August Devotional Journal 2018

AUGUST DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL 2018

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

ACTS 17:11 (NIV)

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AUGUST DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL 2018

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

ACTS 17:11 (NIV)

Also available at www.cefc.org.sg and “Covenant EFC” mobile app.

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MEMORY VERSES 2018 JANUARY But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

ACTS 1:8 (NIV)

FEBRUARY They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

ACTS 2:42 (NIV)

MARCH Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.

They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

ACTS 2:46-47 (NIV)

APRIL Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

ACTS 4:12 (NIV)

M AY

So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.

We will turn this responsibility over to them…

ACTS 6:2-3 (NIV)

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JUNE While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

ACTS 13:2-3 (NIV)

J U LY They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household.”

ACTS 16:31 (NIV)

AUGUST Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

ACTS 17:11 (NIV)

SEPTEMBER One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

ACTS 18:9-10 (NIV)

OCTOBER Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood.

ACTS 20:28 (NIV)

NOVEMBER “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

ACTS 20:32 (NIV)

DECEMBER He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ − with all boldness and without hindrance!

ACTS 28:31 (NIV)

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FOREWORD

BY S E N I O R PA S TO R S

As we lead Covenant EFC towards Vision 2028 and our 50th Jubilee Anniversary, God has given us Acts 20:28 as our spiritual anchor:

“PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION

to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” As church leaders and members, we are to pay careful attention to our hearts’ condition and to our triune God. At last year’s Listening Retreat, God impressed a spiritual burden upon us for 2018: WE ARE CHURCH: PRAY AND REPENT! We are CHURCH We believe God has called us to be One Church with Multiple Centres and pursue the A.D.I.D. of A Certain Kind within each local centre through small groups. We will enhance the small group strategy so that we can make disciples who make disciples. This year, we were led to preach on the book of Acts, as we rediscover what the Church is all about.

We Are Church: PRAY! I (Rev Tan Kay Kiong) received a distinct picture of Moses praying in the mountain with his hands supported by Aaron and Hur. As I read the account in Exodus 17, the burden was clear:

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“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood.”

ACTS 20:28

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1. We Are Under Attack (Exo 17:8) Many of us are living defeated lives stained by sin and the affairs of this world. The devil has launched his arsenal of attacks against every possible area of our lives.

2. We Must Fight with the Weapons of God (Exo 17:9b) The staff in Moses’ hand was the staff of God. Formerly used to goad sheep, this once ordinary staff became God’s weapon to fight spiritual battles. We must put on God’s spiritual armour so that we can stand against the devil’s schemes.

3. We Must Fight with the Weapons of God and Hold Up Our Hands (Exo 17:11a) Joshua and his troops were fighting with all their might against the enemies, but the secret to their victory was Moses’ hands raised to God in desperate intercession. Aaron and Hur helped Moses keep his hands up. We must hold up our hands in intercession for spiritual victory in our lives.

We Are Church: Pray and REPENT! There is no true prayer without REPENTANCE. “Bring forth fruits in keeping with repentance.” − Luke 3:8. God spoke to me (Rev Tony Yeo) through the book of Joel: 1. Repent humbly – put on sackcloth, wail before the altar, declare a holy fast and call a sacred assembly (Joel 1:13-14).

2. Repent wholeheartedly – rend your heart and not your garments (Joel 2:12-13). Return to God with all our hearts for He is gracious and compassionate!

3. Repent urgently – in the light of the day of the Lord and His coming judgement (Joel 3:3-14).

We believe that God will speak to each of you personally as you spend daily devotional time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer. This Devotional Journal (DJ) has been designed to help you in this. We pray and trust that God will greatly bless you as you use this DJ daily, and His Spirit will guide and direct your prayers such that God will be pleased to answer them and display His glory in you and in our church for the advance of His Kingdom in Singapore and beyond.

In Christ, Rev Tony Yeo and Rev Tan Kay Kiong

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GUIDE TO USING THIS

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

1

Prepare your heart in God’s presence

■ Select a fixed time (preferably in the morning before you begin your day) and a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed.

■ Observe a moment of silence as you acknowledge God’s presence. Centre down.

■ Begin with a song of worship.

Meditate on the lyrics even if you are unfamiliar with the tune. (Refer to the list of worship songs provided.)

■ Ask God to open your heart to hear Him.

SOMETHING TO PONDER...

Examining your life is essential in your faith journey. Your redeemed life as a disciple of Christ deserves careful examining. May you take root and bear fruit in Him!

The English Standard Version (ESV) is the default Bible version translation unless otherwise specified.

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9

Allow God to S.O.A.P. you

with His Word and Spirit

■ Scripture – Take your time to meditate on the Scripture passage for the day. Pause and mull over words and phrases that stand out to you.

■ Observation – Jot down significant insights and reflections from the passage you have read. You may use the guiding questions provided. The “Deeper Reflection” section is to aid your contemplation of the Scripture. It is not to replace your own observation, for the Holy Spirit illuminates the Scripture to you as you seek Him earnestly.

■ Application – Note down a specific and practical commitment to God’s Word for you. Is there a command to obey, a sin to avoid, an example to follow, or a principle to live out? Where appropriate, share your devotional entry with someone.

■ Prayer – Bring your heartfelt response to God in prayer.

P R AY E R P O I N T E R S F O R 2 0 1 8 Prayer pointers for Pastors and Staff are included every Tuesday. On each Friday, there is a prayer pointer for Lay Leaders (e.g. Zone Mentors, CG Leaders, Assistant CG Leaders and Ministry Leaders). A prayer pointer for Church Board Members is included every Saturday.

Please pray for each group as well as any specific individuals whom God may bring to your mind.

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J U LY –A U G U S T

WORSHIP SONGS WHOM SHALL I FEAR Verse 1 You hear me when I call You are my morning song Though darkness fills the night It cannot hide the light Whom shall I fear You crush the enemy Underneath my feet You are my sword and shield Though troubles linger still Whom shall I fear Chorus I know Who goes before me I know Who stands behind The God of angel armies Is always by my side The One who reigns forever He is a friend of mine The God of angel armies Is always by my side Verse 2 My strength is in Your name For You alone can save You will deliver me Yours is the victory Whom shall I fear Whom shall I fear (Whom shall I fear)

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Bridge (And) nothing formed against me shall stand You hold the whole world in Your hands I’m holding on to Your promises You are faithful You are faithful Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Scott Cash © 2012 Alletrop Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) McTyeire Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) S. D. G. Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Worship Together Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 6440288 CCLI License # 324618

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SOVEREIGN OVER US Verse 1 There is strength within the sorrow There is beauty in our tears And You meet us in our mourning With a love that casts out fear Verse 2 You are working in our waiting You’re sanctifying us When beyond our understanding You’re teaching us to trust Chorus Your plans are still to prosper You’ve not forgotten us You’re with us in the fire and the flood You’re faithful forever Perfect in love You are sovereign over us Verse 3 You are wisdom unimagined Who could understand Your ways Reigning high above the heavens Reaching down in endless grace Verse 4 You’re the lifter of the lowly Compassionate and kind You surround and You uphold me And Your promises are my delight

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Bridge Even what the enemy means for evil You turn it for our good You turn it for our good And for Your glory Even in the valley You are faithful You’re working for our good You’re working for our good And for Your glory (Repeat) Ending You’re faithful forever Perfect in love You are sove’reign over us Aaron Keyes | Bryan Brown | Jack Mooring © 2011 Jack Mooring Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Meaux Jeaux Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 6011370 CCLI Licence # 324618

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BEAUTIFUL SAVIOUR Verse 1 Jesus Beautiful Saviour God of all majesty Risen King Lamb of God Holy and righteous Blessed Redeemer Bright morning star Pre-chorus All the heavens shout Your praise All creation bows to worship You Chorus How wonderful How beautiful Name above every name Exalted high How wonderful How beautiful Jesus Your name Name above every name Jesus Bridge I will sing forever Jesus I love You Jesus I love You Ending Jesus beautiful Saviour (Repeat) Henry Seeley © 2006 Planetshakers Ministries Int. Inc. (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (IMI)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4807892 CCLI Licence # 324618

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TIMES OF REFRESHING Times of refreshing Here in Your presence No greater blessing Than being with You My soul is restored My mind is renewed There’s no greater joy Lord Than being with You Don Harris | Martin Nystrom © 1993 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 1175177 CCLI License # 324618

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GREAT ARE YOU LORD Verse You give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, You restore Every heart that is broken And great are You, Lord Chorus It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise To You only Bridge And all the earth will shout Your praise Our hearts will cry These bones will sing Great are You, Lord (Repeat) David Leonard | Jason Ingram | Leslie Jordan © 2012 Integrity’s Alleluia! Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Open Hands Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 6460220 CCLI License # 324618

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JUST AS I AM Verse 1 Just as I am, without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me And that Thou bidst me come to Thee O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Verse 2 Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Chorus I come broken to be mended I come wounded to be healed I come desperate to be rescued I come empty to be filled I come guilty to be pardoned By the blood of Christ the Lamb And I’m welcomed with open arms praise God Just as I am Verse 3 Just as I am, I would be lost But mercy and grace my freedom bought And now to glory in Your cross O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Ending Praise God just as I am Just as I am Charlotte Elliott | David Moffitt | Sue C. Smith | Travis Cottrell | William Batchelder Bradbury © 2009 CCTB Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) First Hand Revelation Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 5635850 CCLI License # 324618

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HOLY SPIRIT (LIVING BREATH OF GOD) Verse 1 Holy Spirit, living Breath of God Breathe new life into my willing soul Let the presence of the risen Lord Come renew my heart and make me whole Cause Your word to come alive in me Give me faith for what I cannot see Give me passion for Your purity Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me Verse 2 Holy Spirit, come abide within May Your joy be seen in all I do Love enough to cover every sin In each thought and deed and attitude Kindness to the greatest and the least Gentleness that sows the path of peace Turn my strivings into works of grace Breath of God, show Christ in all I do Verse 3 Holy Spirit, from creation’s birth Giving life to all that God has made Show Your power once again on earth Cause Your church to hunger for Your ways Let the fragrance of our prayers arise Lead us on the road of sacrifice That in unity the face of Christ May be clear for all the world to see Keith Getty | Stuart Townend Š 2006 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 4779872 CCLI License # 324618

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GREAT AWAKENING Chorus There’s gonna be a great awakening There’s gonna be a great revival in our land There’s gonna be a great awakening And everyone who calls on Jesus They will be saved Verse 1 Lord pour out Your Spirit On all the peoples of the earth Let Your sons and daughters Speak Your words of prophecy Send us dreams and visions Reveal the secret of Your heart Lord, our faith is rising Let all heaven sound the coming of Your day Verse 2 Lord, pour out Your Spirit On all nations of the world Let them see Your glory Let them fall in reverent awe Show Your mighty power Shake the heavens and the earth Lord, the world is waiting Let creation see the coming of Your day Dave Bankhead | Ray Goudie | Steve Bassett © 1993 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) New Generation Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 1181642 CCLI License # 324618

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JESUS IS LORD Verse 1 Jesus is Lord Behold the King of Kings, exalted high The name above all names I sing His praise The Lamb upon the throne Who reigns in glory, power and majesty Verse 2 This is my God Behold His hands and side The wounds of love that healed my brokenness What God is this?

What kind of sacrifice would give so much To gain a loveless soul?

Verse 3 For me to live is Christ, to die is gain For Christ has died that I might gain His life He is my all, my joy, my righteousness My hope of glory when He comes to reign Verse 4 Yes, suddenly my God shall come again And every knee shall bow before His name And He shall reign forever on the throne And in His glory there I shall proclaim Bridge Jesus is Lord, Jesus is Lord!

Daniel Chua Š 2000 Premier Signature (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelectŽ Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 2990615 CCLI Licence # 324618

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HEAR US FROM HEAVEN Verse Lord hear our cry Come heal our land Breathe life into these dry and thirsty souls Lord hear our prayer Forgive our sin And as we call on Your name Would you make this place For Your glory to dwell Chorus Open the blind eyes Unlock the deaf ears Come to your people As we draw near Hear us from heaven Touch our generation We are Your people Crying out in desperation Bridge Hear us from heaven Hear us from heaven Hear us from heaven Jared Anderson © 2004 Vertical Worship Songs (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 4455392 CCLI Licence # 324618

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01

WEDNESDAY

AUGUST

God Surprises (1)

S CRIPTURE

Acts 10:9-17

O BSERVATION What can you learn about God from Peter’s experience in verses 9 to 14?

Deeper Reflection GOD IS A GOD OF SURPRISES. Surprises from God may bring us delight or disorientation, pleasure or pain. God’s surprises may come through circumstances or commands, or both. We all love good surprises from God. But even if the surprises do not appear to us as “good”, the good God is in them. Divine surprises can be uncomfortable. Peter was praying, and he “fell into a trance” – another expression of “vision” (v.17) − and he saw coming down from the sky a great sheet in which were all kinds of unclean animals, reptiles and birds (vv.10-12). God commanded Peter to kill and eat these unclean creatures (v.13), which made him feel so terribly uncomfortable that he protested, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean” (v.14). For a Jew to eat unclean animals was unthinkable and repulsive. It was disgusting and distasteful. In the Old Testament, God commanded certain individuals to do things that were surprising and uncomfortable: Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Gen 22:1-2), Hosea to marry a harlot (Hos 1:2), Isaiah to go naked for three years (Isa 20:1-2) and Ezekiel not to mourn over his wife’s death (Eze 24:15-17). But God knows what He is doing.

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A PPLICATION

How do I respond to divine surprises in my life that make me feel uncomfortable?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

You are great and good, O God! As the only wise sovereign God, You do

■ Give thanks:

whatever You please, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all deeps.1 Have Your way in my life

■ Pray for leaders:

as You will and help me to trust in You at all times. For Your work is perfect and all Your ways are just. You are

■ Pray for significant people:

a God of faithfulness and without injustice, and You are righteous and upright.2 Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

1 2

Psalm 135:6 Deuteronomy 32:4

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02 THURSDAY

AUGUST

God Surprises (2)

S CRIPTURE

Acts 10:9-17

O BSERVATION What can you learn about God from what was going through Peter’s mind in verse 17?

Deeper Reflection DIVINE SURPRISES may seem unreasonable. Peter was “greatly perplexed” over the divine vision (v.17), which conflicted with his theological and conventional understanding. But Peter’s response was based on the word of God in Leviticus 11. God commanded Israel “not to make yourselves unclean” by eating the unclean animals listed, because “I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am holy” (Lev 11:43-44). But we need to understand the divine design of Leviticus 11: “In most cases these were not considered unclean because of any inherent corruption but were identified as such by Yahweh Himself to provide pedagogical reference points…All else is holy or unholy by virtue of divine deliberation and mandate. It is not so by nature but becomes so by the will of God.”3 Not surprisingly, Jesus has “declared all foods clean” (Mk 7:18-19). But God sought to change the Jews’ viewing of the Gentiles as unclean through this surprising vision to Peter – a necessary preparation for evangelising the Gentiles. We may be “greatly perplexed” over God’s ways in our lives. But there is always a divine purpose, and like Peter, we will know it at the right time.

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A PPLICATION

How do I respond to divine surprises in my life that are perplexing to me?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

3

Eugene H. Merrill, A Theology of the Pentateuch, Biblical Theology of the Old Testament (Moody, 1991), 58

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03 FRIDAY

AUGUST

God Surprises (3)

S CRIPTURE

Acts 10:9-17; Leviticus 11:43-44

O BSERVATION What can you learn about God when you compare what God said in verse 15 with God prohibiting Israel from eating unclean animals in Leviticus 11:43-44?

Deeper Reflection DIVINE SURPRISES are divinely unquestionable. The holy God who prohibited Israel from eating unclean animals because they were to be holy as He is holy, is the same holy God who said, “What God has cleansed, do not consider unclean” (v.15). A divine reversal of Leviticus 11.

Divine self-contradiction? No. Divine arbitrariness? Yes. God is God, who is holy and sovereign. God is “holy” means God is the Wholly Other who is supreme over all, and is transcendent, exalted, distinct and separate from everything He has made;4 who “exceeds everything worldly: all human conceptuality, all moral categories and all metaphors”5; who “cannot be domesticated or humanised” and “remains a stranger in our world”6. “Kill and eat” (v.13) and “do not consider unclean” (v.15) were divine commands to Peter that demanded obedience. Responding to God’s uncomfortable and seemingly unreasonable commands, Abraham “went to the place of which God had told him” (Gen 22:1-3), Hosea “went and took Gomer” (Hos 1:2-3), Isaiah “did so” (Isa 20:1-2), as for Ezekiel: “my wife died…I did as I was commanded” (Eze 24:15-18).7 Immediate obedience to unquestionable commands.

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A PPLICATION

What does it mean to me to know that divine surprises in my life are divinely unquestionable?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders: To follow God faithfully no matter what happens

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

4

David G. Peterson, Holiness, New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (IVP, 2000), editors: T. D. Alexander, Brian S. Rosner, D. A. Carson, Graeme Goldsworthy; 545 Bernhard W. Anderson, Contours of Old Testament Theology (Fortress, 1999), 46 6 Bernhard W. Anderson, 46 7 See Devotional Journal entry on August 1 5

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04 SATURDAY

AUGUST

God Synthesises

S CRIPTURE

Acts 10:1-48

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about how God in His sovereignty connected Peter and Cornelius?

Deeper Reflection WE SEE IN ACTS 10 the God who, in His sovereignty, synthesises the circumstances of our lives perfectly, beautifully and meaningfully.

God gave Cornelius a surprise visit and instructed him to invite Peter to his home (vv.1-6). Observe how God connected Cornelius and Peter. God synthesises precisely: It was when the men dispatched by Cornelius “were on their way and approaching the city” that “Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray” (v.9), and God spoke to him (vv.10-16). God synthesises progressively – by communicating step by step, and connecting piece by piece. When God spoke to Cornelius and Peter, He gave neither of them the full picture of things. But when the two men met, they realised how God had given each a half of the jigsaw puzzle that together formed the full picture (vv.23-33). The “greatly perplexed” Peter (v.17) then said, “I most certainly understand now…” (v.34). God synthesises purposefully to bring about two conversions: Peter’s conversion from his Jewish racial pride and prejudice (vv.28-29, 44-48) and Cornelius’ believing in Jesus Christ, which marked the beginning of the Gospel reaching “the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

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A PPLICATION

What does it mean to me to know that God in His sovereign freedom and wisdom puts together the different “pieces” in my life?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board: To see God as the Light in their dark circumstances ■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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05 SUNDAY

Sunday Journal

AUGUST

S CRIPTURE

O BSERVATION

A PPLICATION

P RAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

Review What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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Reflect What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL WEEK 1 AUGUST 2018

WHICH WAY IS THE BIBLE TELLING ME TO GO? * The Bible will always tell us the best way to go.

Scripture: Psalm 119:105; Psalm 25:4 ACTIVITY BITE Get some coloured paper and cut out some small arrow shapes.

Ask your family members to close their eyes while you paste the arrows on the wall, floor or any furniture to plot a path from one location in your home to another. Then ask one person to follow the arrows from the start to the end.

CHAT TIME Q1: What would happen if your family members did not follow the arrows?

Q2: What are the many traffic signs along the road for?

Q3: Why should we follow what the Bible tells us to do or where it says we should go?

LEARNING POINT You can see many types of traffic signs on the road. Some of them give directions to drivers while others give instructions as to what they should do. For example, the U-turn sign tells the driver that he can make a 180° turn and a red traffic light tells him to stop. These signs are for the protection and safety of drivers and other road users.

In the same way, the Bible tells us which way to go. If we choose to follow our own ways, we may not get the best things that God wants us to have. Keep reading the Bible so that we will know what God’s directions and instructions are for our lives.

ACTION POINT Look for a Bible verse that instructs you on how you should treat your friend who isn’t friendly towards you. Do what the Bible says.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that God will help us to follow His Word firmly with regard to how we must live our lives. * Adapted from First Look, June 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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06 MONDAY

AUGUST

God Speaks Through a Process

S CRIPTURE

Acts 10:1-23

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the process that God took to speak to Peter (vv.1-23)?

Deeper Reflection OFTENTIMES, GOD SPEAKS TO US through a process. At times, the process can be complex, as Acts 10 shows, but it will progressively and eventually become clear. When God spoke to Cornelius and Peter, they were “praying” (v.9; Acts 10:30; Acts 11:5). But then, God does not speak to us only when we are praying. Peter “became hungry and was desiring to eat” (v.10), a very mundane thing that was part of God speaking to him. It prepared him for “Kill and eat!” (v.13). Both Peter’s protest, which was based on Leviticus 11:11-14, and God’s fuller revelation, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy” (v.15), show that the right understanding of the Scriptures is critical to discerning if it is God’s voice that we hear. When God speaks to us, it can be both clear and unclear. The vision that Peter saw and the voice that he heard were clear (vv.10-15). That Peter was “greatly perplexed” (v.17) indicates that it was unclear to him. When we are unclear, wait for God to make it clear. If truly God has spoken, He will do so. God usually fulfils what He has spoken to us through divine providence, as seen in how God connected Peter and Cornelius perfectly.

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A PPLICATION

How do I discern the process that God is taking to speak to me presently in a particular area of my life?

Open the Scriptures to me.8 Open my mind to understand the Scriptures. Open my eyes to behold 9

Gi

vin

g

th

an

lf

living Word as I read the Scriptures.

nee d

living voice of the living God in the

Se

in the Scriptures. Let me hear the

Tho se in

Leaders

God, You have spoken and You speak

Significant people

P RAYER

ks

wonderful things in Your Word10 and to see You that I may know You. Open my heart to respond to You as You will.11 Amen.

8 9 10 11

Luke 24:32 Luke 24:45 Psalm 119:18 Acts 16:14

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36

07 TUESDAY

AUGUST

Divine Movement Sparked by Persecution

S CRIPTURE

Acts 8:1-5; 9:31; 11:19

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the theme of persecution in verses 1 to 5; Acts 9:31 and 11:19?

Deeper Reflection NOBODY LIKES PERSECUTION. Neither does God. But God in His sovereign freedom and wisdom uses what opposes Him to accomplish His purposes. The “great persecution” “against the church in Jerusalem” resulted in “all” being “scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria” and “went about preaching the word” (vv.1, 4) – moving towards fulfilling God’s missional purpose and mandate (Acts 1:8). Observe the geographical points of this divine movement.

From Jerusalem, Philip went north to “Samaria” and “proclaimed Christ” there (Acts 8:5-8, 12-13). Then from Samaria, Philip went south to “Gaza” and “preached Jesus” to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:25-39). Then from Gaza, he went north to “Azotus” and “kept preaching the Gospel to all the cities” along the western coast “until he came to Caesarea” (Acts 8:40). The “great persecution” resulted in churches being planted in “all Judea and Galilee and Samaria” (Acts 9:31). And the “unnamed Jerusalem believers”12 “who were scattered” because of the “great persecution” preached the Gospel further north in “Phoenicia” and “Antioch” in Syria, and westward to “Cyprus” (Acts 11:19). Before this was Cornelius’ conversion – the beginning of the mission to “the Gentiles” (Acts 10:44-48; 11:18).

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A PPLICATION

What changes do I need to make in my perspective and posture regarding persecution in discipleship?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To have their hearts and faith ready for persecution

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

12

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan, 2012), 520

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08

WEDNESDAY

AUGUST

Stephen, Persecution, Antioch and Saul

S CRIPTURE

Acts 11:19-22, 25-26; 7:54-60; 8:1-4

O BSERVATION What is the significance of Luke mentioning “Stephen” and “persecution” in verses 19 to 21 when correlated with Acts 7:54-60 and 8:1-4?

Deeper Reflection LUKE’S MENTION OF “STEPHEN”, “persecution” and “Antioch” in verse 19 is more than history and geography. It is about theology: God, who is in history and geography, accomplishing His redemptive purposes.

Stephen did not expect to be stoned to death. Nor did he know that his death would spark off a “great persecution” “for the greater progress of the Gospel” (Acts 7:54-60; 8:1-4; cf. Phil 1:12). God’s purpose for each of our lives, as we walk with Him faithfully, is larger than at a personal level, which we may never live to see. Those “who were scattered because of the persecution” preached the Gospel in “Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch” (v.19). “Antioch”, which was mentioned six times in Acts 11:19-30 (vv.19, 20, 22, 26, 27), was known for its moral laxity and immorality.13 But, Antioch would become the sending base for missions work in Asia and Eastern Europe (Acts 13:1-3; 14:26). Associated with this key city was a key character: Saul. Saul was mentioned earlier on in relation to Stephen and the “great persecution” (Acts 7:58; 8:1-4).

Barnabas looked for Saul in Tarsus to involve him in the work in Antioch (vv.22, 25-26). God had now strung “Stephen”, “persecution”, “Antioch” and “Saul” together.

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A PPLICATION

What does it mean to me to know that God’s purpose for my life is larger than at a personal level?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Lord, I am like a single thread in a tapestry, though its colour brightly shines, it

■ Give thanks:

can never see its purpose in the pattern of the grand design. But it is enough to know that You alone can

■ Pray for leaders:

see it, and that You have called and made me to be that single thread that has its unique place and

■ Pray for significant people:

purpose in the tapestry, to the praise of the glory of Your grace. Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

13

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Baker, 2007), 413

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09 THURSDAY

AUGUST

God Is God in All

S CRIPTURE

Acts 11:19-24

O BSERVATION What is the significance of the seven references to God in verses 19 to 24?

Deeper Reflection WE SEE IN VERSES 19 TO 24 that the church was expanding geographically (vv.19-20) and increasing numerically (v.21, 24). But there was the great sense of God is God in all in it, with seven important references to God in five verses, showing a threefold God-orientation.

On the Lord orientation: What the church preached was “the Lord Jesus” (v.20), emphasising His lordship. It was not an attractive selfserving Gospel that was made easy to believe. To the Lord orientation: Large numbers “believed and turned” and “were brought” not just to the church, but “to the Lord” (vv.21, 24). And those who believed are “to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion” (v.23, NRSV).

We are to live and die not to ourselves, but to the Lord, because we are the Lord’s (Rom 14:7-8). From the Lord orientation: Many “believed and turned to the Lord” because “the hand of the Lord was with them [the church]” (v.21). It was “the Lord adding to the Lord, so that He is both subject and object, source and goal of evangelism”14. The immense growth was “the grace of God” (v.23). Many “were brought to the Lord” because Barnabas was “full of the Holy Spirit” (v.24). The Triune God was at work here (vv.23-24).

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A PPLICATION

How do I see God as the God in all, in my discipleship journey and service to Him?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your

■ Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

14

John Stott, The Message of Acts, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 1990), 204

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42

10 FRIDAY

AUGUST

Two Marks of a Disciple

S CRIPTURE

Acts 11:22-26

O BSERVATION What should mark a disciple of Jesus according to verses 23 and 26?

Deeper Reflection BARNABAS’S DISCIPLEMAKING MINISTRY in Antioch highlights two marks of a disciple of Jesus. Inward tenacity in Christ, in terms of perseverance and wholeheartedness: “to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion” (v.23, NRSV). Perseverance presupposes suffering, which means in following Jesus faithfully, we should expect and not surprised by suffering. The early church was taught: “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). We need encouragement through one another to persevere in wholehearted devotion to God. For this reason, the “son of encouragement” – Barnabas (Acts 4:36) − was specifically sent to Antioch (vv.22-23). When “considerable numbers were brought to the Lord”, Barnabas needed help.

So, he went “to look for Saul” in Tarsus (vv.24-26a). They both “taught” “considerable numbers” of disciples. Much time, “an entire year”, was given to teaching. Their teaching was Christ-centred, producing Christcentred disciples, whose outward testimony to Christ was “so strong”15 that they were “called Christians” (v.26b) by “the unbelieving public”16.

In later New Testament times, being a “Christian”17 (1 Pet 4:16) means bearing “the name” (Christ) and “living in word and deed consistently with the Gospel of Jesus Christ”18.

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A PPLICATION

How can I grow in inward tenacity in Christ and outward testimony to Christ as Jesus’ disciple?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders: To be steadfast in Christ and to let Christ shine in their lives

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

15 16 17 18

Darrell L. Bock, 416 John Stott, 205 The term “Christian” occurs only three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet 4:16).

Karen H. Jobes, 1 Peter, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Baker, 2005), 290

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11

SATURDAY

AUGUST

When God’s People Suffer Famine

S CRIPTURE

Acts 11:27-30

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about God, famine and His people from verses 27 to 30?

Deeper Reflection AGABUS CAME DOWN from Jerusalem to Antioch with other prophets and prophesied “by the Spirit” that “there would certainly be a great famine all over the world” (v.28a). The “empire-wide famine”19 “took place in the reign of Claudius [AD 41-54]” (v.28b) in the “first, second, fourth, ninth and 11th year”20 of his reign. The famine hit Judea in AD 44-48,21 and the church there suffered. The Holy Spirit predicted the severe famine, but did not prevent it from affecting God’s people.

The Jerusalem church sold properties and shared generously with the needy (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35), but now it was so poor that it needed relief from the Antioch church (vv.29-30). But didn’t God promise to bless those who give (Prov 3:9-10)? It seems that here God did not prosper the Jerusalem church. However, God did provide for their needs through the Antioch church. God who supplies all our needs also let us suffer needs (Phil 4:11-12, 19). Famine is one of the seven adversities that Christians can suffer, but which cannot separate us from the love of Christ (Rom 8:35). We may perish in any of these seven adversities: death. But even “death” cannot separate us from the love of God (Rom 8:38-39).

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45

A PPLICATION

How do I view God in light of the possibility of suffering the seven adversities listed in Romans 8:35?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board:

To be strengthened for steadfastness and patience

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

19 20 21

Darrell L. Bock, 418 Darrell L. Bock, 417 Darrell L. Bock, 418

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12 SUNDAY

Sunday Journal

AUGUST

S CRIPTURE

O BSERVATION

A PPLICATION

P RAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

Review What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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48

Reflect What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL WEEK 2 AUGUST 2018

WHAT D OES T H E B I BLE S AY A B O U T H EL PI N G OT H E R S ? * Helping others shows that we are following God’s commandment.

Scripture: John 13:34-35 ACTIVITY BITE Cut out some paper hearts and give one to each person in your family. Get everyone to think about something they need help with. Ask them to hold up the paper heart and share their problem. Then get the rest of the family to help them out.

CHAT TIME Q1: How did you feel when you were the one receiving help?

Q2. How did you feel when you were the one helping another person?

Q3. John 13:34-35 tells us to love one another. What are some simple ways that you can show love?

LEARNING POINT Have you ever came across a situation where no one gave up their seats for an old person on a bus? Or have you ever experienced times when no one came to help you when you were in need?

There could be reasons why others do not offer their help. Maybe they don’t know how to help or they are just being selfish.

Whatever it is, the Bible tells us to help those who are in need. It is a concrete way of showing love to one another. By doing so, we are following God’s commandment to love one another.

ACTION POINT Think of a friend who may need some help and think about how you can help this person. Try doing so in the next few days.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for loving us daily. Ask Him to help us to show His love by helping those in need. * Adapted from First Look, June 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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13 MONDAY

AUGUST

Marginalised and Insecure

S CRIPTURE

Acts 12:1-4

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the persecution of the church in Jerusalem (vv.1-4)?

Deeper Reflection THE MENTION OF “HEROD THE KING”, “the church” (v.1) and “the Jews” (v.3) in Acts 12 suggests that we look at the church of Jesus Christ theologically at the sociological and political levels. The Jerusalem church was socially marginalised. The Jerusalem church operated on the fringe of Judaism22: they were of Jewish origin, they prayed in the temple, they shared the same Scriptures, albeit interpreting them differently.

But the church was rejected and persecuted by the Jewish authorities (Acts 4:5-6; 5:17-40). The “great persecution” in Jerusalem in Acts 8:1 was intensified in Acts 12. Being not part of the Jewish power structure that was well connected to Jewish kings and Roman governors that ruled in Judea between AD 30 and 60,23 the Jerusalem church became politically insecure. “King Herod laid violent hands” (v.1, NRSV) upon some believers, killed James (v.2), and arrested Peter, seeing that “it pleased the Jews” (v.3). Very often, we seek and pray for favourable life conditions. But much more than this, we must be prepared theologically, spiritually and mentally, for unfavourable and disadvantaged situations; simply because biblical discipleship is walking the path of the cross (Lk 9:23).

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A PPLICATION

How can I prepare myself for times when followers of Jesus would be marginalised or insecure in society?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Lord Jesus, where are You taking me? Into joy. Into pain. I am afraid, but to

■ Give thanks:

do anything other than go with You would be to die inwardly; and to look for wholeness apart from

■ Pray for leaders:

You would be to lose my true self. So, I come to You, protesting and confused, but loving You

■ Pray for significant people:

all the same. You will have to hold me as we walk together the path of the cross.24 Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

22 23 24

Darrell L. Bock, 421 Ben Witherington III, The Acts of the Apostles: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary (Eerdmans, 1998), 383 Adapted from Angela Ashwin, The Book of a Thousand Prayers (Zondervan. 1996, 2002), 37

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14

TUESDAY

AUGUST

A Miraculous Rescue

S CRIPTURE

Acts 12:1-11

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the rescue of Peter from prison (vv.3-11)?

Deeper Reflection THE CHURCH OF GOD may be socially marginalised and politically insecure, but that does not keep Jesus, the Head of the church, from keeping His commitment and promise: “I will build My church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it” (Matt 16:18, RSV). One demonstration of this was the miraculous rescue of Peter. Luke devoted much material, and provided minute details in describing it (vv.3-11).

The rescue was timely. It happened “on the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward” (v.6). It was direct. It was executed by “an angel of the Lord” (v.7). It was unexpected. The angel “suddenly appeared” in Peter’s cell (v.7). It was effortless. Luke emphasised how Peter was very securely bound. “Four squads of soldiers” were assigned “to guard him” (v.4). Inside the cell, he was “sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains”, and outside “guards in front of the door were watching over the prison” (v.6). But Peter’s “chains fell off his hands” by themselves (v.7), and as he left with the angel, “the iron gate that leads into the city” “opened for them by itself ” (v.10). But bear in mind that the infinitely creative sovereign God delivers us through many other ways.

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A PPLICATION

How should I trust in God to deliver me when I go through adversities?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To have God’s deliverance from or through adversities

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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15

WEDNESDAY

AUGUST

A Divine Inefficiency?

S CRIPTURE

Acts 12:1-11

O BSERVATION What perspective(s) can you get from the way God worked in the life of Peter and James?

Deeper Reflection JAMES, THE SON OF ZEBEDEE, was mentioned only twice in Acts: in the list of the apostles (Acts 1:13) and Herod’s persecution of the Jerusalem church. Herod “had James the brother of John put to death with a sword” (v.2), that is, beheading, a Roman form of execution.25 Along with Peter and John, James was a key apostle in the inner circle of Jesus’ apostolic band (Mk 5:37; Matt 17:1; 26:37).

Facing similar circumstances, Peter was arrested by Herod and rescued by the Lord (v.11); but James was killed. It is interesting to note that Luke described God’s rescue of Peter in great detail (vv.6-10), but James’ death in just one simple sentence! When James was killed, the Gospel had just begun to be proclaimed “to the ends of the earth” (cf. Acts 1:8). With such an early demise of a key apostle of Jesus, wasn’t it a great waste, from a strategic point of view? It appeared to be a “divine inefficiency”! Luke told us why Stephen was martyred: it sparked off a great persecution of the church leading to world missions (Acts 7:59 – 8:1, 4; 11:19). As for James, we do not know why. God alone knows. Here was divine sovereignty, mystery and glory!

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A PPLICATION

How should I look at my life with the perspective(s) that I get from the way God worked in the life of Peter and James?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Truly, O God, eternal and infinite, Your thoughts are not our thoughts,

■ Give thanks:

neither are our ways Your ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are Your ways

■ Pray for leaders:

higher than our ways and Your thoughts than our thoughts!26 In my life, I can only say to You, “Have

■ Pray for significant people:

Thine own way, Lord, have Thine own way. Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.”

Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

25 26

Ben Witherington III, 385 Isaiah 55:8-9

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16

THURSDAY

AUGUST

Praying with Fervency

S CRIPTURE

Acts 12:5-17

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about prayer from verses 5 to 16?

Deeper Reflection WHEN PETER “WAS KEPT IN PRISON”, the church prayed fervently to God for him (v.5). God answered their prayer almost immediately: “On the very night when Herod…” (v.6). When God had already answered their prayer (vv.6-11), the church was still “praying” for Peter (v.12). It was very strange that when Rhoda reported that Peter was at the door, the church’s response was “You are out of your mind!” (vv.13-15a), and when Rhoda “kept insisting” that it was Peter, the church “kept saying” that it was not (v.15b). The strange response of the church showed that they were “not anticipating an escape”27. The backdrop to the church praying for Peter was James being killed by Herod (v.2). So, the prayer of the church “must be for God’s protection and strength in some other way, either in a positive verdict or in some type of lesser punishment”28. “Praying fervently” occurred only twice in Luke-Acts: here (v.5) and Jesus in Gethsemane (Lk 22:41-44). Like Jesus, the church’s fervent prayer included seeking God’s will in this situation.29 Praying “fervently” does not mean that “if God is to answer prayer, He must be pressed and persuaded by spectacular feats of devotion”30.

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A PPLICATION

How do I relate between knowing God and praying fervently to Him?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

27 28 29 30

Darrell L. Bock, 426 Darrell L. Bock, 426 Darrell L. Bock, 426; I. Howard Marshall, Acts, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1980), 208 I. Howard Marshall, 208

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17 FRIDAY

AUGUST

Who Is King?

S CRIPTURE

Acts 12:1-4, 18-23

O BSERVATION What is the significance of what Luke wrote about King Herod in verses 1 to 4 and 18 to 23?

Deeper Reflection THE REIGN OF KING HEROD AGRIPPA I (AD 41-44) in Acts 12 has great theological significance. Dominance of Herod (vv.1-4): Herod persecuted the Jerusalem church right at “the beginning of his tenure as king of Judea”31 in AD 41. The tyrannical king did whatever he pleased and the church was at his mercy. Defeat of Herod (Acts 12:5-19a): God’s rescue of Peter from prison was executed so easily and effortlessly: Peter’s chains fell off and the iron gate opened by itself (Acts 12:7, 10). After Peter’s escape, Herod “made a thorough search for him” but “did not find him” (v.19, NIV). All these undermined and ridiculed the sovereignty of Herod. Disposal of Herod (vv.19b-23): Through Blastus, the people of Tyre and Sidon sought for the restoration of Herod’s favour after their quarrel with him (v.20). When Herod addressed the people, he was wearing “a garment made wholly of silver”32 (v.21) that “shone so brightly in the morning sun that the people hailed him as god”33 (v.22). Herod did not “reject their impious flattery”34 and “usurped the honour due to God” (v.23, REB). For this, God struck this arrogant king “immediately” and he died ignominiously (v.23). Who then is “the king” (v.1)?

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A PPLICATION

How does the story of King Herod’s reign help me in trusting in the sovereignty of God?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders: To rest in God’s sovereign control over all things

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

31 32 33 34

Eckhard J. Schnabel, 529 Josephus, The New Complete Works of Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, XIX.8.2 (Kregel, 1999) John Stott, 212 Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, XIX.8.2

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18

SATURDAY

AUGUST

The Last Word

S CRIPTURE

Acts 12:1-24

O BSERVATION What is the significance of Luke concluding the story of Acts 12 with verse 24?

Deeper Reflection THE STORY of the powerful and tyrannous reign of King Herod from its beginning in AD 41 (vv.1-4) to its end in AD 44 (vv.20-23) as told by Luke concludes with “But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied” (v.24). What a complete reversal of the situation of the church! At the beginning, Herod was on the rampage, persecuting, killing and arresting church leaders. But at the end, he “was eaten by worms and died” a violent death. Such is the supreme power of the sovereign God that overthrows hostile human plans and establishes His own in their place. “Tyrants may be permitted for a time to boast and bluster, oppressing the church and hindering the spread of the Gospel, but they will not last. In the end, their empire will be broken and their pride abased.”35 For the kingdom of God is an everlasting kingdom (Lk 1:32-33; Dan 7:13-14). The last word belongs to God and to God alone. And the persecuted church had now become a powerful church. It was powerful not in terms of the ways of man, but “the word of the Lord”. When the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed both inside and outside the church, the proclamation is always powerful through the Spirit of God.

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A PPLICATION

How do I place the Word of God in my life in relation to oppressive human powers?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board: To know increasingly the power of God’s Word

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

35

John Stott, 213

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19 SUNDAY

Sunday Journal

AUGUST

S CRIPTURE

O BSERVATION

A PPLICATION

P RAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

Review What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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64

Reflect What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL WEEK 3 AUGUST 2018

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT WHEN I CAN TALK TO GOD? * The Bible tells me that I can talk to Him all the time.

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:12 ACTIVITY BITE Get a small card and draw a picture of praying hands on it. During the day, hold this card up when you are with your family members and get them to say something to God. It can be a prayer or simply to tell Him how you feel about something.

CHAT TIME Q1: Is there a fixed way of talking to God? Will He still hear you if you talk to Him in another language?

Q2: Does God ever get annoyed by the many things we tell Him? Why or why not?

Q3: If God knows what you have been doing the whole day, why does He still want you to tell Him about it?

LEARNING POINT The amazing thing about God is that He can hear what we say to Him even when thousands of people are praying to Him at the same time. He does so because He is interested in what you have to say to Him. He will listen to you from the time you wake up to the time you go to bed at night. The Bible tells us that He will listen to us at any time, about anything and at any place. You can be sure that He hears you even when you whisper.

ACTION POINT Think of five different places you can be from the time you go to school to the time you come home. When you are at these places, say a big “thank you” to God for being there with you.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that everyone in your family will know that God hears their prayers anytime and at any place. * Adapted from First Look, June 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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20 MONDAY

AUGUST

The Holy Spirit in Missions

S CRIPTURE

Acts 13:1-4

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about missions work from verses 1 to 4?

Deeper Reflection ACTS RECORDS the three missionary journeys of Paul (Acts 13:1 – 21:17) with Antioch as the sending base. Antioch “reflected a marriage of oriental and Hellenistic life with Greeks, Syrians, Phoenicians, Jews, Arabs, Persians, Egyptians and Indians making up the population. The church with its practice and doctrine represented a distinctively countercultural way of life”36. The Holy Spirit superintends the church’s mission work. The Holy Spirit speaks: “the Holy Spirit said” (v.2a). The Holy Spirit is a person, who is not faceless, but has the face of Jesus. “The Spirit is not lightly called the Spirit of Jesus Christ (Acts 16:6-7; Rom 8:9; Phil 1:19].

Christ has put a human face on the Spirit as well.”37 The Spirit speaks to us and we speak to Him. Personal communication is two-way. The Holy Spirit selects: “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul” (v.2b).

“For Me” points to the lordship of the Spirit. Among the five men mentioned, the Spirit chose the leader, Barnabas, and the least, Saul, who was named last (v.1). The Holy Spirit sends: Barnabas and Saul were “being sent out by the Holy Spirit” (v.4). But it was also the church that “sent them away” (v.3). The Spirit leads the church, the church listens to the Spirit.

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A PPLICATION

How will I grow in my relationship with the Holy Spirit?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

O Thou who camest from above, the pure celestial fire to impart, kindle a flame

■ Give thanks:

of sacred love on the mean altar of my heart. There let it for Thy glory burn with inextinguishable blaze, and

■ Pray for leaders:

trembling to its source return in humble prayer, and fervent praise.38

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

36 37 38

Darrell L. Bock, 413 Gordon D. Fee, Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God (Hendrickson, 1996), 25 Charles Wesley (1707-1788), Angela Ashwin, 356

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21 TUESDAY

AUGUST

The Hand of the Lord

S CRIPTURE

Acts 13:4-12

O BSERVATION How is Elymas described in verses 6 and 10, and what is the significance of the description in the story (vv.4-12)?

Deeper Reflection IN CYPRUS, Barnabas and Saul “proclaimed the word of God” (vv.4-5).

When they reached Paphos, “they found a certain magician” named “Bar-Jesus” (v.6a) and “Elymas” (v.8). What was the significance? Luke was emphasising the strong satanic presence in Paphos, which was also indicated by a detailed description of Elymas: “magician” (vv.6, 8), “false prophet” (v.8), “full of deceit and fraud”, “son of the devil” and “enemy of all righteousness” (v.10), who unceasingly sought “to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord” (v.10). But in this spiritual environment, there were two opposing seekers. On one hand, Sergius Paulus “summoned Barnabas and Paul and sought to hear the word of God” (v.7), while on the other hand, Elymas “was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith” (v.8). What prevailed here was the Lord’s hand. Paul pronounced God’s judgment on Elymas: “The hand of the Lord is upon you”, and the evil Elymas became blind (v.11). But the divine judgment was with mercy. It was “for a time” (v.11). The result was: “The proconsul believed” (v.12a). It is interesting that “what had happened” – an event − was called “the teaching of the Lord” (v.12b).

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A PPLICATION

How do I view and respond to any form of a strong evil presence?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To be strong in the Lord and His mighty power

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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WEDNESDAY

AUGUST

God’s Grace and God’s Promises

S CRIPTURE

Acts 13:13-25

O BSERVATION What is the significance of God being the subject of nearly all the actions in verses 16 to 22?

Deeper Reflection PAUL’S “WORD OF EXHORTATION” in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch was a reflection of Israel’s redemptive story (Acts 13:14-40).

God is writing the redemptive story of each one of us. Initiative of God’s grace: God is the subject of nearly all the actions in verses 16 to 22, underscoring God’s initiative of grace towards us. We seek God because He first sought for us. What God does for us is infinitely more than we can ever, by His grace, do for Him. Ponder on this gracious God. When His people were despised and helpless as slaves in Egypt, God “made them great” and “led them out” with His “mighty power” (v.17). God “put up” with their unbelief and rebellion in the wilderness, and did not give them up, but gave them “their land” (vv.18-19).

Immovable in God’s promises: God promised David an enduring kingdom (2 Sam 7:12-16). But the Davidic kingdom disappeared since the Babylonian exile. However, centuries later, “according to promise, God has brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus” – a descendent of David (vv.22-23; Lk 1:31-33; 2:10-11). In fulfilling His promises, God is sovereign, faithful, wise and patient. Partial, interrupted and delayed fulfilment of His promises is a divine style.

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A PPLICATION

What changes do I need to make in how I view and live by God’s grace and promises?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

God of all grace, Your grace is sufficient for me in all things and at all times.

■ Give thanks:

Give me Your grace and mercy from Your throne of grace to empower me in my weaknesses. God who

■ Pray for leaders:

cannot lie, whose Word never fails, help me to wait upon You with patience and perseverance to fulfil Your

■ Pray for significant people:

promises to the glory of Your name. Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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23 THURSDAY

AUGUST

The Message of This Salvation

S CRIPTURE

Acts 13:17-41

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the contents of the Gospel in verses 26 to 41?

Deeper Reflection WHAT CHARACTERISES THE GOSPEL – “the message of this salvation” − that Paul preached (v.26)? The Gospel is not about a religion built on legends or mythologies, but a message of truth rooted in history. The Gospel is a metanarrative told in the Scriptures with historical and theological continuity, connections and coherence. God, the Creator of all things, sought to save fallen humanity by choosing Abraham and his descendants, whom He delivered from the Egyptian bondage and made them a holy nation to live in a land He gave as an inheritance (vv.17-19; Gen-Josh). Israel was first ruled by judges and then kings (vv.20-21; Judg-2 Kin). And through King David, God brought “a Saviour, Jesus” to the world (vv.22-25). The Saviour was crucified and resurrected and appeared to real people in history (vv.26-37). Jesus’ death and resurrection, by which salvation is provided, were the fulfilment of Scripture. The Gospel Paul preached was Scripture-centred (vv.23, 27, 29, 32-35).

The Gospel lays down two choices with consequences: “forgiveness of sins” (vv.38-39) or judgment of God as “spoken in the Prophets” (vv.40-41). The demand of the Gospel is: “Take heed” (v.40).

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A PPLICATION Why should I live my life according to the Scriptures?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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24 FRIDAY

AUGUST

Openness and Opposition Go Together

S CRIPTURE

Acts 13:42-52

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the Word of God in verses 42 to 52?

Deeper Reflection THE RESPONSE TO PAUL’S PREACHING at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:16-41) was openness. The people “kept begging” for the Word of God “to be spoken to them” again (v.42). After the synagoguegathering, “many” “followed Paul and Barnabas” (v.43a). For what?

To hear the Word of God! Such great hunger and earnestness for the Word of God! Is this characteristic of you? On the following Sabbath, “nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Lord” (v.44).

Openness was followed by opposition. “Filled with jealousy” and “rejecting” the Word of God, the Jews “contradicted” what Paul had spoken and “reviled” him (vv.45-46). What followed was greater openness: “the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region” (v.49), and “many…believed” (v.48). Don’t miss Luke’s emphasis on the Word of God here, which was repeated five times (vv.42, 44, 46, 48, 49). The Word of God meant a lot to the Gentiles, as reflected in their “rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord” (v.48).

Then came opposition again! The Jews “instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas” (v.50). Openness to the Gospel doesn’t mean absence of opposition. “Wide doors opened for effective work” and “many adversaries” often go together (1 Cor 16:8-9).

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A PPLICATION

What changes do I need to make in my perspective and posture regarding the Word of God in my life?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders: To have great hunger for the Word of God

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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25 SATURDAY

AUGUST

The Holy Spirit Skipped Perga

S CRIPTURE

Acts 13:13-14; 14:24-25

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the missionary work of Paul and Barnabas in Perga from verses 13 to 14 and Acts 14:24-25?

Deeper Reflection HAVING PROCLAIMED THE WORD OF GOD extensively in Cyprus (Acts 13:4-12), “Paul and his companions” sailed from Paphos and “came to Perga in Pamphylia” (v.13), and then “from Perga” they went up to “Pisidian Antioch” (v.14) where they had a very fruitful ministry of the Word of God (Acts 13:42-49, 52). Perga was “an important town” because it was “the capital of the newly constituted province of Pamphylia”39. But “surprisingly, there is no indication of any ministry in this important town at this time.”40 Bear in mind that the whole missions work was superintended by the Holy Spirit.

The missionaries were “sent out by the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:4).

Apparently, the Holy Spirit skipped Perga. From Pisidian Antioch, Paul and his team went north to “Iconium” (Acts 13:51; 14:1-6a), then to “Lystra” (Acts 14:6b-20a) and to “Derbe” (Acts 14:20b-21a).

Then from Derbe, “they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch [Pisidia]” (Acts 14:21b-23). The missionaries “passed through Pisidia and came into Pamphylia” (Acts 14:24) and they spoke “the word in Perga” (Acts 14:25) – “apparently for the first time”41. The Holy Spirit is sovereign and He alone knows why He acts as He does.

And He owes no one any explanation.

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A PPLICATION

How will I respond to the Holy Spirit acting in His sovereign ways in my discipleship journey?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board: To live a Spirit-directed and Spirit-empowered life ■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

39 40 41

Eckhard J. Schnabel, 614 David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, Pillar New Testament Commentaries (Apollos, 2009), 384 David G. Peterson, 415

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26 SUNDAY

Sunday Journal

AUGUST

S CRIPTURE

O BSERVATION

A PPLICATION

P RAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

Review What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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Reflect What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL WEEK 4 AUGUST 2018

DOES THE BIBLE SAY THAT I SHOULD SHARE MY TOYS? * The Bible tells me that sharing is an act of love.

Scripture: Hebrews 13:16; Ephesians 4:28 ACTIVITY BITE Stick a blank piece of paper on the fridge and draw a big smiley face on it. Get some smiley face stickers and give your child one every time he or she shares a toy with his or her friends. Get your child to paste the sticker on the piece of paper. Count the number of smiley faces he or she has each week and celebrate the achievement.

CHAT TIME Q1: Should we just keep our toys to ourselves and not share?

Why or why not?

Q2: How do you feel when someone shares his or her toys with you?

Q3: What if God chooses not to share His love with us? How will our lives be different then?

LEARNING POINT Sharing with others is about allowing them to enjoy the things that we have. Some people don’t want to share their things because they are selfish. God isn’t selfish. He shares all His blessings with us.

Likewise, He wants us to have a heart of sharing too because it is an act of love. When we share our toys or good things with others, we are doing what Jesus would do – to share His love with everyone so that the world will know that He is God. ACTION POINT Identify one thing that you have which you can share with a friend.

When your friend asks you why you are sharing it, tell him or her that it’s because God wants you to share it.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray for your family to have a heart of sharing. Ask God also to show you those who may be in need, so that you can share your blessings with them. * Adapted from First Look, June 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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27 MONDAY

AUGUST

40 Years!!...

S CRIPTURE

Numbers 14:33, 34; Deuteronomy 2:7; 8:2

O BSERVATION What was the significance of the 40 years for the Israelites who were set free from Egypt?

Deeper Reflection COVENANT EFC IS 40 YEARS OLD this week! 40 years ago, 17 members set out from Emmanuel Evangelical Church to plant a new church. Today, we are one church with three worship centres and an average worship attendance of about 6,000 people. This is truly the grace of God! He has fulfilled His promise to us in Isaiah 60:22. The idea of 40 years in the Scriptures is usually associated with a season of trial, testing and preparation, which the LORD used to weed out those Israelites who had not trusted in Him and to prepare the new generation for their next phase of Kingdom life in the Promised Land. God has provided incredibly for Covenant EFC these past 40 years. Not merely the buildings and programmes, but the lives that have been touched and changed by His grace. Many of us are living testimonies of His faithfulness and goodness!

Yet we also stand at an inflexion point. We are at the threshold of a new season of our church’s life. What has taken us thus far will not necessarily take us ahead for the next season. Some things must change in order for things to remain the same. But our fundamentals must never change! A key fundamental as we enter our 41st year is coming back to the place of complete trust in God. We are to be good stewards for the LORD’s purposes. Let us therefore make the space to listen afresh to our Master, have the faith to believe and the courage to follow Him fully for the next 40 years ahead!

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A PPLICATION

What has changed in me for the better as a result of my journey with God since joining Covenant EFC? What am I trusting God to do in the new season ahead?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings you have received

■ Give thanks:

from God these past years in Covenant EFC.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To be filled with thanksgiving for God’s blessings over the years

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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28 TUESDAY

AUGUST

Disciple Now! For a Vibrant and Healthy Next Generation Leadership

S CRIPTURE

Joshua 24:15, 31; Judges 2:10; 2 Timothy 1:5; 2:2

O BSERVATION What do you notice about the texts from Joshua to Judges? Next, look at what happens in 2 Timothy 1:5; 2:2.

Deeper Reflection THE GENERATION that entered the Promised Land (i.e. Joshua’s generation, v.15) finished well. This was followed by another generation that kept some semblance of the religious life (v.31). But by the time the third generation arose (Judg 2:10), the battle was completely lost.

What started out as commitment soon turned into convenience and finally into compromise. From a generation that knew God, to one that knew about God and finally to one that knew not God. It is so easy to lose our future when we are not intentionally passing on our faith. And by “our faith” we do not simply mean the teachings of Christianity. It is also about the life we live authentically with God, our values, hopes and aspirations for His Kingdom. Information is easier to pass on. Loving people, hunger for God, respect, patience, honour and faithfulness – these are more caught than taught. In our 40th year, as we look towards Vision 2028 (our 50th anniversary), the first of our Five Faith Exploits is to Disciple Now! For a Vibrant and Healthy Next Generation Leadership! It is possible to pass on our faith (in 2 Tim 1:5, we see a godly transmission through three generations: Lois – Eunice – Timothy)! Let us disciple now by our lives and through our prayers, so that we may present to the LORD truly faith-filled and Spirit-filled next generation leaders!

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A PPLICATION

How am I intentionally and practically passing on my faith to the next generation?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Dear Heavenly Father, fire up my own faith so that You are real to me daily, moment by

■ Give thanks:

moment in my life. Help me make the space to meet You daily in Your Word. Grant me faith to believe and courage

■ Pray for leaders:

to obey You. Let Your Spirit fill and control me. Then in Your grace help me pass on this kind of vital faith to the

■ Pray for significant people:

next generation! In Jesus’ name I ask, amen!

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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WEDNESDAY

AUGUST

Disciple Now! For Godly Families and Generations

S CRIPTURE

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

O BSERVATION What were the instructions that Moses gave after he told the Israelites the Greatest Commandment?

Deeper Reflection MOST OF US ARE FAMILIAR with verse 5 as the Greatest Commandment. Immediately after this declaration, Moses went on to say two things. Firstly, these commandments are to be “on your hearts”.

In other words, the order of obedience begins with ourselves. We must value God’s Word to the degree that we think about them, memorise them (hide them in our thoughts) and meditate upon them. True discipleship begins with us. That’s part of being authentic disciples. The irony, of course, is that much of the LORD’s Word is more “in our smart phones” than they are “in our hearts”! Secondly, the primary place of transmission of this value system is the home, the family (vv.7-9). This is all the more critical for us today because we live in a highly busy, modern metropolis where more often than not, both parents work. There is nothing wrong with that (if it is God’s calling for you), but often in our busyness and tiredness, we give minimal attention and energy to our children growing up right in our very homes. The transmission battle is thus lost not so much in the church as it is first lost at home. As parents, it is our personal responsibility to bring up our children in the fear of the LORD. We cannot outsource that to our helpers, grandparents or the church. We are responsible. Let us humble ourselves and arise to make the space and learn the ways to love our children so that they experience the love of God first in our homes! Disciple now for godly families and generations!

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A PPLICATION

What is one new thing that I have noticed about my spouse, child or family member recently (to begin to love is simply to start paying attention)?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and

■ Give thanks:

application of the Scriptures.

■ For lay leaders and church board: To love and disciple their family members and not neglect them

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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30 THURSDAY

AUGUST

Disciple Now! For a Growing Local IDMC Movement

S CRIPTURE

Revelation 3:1-6; 2 Timothy 2:2

O BSERVATION What was God’s indictment of the church in Sardis? What did it really mean?

Deeper Reflection SEATED SECURELY on top of a steep hill with impressive fortifications of strong walls and a reliable source of water from tunnels dug deep into the hill,41 the ancient acropolis of Sardis was long thought to be impregnable by its residents. Until 546 BC when it was captured by Cyrus, king of Persia, because its watchmen neglected their duty and nobody expected its walls to be breached.42 Sardis’ capture “became a cautionary tale of misguided complacency and lack of vigilance”43. God’s indictment of the church in Sardis: It was all reputation and respectability without reality, all talk and no walk! God’s warning to the Sardis church could very well be for Covenant EFC if we become complacent stewards of God’s calling and unintentional in our disciplemaking, producing unauthentic disciples of the wrong kinds!

God told the Sardis church to remember their calling, respond in obedience and repent of their ways (v.3). God has called Covenant to a radical discipleship, not a respectable discipleship; to an intentional disciplemaking church (IDMC) movement, not an institutional monument. Covenant must remember and respond to God’s calling to be an IDMC, producing obedient and faithful disciples of “a certain kind” and not just having discipleship programmes. An IDMC is made up of authentic disciples who intentionally reproduce other authentic disciples, who in turn intentionally reproduce other authentic disciples (2 Tim 2:2). An IDMC is therefore a growing church and will inevitably be an influential church that promotes the growth of other IDMCs! Disciple now for a growing local IDMC movement here in Singapore!

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A PPLICATION

What is one thing that I must immediately do to start walking as an authentic disciple and to become an intentional disciplemaker?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Dear LORD, thank You for Your relentless love, abundant grace and unceasing patience

■ Give thanks:

towards Your people and me personally. Cause me to never think that a superficial discipleship is good enough.

■ Pray for leaders:

Help me to never become complacent, but cultivate an ever deepening walk with You. Help me to be an

■ Pray for significant people:

obedient and faithful disciple wherever You place me and an intentional disciplemaker to the people You bring into my path. In Jesus’

■ Pray for those in need:

name, amen.

■ Pray for self:

42

R. L. Drouhard, “Sardis,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

Tom Wright, Revelation for Everyone, For Everyone Bible Study Guides (London; Louisville, KY: SPCK; Westminster John Knox, 2011), 29.

44 Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 2467.

43

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31 FRIDAY

AUGUST

Disciple Now! To Impact Our Society and Culture

S CRIPTURE

Matthew 5:13-16

O BSERVATION How can salt lose its saltiness?

Deeper Reflection HOW CAN SALT, sodium chloride, an extremely stable chemical compound lose its taste? In an era without refrigeration and where travels were on foot over days or weeks, the ability to preserve food was a basic necessity. Salt has served as a preservative since its discovery. Pure refined table salt cannot lose its saltiness, but the crude salt which Jesus was referring to can. While crude salt cannot lose its taste, it can dissolve when exposed to water or moisture, leaving behind a substance that is neither salty nor useful, and should therefore be discarded. Ancient cities were often set on a hill and could be seen from a distance because of the light emitting from its buildings and streets. To ancient travellers, the light from these cities represented life and hope because they offered not only lodging but water, food and other material replenishments for the onward journey.

God has called His people to be the salt and light of the earth to be an impact on the surrounding societies and cultures. Salt to preserve God’s kingdom values (Matt 5:3-12) and prevent (or slow down) the moral decay in society. Light to offer the world a bright, shining beacon of life and hope. But the Church is losing its distinctiveness and letting in the darkness! God has called Covenant EFC to be a local church characterised by authentic discipleship and intentional disciplemaking of “a certain kind”, but are we being the salt and light here? We must disciple now to impact our society and culture for Christ!

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A PPLICATION

What are three things I can do as a Christian in my workplace to be the salt and light impacting the workplace for Christ?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Dear LORD, thank You for not giving up on us even though we are so prone to lose

■ Give thanks:

our saltiness and hide our light. How we desperately need You! Please empower me with the strength and perseverance to be an

■ Pray for leaders:

authentic, “24x7” disciple who follows Christ fully in whatever season, setting and situation of life, so that my

■ Pray for significant people:

words and actions will point people to Christ and eternal life that is found in Him alone.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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Notes

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© 2018 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH T: (65) 6892 6811 • E: mail@cefc.org.sg • W: www.cefc.org.sg

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