August Devotional Journal by Covenant EFC

AUGUST 2021 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. 1 SAMUEL 16:13 (ESV)

AUGUST 2021

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

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

Memory Verses January

2021

And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.” 1 Samuel 2:1 (ESV)

February And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV)

March Then the men of Beth-shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us?” 1 Samuel 6:20 (ESV)

April And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 7:3 (ESV)

May Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the LORD has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12 (ESV)

June Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 1 Samuel 12:23 (ESV)

July But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)

August Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:13 (ESV)

September Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 1 Samuel 17:45 (ESV)

October And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him. 1 Samuel 18:14 (ESV)

November The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness, for the LORD gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. 1 Samuel 26:23 (ESV)

December And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV)

Foreword BY SENIOR PASTORS

DISCIPLING

THE REMNANT In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, God has laid upon our hearts that He will preserve a remnant and that the church must take care to faithfully disciple the remnant.

2021

“Then the remnant of Jacob

shall be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass which delay not for a man, nor wait for the children of man. And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep, which, when it goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is none to deliver.” – Micah 5:7-8 The remnant people do not consist only of today’s strong and successful Christians. It also includes weak and downtrodden believers who are experiencing much brokenness and need for purification. Their lives may currently be in a mess, but they are willing to let God

discipline, mould, shape and restore them for a future that will see them glorify God in all kinds of ways. By God’s grace, they will come through the testing and training process shining as God’s people who trust and obey Him more and more. “In that day, declares the Lord. I will assemble the lame and gather those who have been driven away and those whom I have afflicted; and the lame I will make the remnant...” – Micah 4:6-7a

who will do His bidding and carry out His work whatever the cost in these last days. Let us be committed to be disciples who make disciples! To be a church that is growing deep in God’s Word and Spirit, members must grow spiritually through self-feeding on God’s Word and not depend only on Sunday feeding. Every day from Monday to Saturday, let us

Every day from Monday to Saturday, let us individually seek the Lord by opening up the Scriptures and drinking from Him who is the fountain of living water." “Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love.”– Micah 7:18 God’s call for His people remains certain and unchanged. We are not just to be disciples but to make disciples of all nations! In 1 Samuel, God called a simple shepherd boy named David who had faith in Him. And just as God raised up His servant David, God will also raise up a faithful remnant — people

individually seek the Lord by opening up the Scriptures and drinking from Him who is the fountain of living water. This Devotional Journal is designed to help you do just that. In 2021, may we all from the young to the old, the single to the married, the struggling to the successful, and the fearful to the faith-filled, be discipled as the remnant for the future and for God’s glory! In Christ, Rev Tan Kay Kiong and Rev Tony Yeo

Guide to Using THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

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

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!

Step 2 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.

+ PRAYER POINTERS FOR 2021

We have provided prayer pointers for Pastors and Staff every Tuesday and for the Generations every Wednesday. Every Thursday, a prayer pointer is included for Outreach/ Missions/New Life Leaders. On each Friday, there is a prayer pointer for SGI Leaders (e.g. Zone Mentors, CG Leaders and Assistant CG 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.

Pray for

Business as Missions If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there will My servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honour him. JOHN 12:26 (ESV)

BUSINESS AS MISSIONS (BAM), as the name suggests, has two parts. It is a business – a real, profitable and sustainable business – and missions. Taken together, business as missions means that the business becomes a platform for making Jesus known. The ultimate mission of BAM practitioners is to be fishers of men and women. The marketplace is where multitudes of lost people are found. They need rescue from eternal condemnation. They must

see and hear the Gospel in and through Christians working in the marketplace. Christ’s love compels the Christian business community to be the bearers of the Good News. To be most effective, Christian business people must be the salt and light in the business world, where darkness permeates all spaces and pervades many spheres. BAM helps Christians rediscover the sacred mission entrusted to the business people, long lost in the singular and obsessive pursuit of money as the sole purpose for business. Through the study of Scriptures, we discover that God has a much bigger plan than mere profits. It is for the glory of His name and for the salvation of many people. BAM is all about doing business God’s way. It fosters the maturing of our faith and encourages us to finish well in our discipleship journey. Covenant EFC’s BAM thrust seeks to multiply disciples among business owners in Asian nations and through their local churches. We have launched several BAM Fellowships in the Philippines, Nepal and Singapore. The monthly fellowship meetings provide a safe place to air one’s views and dialogue with peers facing common challenges, trials and tribulations. In discussing case studies and actual situations, we search the Scriptures for direction and guidance on real problems and issues faced in business. With borders closed, we continue to conduct online seminars and conferences to equip church and business leaders. In poorer countries and communities, BAM provides patient risk capital and business advisory to grow and expand businesses to create jobs, livelihoods and wealth. We seek to restore the dignity of work, strengthen families and local churches, and empower the latter to establish and multiply disciplemaking church plants. We invite you to pray along with Covenant EFC’s BAM Team.

Pray • For divine guidance regarding the timing to build a milk processing plant on land purchased in Nepal, to be used as a form of community outreach. For the identification and recruitment of a God-fearing general manager for the plant. That the factory, when completed, will lift villagers out of poverty by helping the poor to own buffalos and to pay for milk produced at a fair, reasonable and consistent price. • For godly wisdom and discernment as we launch “Covenant Young Entrepreneurs Fellowship” for Christian business owners between the ages of 25 to 40. • For God’s direction and guidance as we help other local churches in Singapore and other countries to start their own in-house “BAM Fellowships” to mobilise business owners to form missional communities through their God-given businesses. • For unity, oneness and harmony of the BAM Team. For humility before God and total submission to His plans and purposes. • For the Lord to raise up more Covenanters to serve in the BAM thrust. “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” (Lk 10:2)

Notes

JULY-AUGUST KING OF KINGS Verse 1 In the darkness we were waiting Without hope, without light Till from Heaven You came running There was mercy in Your eyes To fulfil the law and prophets To a virgin came the Word From a throne of endless glory To a cradle in the dirt Chorus Praise the Father Praise the Son Praise the Spirit, three in one God of Glory Majesty Praise forever to the King of kings Verse 2 To reveal the kingdom coming And to reconcile the lost To redeem the whole creation You did not despise the cross For even in Your suffering You saw to the other side Knowing this was our salvation Jesus for our sake You died

Verse 3 And the morning that You rose All of heaven held its breath Till that stone was moved for good For the Lamb had conquered death And the dead rose from their tombs And the angels stood in awe For the souls of all who’d come To the Father are restored Verse 4 And the Church of Christ was born Then the Spirit lit the flame Now this Gospel truth of old Shall not kneel, shall not faint By His blood and in His Name In His freedom I am free For the love of Jesus Christ Who has resurrected me Brooke Ligertwood | Jason Ingram | Scott Ligertwood © 2019 Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Hillsong Music Publishing Australia For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7127647 CCLI Licence # 324618

WORTHY IS THE LAMB Verse Thank You for the cross, Lord Thank You for the price You paid Bearing all my sin and shame In love You came And gave amazing grace Thank You for this love, Lord Thank You for the nail pierced hands Wash me in Your cleansing flow Now all I know Your forgiveness and embrace Chorus Worthy is the Lamb Seated on the throne Crown You now with many crowns You reign victorious! High and lifted up Jesus Son of God The Darling of heaven crucified Worthy is the Lamb! Worthy is the Lamb! Darlene Zschech © 2000 Wondrous Worship (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 3217555 CCLI Licence # 324618

NONE BUT JESUS Verse 1 In the quiet in the stillness I know that You are God In the secret of Your presence I know there I am restored When You call I won’t refuse Each new day again I’ll choose Chorus There is no one else for me None but Jesus Crucified to set me free Now I live to bring Him praise Verse 2 In the chaos in confusion I know You’re sovereign still In the moment of my weakness You give me grace to do Your will When You call I won’t delay This my song through all my days Bridge All my delight is in You Lord All of my hope All of my strength All my delight is in You Lord Forevermore Brooke Ligertwood © 2005 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4726186 CCLI Licence # 324618

HEART OF WORSHIP Verse 1 When the music fades and all is stripped away And I simply come Longing just to bring something that’s of worth That will bless Your heart Bridge I’ll bring You more than a song For a song in itself is not what You have required You search much deeper within Through the way things appear You’re looking into my heart Chorus I’m coming back to the heart of worship And it’s all about You It’s all about You, Jesus I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it When it’s all about You It’s all about You, Jesus Verse 2 King of endless worth, no one could express How much You deserve Though I’m weak and poor, all I have is Yours Every single breath (Repeat Bridge and Chorus) Tag I’ll bring You more than a song I’ll bring You more than a song You’re looking into my heart Looking into my heart Matt Redman © 1997 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI Song # 2296522 CCLI Licence # 324618

HOSANNA Verse 1 Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You We turn to You Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You We long for You ‘Cause when we see You We find strength to face the day In Your presence all our fears are washed away Washed away Chorus Hosanna, hosanna You are the God who saves us Worthy of all our praises Hosanna, hosanna Come have Your way among us We welcome You here, Lord Jesus Verse 2 Hear the sound of hearts returning to You We turn to You In Your Kingdom broken lives are made new You make us new ‘Cause when we see You We find strength to face the day In Your presence all our fears are washed away Washed away Brenton Brown | Paul Baloche © 2005, 2006 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI Song # 4662491 CCLI Licence # 324618

WONDERFUL GOD Pre-Chorus 1 All of my life belongs to You alone With every breath my song will rise to You Chorus You are the joy of every nation The giver of salvation, wonderful God You are God throughout the ages Enthroned upon our praises Wonderful God Verse 1 There is no other God like You Who made the heavens and the earth And fills my heart with joy unending All I can do is give my life Offer to You a sacrifice Here is my heart for You unending Verse 2 Every morning when I rise It is Your presence I desire To see Your faithfulness unending Mercy and goodness follow me For in Your presence I am free I put my trust in You unending Pre-Chorus 2 All of my life belongs to You alone All of my life belongs to You alone All of my life belongs to You alone With every breath my song will rise to You Denis Campos © 2009 CFN Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch) CCLI Song # 5427037 CCLI Licence # 324618

GOD IS ABLE Verse 1 God is able He will never fail He is Almighty God Greater than all we seek Greater than all we ask He has done great things Chorus Lifted up He defeated the grave Raised to life our God is able In His Name we overcome For the Lord our God is able Verse 2 God is with us God is on our side He will make a way Far above all we know Far above all we hope He has done great things Bridge God is with us He will go before He will never leave us He will never leave us God is for us He has open arms He will never fail us He will never fail us Ending For the Lord our God is able For the Lord our God is able Ben Fielding | Reuben Morgan © 2010 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 5894275 CCLI Licence # 324618

ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE Almighty God, my Redeemer My hiding place, my safe refuge No other name like Jesus No power can stand against You My feet are planted on this rock And I will not be shaken My hope, it comes from You alone My Lord and my salvation Your praise is always on my lips Your Word is living in my heart And I will praise You with a new song My soul will bless You, Lord You fill my life with greater joy As I delight myself in You And I will praise You with a new song My soul will bless You, Lord When I am weak You make me strong When I’m poor, I know I’m rich For in the power of your name All things are possible All things are possible All things are possible All things are possible Darlene Zschech © 1997 Wondrous Worship (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) CCLI Song # 2245140 CCLI Licence # 324618

Notes

SUNDAY

1 August

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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?

The Past Week 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.

WISDOM:

Finding out what you should be doing and doing it.

MEMORY VERSE “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” - JAMES 1:5 (NIV)

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK ONE

BOTTOM LINE *Wisdom is worth searching for*.

BIBLE STORY VIDEO

https://cefc.ch/21FD08W1

STORY *LukeBIBLE 2:41-52 – Grow as We Go: Jesus Grows in Wisdom ACTIVITY *Picture Me Props: Parents’ childhood photos and children’s infant photos Ask your family members to show their childhood photos and share a funny incident that happened during that period. Get everyone to describe the positive changes that they experienced since childhood. Discuss as a family: “We grow wiser as we grow older. When we were young, we took things from others without permission. Now that we are older, we know that this is wrong. We grow in wisdom through people and daily experiences to do the right thing.” Encourage everyone to share their views. Say, “This month’s memory verse tells us that we can ask God for wisdom to do the right things. We can talk to God and find answers in the Bible. God gives wisdom freely.”

TALK ABOUT IT * Why • was Jesus’ visit to the temple important? • What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom? If you are great in your studies, does that mean that you are wise? • Why is having wisdom necessary? • Who gives us the wisdom to know what is right or wrong? Parents: Share the childhood incident that has the most significant impact on you with your children. How does the incident affect you till today? What positive lesson(s) have you learnt from it?

PRAYER *Thank God for giving us wisdom freely. Pray that He will teach us to be godly children who know right from wrong. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/August2021

SCRIPTURE

MONDAY

1 Samuel 17:1-11

2 August

How Do You See “Goliaths”? OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Goliath and the armies of Israel under Saul?

Deeper Reflection

THE PHILISTINE ARMIES and Saul’s armies gathered for battle at the valley of Elah, standing on the slopes of the valley opposite each other (vv.1-3). Then a Philistine champion, Goliath, came out of the Philistine ranks and threw Saul and his armies into a major crisis (v.4a). The narrator’s description of Goliath (vv.4-7) is both lengthy (four verses!) and detailed: his “height” (v.4b), his “bronze helmet” and “bronze greaves” and the weight of his “scale-armour” (vv.5-6a) and his weapons – his “bronze javelin” (v.6b) and “his spear” − with particular attention given to the weight of “the head of his spear” (v.7). The narrator paints a vivid picture of just how formidable and seemingly invincible an enemy Goliath appears to be.1 And this intimidating giant gave an intimidating challenge to Saul and his armies to representative combat (vv.8-9). Both Goliath and the Israelites did not see beyond their senses.2 Goliath characterised the armies of Israel as simply “servants of Saul” (v.8), when in reality the armies of Israel was “the armies of the living God” (1 Sam 17:26). Goliath “defied” the armies of Israel (v.10), but in reality he was defying “the LORD Almighty” Himself (1 Sam 17:45). Israel failed to see these two realities. And so, they were “dismayed and greatly afraid” of Goliath’s threat (v.11). God’s word to Samuel – just a chapter ago, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature” (1 Sam 16:7) − is applicable when we face our “Goliaths”.

APPLICATION

How do I see the “Goliaths” in my life? 2020

PRAYER

ise

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 1 & 2 Samuel, Teach the Text Commentary Series (Baker, 2013), 117 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 117 3 Mark 6:50 4 Psalm 18:29 1

pra

ank sa

in nee

e th

Those

Giv

Significant people

Leaders

Lord, I am right in the midst of dark storms and overwhelming difficulties that just seem to go on and on and on ... Help me to see You as Lord of the dark storms and Lord in the overwhelming difficulties. Help me to hear You saying to me, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.3 By My strength and help you can leap over these walls.”4

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 17:12-23

TUESDAY

3 August

An Ordinary Errand Divine Appointment OBSERVATION What is the significance of verse 16 being sandwiched by the description of David and his three older brothers (vv.12-15) and Jesse’s sending of David to his brothers (vv.17-23)?

Deeper Reflection

THE UNRESOLVED GOLIATH CRISIS that Saul and his armies were facing (1 Sam 17:1-11) is followed immediately by the introduction of David (vv.12-23). Jesse had “eight sons” (v.12), but the narrator focuses only on four: David and his “three older brothers” (vv.12-14). David was “the youngest” (v.14). The narrator mentions twice that Jesse’s “three older sons” “had gone after Saul” (v.13) and “followed Saul” (v.14). It appears to be a big deal to follow the king to battle. It sounds like a privilege and prestige that one is proud of. We see a contrast: “the three oldest” “followed” the king (v.14), but the “youngest” “tend[s] his father’s flock” (v.15). Jesse sent David to run an ordinary errand: To bring some food to his three older brothers and see how they were doing and bring back a report (vv.17-20). But just before Jesse’s sending of David, the narrator highlights: “The Philistine came forward morning and evening for forty days and took his stand” (v.16). Unbeknown to David, his ordinary errand turned out to be a divine appointment. The human sending for a simple task was in fact a divine sending for a significant purpose that had yet to be unfolded. And it was when David was greeting his brothers that “behold, the champion…was coming up” (vv.22-23). Divine timing. We tend to think that God-moments are only in great happenings because God is a great God. The infinitely great God walks with us and works in us, and we know Him, much in the ordinariness of life.

APPLICATION

How can I see God in the ordinariness of life? 2020

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To make God known in everyday life Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 17:24-30

WEDNESDAY 4 August

A Turning Point That’s Theological OBSERVATION How did David look at the Goliath crisis?

Deeper Reflection

GOLIATH TOOK HIS STAND to challenge Israel to representative combat “morning and evening for forty days” (1 Sam 17:16). And word had been spread among the Israelite soldiers that whoever kills Goliath would be greatly enriched, marry the king’s daughter, and his family would gain special status in Israel, possibly tax exemption (v.25). 5 But no one took the challenge despite the handsome reward. David had already appeared on the scene (1 Sam 17:20-23). He inquired about the reward (vv.26a, 27). When his eldest brother Eliab heard it, he angrily and falsely accused him of coming down to the battlefield “to promote his own interests”6 (v.28), to which David responded respectfully but firmly7 (v.29). Since David appeared in 1 Samuel 16:11 – 17:25, he had not spoken. Now the silence was broken. And David’s first words were utterly theocentric: “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” (v.26). God is mentioned for the first time in the Goliath crisis. And this marks the turning point in the crisis. The living God gives a whole new and different view of things.8 When God is the centre and starting point in everything in our lives, we interpret life theologically. When people hear our thoughts and words in our troubles and difficulties, would they see that we have a living God? In stark contrast, God is totally absent in 1 Samuel 17:1-25. And the effect was great fear and flight from Goliath (1 Sam 17:11, v.24).

APPLICATION

What does it mean to me to interpret life theologically? 2020

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for The Silver Generation: To steadfastly keep God as the centre of their lives Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

David G. Firth, 1 & 2 Samuel, Apollos Old Testament Commentary (Apollos, 2009), 198 David G. Firth, 198 Ronald F. Youngblood, 1, 2 Samuel, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 3 (Zondervan, 1992), 698 8 Dale Ralph Davis, 1 Samuel, Focus on the Bible (Christian Focus, 2000), 184 5

6 7

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 17:31-37

THURSDAY 5 August

Growing from Faith to Faith OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about David and Saul in their conversation?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN WE FOCUS on “the living God” (1 Sam 17:26) in a Goliath crisis, we can say, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of Goliath” and we “will go and fight with Goliath” (v.32). But if our focus is on the formidable Goliath, we will be “dismayed and greatly afraid” and we will have “fled from him” (1 Sam 17:11, 24). When David offered to “fight with Goliath” (v.32), Saul’s response was: “You are not able to fight with him” (v.33a). Goliath was Saul’s yardstick in measuring David, by looking at “outward appearance and height of stature” (1 Sam 16:7): David was “a youth” and Goliath was “a warrior from his youth” (v.33b). David and Saul were talking from two opposite viewpoints and value systems. David’s was theological while Saul’s was human and worldly. Undeterred by Saul’s dissuasion, David shared about his experience of killing lion and bear in rescuing his sheep from the predators, and asserted confidently that “this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them” (vv.34-36a). David wasn’t talking about his fighting experience, but his faith experience. His fighting against lion and bear was faith experience. Such faith experience is essentially experiencing God. David defined his successes in killing the predators theologically: “The LORD who delivered me” (v.37a). And out of this came David’s conviction: “The LORD who delivered me…He will deliver me” (v.37). This is growing from faith to faith, where our vision of God grows larger and we know God deeper.

APPLICATION

In2020 what ways have I grown from faith to faith in recent times?

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To grow from faith to faith Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 17:38-47

FRIDAY

6 August

God’s Glory in Goliath Crisis OBSERVATION How did David show his God-centredness in fighting Goliath?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN WE ARE in a Goliath crisis, do we seek and see the glory of God? Central in David’s fighting with Goliath is the glory of God. We move in God’s glory and God manifests His glory. God’s glory is seen in four ways. When Goliath looked at David, he saw only David, a mere boy and poorly armed. But what Goliath did not see, which David himself did, was the presence of God with David. We know that God is with us when we are walking with Him. What stirred and spurred David to fight with Goliath was his passion for God – and specifically for God’s glory. David saw Goliath’s defying of Israel as defying “the armies of the living God” (1 Sam 17:25-26, 36), which is ultimately defying “the God of the armies of Israel” Himself (v.45). We are to face our Goliaths with the power of God. David met Goliath “in the name of the LORD Almighty” (v.45). He recognised that “the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’s” (v.47). And he was confident that “the LORD will give you into my hands/our hands” (vv.46, 47). Don’t miss David’s repeated emphatic utterance, “the LORD”! The backdrop to this theological emphasis is David being viewed as weak by Saul (1 Sam 17:33) and Goliath (v.42). David acted in the purpose of God: God revealing Himself through this crisis “that all the earth may know…that all this assembly may know…” who God is (vv.46-47).

APPLICATION

What does it mean for me to seek and see the glory of God in my Goliath crisis? 2020

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To seek and see God’s glory in their lives Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 17:4-7, 48-54

SATURDAY

7 August

God Uses Just One Stone OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about God in David’s killing of Goliath in verses 4 to7 and verses 48 to 54?

Deeper Reflection

IN STARK CONTRAST TO ISRAEL who fled from Goliath out of fear (1 Sam 17:24), David “approached the Philistine” (1 Sam 17:40) and “ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine” (v.48). This is a David filled with God – passion for God, God’s presence, God’s power and God’s purpose. Goliath was fully and formidably armoured and armed (vv.4-7). But David’s one stone from his sling struck Goliath “on his forehead” and killed the giant (v.49). Just one stone! In Israel’s battles against God’s enemies, God used both conventional strategies – like ambush (Josh 8:2), and unconventional ways – like marching around Jericho seven days and then its walls fell (Josh 6:1-5). It is fundamentally about God and His ways, not strategies. We cannot ignore the fact that David’s bull’s eye hit involved his skill that had been developed through practice and experience. But ultimately it has to be God’s invisible hand holding that one stone. This one stone turned the tide in the battle. When Goliath was killed, the Philistines “fled” (v.51). Earlier it was Israel that “fled” (1 Sam 17:24). What an irony! Israel now “arose” and “pursued” the Philistines and “plundered their camps” (vv.52-53). The one stone is just a small simple thing. Nothing is too small or simple for God to use for His glory. What you are and what you have may be just a small simple stone. But what matters and makes the difference is when it is in God’s hand.

APPLICATION

How will I let what I am and what I have be used by God for His glory? 2020

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Church Board: To live and serve in God’s hand Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SUNDAY

8 August

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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?

The Past Week 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.

WISDOM:

Finding out what you should be doing and doing it.

MEMORY VERSE “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” - JAMES 1:5 (NIV)

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK TWO

LINE *TrustBOTTOM God to give you wisdom*.

BIBLE STORY VIDEO

https://cefc.ch/21FD08W2

BIBLE STORY *1 Kings 3:4-28 – Wildest Dreams: Solomon Asks God for Wisdom ACTIVITY *Word Choice Props: Six note cards and some pens Write the following letter-and-phrase pairings on each of the note cards (one letter-andphrase pairing per card): W Walk with ... I Increase ... S Say “no” to …

D O M

Determine to change … Obey … Make time ...

Ask each of your family members to take turns picking a note card. Then, get them to extend the phrase using their own words, with God in mind. Encourage everyone to share what their phrases mean. Say, “Every phrase that you make today is about choices. We are here because we choose to follow God. To build a good relationship with God, we can choose to make time to talk to God. Solomon made the right choice when he asked for God’s wisdom to rule his people. We can rely on God to help us make wise choices.”

TALK ABOUT IT * Who • is the wisest person you know? • If God would give you anything, what would you ask for? • In what ways did Solomon increase his knowledge and wisdom? • How can we increase our knowledge and wisdom? Parents: Share with your family about a time when you prayed to God for wisdom to solve a problem. What did you do right? How did it end?

PRAYER *Thank God for sending Jesus. Pray that He will help us to trust Jesus and stay focused on Him. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/August2021

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 17:55-58; 18:1-4; 13:13-14

MONDAY

9 August

Closer and Closed to Kingship OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Jonathan (1 Sam 13:13-14 and 18:1-4)?

Deeper Reflection

DAVID WAS GETTING closer to kingship. Providence had moved David near to the king.9 In 1 Samuel 16, after being anointed as Israel’s next king, David was specially picked to minister to the king whenever the evil spirit from God terrorised him (1 Sam 16:12-23). In 1 Samuel 17, when Saul “saw David going out against the Philistine”, he inquired who David was (vv. 40, 55-56). Then Saul saw that David fought and killed Goliath (1 Sam 17:41-54). And when David “returned from killing the Philistine” with Goliath’s “head in his hand”, he was “brought before Saul” (vv.57-58).10 This leads to David getting nearer to the king in 1 Samuel 18. Then appears Jonathan, to whom kingship was closed. Jonathan knew that when God rejected his father as king, his prospect for kingship vanished (1 Sam 13:13). He also knew that God had chosen the replacement, whose identity was not revealed (1 Sam 13:14). And now Jonathan knew who that person was. What did he do? Jonathan “loved” David with a “covenant” love (1 Sam 18:1, 3), characterised by devotion, allegiance and loyalty.11 Jonathan “stripped himself ” of his “robe” – renouncing his position as crown prince12 − and “gave” it to David; and also his armour, sword, bow and belt – military equipment that David did not possess (cf. 1 Sam 17:38-40). But something is greater than Jonathan. God calls us to “count others as more significant than yourselves”, because Jesus “did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself…” (Phil 2:3, 6-7).

APPLICATION

How can I cultivate the posture of counting others as more significant than myself? 2020

PRAYER Lord Jesus, help me to grasp the vision of You, being God Yourself did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Yourself to do Your Father’s will to His glory. O Let this vision of glorious mystery grip my heart! And fill me with Your Spirit that I may know what it means and be empowered to count others as more significant than myself.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 122 The chronological order in 1 Samuel 17:40-58: verses 40, 55-56, 41-54, 57-58 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 123 12 Dale Ralph Davis, 194 9

10 11

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 18:5-9

TUESDAY

10 August

Useless Comparison and True Commendation OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about King Saul?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN “DAVID RETURNED from killing the Philistine”, the Israelite women came out “to meet King Saul” with joyful singing and dancing (v.6). It was a national celebration of Israel’s victory over the Philistines, but with accolades given to David: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands” (v.7). But these women “hardly intended a dig at Saul”13. Note that these women came out “to meet King Saul”, not David; and Saul’s name was mentioned before David’s in those words. How would we respond if we are Saul or David when we are greeted with these words: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands”? There would probably be the temptation to compare either way, which can lead to competition. Would we be like Saul feeling insecure and become jealous, as he assumed that David was receiving ten times more praise than himself (v.8)? In life, quite inevitably we would be in Saul’s position, but we can choose not to respond like Saul. When we are inferior, we can don’t feel inferior. If we are David, would we become proud? Either way, humility is the critical posture (Lk 14:11). I respond to compliments by applying a framework of four principles to keep myself from pride: “It’s okay to feel good”, “I dare not feel great”, “It is by God’s grace” and “It is to God’s glory”. But ultimately, true commendation comes from God alone (2 Cor 10:17-18).

APPLICATION

How can I deal with the issue of comparing myself with others in my life? 2020

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To be kept from comparing with others Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dale Ralph Davis, 193

SCRIPTURE

WEDNESDAY

1 Samuel 18:6-11

11 August

What Can Devour Your Soul OBSERVATION What is the significance of the narrator giving a detailed description of Saul’s response to the accolades given to David in verses 8 to 11?

Deeper Reflection

THE NARRATOR GIVES a detailed description (vv.8-11) – to show emphasis – of Saul’s response to the accolades given to David, which he perceived as a threat to his honour14 (v.8). The words “displeased” him (v.8) and he “resented” (CSB) them. Resentment led to him becoming “very angry” (v.8). The anger that propelled Saul to deliver Israel from the Ammonites was righteous anger (1 Sam 11:6-7), but now it was self-centred anger. The resentment that begot anger was conceived by insecurity: “What more can he have but the kingdom?” (v.8). And from then on, Saul “kept a jealous eye” on David (v.9). Saul “would carefully observe David for the purpose of committing sins against him”15. The condition of Saul’s soul had reached a point that when the evil spirit from God terrorised him, the music played by David could no longer bring him relief as before (v.10; 1 Sam 16:14-17, 23). In fact, the coming of the evil spirit on Saul this time is described as “mightily”. It was as if it were when Saul let his anger take hold of him, he gave “the devil an opportunity” to invade and devour his soul (Eph 4:26-27). Saul had now become so evil that he attempted to murder David (vv.10-11). Along a similar pattern of progression, Paul exhorts us “to put aside bitterness… wrath…clamour…slander…malice” (Eph 4:31). Saul should have just humbly accepted and submitted to the will of God – like his son, who “stripped himself” of his royal robe and gave it to David (1 Sam 18:4).

APPLICATION

What are some negative attitudes in my posture towards relating with people that I need 2020 to be watchful about?

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for The Silver Generation: To relate with people with righteous attitudes Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

14 15

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 123 Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel, The New American Commentary (B & H, 1996), 201

SCRIPTURE

THURSDAY

1 Samuel 18:5, 10-16

12 August

When God Is for Us … OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Saul, David and God, in David’s encounter with Saul?

Deeper Reflection

DAVID WAS in the presence of King Saul under royal order. But it turned out to be a perilous situation that he got into. Twice Saul attempted to kill David with his spear, but twice David “escaped” (vv.10-11). These two incidents “portray the incredible depth of David’s loyalty to the king and his commitment to helping Saul overcome his torment”16. Doubtless, it was divine protection, because “the LORD was with” David (v.12). Ironically, the spear incidents incited fear – not in David, but in Saul17 (v.12). Saul was “afraid” because he saw that God was on David’s side and had “departed” from him (v.12). When we are in danger, it is enough that God is on our side. Saul had set David “over the men of war” (v.5), as a leader within Saul’s own bodyguard.18 But now he “removed” David “from his presence” – “from the protected confines of the royal residence”19 and “appointed him as his commander of a thousand” to lead the king’s troops in battle (v.13). This was “probably a demotion”20. This new assignment posed risks for David’s well-being and reputation, because failure in performing his duties successfully – “even once on the battlefield” – would erase his prestige and perhaps end his life.21 When we are demoted or disregarded, it is enough that God is on our side. Knowing that God was on his side, David remained dedicated to the king and to whatever task he assigned him.

APPLICATION

What does it mean for me that in times of adversity it is enough that God is on 2020 my side?

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To know and rest in the sufficiency of God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert D. Bergen, 201 Robert D. Bergen, 201 David G. Firth, 210 19 Robert D. Bergen, 202 20 David G. Firth, 210 21 Robert D. Bergen, 203 16 17

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 18:17-29

FRIDAY

13 August

While Unaware of the Dangers … OBSERVATION What is the significance of the thrice-repeated “the hand of the Philistines” (vv.17, 21, 25) in the story about Saul and David in verses 17 to 29?

Deeper Reflection

HAVING FAILED TWICE to kill David by himself (1 Sam 18:10-11), Saul sought to do so indirectly – by “the hand of the Philistines” (vv.17, 21, 25). He made three attempts altogether. Saul’s first attempt through offering Merab to marry David did not succeed (vv.17-19). When Saul heard that Michal “was in love with David” (v.20), he saw Michal “as a baited trap for David waiting to be sprung”22 (v.21). And he reinforced his offer of marriage to David with a “covert disinformation campaign”23 through his servants (v.22). But David declined the offer, because of his low social status and financial inability (v.23). Saul’s second attempt failed and he made a third one. The “dowry” for marrying Michal that Saul asked from David was just “one hundred foreskins of the Philistines”, to which David agreed (vv.25-26). But instead of being killed by the Philistines, David returned with “two hundred foreskins” of the Philistines and “before the time limit expired” (vv.26b-27). Saul’s third attempt failed miserably. All this while David was unaware of Saul’s evil scheme behind these incidents that appeared innocuous – but not God. In his unawareness of the dangers, David made three decisions: twice saying no (vv.18, 23) and once saying yes (vv.26-27) – but under the hand of God who was “with David” (v.28). In His sovereign silence, God was in total control over David’s life.

APPLICATION

What does it mean for me to walk with a God who is fully aware of things that I am 2020 unaware of?

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To rest in the all-knowing sovereign God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

22 23

David G. Firth, 211 Robert D. Bergen, 204

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 18:1, 5, 12, 14-16, 20, 28, 30

SATURDAY

14 August

Ongoing Trials in Our Lives OBSERVATION What are the recurring words and phrases that the narrator uses to paint the whole picture of 1 Samuel 18?

Deeper Reflection

THE NARRATOR USES three recurring key words and phrases to construct the narrative of David in 1 Samuel 18: Jonathan “loved” David (v.1), “all Israel and Judah loved David” (v.16) and “Michal loved David” (v.20, 28); “the LORD was with David” (vv.12, 14, 28); David “was successful wherever Saul sent him” (v.5), “David had great success in all his undertakings” (vv.14, 15) and “David had more success than all the servants of Saul” (v.30). These positive experiences of David were extensive and comprehensive. The love that David received was from the king’s son (v.1) and daughter (vv.20, 28), and “all Israel and Judah” (v.16). David’s success was in “wherever Saul sent him” (v.5), “in all his undertakings” (v.14) and “more than all the servants of Saul” (v.30). But clearly, the theological centre in all these favourable descriptions of David is God’s presence with David, as the narrator puts it: “David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him” (v.14), “the LORD was with David…Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved David” (v.28). But the life that God calls us to live in following Jesus is not just like that – things going all well for us. Right in the midst of David’s positive experiences was King Saul, who made his life fraught with difficulties and dangers. A picture of ongoing trials in our lives even when God is the centre of our lives and is with us always.

APPLICATION

How does the whole picture of 1 Samuel 18 help me in my discipleship journey? 2020

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Church Board: To know the all-sufficiency of God’s presence Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SUNDAY

15 August

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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?

The Past Week 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.

WISDOM:

Finding out what you should be doing and doing it.

MEMORY VERSE “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” - JAMES 1:5 (NIV)

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK THREE

LINE *ThinkBOTTOM before you act*.

BIBLE STORY VIDEO

https://cefc.ch/21FD08W3

BIBLE STORY *Proverbs 22:3 – Think: Wise People See Danger ACTIVITY *Choose Your Block Props: Jenga – a wooden blocks stacking game Ask your family members to play a game of Jenga. After the game, discuss with everyone: • What were the challenges you faced while playing the game? • How did you choose the right wooden block to prevent the tower from toppling over? Say, “When we were playing Jenga, we took a few seconds to look and decide which wooden block to pick. In Proverbs 22:3, God tells us to be aware of dangers and hide from them so that we do not fall. Just like in the Jenga game, let’s take time to think according to God’s Word, so that we will make better decisions to avoid danger.”

TALK ABOUT IT * What • dangers does God refer to in Proverbs 22:3? • What does God remind us to do when we see danger? • Why is running away from danger considered a wise thing to do? • Why do people continue to do dangerous things even though they know they may get hurt? • Why is it important to stand back and observe before we make a hasty decision? Parents: Share with your family about a time when you faced danger and relied on God’s wisdom to get out of it.

PRAYER *Thank God for His protection against the dangers that we face every day. Pray for Him to teach us to be observant and avoid all dangers that come our way. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/August2021

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 19:1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 15; 1 Samuel 18:12-15, 28-30

MONDAY

16 August

Security in God Becomes “Insecurity” OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make in comparing 1 Samuel 18:12-15, 28-30 with verses 1, 2, 5, 6, 11 and 15?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN WE FOLLOW GOD faithfully, He will lead and guide us, and work in our lives according to His purposes toward the fulfilment of those purposes. We may not immediately understand God’s particular purposes. But God’s paramount purpose is clear: character development. “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”. And “His purpose” is: we may become “conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom 8:28-29). And in this we will go through various training phases and reach certain development points in our discipleship journey. God was doing this in David’s life in preparing him to be king over Israel. God has His own training curriculum wisely customised for each one of us, as it was for David. In 1 Samuel 16 to 18, highly positive things had been happening in David’s life since he was anointed as Israel’s next king. In 1 Samuel 18, the emphasis is God was with David and he was successful in all his ways (1 Sam 18:12-15, 28-30). Then comes 1 Samuel 19, a major turning point in David’s life. Saul’s various unsuccessful attempts to kill David in 1 Samuel 18 led to his royal order: “Put David to death” (repeated six times – vv.1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 15). David would become a fugitive until the end of 1 Samuel. David’s security in God in 1 Samuel 18 now becomes, as it were, “insecurity” – from a human viewpoint.

APPLICATION

What do I sense could be God’s training curriculum for me now in developing my 2020 character?

PRAYER Lord Jesus, although You are the Son of God, You had to learn obedience through suffering, in order to be made perfect as the source of our eternal salvation.24 This will be the same path that I have to walk in following You, so as to grow increasingly to be like You. Help me to be faithful and steadfast in following You in this path of divine necessity.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Hebrews 5:8-9

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 19: 1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 15; 1 Samuel 16:11-13

TUESDAY

17 August

“Alienation” from the Divine Call OBSERVATION What can you see about God in Saul’s royal decree of “Put David to death” in the light of God having chosen and anointed David as Israel’s next king?

Deeper Reflection

WE CANNOT LOOK at 1 Samuel 19 apart from 1 Samuel 16 to 18. Since David was anointed as Israel’s next king (1 Sam 16:11-13), providence was moving him closer to kingship through bringing him near to King Saul25: from playing music to relieve the king’s torment, to being appointed as leader of the king’s men of war and becoming the king’s son-in-law. But the “Put David to death” royal decree caused David to begin to move further away from kingship instead. This sudden reversal threw David off into disorientation. It is like you are clear that God has called you to go in a certain direction, and you unmistakably see God leading and guiding you through obvious providential circumstances. Then things suddenly change that make God’s direction doubtful. The threat on David’s life was real. Imagine the questions going through David’s mind: “Hasn’t God chosen and anointed me as Israel’s next king? How then could I fulfil God’s call? How then will God fulfil His call in my life?” There are no immediate answers to David’s questions. For 32 years God has been leading me clearly step-by-step in His call for me to teach His Word. But when I was unexpectedly hit by clinical depression in 2009, I felt God’s leading came to a sudden halt. I felt I was in a jam. I was lost. But four years later, I realised where God was leading me specifically to. God was still leading me when I felt He had stopped leading.

APPLICATION

How do I respond to times of disorientation in my discipleship journey? 2020

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To cling to God in times of darkness Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 122

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 19:9-12, 18; 1 Samuel 17:45-51

WEDNESDAY 18 August

Goliath-Killer Fleeing from Saul OBSERVATION What observations can you make about David’s faith in God in 1 Samuel 17:45-51 and verses 9 to 12 and 18?

Deeper Reflection

DAVID “FLED AND ESCAPED” from Saul’s persistent attempts to kill him is repeated three times in 1 Samuel 19 in three different settings (vv.10, 12, 18). Let’s look at David in his present situation from the perspective of David the Goliath killer (1 Sam 17:45-51). In 1 Samuel 17, when Saul and his troops saw Goliath, they “fled” from him out of fear (1 Sam 17:24). But now, ironically, the David who fought and killed Goliath “fled” from Saul, who “fled” from Goliath. We can assume that David fled from Saul out of fear for his life. Goliath is taller than Saul, but now it appears that Saul is taller than Goliath before David. We may wonder, “Where is the giant-killing faith of David?” The faith in God in fighting and killing Goliath does not work the same way all the time. Faith in God in facing Goliath’s threat takes on a certain form, and faith in God in facing Saul’s threat takes on another form. Hebrews 11:32-38 paints a picture of three kinds of faith. Exploits faith: Those “who by faith conquered kingdoms … shut the mouths of lions” (Heb 11:33-34). Endurance faith: Those who by faith “were stoned … sawn in two … being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated” (Heb 11:36-38). By exploits faith, some women “received back their dead by resurrection”, but others by eschatological faith “were tortured … so that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Heb 11:35), people “of whom the world was not worthy” (Heb 11:38).

APPLICATION

How am I to exercise faith in God in the challenging life-situations that I am facing 2020 now?

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for The Silver Generation: To fight the good fight of faith Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 19:1-7

THURSDAY 19 August

God’s Deliverance in God’s Way (1) OBSERVATION What observations can you make about suffering in this episode of David’s life?

Deeper Reflection

WHETHER WE ARE CALLED to exercise exploits faith, endurance faith or eschatological faith in God, one thing is for sure: There will be deliverance from God – in different ways and in different contexts. Towards the end of his life, Paul’s unwavering conviction was: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim 4:18). When Saul had ordered “to put David to death”, God delivered David through Jonathan (vv.1-7). Jonathan “spoke well” of David before his father and testified to his innocence: “he has not sinned against you” (v.4). And Jonathan affirmed David’s innocence by pointing to Saul how David’s “deeds have been beneficial” to him, and how he “took his life in his hand and struck the Philistine” and through it “the LORD brought about a great deliverance for all Israel” (v.5). When Jesus was brought before Pilate to be tried, the religious leaders accused Him of being “an evildoer” (Jn 18:29-30). But after having interrogated Jesus, with the religious leaders demanding for His crucifixion, Pilate declared a total of three times: “I find no guilt in Him” (Jn 18:38; 19:4, 6). Jesus was crucified anyway. Suffering for the sake of righteousness as innocent people is our portion in following Jesus faithfully, “since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Pet 2:21-22).

APPLICATION

How do I respond when in my innocence I am accused of wrongdoing? 2020

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To be ready to suffer unjustly in Christ Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 19:6-17

FRIDAY

20 August

God’s Deliverance in God’s Way (2) OBSERVATION What observations can you make about God’s deliverance in this part of David’s story?

Deeper Reflection

ACCEPTING JONATHAN’S TESTIMONY to David’s innocence, Saul swore: “As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death” (v.6). God delivered David through Jonathan. However, this divine deliverance was not final. Back to serving the king, David went to war against the Philistines and “defeated them with a great slaughter” (vv.7-8). This surely gave David assurance of God’s presence with him. But what follows immediately was Saul not keeping his oath (v.6) and he sought to kill David again (vv.9-10). David “fled and escaped that night” to his own house (v.10). Yet home was no refuge for David. Saul sent his men to David’s house to “watch” him and to dispose of him in the morning (v.11). Michal knew about her father’s plan, and warned David of the danger and urged him to flee before morning (v.11). She helped David by letting him down through a window (v.12). Then Michal used a delaying tactic by means of deception to buy David a little time26. First, she used “the household idol” to deceive Saul’s men who came to kill David (vv.13-16). Then, she lied to Saul that she was forced to let David escape because David threatened to kill her (v.17). God delivered David through Michal’s deception. While the means used is questionable, Michal did so to save a life. God is sovereign over all things. But Scripture does not tell us how divine sovereignty operates in relation to human actions.

APPLICATION

What insights can I glean when I reflect on the sovereignty of God in my discipleship 2020 journey?

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To know God as their strength and salvation Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dale Ralph Davis, 198

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 19:18-24

SATURDAY

21 August

God’s Deliverance in God’s Way (3) OBSERVATION What observations can you make about God in His deliverance of David from Saul’s attempt to kill him?

Deeper Reflection

BOTH OF GOD’S DELIVERANCE of David through Jonathan (1 Sam 19:1-7) and through Michal (1 Sam 19:11-17) did not last long. Saul continued to pursue David. David “fled and escaped and came to Samuel at Ramah” to unburden his soul (v.18). Having heard that David was at Naioth, Saul sent men there to capture him (vv.19-20). Saul’s men came and saw a “company of prophets prophesying”. This time God personally intervened and delivered David. Before the men could initiate their search for David, “the Spirit of God came upon” them and they “also prophesied” (v.20). When Saul was told of this, he sent a second group of men and then a third group, but the result was the same: “they also prophesied” (v.21). The “raw, irresistible power”2 7 of God’s Spirit compelled these men into helplessness, preventing them from continuing with their royal mission. Then Saul went to Ramah personally (v.22). But God made a mockery of Saul.28 “The Spirit of God came upon him” before he reached Naioth and he was “prophesying continually until he came to Naioth” (v.23). And Saul lost his royal attire before God’s Spirit29 when he “stripped off his robes” and “lay down naked” (v.24) – “a grave shame in the ancient Near East”30. In his distress with this momentary relief, David could see assuring evidence that God had not abandoned him, while he might be asking, “How long, O Lord?”(Psa 13:1), as his trial continued.

APPLICATION

What insights can I glean when I reflect on my experience of God’s deliverance in 2020 my life?

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

For Church Board: To know the God who delivers in wisdom Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dale Ralph Davis, 198 Robert D. Bergen, 210 Robert D. Bergen, 211 30 Robert D. Bergen, 211 27

SUNDAY

22 August

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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?

The Past Week 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.

WISDOM:

Finding out what you should be doing and doing it.

MEMORY VERSE “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” - JAMES 1:5 (NIV)

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK FOUR

LINE *HangBOTTOM out with wise people*.

BIBLE STORY VIDEO

https://cefc.ch/21FD08W4

BIBLE STORY *2 Chronicles 10 – Foolish Heart: Rehoboam Listens to Fools

*DoACTIVITY the Opposite Get your family members to pair up and face each other. For each pairing, ask partner A to demonstrate an action, while partner B imitates the action but in the opposite way. For example, if partner A raises his or her right hand, partner B should raise his or her left hand. After the game, discuss with everyone: • What challenges do we face when we try to do the opposite actions? • What does this activity tell us about following the right people and sound advice? Say, “God knows all the challenges that we face in our work and studies. Sometimes He sends the right people to help us, but we choose not to listen to them. God advises us in Proverbs 13:20 to surround ourselves with the right people so that we do not go on the wrong path.”

TALK ABOUT IT * Why • did Rehoboam listen to the advice of his friends? • What might have happened instead if Rehoboam had listened to the wise advisors? • Who do you go to for advice when you face a challenge? • How do we know who to listen to for wise advice? Parents: Share with your family about a time when you rejected your parents’ advice. What did you experience? What did you do to make things right again?

PRAYER *Thank God for sending us trusted people and our parents to guide us during difficult times. Pray for wisdom and a humble heart to listen and choose the right direction. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/August2021

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 20:1

MONDAY

23 August

“Have I Done Anything Wrong?” OBSERVATION What do the triple questions that David asked Jonathan tell us about David?

Deeper Reflection

DAVID “FLED AND ESCAPED” from Saul’s “Put David to death” royal order and went to Samuel in Ramah (1 Sam 19:18-24). There the Spirit of God intervened personally and powerfully to protect David from Saul’s four attempts on his life in one day. But this divine direct deliverance was only momentary: “David fled from Naioth in Ramah” (v.1). But Nahum’s words, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him” (Nah 1:7), still hold true for David. From Naioth, David came to his best friend, Jonathan, the only one he can trust (v.1). David knew for sure that Saul was “seeking my life” (v.1). But what was deeply troubling David was why Saul was doing this, as his triple questions to Jonathan emphatically show: “What have I done? What is my iniquity? What is my sin?” (v.1). David’s triple questions are not without significance. They reflect David’s posture. David rightly viewed Saul’s persistent attempts on his life as something not right. But David’s starting point in trying to understand the conflict between Saul and him was himself: “Have I done anything wrong?” The triple questions imply David’s willingness to repent and make reparations31 if he was in the wrong. We ought to have such a humble posture when we are in a relationship conflict and guard against any form of irrational behaviour like Saul’s.

APPLICATION

What will I do in a relationship conflict? 2020

PRAYER Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God, who are redeemed to pursue peace with everyone by living out the Gospel of peace.32 Yet, God of peace, it is inevitable that in relating with people there will be conflicts. Help me, in any relationship conflict, to first look at how I could be wrong. And keep me from prideful self-righteousness.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

31 32

Robert D. Bergen, 213 Matthew 5:9; Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 6:15

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 20:8, 14-17, 23, 42

TUESDAY

24 August

Covenant Commitment in Spiritual Friendship OBSERVATION What is a recurring idea in 1 Samuel 20 as reflected in verses 8, 14 to 17, 23 and 42?

Deeper Reflection

“HOW DO YOU SPELL SECURITY? C-O-V-E-N-A-N-T.”33 1 Samuel 20 is about “covenant, and the security it gives”34. The chapter depicts David’s and Jonathan’s spiritual friendship, through which God provided David security when his life was in grave danger. The security is in the form of David counting on Jonathan and Jonathan standing with David, which is founded upon and anchored in the covenant commitment they made to each other: “Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself” (1 Sam 18:3). 1 Samuel 20 focuses on this covenant friendship, which has God as the centre. The divine personal name that reveals God as a covenant God, “the LORD,” occurs 13 times in 1 Samuel 20. The covenant that David and Jonathan made with each other was “a covenant of the LORD” (v.8). This covenant friendship is characterised by “the LORD is between you and me forever” (v.23) and “we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD” (v.42). The love that David and Jonathan showed to each other in this covenant friendship is “the steadfast love (covenant love) of the LORD” (v.14). In a wedding, however grand it is, everything is all gone in one day; what remains and lasts is the marriage vow, which we ought to see as “a covenant of the LORD” (v.8; cf. Mal 2:14). And the security of a marriage is found in “the steadfast love (covenant love) of the LORD” (v.14), by which a couple loves each other.

APPLICATION

How do I view the idea of “the covenant of the Lord” in my marriage and in my 2020 relationship with God’s people?

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To be secure in the covenant God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

33 34

Dale Ralph Davis, 203 Dale Ralph Davis, 203

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 20:1-11

WEDNESDAY 25 August

Faithful Love in Spiritual Friendship OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about the spiritual friendship of David and Jonathan?

Deeper Reflection

DAVID DARED to turn to Saul’s son when he was under Saul’s attack, because he could trust Jonathan to be objective in the matter. The trust was not built on calculated risk, but on the covenant made between the two men, a covenant in which God was witness to and guardian of its promises – “a covenant of the LORD” (v.8). While David knew for sure that Saul was seeking his life, Jonathan, being his father’s confidant, had doubts (vv.1-3). But in this difference in views, Jonathan showed deference to David: “Whatever you say, I will do for you” (v.4). This is a spirit of servanthood. Jonathan’s words reminds us of Jesus who said to James and John seeking for greatness and blind Bartimaeus seeking for healing: “What do you want Me to do for you?” (Mk 10:36, 51). In response to Jonathan, David proposed “a test situation that may reveal Saul’s mind”35 on the matter (vv.5-7). And David asked Jonathan to “deal kindly” (Heb: hesed) with him in the “covenant of the LORD” (v.8). Covenant and hesed are corollaries in the Bible. The word hesed “carries ideas of love, compassion and affection, but often with the additional connotation of loyalty, reliability and faithfulness”36. It is faithful steadfast covenant love with “dependable kindness”37. The covenant gave David reason to look for and depend upon Jonathan’s hesed, his “devoted love”38 to him in their spiritual friendship.

APPLICATION

How can I practice hesed in my spiritual friendships? 2020

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for The Silver Generation: To know and love with God’s covenant love Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dale Ralph Davis, 206 Dale Ralph Davis, 207 37 Dale Ralph Davis, 207 38 Dale Ralph Davis, 207 35

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 20:12-17

THURSDAY

26 August

Uncommon Loyalty in Spiritual Friendship OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about the covenant commitments that Jonathan and David made to each other?

Deeper Reflection

IN 1 SAMUEL 20, the end of verse 11 can go immediately to the beginning of verse 18 without verses 12 to 17 with no loss in the flow of the story.39 But verses 12 to 17 are very significant. They show how the covenant between David and Jonathan “almost works miracles”40. Jonathan went on oath to formally commit himself to warn David should he find that his father intends to kill him (vv.12-13). It is unusually unusual for a crown prince to hand over his place to his rival to the throne and promise to protect him. But that was exactly what Jonathan was doing. Jonathan’s covenant commitment to David “flies smack in the face of all political sense”41. What makes this possible is the God factor. The covenant is God-centred: “The LORD, the God of Israel is witness” (v.12). And Jonathan swore: “May the LORD strike me and even kill me if I don’t warn you so you can escape and live” (v.13, NLT). And Jonathan blessed David with “May the LORD be with you” (v.13). In confident anticipation of the time that will come when David becomes king, and he himself will be “in the fugitive role, the needy one”42, Jonathan urged David to treat him and his family with “the faithful love of the LORD” (vv.14-15). The commitments Jonathan and David made to each other “trample on customary human standards”43. Does such uncommon loyalty characterise our spiritual friendships?

APPLICATION

How can I develop and establish uncommon loyalty in my spiritual friendships? 2020

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To live the counter-cultural life in Christ Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dale Ralph Davis, 208 Dale Ralph Davis, 208 Dale Ralph Davis, 208 42 Dale Ralph Davis, 209 43 Dale Ralph Davis, 210 39

40 41

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 20:5-8, 24-34

FRIDAY

27 August

Costly Commitment in Spiritual Friendship OBSERVATION How is Jonathan’s covenant commitment to David shown to be costly?

Deeper Reflection

JONATHAN CARRIED OUT David’s plan to test if Saul was indeed seeking for his life as David believed (vv.5-8, 24-34). The test situation was the monthly royal dinner which Saul expected David to be present. On the first day, Saul noticed David’s absence. But he surmised that David was ritually unclean and therefore unfit to partake (vv.24-26). When David was absent on the second day, Saul asked of Jonathan the whereabouts of David (v.27). Jonathan passed on to Saul David’s excuse, as David had requested, which incurred Saul’s “anger” (vv.28-30). Jonathan’s covenant commitment to David to defend and protect him for his future kingship was costly. It was costly in three ways. Firstly, Jonathan’s prospect of becoming king, which Saul knew that it was Jonathan’s choice – “you are choosing the son of Jesse” (vv.30-31). Jonathan’s “stupidity” is but the wisdom and power of God – the way of the cross (1 Cor 1:23-24) – which “the rulers of this age” cannot understand (1 Cor 2:8). Secondly, the great humiliation from his father for his “stupid” choice: “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman!” (v.30). Thirdly, Jonathan narrowly missed death from his father’s spear (v.33). True love is marked by giving up one’s life for another (Jn 15:13). God’s love is “loved and gave up” (Jn 3:16; Gal 2:20; Eph 5:2, 25). When David was “dishonoured” by Saul, Jonathan was “grieved” in righteous “fierce anger” (v.34).

APPLICATION

What does it mean for me to love by giving up my life for another? 2020

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To love others as God loves Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 20:18-23, 35-42

SATURDAY

28 August

Covenant Peace in Spiritual Friendship OBSERVATION What do Jonathan’s parting words to David, “Go in peace” (v.42), mean?

Deeper Reflection

JONATHAN SET UP a signal system to communicate to David stealthily if his life was in danger (vv.18-23). At the place of his “appointment with David”, Jonathan shot the arrow in the direction that signalled to David that Saul was seeking his life (vv.35-40). The two met, and they “kissed each other and wept together” over the unavoidable painful departure from each other (v.41). Jonathan saw the departure as a divine necessity: “go, the LORD has sent you away” (v.22). Jonathan parted with David by saying “Go in peace” (v.42). “Go in peace” while Saul was stalking David’s life? Jonathan did not mean that all will be peaceful for David or that he will not meet any more dangers. It is the peace in a relationship under a covenant bond that holds fast when all else may be in flux and confusion.44 Paul puts it as “with all humility and gentleness, with patience showing tolerance for one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:2-3) – in our marriage and family, and Christian community. Biblical peace “is not often a general tranquillity but rather a rightness at the centre in the midst of much turmoil”45. We have this peace because One who is greater than Jonathan has made His covenant with us by His blood (Matt 26:28): “In the world you have tribulation, but in Me you have peace” (Jn 16:33). The key is “In Me” – Christ’s covenant relationship with us.

APPLICATION

What are the relationships in which I find difficulty having peace and what will I do 2020 about it?

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

For Church Board: To have peace in Christ Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

44 45

Dale Ralph Davis, 213 Dale Ralph Davis, 213

SUNDAY

29 August

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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?

The Past Week 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.

WISDOM:

Finding out what you should be doing and doing it.

MEMORY VERSE “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” - JAMES 1:5 (NIV)

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK FIVE

BOTTOM LINE *Never stop growing in wisdom*.

BIBLE STORY VIDEO

https://cefc.ch/21FD08W5

BIBLE STORY *Romans 12:2 – Brand New: Renew Your Mind ACTIVITY *Needs and Wants Props: A big piece of paper, post-it-notes and some pens Create two columns on a big piece of paper labelled “Needs” and “Wants”. Explain to your family members what each means. Get everyone to draw or write their needs and wants on the post-it-notes (one item per note). Then, ask them to paste them in the appropriate column on the big piece of paper. After the activity, discuss: • Needs: Are they really things that we can’t do without? • Wants: Why do we want them? Is it because they look lovely or because our friends have them? Say, “We can practise wisdom starting from simple actions, which is hard at times. It requires us to think differently about the way we behave and the things we want. God reminds us in Romans 12:2 not to follow the patterns of this world. Practising wisdom gives us joy, knowing that our actions please God and benefits the people we care about.”

TALK ABOUT IT * What • does it mean to be conformed and to be transformed? • What are some examples of the “patterns of the world”? • What does God say we should do to “not follow the patterns of the world”? • Who can you go to when you face challenges? Parents: Share with your family about a lesson you learnt when you faced the consequences because you decided to follow the patterns of the world.

PRAYER *Thank God for guiding and teaching us to do the right things. Pray for a clear and God-seeking heart that enables us to make good decisions. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/August2021

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 19; 1 Corinthian 2:9-12; Hebrews 1:1-2

MONDAY

30 August

What Is God Doing? OBSERVATION What do these Scripture texts tell us about our God?

Deeper Reflection

WE ARE COMPLETING our 43rd year as a church this week. What has the Lord spoken to us this past year? 2020 will go down in history as a pivotal year! The whole world entered the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Our lives and livelihoods were affected. We had to learn new things such as working from home, home-based learning, video conferencing, maskwearing, safe-distancing, church at home and Zoom CG meetings. All this has certainly not caught the Lord by surprise. Everything is going according to His purposes. So what were the Lord’s intentions for us through this pandemic? We believe that the Lord is leading us through a season of revelation, for us to repent of our sins, so that He may rebuild His church to become more like what He intends (Deut 29:29). That is the framework – revelation, repentance and rebuilding – that we will use in this week’s devotions to reflect upon our 43rd year. Let us begin with revelation. Many of us would have experienced “cold wars”, in which the persons in conflict refuse to speak with each other. When people refuse to communicate, it is very hard for the relationship to progress. Relationships grow when we consciously choose to reveal what is upon our hearts. We are grateful that our God does not keep silent. He has chosen to reveal Himself to us, that we may know Him! The texts we read remind us that God speaks to us through His creation, His Word, His Spirit and His Son Jesus Christ. God reveals Himself to us so that we may know Him and have relational intimacy with Him. Praise God!

APPLICATION

How has the Lord revealed Himself to me in the course of this pandemic? Take some 2020 time to consider and write these down in your journal.

PRAYER Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not hide Yourself from me, but want to communicate and reveal Yourself to me. Teach me the discipline of daily making space – in which I can be quiet and rested – to be present with You and Your Word. Help me to be attentive to Your Holy Spirit’s promptings. Grant me faith and obedience, that I may truly know and experience You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 7:24-27

TUESDAY

31 August

What Has God Revealed in You? OBSERVATION What was the purpose of the storm in this parable?

Deeper Reflection

FROM THE GROUND UP, these two houses appear the same. They were built by similar men, probably of similar competence and using similar materials. It was not as though one house was made of straw and the other of bricks. Neither was it the case where one house was buffeted by a Category 5 typhoon, while the other experienced a gentle summer breeze. Both houses faced strong, sustained winds from a similar terrible storm that caused floods. The difference between the two houses was unseen, below the ground – in their foundations! One house was built on the sand, whereas the other on the rock. But for the storm, we would have been none the wiser! Storms test our foundations. Storms reveal the unseen. The COVID-19 pandemic is a horrific storm that spared no one! What has it revealed about your foundations? Generally, being a Christian in modern Singapore does not cost us much. Yes, some of us are badly persecuted for our faith, but by and large most Christians do not experience that kind of challenge to our faith. An unchallenged faith is not strong. Untested loyalty is really no loyalty at all. It is in hard times – when the rain falls, the floods come and the winds blow – that we discover where our true loyalties lie. The storm can be a blessing if it reveals that our foundations are in fact much weaker than we assumed. Then, as long as the Lord has not returned, we have opportunities to do better, to grow stronger foundations. So that when the Lord returns, our foundations may be found to be really true!

APPLICATION

What has the pandemic revealed about my own faith foundations? There would be some 2020 positive aspects and some weak ones. Take some time to reflect and write these down.

PRAYER Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: That the Lord will grant them integrity of heart and skilfulness of hands in shepherding His people (Psa 78:72) Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Notes