We, the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society based on justice and equality so as to achieve happiness, prosperity, and progress for our nation.
Celebrating Our Independence, Remembering Our National Pledge
Where will you be on National Day, 9 August? Will you be joining thousands of Singaporeans to recite the National Pledge either at the parade or via the television screen? To celebrate our nation’s independence with you, we have put together this special edition of Our Daily Bread based on our National Pledge. Consisting of 14 articles, it covers the key themes in the pledge such as citizenship, justice, equality, happiness, prosperity, and progress. It is our prayer that it will help you reflect on your role and responsibility as both citizen of heaven and resident of earth.
Our Daily Bread Ministries
Singapore
MONDAY • AUGUST 1
Change of Address
IWe, the citizens of Singapore
f you keep in touch with family and friends through the postal service or email, you probably have received or sent a change of address notice. It goes something like this: “I will no longer be receiving mail at _____________. My new address will be _____________. Thank you for making a note of this change.”
Paul reminded the believers in Colosse that they had “a change of address” and that they should share it with others. They had been moved from one community and “transferred” or transplanted, by the grace of God, into a new community. They had been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and been brought into the kingdom of Jesus (1:13). Their old address was sinner@kingdomofdarkness. But when they became followers of Jesus, their new address became saved@ kingdomofHisdearSon.
TODAY’S READING Colossians 1:9-14
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Colossians 1:13-14
In Philippians 3:20, Paul declared that all believers are citizens of heaven and should live worthy of their new address. He encouraged the Christians in Colosse to walk in wisdom toward those who were outside the faith so that people could see and hear about the changes (COL. 4:5-6).
If you have had “a change of address,” tell someone about what Jesus has done in you.
MARVIN WILLIAMS
Born of the flesh, conceived in sin; then born of the Spirit, new life to begin; I’ve been washed in Christ’s blood and this will suffice; raise God I’m His child, I’ve been born twice! —Brandt
When you are born again, you become a citizen of heaven.
TUESDAY • AUGUST 2
Freedom
LWe, the citizens of Singapore
ong ago my wife decided that driving within the speed limit gives her a wonderful sense of freedom. She tells me, “I don’t ever need a radar detector. And I never have to slow down when I see a state patrol car or worry about paying a fine for speeding.” Even on long trips when the miles seem to grind slowly along, she sets the cruise control at the posted speed limit and enjoys the journey. “Besides,” she reminds me, “it is the law.”
Romans 13:1-10 addresses our responsibility to the authority of human government and to the law of God. When we obey the governing authorities, we don’t have to fear punishment, and we gain a clear conscience by doing what is right (VV.3, 5).
TODAY’S READING
Romans 13:1-10
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. v.1
Paul urged the followers of Christ in Rome to give the governing authorities what was owed them, whether taxes, revenue, respect, or honor (V.7). But he went beyond human regulations when he wrote: “Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law” (V.8).
It is our duty to obey man’s law and our privilege to fulfill God’s law by loving others. And His law is “the perfect law that gives freedom” (JAMES 1:25).
DAVID MCCASLAND
God wants us to obey the laws that govern our society; but loving one another is God’s perfect law that sets us free. —Sper
We keep man’s law by obedience; we fulfill God’s law by love.
WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 3
We, the citizens of Singapore
Thankful for Government?
Most of us would agree with Paul about the need to pray for political leaders (1 TIM. 2:1). But many people have a hard time accepting Paul’s instruction to give thanks to God for government (V.2). Because of all the wrong they see in national and local politics, government seems more of a curse than a blessing. They wonder what they are supposed to be thankful for.
If we feel this way, we should remember that Paul lived under the regimes of despotic Roman emperors. He saw their rule as better than anarchy. We should also remind ourselves that many of the benefits we enjoy are the result of good laws.
I urge you, first of all, to pray . . . for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. vv.1-2
Many countries, for example, have laws protecting children and the poor from inhuman labor practices. Conditions may be far from perfect, but they would be much worse if it were not for compassionate laws.
Paul said the Lord uses government to judge those who do evil (ROM. 13:4). We can see how God uses police and the justice system to control crime and prevent disorder. Paul even went so far as to call political leaders “God’s servants” (V.4) whom He uses for our well-being.
If we pause to think, we will discover good reasons to offer thanks as we pray for our government.
HERB VANDERLUGT
It’s always easy to complain and say that government’s unfair, but God’s Word says we should give thanks and lift our leaders up in prayer. —Hess
If we pray more for our government, we will be more thankful for our government.
THURSDAY • AUGUST 4
Two Kingdoms
IWe, the citizens of Singapore
n a report in USA Today, Rick Hampson wrote: “The young generally don’t have the old-time political religion. They look at voting and see a quaint, irrational act.” One graduate was quoted as saying, “I don’t care enough to care about why I don’t care.” I wonder if this is how we as Jesus-followers sometimes view our civic responsibility!
TODAY’S READING
Matthew 22:15-22 [Jesus] said, “Give back to Caesar belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.” v.21 citizens
The insights of Jesus in Matthew 22 helped His followers think clearly about their civic duty in the world. The Jews were required to pay taxes to the Roman government. They hated this taxation because the money went directly into Caesar’s treasury, where some of it supported the pagan temples and decadent lifestyle of the Roman aristocracy. They may have questioned whether they even had a civic responsibility to Caesar. Jesus reminded them, however, that they had dual citizenship. They lived in a world with two kingdoms—Caesar’s kingdom (human authority) and God’s kingdom (spiritual authority). They had responsibilities to both, but their greater responsibility was to God and His kingdom (ACTS 5:28-29).
As followers of Christ, we are commanded to cooperate with our rulers, but we are called to give God our ultimate obedience and commitment.
MARVIN WILLIAMS
We live today as citizens of two worlds, and this demands a duty to fulfill; but greater far should be our heart’s desire to honor Christ and always do His will. —Hess
Government has authority, but God has ultimate authority.
FRIDAY • AUGUST 5
Legal Versus Right
IWe, the citizens of Singapore
n his powerful book Unspeakable, Os Guinness wrestles with the problem of evil in the world. In one section, he focuses on the Nuremberg trials that followed World War II. The Nazis stood charged with crimes against humanity, and their mantra of defense was simple: “I was merely following orders.” The verdict, however, was that the soldiers had a moral obligation to defy orders that, though legal, were clearly wrong.
READING
5:17-29 We must obey God rather than any human authority. v.29
In a much different context, Peter and the disciples were arrested for presenting the message of the risen Christ and brought before the religious rulers in Jerusalem. Rather than allowing themselves to be shaped by the mood of the mob, the disciples declared their intention to continue preaching Christ.
The orders of the religious establishment may have been legal, but they were wrong. When the disciples chose to obey God rather than the godless religious leaders, they raised a standard of conviction that rose above the opinions of the rulers of this world.
The trials we face may test our commitment. But we will find opportunities to exalt the King if we trust Him for the strength to go beyond the words of the crowd-pleasers and do right as He defines it in His Word. BILL CROWDER
Say not, “The days are evil. Who’s to blame?” And fold the hand and acquiesce—oh, shame! Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s name, be strong! —Babcock
We must choose daily the way of the cross over the way of the crowd. —WARREN
SATURDAY • AUGUST 6
Seven “Ones”
Hpledge ourselves as one united people
ave you ever worked at a job where you felt a strong bond with your co-workers? Perhaps you were united by a sense of mission, or by a respect for your boss, or by the belief that a prosperous company will benefit everyone financially. The more points of agreement among members of a group, the more they will be unified, the better they will perform, and the less likely they will be to fight among themselves.
Christians have a built-in list of unifiers that can keep them working together with a oneness of spirit. In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul listed seven uniting “ones.” Think of how helpful they can be to any group of believers working together on the same project:
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. v.3 one united people
One body—we are a single family unified for one purpose
One Spirit—we all have the Spirit as our power source
One hope—we all look forward to the same future
One Lord—we all trust the same Person in charge
One faith—we all trust Jesus’ sacrifice for our salvation
One baptism—we all have a single identity
One God and Father—we all share the same source of our existence
What a difference it would make if we all could dwell on those seven “ones.”
DAVE BRANON
Join hands, then, brothers of the faith, whatever your race may be; who serves my Father as a son is surely kin to me. —Oxenham
Followers of Christ should focus on what unites them, not on what divides them. TODAY’S READING Ephesians 4:1-7
SUNDAY • AUGUST 7
Overcoming Bias
Arace, language or religion
Washington Post article reported that recent studies into the nature of prejudice found that almost everyone harbors biases, and these attitudes affect even those who actively resist them. A University of Kentucky psychologist says that much of our self-esteem comes from feeling better about ourselves than about others because of the group we belong to. Prejudice is not easy to overcome, even within the family of God.
It doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. v.11
Paul’s words to the believers at Colosse instruct us today, saying that our speech and behavior toward fellow Christians should reflect our oneness in Christ. “Put on your new nature, and be renewed,” Paul said, “In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters” (COL. 3:10-11). Instead of superiority and favoritism, we should demonstrate compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience toward each other (V.12). And above all, we are to “above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” (V.14).
In the body of Christ, no race, nationality, or class is better than another. Through the cross, Christ has made us one, and we are to treat each other with honesty, dignity, and love.
DAVID MCCASLAND
It matters not what race or gender; rich or poor, or great or small, the God who made us is not partial—He sent Christ to die for all. —D. DeHaan
Prejudice distorts what it sees, deceives when it talks, and destroys when it acts. TODAY’S
MONDAY • AUGUST 8
to build a democratic society
Fireworks And Freedom
Thanks to the ingenuity of our Chinese friends, we can celebrate our independence this month with massive displays of colorful fireworks.
TODAY’S READING Galatians 5:1-14
For you have been called to live in freedom . . . Don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. v.13 a democratic society
Every year when we sing our national anthem and enjoy the vibrant patterns created by “bombs bursting in air,” I remind myself that most bombs are deadly, not beautiful like the fireworks display. Although both use similar ingredients, one is intended to kill; the other to entertain. In this metaphor we see an example of how something can be used for both good and evil. In the hands of capable, careful, and caring people, something dangerous becomes glorious. But the opposite is also true.
Freedom—the very thing we celebrate with fireworks—can also be used for good and evil. As believers in Christ, we are free from the restrictive Mosaic law, but the Bible warns us not to use our spiritual freedom for selfish purposes: “Don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love” (GAL. 5:13).
Not everyone has political and religious freedom, but all believers in Christ have spiritual freedom. We must not use it as a weapon to impose our will on others but to display the glory of God’s will.
JULIE ACKERMAN LINK
We were imprisoned by our sin, controlled by evil ways; but then the Savior set us free to serve Him all our days. —Sper
Freedom doesn’t give us the right to do what we please, but to do what pleases God.
TUESDAY • AUGUST 9
Join the Cry
ANational Day
women’s prayer group in my country holds regular monthly prayer sessions for Ghana and other African countries. When asked why they pray so incessantly for the nations, their leader Gifty Dadzie remarked, “Look around, listen to and watch the news. Our nations are hurting: war, disaster, diseases, and violence threaten to overshadow God’s love for humanity and His blessing upon us. We believe God intervenes in the affairs of nations, so we praise Him for His blessings and cry for His intervention.”
TODAY’S READING
Psalm 122:6–9
I urge . . . that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. 1 Timothy 2:1 niv
The Bible reveals that God indeed intervenes in the affairs of nations (2 CHRON. 7:14). And when God intervenes, He uses ordinary people. We may not be assigned huge tasks, but we can play our part to help bring about peace and the righteousness that exalts a nation (PROV. 14:34). We can do that through prayer. The apostle Paul wrote, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 TIM. 2:1–2 niv).
As the psalmist exhorted the ancient Israelites to “pray for the peace in Jerusalem” (PS. 122:6), so may we pray for the peace and healing of our nations. When we pray in humility, turn from wickedness, and seek God, He hears us.
LAWRENCE DARMANI
Lord, we pray today for the peace of our nations. We ask for Your intervention as we turn to You in confession and repentance. We praise You for Your blessing and Your provision.
Prayer for those in authority is both a privilege and a duty.
WEDNESDAY • AUGUST 10
Let Right Be Done
An engaging family film, The Winslow Boy, tells the story of a 13-year-old who is accused of stealing and is expelled from a British military school. The father believes his son is innocent and marshals all his resources to defend him. As the case attracts public attention, many people rally behind the boy with the slogan “Let right be done.”
There is something within us that longs for justice for others and for ourselves. But there is only one aspect of justice that is fully within our control, and that is our behavior toward others.
TODAY’S READING
Micah 6:1-8
O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. v.8
To a people who hurt the Lord deeply by their selfishness and unjust treatment of others, the prophet Micah said, “The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (MICAH 6:8). What does the Lord long for from us? He wants action (“do what is right”), affection (“love mercy”), and association (“walk humbly with your God”). As Christians, instead of demanding “Let right be done to me,” may our rallying cry become “Let right be done by me.” Great things can happen when we say, “In my family, in my community, in my workplace, in every relationship, let right be done by me!”
DAVID MCCASLAND
If I can right a human wrong, if I can help to make one strong, if I can cheer with smile or song, Lord, show me how. —Kleiser
Justice is accomplished one right at a time.
THURSDAY • AUGUST 11
No More Prejudice
A2010 survey by Newsweek contained some startling statistics: 57 percent of hiring managers believe an unattractive (but qualified) job candidate would have a harder time getting hired; 84 percent of managers said their bosses would hesitate before hiring a qualified older candidate; 64 percent of hiring managers said they believe companies should be allowed to hire people based on appearance. All are clear examples of unacceptable prejudice.
TODAY’S READING
James 2:1-10
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? v.1 equality and equality
Prejudice is not new. It had crept into the early church, and James confronted it head-on. With prophetic grit and a pastor’s heart, he wrote: “My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?” (JAMES 2:1). James gave an example of this type of prejudice—favoring the rich and ignoring the poor (VV.2-4). This was inconsistent with holding faith in Jesus without partiality (V.1), betrayed the grace of God (VV.5-7), violated the law of love (V.8), and was sinful (V.9). The answer to partiality is following the example of Jesus: loving your neighbor as yourself. We fight the sin of prejudice when we let God’s love for us find full expression in the way we love and treat each other.
MARVIN WILLIAMS
All those who know and love the Lord must show by word and deed that they will not discriminate but welcome those in need. —D. DeHaan
Looking up to Jesus prevents us from looking down on others.
FRIDAY • AUGUST 12
Happiness and Holiness
At Harvard University, you can take a course in happiness. This popular class helps students discover, as the professor states, “How to get happy.”
TODAY’S READING 1 Peter 1:13-21
That’s not a bad idea. In fact, the Bible even suggests on several occasions the importance of being happy or joyful. Solomon tells us that God grants happiness to us as a privilege (ECCL. 3:12; 7:14; 11:9) .
Sometimes, though, we take the search for earthly happiness too far. We see it as the most important pursuit, and even believe that our happiness is God’s highest goal for us. That’s when our thinking gets confused.
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 happiness so as to achieve happiness
God’s Word tells us that true happiness comes by keeping God’s law (PS. 1:1-2; PROV. 16:20; 29:18). God demands holiness and has called us to live a holy life—one that exemplifies His moral character (1 THESS. 4:7; 2 PETER 3:11). In Peter’s first letter we read, “But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy’ ” (1 PETER 1:15-16).
When we face decisions about the way we should act or how we should live, we must keep in mind that God’s command is not “Be happy,” but “Be holy.” True happiness will come from a holy, God-honoring life.
DAVE BRANON
In all I think and say and do, I long, O God, to honor You; but may my highest motive be to love the Christ who died for me. —D. DeHaan
There is no true happiness apart from holiness and no holiness apart from Christ.
When All Looks Bright
Life looks rosy to many people. Their work is fulfilling. The house or apartment doesn’t need repair. Their bank account shows a surplus. Family members are enjoying good health. Friends are loyal.
Good times, however, can be dangerous. The comforts and pleasures of this world can become so important that we give God little or no place in our thoughts. Prosperity can quickly lead to complacency.
God knew this would happen to His people when they entered the Promised Land. So He warned them not to forget the source of their blessings (DEUT. 6:12). He instructed them:
• Fear the Lord (V.13).
• Serve Him (V.13).
• Do not go after other gods (V.14).
• Do not test the Lord (V.16).
• Diligently obey God’s commands (V.17).
• Do what is right and good (V.18).
TODAY’S READING
Deuteronomy 6:10-19
But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands.
Deuteronomy 8:11
Historians tell us that religious fervor usually declines during prosperous times. But if we will learn from Israel’s experience and heed the Lord’s instruction, this need not happen to us.
Let’s be careful that we do not forget the Lord—especially when all looks bright!
HERB VANDERLUGT
Help us, O Lord, to ponder this: we have no good apart from You; for we are prone to take our ease when all is bright and skies are blue. —D. DeHaan
Prosperity may be a greater test of character than poverty.
SUNDAY • AUGUST 14
The Go-Between
Pablo Casals was considered to be the preeminent cellist of the first half of the 20th century. When he was still playing his cello in the middle of his tenth decade of life, a young reporter asked, “Mr. Casals, you are 95 years old and the greatest cellist that ever lived. Why do you still practice 6 hours a day?”
Mr. Casals answered, “Because I think I’m making progress.”
TODAY’S READING
John 15:9-17
What a great attitude! As believers in Christ, we should never be satisfied to think we have reached some self-proclaimed pinnacle of spiritual success, but rather continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 PETER 3:18). Jesus reminds us in John 15:16 that He chose us to “go and bear fruit.” The result of healthy growth is continuing to bear spiritual fruit throughout our lives. Our Lord promises: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit” (V.5).
Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:18 progress and progress for our nation.
In a steady and faithful progression to become more and more like the One we love and serve, we can be confident that He who began “the good work” in us will continue it until it is finally finished on the day when He returns (PHIL. 1:6).
CINDY HESS KASPER
More like the Master I would ever be, more of His meekness, more humility; more zeal to labor, more courage to be true, more consecration for work He bids me do. —Gabriel
