certain You have planned for me. And nothing happens: there comes no answer. Only You reach down to me just where I am. When You give me no answer to my questions, still I have only to raise my arms to You, my Father and then You lift me up. Then because You are my Father You speak these words of truth to my heart: You are not an accident. Even at the moment of your conception, out of many possibilities, only certain cells combined, survived, grew to be you. 10 From Hebridean Altars
You are unique. You were created for a purpose. God loves you. September 24 God, our God, Your design for each of us is perfect in its friendliness. There is a purpose in all things; and whoso finds it wins strength to bear. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life for many. September 25 O Holy Christ, bless me with Your presence when my days are weary and my friends few.. VI. A Time for Silence You have mediated much today with your intellectual faculty today. Now have a moment of silence (the length is up to you, 5 or even 30 minutes), and ask God quietly, Lord, is there any important message from you today that I might have missed? Show me, your servant is listening? VII. Supplication Use the following chart to cover people and ministries that you want to remember before the Lord: Sunday Monday Tuesday Wed Thursday Friday Your family Other people Church Ministries Other Ministries City & World Others Saturday VII. Benediction O Lord God, whose mercies are sure and full and ever new: grant us the greatest of them all, the Spirit of your dear Son; that in the day of judgment we may be presented to you, if not blameless, yet forgiven, if not successful, yet faithful, if not holy, yet persevering, deserving nothing, but accepted in him who pleads our cause and redeemed our lives, even Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen (Promise of his Glory) 11 12