December Devotional Jornal 2019

DEC E M BE R

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

ISAIAH 53:12 (NIV)

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DEVOTIONA L JOUR NA L D ECEM B ER

2 0 19

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

ISAIAH 53:12 (NIV)

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

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VERSES 2019

JANUARY

Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

ISAIAH 53:1 (NIV)

FEBRUARY He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

ISAIAH 53:2 (NIV)

MARCH He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

ISAIAH 53:3 (NIV)

APRIL Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted.

ISAIAH 53:4 (NIV)

M AY

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

ISAIAH 53:5 (NIV)

JUNE We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

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J U LY He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.

ISAIAH 53:7 (NIV)

AUGUST By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished.

ISAIAH 53:8 (NIV)

SEPTEMBER He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.

ISAIAH 53:9 (NIV)

OCTOBER Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand.

ISAIAH 53:10 (NIV)

NOVEMBER After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.

ISAIAH 53:11 (NIV)

DECEMBER Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

ISAIAH 53:12 (NIV) Š 2 0 1 9 C O V E N A N T E V A N G E L I C A L F R E E C H U R C H // 5

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// B Y S E N I O R P A S T O R S //

2019 is the Year of Proclamation – That None Should Perish!

C

elebration of Hope (COH) which runs from 17 to 19 May is not mass evangelism on a large scale, but personal evangelism on a massive scale. In other words, unless we pray and sow the Gospel into as many people as possible on a personal basis, we will not see a massive conversion of souls. If we expect 2019 to be a year of harvest for our family and friends, then we have to prepare for it.

When we were praying on the mountain during our annual Listening Retreat in July 2018, these verses from the book of Acts convicted us: Acts 8:8 “And there was much joy in that city” The context was the revival in Samaria under Philip’s ministry. Imagine the joy in Singapore when, under the preaching of the Gospel and the power of God, many people are healed of various sicknesses and delivered from spiritual oppression!

Acts 13:44 “The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” Back then in Pisidian Antioch, huge crowds came to listen to Paul’s preaching. Imagine large multitudes turning up at the Sports Hub at each COH rally to hear the Gospel!

Acts 13:47 (cf. Isa 49:6) “For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

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“Isaiah” means “The LORD is Salvation”. Preaching through the book of Isaiah in 2019 will challenge us to fulfil our calling to be a light to the nations!

During that same retreat, we received news about a crisis in Northern Thailand. On 23 June last year, 12 teenage boys and their soccer coach were trapped 2.5 miles inside the Tham Luang cave complex after heavy rains flooded it and cut off their exit route. On 2 July, they were found by two British expert cave divers. A rescue operation was carefully planned. There were 1,800 rescue personnel from 18 countries. In the midst of the rescue preparation, a tragedy happened. Mr Kunan, a volunteer and former Thai Navy SEAL diver, died while transporting air tanks into the tunnels. Although it was an extremely difficult rescue mission, all 13 survivors were eventually rescued from the cave on 10 July. Many people did their part to rescue them. And one man even gave his life to save them.

So, dear brothers and sisters, let us use this 2019 Devotional Journal to spend daily, dedicated time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer ...

The Scripture verses and the cave rescue were a confirmation of 2019 as the Year of Proclamation. Here was a fresh picture of how the Saviour died on the Cross so that people everywhere can be saved from eternal judgment. Our Lord Jesus has given us the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. So, dear brothers and sisters, let us use this 2019 Devotional Journal to spend daily, dedicated time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer, so that we can know Him more, and be led and empowered

by His Spirit to be faithful witnesses for a fruitful harvest in 2019!

In Christ, Rev Tony Yeo and Rev Tan Kay Kiong

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TO USING

THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Step One

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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Step Two

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 9 Prayer pointers for Pastors and Staff are included every Tuesday. 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.

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NOVEMBER–DECEMBER

HOSANNA Verse 1 I see the King of Glory Coming on the clouds with fire The whole earth shakes The whole earth shakes, yeah...

Verse 2 I see His love and mercy Washing over all our sin The people sing The people sing Chorus Hosanna Hosanna Hosanna in the highest Hosanna Hosanna Hosanna in the highest Verse 3 I see a generation Rising up to take their place With selfless faith With selfless faith Verse 4 I see a near revival Stirring as we pray and seek We’re on our knees We’re on our knees

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Bridge Heal my heart and make it clean Open up my eyes to the things unseen Show me how to love like You have loved me Break my heart for what breaks Yours Everything I am for Your Kingdom’s cause As I walk from earth into eternity Brooke Ligertwood © 2006 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 4785835 CCLI Licence # 324618

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HEAL OUR LAND Verse 1 If My people will humble themselves Humble themselves and pray If they seek My face And humble themselves And turn from their wicked ways I will hear from heaven And forgive their sin I will hear from heaven And heal their land Chorus Lord heal our land Father heal our land Hear our cry And turn our nation back to You Lord heal our land Hear us O Lord and heal our land Forgive our sin And heal our broken land Verse 2 Lord we bow our knee we humble ourselves Humble ourselves and pray Lord we seek Your face We humble ourselves And turn from our wicked ways Father in Your mercy forgive our sin Father in Your mercy come heal our land Robin Brooks | Tom Brooks © 1988 Integrity’s Alleluia! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 5217 CCLI Licence # 324618

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TOUCHING HEAVEN, CHANGING EARTH Verse 1 We will seek Your face Almighty God Turn and pray for You to heal our land Father let revival start in us Then every heart will know Your Kingdom come Chorus Lifting up the name of the Lord In power and in unity We will see the nations turn Touching heaven, changing earth Touching heaven, changing earth Verse 2 Never looking back we’ll run the race Giving You our lives we’ll gain the prize We will take the harvest given us Though we sow in tears we’ll reap in joy Bridge Send revival Send revival Send revival to us (Repeat) Reuben Morgan © 1997 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 2317779 CCLI License # 324618

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THE LION AND THE LAMB Verse 1 He’s coming on the clouds Kings and kingdoms will bow down And every chain will break As broken hearts declare His praise For who can stop the Lord Almighty Chorus Our God is a Lion The Lion of Judah He’s roaring in power And fighting our battles And every knee will bow before Him Our God is a Lamb The Lamb that was slain For the sins of the world His blood breaks the chains And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb Every knee will bow before Him Verse 2 So open up the gate Make way before the King of kings The God who comes to save Is here to set the captives free For who can stop the Lord Almighty Bridge Who can stop the Lord Almighty Who can stop the Lord (Almighty) Brenton Brown | Brian Johnson | Leeland Mooring © 2015 Meaux Mercy (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7038281 CCLI License # 324618

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SHINE, JESUS, SHINE Chorus Shine, Jesus, shine Fill this land With the Father‘s glory Blaze, Spirit, blaze Set our hearts on fire Flow, river, flow Flood the nations With grace and mercy Send forth Your word Lord and let there be light Verse 1 Lord the light of Your love is shining In the midst of the darkness, shining Jesus, Light of the world, shine upon us Set us free by the truth You now bring us Shine on me, shine on me Verse 2 Lord I come into Your awesome presence From the shadows into Your radiance By the blood I may enter Your brightness Search me, try me, consume all my darkness Shine on me, shine on me Verse 3 As we gaze on Your kingly brightness So our faces display Your likeness Ever changing from glory to glory Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story Shine on me, shine on me Graham Kendrick © 1987 Make Way Music (Admin. by Make Way Music Limited) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 30426 CCLI License # 324618

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PREPARE THE WAY Verse 1 He has come To bring light into the darkness He has come To bring freedom to the captives He has come To restore the broken-hearted It’s time to proclaim The year of the Lord Chorus Prepare the way Prepare the way for our Redeemer Prepare the way Prepare the way for our Restorer Make ready your heart Make ready your home Make ready the people of God Prepare the way Verse 2 He has come To bring hope to the hopeless He has come To comfort all who mourn He has come To heal our every sickness It’s time to proclaim The year of the Lord Darrell Evans | Eric Nuzum © 1999 Integrity‘s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI Song # 2791649 CCLI License # 324618

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SPIRIT TOUCH YOUR CHURCH Verse 1 Lord we need Your grace and mercy We need to pray like never before We need the power of Your Holy Spirit To open heaven’s door Chorus Spirit, touch Your church Stir the hearts of men Revive us, Lord With Your passion once again I want to care for others Like Jesus cares for me Let Your rain fall upon me Let Your rain fall upon me Verse 2 Lord, we humbly come before You We don’t deserve of You what we ask But we yearn to see Your glory Restore this dying land Ending Let Your rain fall upon me Kim Bollinger © 1990 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 # 451861 CCLI License # 324618

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MORE THAN AMAZING Verse 1 You’re the One who walked on water And You calmed the raging seas You command the highest mountains To fall upon their knees You’re the One who welcomed sinners And You opened blinded eyes You restored the broken-hearted And You brought the dead to life Pre-Chorus Forgetting all our sins You remember all Your promises Chorus You are amazing More than amazing Forever our God You’re more than enough (You are amazing) Verse 2 With authority You’ve spoken And You’ve set the captive free You’re the King who came to serve And You’re the God who washed our feet You’re the One who took our burdens And You bled upon the cross In Your kindness and Your mercy You became the way for us

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Bridge Oh, how marvelous Oh, how wonderful Oh, how glorious You are amazing Oh, how marvelous Oh, how wonderful Oh, how glorious You are (Repeat) Lincoln Brewster | Mia Fieldes © 2010 Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) SHOUT! Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 5808876 CCLI License # 324618

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YOUR LOVE AWAKENS ME Verse There were walls between us By the cross You came and broke them down You broke them down And there were chains around us

By Your grace we are no longer bound No longer bound Pre-Chorus You called me out of the grave You called me into the light You called my name and then my heart came alive Chorus Your love is greater Your love is stronger Your love awakens, awakens, awakens me (Repeat) Verse 2 Feel the darkness shaking All the dead are coming back to life Back to life Hear the song awaken All creation singing we’re alive ‘Cause You’re alive Bridge And what a love we’ve found Death can’t hold us down We shout it out We’re alive ‘cause You’re alive

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Ending Your love awakens me Your love is greater Your love is stronger Your love awakens, awakens, awakens me Chris Quilala | Phil Wickham © Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Jesus Culture Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Seems Like Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Sing My Songs (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7054720 CCLI License # 324618

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SUNDAY // 01 DECEMBER 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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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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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.

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DECEMBER 2019 WEEK 1

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

WHY DO WE NEED JESUS?* Only Jesus can save us.

Scripture: John 3:16

ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members to use each letter in the word “Believe” to form a word that describes Jesus’ character. For example, B-best, E-extraordinary, and so on.

CHAT TIME Q1: Who is God’s only Son? Q2: What does it mean to believe in Jesus?

Q3: What is the difference between human love and God’s love?

LEARNING POINT All of us have been punished for doing wrong things. The punishments may include extra housework or having our playtime reduced, among others. For those who drive vehicles, the punishment for breaking traffic laws can be a hefty fine. But there is one punishment that no one can pay − that is the punishment for sin. Man sinned when they disobeyed and rejected God. The good news is that John 3:16 tells us that God sent Jesus to earth to take the punishment for all the sins of those who believe in Him. God calls us to turn away from our sins and to trust in Jesus alone for our forgiveness. Believing in Jesus is the only way to eternal life.

ACTION POINT Share with your family what you value and cherish about John 3:16.

Take a few minutes to tell God personally how grateful you are for His gift of love to us.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for sending Jesus to wash away our sins so that we can be closer to God. Pray that more people will come to believe in Him and have eternal life.

*Adapted from 252Basics, Dec 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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MONDAY // 02 DECEMBER 2019

“Look Down, Lord!”

S CRIPTURE Isaiah 63:15-16

O B S E RVAT I O N What was God like in His relationship with His people?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

srael recalled the abundant lovingkindnesses of their God (Isa 63:7) who suffered with them in their sufferings, and saved and led them with His presence of love and mercy, and how they rebelled (Isa 63:9-14) instead of “not dealing falsely” (Isa 63:8). In this recalling, they prayed to God (Isa 63:15-64:12) – a prayer of those who recognise how they have failed God greatly. The prayer is anchored in God’s abundant lovingkindnesses1 by which God faithfully keeps His covenant with us (Isa 63:7). The prayer begins with asking God to “look down and see” us (v.15a). It is a humble appeal with no right or merit before God that He should do so. The great contrast between our great shortcomings and God’s loftiness, holiness and glory (“from Your lofty throne, holy and glorious”, v.15, NIV) must first be recognised. Because we have failed God, God does not act on our behalf in His “zeal” – His passionate commitment and His “might”; and He withholds from us His “tenderness and compassion” (v.15b). We are then left alone to ourselves and disorders become the order of the day in our lives. But one fundamental reality does not change. God is still “our Father” (repeated twice for emphasis) and “our Redeemer”. God as “our Redeemer” is His nature (“Your name”).

Thus, we have hope that “our Father” and “our Redeemer” will “look down and see” us in our plight.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can I be sure that God will look down at my life situation when I appeal to Him to?

P R AY E R e in Se

lf

need

2

Thos

1

Significant people

Leaders

O merciful God, do not rebuke me or discipline me in Your anger. Your arrows have pierced me and Your hand has come down on me. There is no health in my body and no soundness in my Gi vin gt bones because of my sin. My guilt ha nk s has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. I confess my sins to You. Hear and answer me, O gracious God, for I hope in You.2

J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Volume 20 (IVP, 1999), 440 Psalm 38:1-4, 15, 18

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TUESDAY // 03 DECEMBER 2019

“Come Back, Lord!”

S CRIPTURE Isaiah 63:17-19

O B S E RVAT I O N What do verses 17 to 19 tell us about God and sin?

DEEPER REFLECTION

T

he humble appeal of “Look down, Lord!” (Isa 63:15-16) is followed by a “Come back, Lord!” plea: “Return for the sake of Your servants” (v.17b). Our return to God will be a futile and empty attempt, if God does not return to us. This “return” is the return of the presence of God. Israel recalled how as God’s “holy people” they “possessed Your sanctuary” – the Temple − “for a little while”, which was “trodden down” by their “adversaries”, the Babylonians (v.18), after which was their exile (v.19). God “cast” His people “out of His presence” (2 Kin 24:20) by letting the Babylonians destroy His Temple (2 Kin 25:8-9). The question “Why, O LORD, do You cause us to stray from Your ways and harden our hearts from fearing You?” (v.17a) is not an attempt to lay the blame on God, but a recognition of their guilt and God’s judgment (see Isa 6:9-13). “The heart choosing disobedience hardens progressively against God’s way until the moment (known only to God and fixed by Him) comes when the point of no return is reached, when the final, decisive choice of sin is made. When this point is passed, the situation is humanly irretrievable: only God can change it – if only He will ‘return.’”3 Keeping short accounts of our sins before God at His throne of grace is therefore very critical (Heb 4:15-16).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can I guard against straying from God and hardening my heart from fearing God?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To be kept from hardening their hearts

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

3

J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, 440

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WEDNESDAY // 04 DECEMBER 2019

“We Wait, Lord!”

S CRIPTURE Isaiah 64:1-4

O B S E RVAT I O N What can you learn about God in verses 1 to 4?

DEEPER REFLECTION

H

aving petitioned for the “return” of God’s presence (Isa 63:17-19), Israel waited for God4 “to rend the heavens and come down” (v.1a), to tear open the distancing cover between heaven (where God is – see Isa 63:15) and earth (where God’s people are) and come down into their situation of need.5 Israel waited for God’s “presence” to “come down” in dangerous and overwhelming ways to make their “adversaries” “tremble” (vv.1b-2). They recalled how God “came down” on Mount Sinai in an “awesome” manner that they “did not expect” (v.3; see Exo 19:16-20; 20:18-21). And now, they were hoping that God would “come down” with the same mountain quaking “presence” (vv.1-2) as He “came down” at Mount Sinai (v.3). This God, for whom Israel was waiting for, is in a class by Himself, for there is no God like Him (v.4a). What makes God beyond compare is: He is the only God “who acts on behalf of the one who waits for Him” (v.4b). “Biblically speaking, ‘to wait’ is to manifest the kind of trust that is willing to commit itself to God over the long haul. It is to continue to believe and expect when all others have given up. It is to believe that it is better for something to happen in God’s time than for it to happen on my initiative in my time.”6

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean for me to be confident that God will act on my behalf when I wait for Him?

P R AY E R Prayer Pointers

O God of great faithfulness, in my affliction and wandering, I remember that Your steadfast

// Give thanks:

love never ceases and Your compassions never end.

Therefore, I have hope even

// Pray for leaders:

when my soul is downcast within me. You are my portion, therefore I will wait for You. You are good to those who wait for You and seek You. It is good that I wait silently for Your salvation.

// Pray for significant people:

7

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

4 5 6 7

John N. Oswalt, The Book of Isaiah Chapters 40-66 (The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Eerdmans, 1998), 622 Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 40-66, (Westminster John Knox Press, 1998), 233 John N. Oswalt, Isaiah 40-66, 623 Lamentations 3:19-26

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THURSDAY // 05 DECEMBER 2019

“Save Us, Lord!”

S CRIPTURE Isaiah 64:1-7

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about God and His people in their confession of sin in verses 5 to 7?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

n waiting for God to act on behalf of them with His awesome presence (vv.1-4), the people of God confessed their sins in brokenness (vv.5-7). The number of Israelites who had sinned against God was “all of us” (v.6). “All of us” could mean the majority or in solidarity. When we sin against God, we are essentially turning away from God: “No one calls on Your name or strives to lay hold of You” (v.7a). Sin is lack of interest in God, and it is of no importance to bring Him into our lives and needs by calling on His name.8 And it is dangerous to continue in sin for “a long time” (v.5b). When this happens, God turns away from us in angry abandonment: “Behold, You were angry” (v.5) and “You have hidden Your face from us” (v.7). In this divine abandonment in judgment, God turns us over “into the power of our iniquities” (v.7b). So, the question is: “How then can we be saved?” (v.5, NIV). Turn back to God with our total failure. Our best is “all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment” (v.6). We are totally unworthy before God and unable to save ourselves. But God will graciously “meet” us when we return to “rejoice in doing righteousness” and “remember” Him “in” His “ways” (v.5a).

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A P P L I CAT I O N In what ways have I turned away from God and how should I turn back to Him?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To keep short accounts of sin with God

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

8

J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, 443

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FRIDAY // 06 DECEMBER 2019

“But Now, Lord!”

S CRIPTURE Isaiah 64:5-9

O B S E RVAT I O N What is significant about the way God’s people appeal to God (vv.8-9) after their confession (vv.5-9)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

G

od’s turning away from His people for their turning away from Him (vv.5-7) had reached the point of “How then can we be saved?” (v.5, NIV). When we are in such a helpless and seemingly hopeless situation, we still can make the hopeful appeal: “But now, LORD” (v.8). The “LORD” is our hope. What counts now is not anything of us, but what counts now is wholly on the “LORD”9 and particularly what God is to us: “You are our Father” and “You are our Potter” (v.8). God as our “Father” and “Potter” affirms that in the end God has total responsibility for His people who are completely dependent Him. “We are the clay.” So, “our Potter” has the sovereign right and freedom to shape our lives as He pleases in His sovereign wisdom. Are we unhappy with our God-shaped life? Mark the “all of us”, repeated four times in the context. The “all of us” who “have become like one who is unclean” and “wither like a leaf ” (v.6) is the same “all of us” who are “the work of Your hand” (v.8) and “Your people” (v.9) – what we are to God. Our failures towards God, however many and miserable, do not change what we are to God. So, God’s people in humble urgency and fervency, appeal to God to look at them closely and intensely: “Behold, look now” (v.9).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean to me that God is my Father and my Potter?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for SGI leaders: To let God be the Potter of their lives // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

9

Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 40-66, 235

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SATURDAY // 07 DECEMBER 2019

“Will You, Lord?”

S CRIPTURE Isaiah 64:8-12

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Israel’s prayer (Isa 63:15-64:12) ending with the question in verse 12?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

saiah 63:15-64:12 is a prayer of those who recognise how they have failed God greatly. The five movements of humble petition in the prayer – “Look down, Lord!” (Isa 63:15-16), “Come back, Lord!”

(Isa 63:17-19), “We wait, Lord!” (Isa 64:1-4) and “Save us, Lord!”

(Isa 64:5-7), “But now, Lord!” (vv.8-9), ends with “Will You restrain Yourself at these things, O LORD? Will You keep silent and afflict us beyond measure?” (v.12). “These things” refers to the “desolation” of Israel’s “holy cities” (v.10) and the destruction of the “holy house” (v.11).

And Israel’s identity was “Your holy people” (Isa 63:18). The repetition of “holy” “reflects in the outer world the problem in the inner world.10 The three “holy” entities were not holy at all, showing little evidence of being set apart for God, either in character or condition.11 Hence, the prayer ends with “a note of wonderment and uncertainty”12 (v.12). Here is a “most elemental question of faith” in “a most astonishing prayer”13.

Israel did not know the answer to their question. They did not know if God would be moved into activity or not. They did not know because God cannot be summoned automatically or by demand. Israel’s prayers could not guarantee outcomes. But Israel had nowhere else and no one else to turn their lives to, except their compassionate “Father” (Isa 63:15-16; 64:8).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What will I do when my prayers are in a state of wonderment and uncertainty with regard to God’s response?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for church board: To grow in praying in the Holy Spirit // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

10 11 12 13

John N. Oswalt, Isaiah 40-66, 630 John N. Oswalt, Isaiah 40-66, 630 Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 40-66, 237 Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 40-66, 237

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SUNDAY // 08 DECEMBER 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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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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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.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

DECEMBER 2019 WEEK 2

CAN GOD USE ME TO MEET OTHERS’ NEEDS?* God can use anyone to do His work.

Scripture: Luke 1:26-56 ACTIVITY BITE Get your family members to complete a 50- to 100-piece jigsaw puzzle together as quickly as possible. Then, ask them to describe their experience doing this activity, as well as discuss and share examples of how God may use us to fulfil His bigger plan.

CHAT TIME Q1: Why did God choose Mary and Joseph to be the earthly parents of Jesus?

Q2: What does God look for in a person to do His work?

Q3: How will you respond if God asks you to complete a task for him?

LEARNING POINT Fixing a 50- to 100-piece jigsaw puzzle can be very frustrating when we can’t figure out where a particular piece fits. But if everyone does it together, we can complete the jigsaw puzzle quickly. Everyone has a part to play in completing the larger picture. God chose Mary and Joseph to be the earthly parents of Jesus. Mary and Joseph were neither wealthy nor powerful, but God chose them to fulfil His bigger plan for all mankind.

Mary and Joseph obeyed God’s commands and went through much hardship to give birth to Jesus and raise Him up. Nothing is impossible for our God. He can use anyone to do His work.

ACTION POINT Identify one area where God can use you to help others. Write down on a piece of paper the first thing you can do to make it happen.

Commit your desires to the Lord through prayer and praise.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for choosing us to be His sons and daughters. Pray for a willing heart to obey His Word and do His work.

*Adapted from 252Basics, Dec 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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MONDAY // 09 DECEMBER 2019

Two Portraits of Divine Grace S CRIPTURE Isaiah 65:1-7

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about God in His reaching out to and redeeming sinners?

DEEPER REFLECTION

H

ere are two portraits of divine grace. Sinners can find God only through God’s initiative of grace. We are saved not because we “ask” for God, “seek” Him or “call on” His “name, but because He reveals Himself to us: “Here am I, here am I” (v.1). Jesus says: “No one can come to Me unless the Father draws him” (Jn 6:44, 65). However, those who have found God can fall short of God’s condescension in grace – “I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people” (v.2a). Mark the expression “all day long”. Paul puts it as “the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience” that “leads you to repentance” (Rom 2:4). But let us not “think lightly” or be “not knowing” of this divine kindness, tolerance and patience. The rebellious Israelites’ response was: “all day long they insult Me to My face” (v.3, NLT). Note the contrasts in God’s “all day long” and the rebellious people’s “all day long”, and in “My hands” that reach out and “My face” that is insulted.

What insults God are: following our own ways (v.2b), false and unclean worship (vv.3-4) and spiritual pride (v.5). A form of spiritual pride is an “exclusivistic approach to spirituality”14. God “will not keep silent” over these insults to His face, but He “will repay” – repeated twice! (vv.6-7).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can I keep myself from falling short of God’s grace?

P R AY E R O God, how You pursue a

Prayer Pointers

sinner with such redemptive grace and condescending

// Give thanks:

compassion! When I hid and kept silent about my sin, Your hand of discipline was heavy on me day and night. I groaned all day long, with my

// Pray for leaders:

strength evaporated like water in the summer heat, until I acknowledged and confessed my sin, and You forgave and

// Pray for significant people:

cleansed the guilt of my sin.15

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

14 15

J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, 446 Psalm 32:3-5

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TUESDAY // 10 DECEMBER 2019

What Counts for God’s People S CRIPTURE Isaiah 65:8-16

O B S E RVAT I O N How does God show that He is a God who keeps a remnant and His covenant?

DEEPER REFLECTION

T

he history of God’s people – as seen in biblical history with its continuity in Church history – is marked by their up and down spiritual fortunes. Sixty years after the great revival on Pentecost (Acts 2), the bigger part of the Apostolic Church compromised with the world and was in dire need of revival (Rev 2-3).

What destroys God’s people is not from without, but from within – our persistent sinning. What keeps God’s people from being totally destroyed is their God – a God who keeps a remnant: “For just as good grapes are found among a cluster of bad ones, so I will not destroy all Israel. For I still have true servants there” (v.8, NLT). “I will not destroy” indicates that in the self-destruction of God’s people through their persistent rebellion is the Holy Divine Destroyer. It lies in the hand of this Holy Divine Destroyer to keep His people from total destruction. And this God is also a God who keeps His covenant – in blessing “My servants” with covenant blessings for seeking Him (v.9) and cursing those who forsake, forget and disobey Him (vv.11-12) with covenant curses (vv.13-15). God is “the God of truth” (v.16). In the long run, what counts for God’s people is God’s resilient and inexhaustible faithfulness in both divine retribution and divine restoration.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean for me to walk with a God who keeps a remnant and keeps His covenant?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of

Prayer Pointers

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To anchor in God’s covenant faithfulness in difficult situations // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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WEDNESDAY // 11 DECEMBER 2019

New Heavens and New Earth S CRIPTURE Isaiah 65:17-25

O B S E RVAT I O N What characterises the new heavens and a new earth?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

saiah 65:17-66:24 is the conclusion of Isaiah, framed by the expression “new heavens and a new earth” (v.17; Isa 66:22). The restoration from exile (Isa 40:1-65:16) was another stage in salvation history and prefigures even greater changes to come when there will be new heavens and a new earth16 − which remains an unfulfilled promise (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1-2). God promised His people newness in their covenant journey with Him (v.17 – “new”) when “former troubles are forgotten…hidden from My sight” (Isa 65:16, 17b). This already-andnot-yet newness is marked by a threefold blessing. Eternal rejoicing with the Lord: “be glad and rejoice forever” (v.18). While “no longer… weeping and crying” (v.19b) is still to come, God “rejoice[s]” and is “glad in My people” now (v.19a), and we can now “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil 4:4). We can now “exult in hope of the glory of God” and “exult in our tribulations” (Rom 5:1-5). Total reversal of the curse in the world17 to the covenant blessings of longevity (v.20) – which prefigures the resurrection to immortality (1 Cor 15:51-53), security and prosperity (vv.21-23), and harmony (v.25). Intimate relationship with the Lord: God’s intimate attentiveness and responsiveness to His people in the “communion with God’s holiness”18 (v.24). We can “draw near with confidence to the Throne of Grace” (Heb 4:15-16).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How does the threefold blessing in the already-and-not-yet newness from God affect my discipleship journey?

P R AY E R Prayer Pointers

God, as I stand in Your grace, having been justified in Christ, I can exult in hope of

// Give thanks:

Your glory which will be fully manifested at Christ’s Second Coming. Help me to glory in my sufferings, knowing

// Pray for leaders:

that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces

// Pray for significant people:

hope. And hope does not disappoint, because Your presence of love, the Holy Spirit, is in my heart.19

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

16

Allan Harman, Isaiah, Focus on the Bible (Christian Focus, 2005), 478 Allan Harman, 482 Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 40-66, 249 19 Romans 5:1-5 17 18

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THURSDAY // 12 DECEMBER 2019

How God Sees Our Worship S CRIPTURE Isaiah 66:1-6

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about worship to God?

DEEPER REFLECTION

H

ere is a vision of true worship to God from God’s side (vv.1-6).20 In our worship to God, what truly matters is not worship as seen from our side, but from God’s side. True worship begins with seeing God in His awesome sovereignty, with heaven as His “throne room and the earth as a mere footstool for convenience of the Holy One”21 (v.1a).

The divine question, “Where then is a house you could build for Me?” (v.1b), is meant “to minimise the importance of the Jerusalem temple as an artefact that can hardly mean much to such a great and awesome God”22.

God chose to reside in the temple, but He is never restricted by the temple.

This God delights in hunger for Him: the “humble and contrite of spirit” (v.2b). The “humble” are those socially at the bottom of life’s heap, dominated by stronger forces and interests, and religiously willing to take the lowest place before God.23 The “contrite” are aware of “the damage wrought by sin” and “personal inability to stand upright before God”24.

They “tremble at His Word” (vv.2b, 5), having a sensitive, concerned longing to please God.25 This God detests hypocrisy before Him. Right and holy offerings made to God (“grain offering” and “incense”) are in God’s eyes sacrilegious (“swine’s blood”), idolatrous (“blesses an idol”) and “abominations” to Him (v.4).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can I keep myself as a true worshipper of God?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To be the true worshippers whom God seeks

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

20 Walter

Brueggemann, Isaiah 40-66, 251 Brueggemann, Isaiah 40-66, 252 Brueggemann, Isaiah 40-66, 252 23 J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, 453 24 J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, 453 25 J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, 453 21 Walter 22 Walter

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FRIDAY // 13 DECEMBER 2019

Two Decisive Acts of God S CRIPTURE Isaiah 66:7-17

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about God’s acts towards His people (vv.7-9) and His enemies (vv.15-17)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

W

ith His promise of newness to His people (Isa 65:17; 66:22), God shows His two decisive acts towards two contrasting groups of people (vv.7-17): “His servants” and “His enemies” (v.14b). God’s unchanging commitment to His servants (vv.7-14a): God does not advance His purposes for His people (“bring to the point of birth”) only to abandon them (“and not give birth”, v.9a). God does not start with no intention to complete – “close up the womb when I bring to delivery” (v.9b). God is faithful to the end and He persists in what He has purposed. He can “violate all normal sequence and procedures for birth”26 in fulfilling His purposes: Birth without labour (v.7). He can easily act “in one day” and “all at once” (v.8). God’s unrestrained judgment of His enemies (vv.15-17): God’s judgment will come in “fire”, in His active holiness that is roused against sin. God will come in “His chariots”, relentlessly pursuing His enemies, leaving no escape for anyone. He will come like a “whirlwind”, in His “sweeping, irresistible wind of judgment that leaves nothing behind”27. He will judge with “His sword”, the “application of judgment individually”28. So, we keep ourselves from taking revenge on our enemies, but “leave room for God’s wrath” (Rom 12:19).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How does God’s commitment to His servants and His judgment of His enemies help me in my walk with Him?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for SGI leaders: To walk uprightly in God’s unchanging commitment to His servants // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

26

27 28

Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah, 40-66, 255 J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, 457 J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, 457

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SATURDAY // 14 DECEMBER 2019

Final Assembly of God’s People S CRIPTURE Isaiah 66:18-24

O B S E RVAT I O N What characterises the final assembly of God’s people in the new heavens and the new earth?

DEEPER REFLECTION

T

he conclusion of Isaiah (Isa 65:17-66:24) climaxes with a vision of the final assembly of God’s people from “all nations and tongues” (v.18) in “the new heavens and the new earth” (vv.18-24). God has created this assembly – the Church − “through the cross” as “one new humanity” and “one body” to be “a holy temple of the Lord” (Eph 2:14-22).

We assemble for the glorification of God: “they shall come and see My glory” (v.18). We are to “declare” His “glory among the nations” that “have not seen” His “glory” (v.19). But we must first seek and see God’s glory in our lives, individually and corporately, and then we shine, show and speak of that glory to the world (Matt 5:14-16). God’s glory is manifested in and through us when we assemble in consecration to God as a “grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of the LORD” (v.20b). Through declaring God’s glory we are to “bring…all the nations as a grain offering to the LORD” (v.20a). But to do that we must first be that holy “grain offering”.

And we assemble for the exaltation of God. God intends that “all mankind will come and bow down before Him” (v.23). At the heart of worship to God is the lordship of Christ in our lives: we bow our knees at Jesus’ name and acknowledge that “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Phil 2:9-11).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How is consecration to God, glorification of God and exaltation of God manifested in my life?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for church board: To live life daily in view of Christ’s Second Coming // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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SUNDAY // 15 DECEMBER 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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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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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.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

DECEMBER 2019 WEEK 3

WHAT GIFT CAN I GIVE TO OTHERS?* The best gift to others is the love of Jesus.

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7 ACTIVITY BITE Discuss the difference between God’s gift to us and the gifts we receive from people. Ask your family members: “If you were to give a gift to God, what would it be?” Get them to draw their answers on a piece of paper and share their thoughts with each another.

CHAT TIME Q1: How does the love of Jesus look like?

Q2: Describe a time when you experienced God’s love. How did you feel?

Q3: How will you show the love of Jesus to others?

LEARNING POINT The greatest gift that God gives to us is Jesus. God sent Jesus into the world so that He could take our sins upon Himself and suffer the punishment for us, even though we do not deserve it. God loves everyone and He wants to build a wonderful relationship with us. God’s gift to us is eternal and unchanging.

It is His desire for us to spread His gift to more people, so that they too will enjoy God’s wonderful love.

ACTION POINT God shows His love for us through Jesus. List down on a piece of paper the characteristics of God’s love, in our own words.

Then, commit to following through on one way that you can show God’s love to others. Seal this commitment with a prayer to God. FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for His gift of love. Pray for God’s love to be shown in us, so that others will see God through us.

*Adapted from 252Basics, Dec 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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MONDAY // 16 DECEMBER 2019

What Does Christmas Mean to You? S CRIPTURE

Matthew 1:20-21; John 3:16-17

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the true meaning of Christmas according to these verses?

DEEPER REFLECTION

T

he Christmas season means different things to different people.

Here are some quotes from famous personalities about their thoughts on Christmas: • “Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing, but of reflection.”

– Winston Churchill, former British Prime Minister.

• “Christmas is a tonic for our souls. It moves us to think of others rather than of ourselves. It directs our thoughts to giving.” – B.C. Forbes, founder of Forbes Magazine.

• “I don’t think Christmas is necessarily about things. It’s about being good to one another.” – Carrie Fisher, actress.

• “I’m not materialistic. I believe in presents from the heart, like a drawing that a child does.” – Victoria Beckham, singer.

• “We have a reception almost twice a day, every day, until December 21.

That means hors d’oeuvres, eggnog and cookies for every guest who comes through. The house smells incredible for an entire month.”

– Michelle Obama, former first lady of the United States of America.

What are your personal convictions about the true meaning of Christmas?

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A P P L I CAT I O N Before you go about the day and at the end of today, spend some time in prayer giving thanks that God sent His Son, Jesus, not to condemn the world, but to save it!

P R AY E R Heavenly Father, thank You for

Prayer Pointers

sending Your Son, Jesus, into the world to save people. Thank

// Give thanks:

You for your wondrous gift of the Saviour! By Your grace, sinners can believe in Jesus and not be condemned for their sins. By Your

// Pray for leaders:

grace, I have been saved and can look forward to a future that is infinitely more wonderful and glorious than what I can ever have

// Pray for significant people:

in this present life. I praise and thank You in Jesus’ name! Amen.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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TUESDAY // 17 DECEMBER 2019

What Is Your Christmas Message?

S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:20-23

O B S E RVAT I O N What was the key message about Christmas according to these verses?

DEEPER REFLECTION

T

he Christmas message is about the Sovereign God who had a divine plan to rescue fallen humanity from sin and death. His sovereignty was demonstrated through His servant, Isaiah, who prophesied about 700 years before the conception and birth of Christ that “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (v.14) The Christmas message is about the miraculous God. A miracle happened! Without any union with her boyfriend or medical intervention, the virgin Mary was able to conceive a baby through the power of the Holy Spirit! The Christmas message is about the baby’s name, Immanuel, which means “God is with us” (Matt 1:23). Jesus was born, both fully God and fully human. God was, and still is, with us! He is present with us in all our triumphs, trials, tragedies, health challenges, illnesses, exciting dramas and mundane routines. The ultimate purpose for His presence was to show us His love, grace and mercy! In summary, the Christmas message is about: • The Sovereign God, whose prophecy in Isaiah was fulfilled 700 years later • The miraculous God, who brought about the miraculous birth of Jesus • Immanuel, which means “God is with us”

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A P P L I CAT I O N Describe Christmas, in one to three sentences in your own words, to your unbelieving friends.

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To be touched afresh by the Christmas message and faithfully share it // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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WEDNESDAY // 18 DECEMBER 2019

How Will You Celebrate Christmas?

S CRIPTURE

Luke 2:8-20; Matthew 2:7-11

O B S E RVAT I O N In what ways are secular celebrations of Christmas different from the first Christmas described in these passages?

DEEPER REFLECTION

T

oday, postmodernity has deconstructed one of the most important Christian celebrations and turned it into the “Happy Holidays” season, reducing it to colourful lights, sentimental songs, end-of-year sales, gifts under a tree and roast turkey dinners.

The real Christmas celebration is about the birth of Jesus! On the first Christmas, the birth of Jesus was announced by an angel to lowly shepherds in spectacular style! Following the angel’s announcement, a vast army of angels appeared before the stunned shepherds declaring magnificent praise of God! “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!” (v.14) However, the irony was that the birth of King Jesus on the first Christmas was an unglamorous event which took place in a smelly, cold and uncomfortable animal shelter. It was a most lowly and unhygienic place for any human birth, and baby Jesus was laid in a feeding trough for animals. Amidst the consumeristic glitz and materialistic glamour, it is very easy for people (even Christians!) to forget what Christmas is really all about. As we celebrate Christmas with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours, let’s do our best to help them remember that central to Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ!

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A P P L I CAT I O N Write down a few ways that you can celebrate Christmas this year that are consistent with the biblical account and message of Christmas.

P R AY E R Heavenly Father, I confess that

Prayer Pointers

I have been influenced by the ungodly values underlying the secular celebrations of

// Give thanks:

Christmas. Please forgive me and help me this Christmas season to offer You a purer heart of truer worship. When I see

// Pray for leaders:

the bright lights in the city, let me remember the Lord’s glory shining around the shepherds in the fields. When I see the

// Pray for significant people:

countless consumer goods in the shops, let me remember that even the sum of them are woefully inadequate gifts to give

// Pray for those in need:

Jesus my King. In His name I pray. Amen.

// Pray for self:

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THURSDAY // 19 DECEMBER 2019

What Christmas Gift Have You Prepared?

S CRIPTURE

Luke 2:10-12, 25-32; Romans 6:23

O B S E RVAT I O N Write down below the Christmas gifts that you have prepared and indicate who they are for.

DEEPER REFLECTION

W

e buy Christmas gifts to bless others. Our Christmas gifts cost us something. God’s Christmas gift was God’s greatest blessing to humanity: Immanuel, God with us. The sending by God the Father of His Son Jesus into the world came at a tremendously high cost.

It was to cost Jesus His life when He died on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for people’s sins. On the third day, God raised Jesus from the dead. By Jesus’ death and resurrection, God offers sinners the full forgiveness of their sins if they put their faith in Jesus for salvation and eternal life. That’s the greatest gift to humanity – the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus! The Christmas gifts you have prepared for family and friends cannot even begin to compare with God’s free gift of eternal life. However, you have the opportunity this Christmas season, as God’s representatives, to offer the most valuable gift to unbelieving friends and relatives: the good news of Jesus Christ! You can offer them an opportunity to receive Jesus by faith into their lives. You can offer them a love relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It does not mean that every one of them will accept your gift on the spot. Some may reject your gift, thereby rejecting God’s gift. But you might have the great joy of leading someone to enter into that relationship with God. Or you might have the privilege of leading someone to take a step closer to knowing Jesus. Either way, that would be the best Christmas gift you can give someone this Christmas season!

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A P P L I CAT I O N To whom will you offer the gift of the Gospel this Christmas season?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To boldly and joyfully share the Gospel with pre-believers this Christmas season

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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FRIDAY // 20 DECEMBER 2019

What Is the Heart of God that Is Revealed at Christmas?

S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 1:17; 49:16a; Matthew 9:35-38; Luke 2:29-32

O B S E RVAT I O N Who is upon the heart of God? Do you share the same heart as the Lord?

DEEPER REFLECTION

T

he marginalised have a special place in God’s heart. In verse 17 (NLT), the Lord reveals His heart as He calls His people to “Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows”. You mean the world to God. In Isaiah 49:16a, the Lord tells us: “Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…” − meaning figuratively that you are always remembered by God. In Matthew 9:35-38, we gain insight into the heart of the Lord Jesus. When He ministered in various settings, He saw the crowd and felt gut-wrenching compassion on the people, because He saw their spiritual lostness. Jesus longs to spend all of eternity with us. Let us not lose sight of why Christmas exists. God sent His son, Jesus, on a very specific mission. Luke 2:29-32 explicitly tells us that Jesus was God’s salvation plan whom God had “prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to [God’s] people Israel” (vv.31-32). Christmas is not only a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but to reflect on the heart of God and give thanks for the precious gift of Jesus to every nation and generation.

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A P P L I CAT I O N Discuss with a Christian friend or relative, or with your Covenant Group, how you can express the heart of God to someone in need during the next two weeks.

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for SGI leaders: To lead their CG members to express the heart of God to the marginalised // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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SATURDAY // 21 DECEMBER 2019

Your Christmas Gift S CRIPTURE

2 Corinthians 5:16-21; 1 Peter 3:15-16

O B S E RVAT I O N What is God’s desire for us as believers, according to these verses?

DEEPER REFLECTION

C

hristians have been given a privileged position in the Kingdom of God! We are ambassadors of Christ! But do you internalise this? Do you live out that privilege? Perhaps you do not. Perhaps you feel that you cannot live up to that standard. Perhaps you feel that you have no time. Perhaps you feel that you need more training. Or perhaps you have simply let this calling slip by. Does the reminder in God’s Word today grip your heart enough? Over these past few days, did the true meaning and message of Christmas, the real reason behind the celebration, the best gift that God had prepared for humanity and the burning heart of God for the marginalised convict your heart and spirit?

Were you so convicted that during this Christmas season, you would respond in faith and say: “LORD, here I am! Your ambassador! Send me!” With sober judgment, we know that we cannot live up to God’s standards. But we do not have to. We will never be the perfect evangelist or the best ambassador for Christ, but that is not what God requires of us. God wants us to be faithful to Him and good stewards of our Godgiven resources and opportunities. Friends, we get to be faithful followers of Christ and faithful messengers of God! Let us develop an everincreasing dependency on God and grow to be the best disciplemaker that we can be in Christ!

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A P P L I CAT I O N During this Christmas season, who will you B.L.E.S.S. (Begin in prayer. Listen to a friend. Eat with a friend. Serve a friend. Share your story and God’s story with a friend.)?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for church board: To faithfully B.L.E.S.S. pre-believers this Christmas season // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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SUNDAY // 22 DECEMBER 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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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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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.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

DECEMBER 2019 WEEK 4

WHO NEEDS TO HEAR THE GOOD NEWS?* God wants everyone to hear about His love.

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20 ACTIVITY BITE Gather your family members and prepare some jellybeans as a reward for the activity. Discuss what the good news is in the Bible.

Then, get each family member to share it in one minute. The person who gives the most accurate details about the good news gets to eat more jellybeans than everyone else.

CHAT TIME Q1: How important were the shepherds in the story in Luke 2:8-20?

Q2: What are the ways that you can share God’s love with others?

Q3: Who among your family members or relatives needs to hear about the good news of Jesus?

LEARNING POINT God doesn’t want to keep the birth of Jesus a secret. He chose to share the good news with the shepherds who were tending to their sheep in the field. Not only did they go to see him, but they also told everyone about Jesus. The good news is for us too! God invites us to meet His Son Jesus and share the good news with others, so that more will experience His love and receive salvation.

ACTION POINT Think of one family member or relative who needs to hear about the good news. Write a simple card to say that Jesus loves him or her. Pray as a family for God to open the heart of this person to meet Jesus.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for the good news as we celebrate the birth of Jesus this week! Pray for wisdom to share the good news with others so that they too will experience the love of God.

*Adapted from 252Basics, Dec 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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MONDAY // 23 DECEMBER 2019

Isaiah 1 to 12: “My People Do Not Know” S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 1:2-3; 6:1-7

O B S E RVAT I O N How can Isaiah’s vision of God (Isa 6:1-7) be the antidote to Israel’s problem of not knowing God (vv.2-3)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

T

he root problem of sin in our lives is we “do not know” and “do not understand” God (vv.2-3). It is in knowing God that we shun sinning and become sensitive to our sins. Isaiah’s prophetic mission began with a vision of God the Highest King: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted” (Isa 6:1; cf. Dan 7:27). This underscores what is foundational and fundamental in biblical discipleship − the kingship of God. In Isaiah, sin is straying away from God and walking in our own ways (Isa 53:6), that is, replacing God as king. And that is rebellion. In Isaiah, this God is the God of holiness as “the Holy One of Israel” (v.4; Isa 5:24; 12:6)29, not just “the Holy One”, but “of Israel”. There is then the Holy One’s holy requirement for His people for holy living and His holy judgment for unholy living, but in gracious and faithful holy attachment to an unholy people as “the Holy One of Israel”. In this holy attachment, the Holy Spirit dwells in us, who can fail to “walk by the Spirit” and “gratify the desires of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). This God is the God of hope for His people even at the lowest point of their spiritual life: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light” (Isa 8:22-9:2). The humble one who says, “Woe is me!” will find that their “sin is forgiven” from the High and Holy God (Isa 6:5-7).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What changes do I need to make regarding knowing God in my discipleship journey?

P R AY E R Lord Jesus, You loved me and

Prayer Pointers

gave Yourself up for me that I may have eternal life – to know

// Give thanks:

the only true God. Help me to be determined to know nothing in life except Jesus Christ, even Him crucified, that in my

// Pray for leaders:

sufferings I will not be ashamed because I know whom I have believed. Fill me with the spirit of wisdom and revelation that I

// Pray for significant people:

may know You better.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

29

This divine title is repeated 25 times in Isaiah.

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TUESDAY // 24 DECEMBER 2019

Isaiah 13 to 27: God’s Plans Formed Long Ago S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 13:1-5; 16:5 (cf. Lk 1:32-33); 24:1-6

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of God’s purpose and promise in Isaiah 16:5 (cf. Lk 1:32-33) in the context of God’s judgment on the nations (Isa 13-23) and the whole world (Isa 24-27)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

saiah 13 to 23 consists of 10 “oracles” – “proclamations of judgment”30 – on the nations, which are followed by prophecies of God’s judgment on the whole world (Isa 24-27) – “Behold, the LORD lays the earth waste and devastates it” (Isa 24:1). In this context, two grand theological themes in Isaiah are underscored. God’s sovereign control over the world: Behind the most powerful nation at any time in history is always the divine “I have commanded…I have called…” (vv.1, 3). Their rise is always a divine initiative. Thus, ultimately, the invincible armies of Babylon do not belong to Babylon, but to God: they are “My mighty warriors” (v.3). God’s covenant commitment to His people: In judging His unfaithful people through powerful oppressive nations, there is always the promise that “the LORD will have compassion on Jacob” (Isa 14:1). In the midst of chaotic and destructive geopolitics, God is moving towards establishing the Davidic “throne” of “justice” and “righteousness” (Isa 16:5; see Isa 9:6-7; 11:1-10) in keeping His covenant with David (Psa 89:3-4), which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Lk 1:32-33). Along with this is God keeping His covenant with Abraham in blessing the nations (Gen 12:3), even when He judges them (Isa 27:12-13): “striking but healing” Egypt (Isa 19:21-22). All the happenings from creation (Gen 1:1) to consummation (Rev 21:1) are God’s “plans formed long ago with perfect faithfulness” (Isa 25:1).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How does God’s sovereign control over the world and His covenant commitment to His people affect how I live my life?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: For enlargement of their vision of God’s sovereignty // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

30

Allan Harman, 134

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WEDNESDAY // 25 DECEMBER 2019

Isaiah 28 to 35: God Waits to Be Compassionate S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 29:1-4; 30:1-5, 18-19

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of God’s word to His people in Isaiah 30:18-19 in the context of God’s judgment on them (vv.1-4; Isa 30:1-5)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

saiah 28 to 33 consists of six prophetic words of God’s judgment, with each beginning with “Woe” (Isa 28:1; 29:1; 29:15; 30:1; 31:1; 33:1), for the widespread corruption of God’s people. Kings (Isa 28:1), priests and prophets (Isa 28:7) who are responsible for the people’s well-being, are “scoffers” of God (Isa 28:14). Worship to God is only “lip service” with “their hearts far from” God (Isa 29:13). Do we just go through the motion with God? Without seeking and consulting God, God’s people execute plans of their own to rely on Egypt for security (Isa 30:1-2; 31:1). To God, this is rebellion. The result is condemnation from God with afflictions on His people through the brutal Assyrians (Isa 28:2; 29:1-4; 30:3-5). But the God who is sinned against and judges is a God of compassion: “the LORD longs to be gracious to you…He waits on high to have compassion on you…He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry” (Isa 30:18-19). God will destroy His instrument of judgment when His righteous and redemptive purpose is accomplished (Isa 33:1). So, in their “time of distress”, God’s people can “wait” for God to “be gracious” to them and be “their strength every morning” and their “salvation” (Isa 33:2). The consolation of God is God’s last word for His unworthy people: “Take courage, fear not” (Isa 35:3-4).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What areas in my life do I need to trust in the God who waits to have compassion on His people?

P R AY E R O God, the Holy One, my

Prayer Pointers

Saviour and my Redeemer, You are compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and

// Give thanks:

abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Therefore, I have hope in You when I stumble in sin, for You long to

// Pray for leaders:

be gracious to me and wait on high to have compassion on me. Restore my soul to Yourself and to Your path

// Pray for significant people:

of righteousness for Your name’s sake.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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THURSDAY // 26 DECEMBER 2019

Isaiah 36 to 39: Anchoring in God’s Track Record S CRIPTURE Isaiah 36:1-22

O B S E RVAT I O N What did God want from King Hezekiah in his crisis of Jerusalem under siege from King Sennacherib?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

saiah 36 to 39 is a prophetic narrative of King Hezekiah, which functions as a theological bridge between Isaiah 1 to 35 and Isaiah 40 to 66, with the Assyrian crisis and Babylonian crisis as the respective backdrops. Isaiah 36 to 37: God has delivered from the Assyrians.

Jerusalem was under siege from King Sennacherib (vv.1-2). Hezekiah had formed an alliance with Egypt to counter the Assyrian threat to the great displeasure of God (Isa 30:1-2; 31:1; 36:6, 9). But in repentance, Hezekiah turned to God. The theme in Hezekiah’s crisis here is: Reliance on God for His deliverance – “On whom do you rely?” (v.5). The two recurring key words here are “rely/trust” (vv.4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 15; Isa 37:10) and “deliver” (vv.14, 15, 18, 19, 20; Isa 37:11, 12, 20, 35). Isaiah 38 to 39: God will deliver from the Babylonians. An envoy from Babylon visited Hezekiah, seeking to form an alliance with Judah to counter the Assyrian dominance (Isa 39:1). Hezekiah accepted the proposal (Isa 39:2-4), repeating his rebellious act with Egypt, despite having experienced two mighty deliverances from God (Isa 36-38). This resulted in the prophecy of deportation to Babylon (Isa 39:5-8), which functions like a prologue to God’s promises of deliverance from Babylon (Isa 40-66). Isaiah 36 to 39 underscores God’s covenant faithfulness, that He will deliver His people just as He has delivered them, despite their great shortcomings.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What areas in my life do I need to anchor in God’s track record of His grace and faithfulness?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To anchor in God’s track record in their lives

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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FRIDAY // 27 DECEMBER 2019

Isaiah 40 to 55: Divine Comfort with Divine Commission S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 41:8-9; 53:1-12

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of God’s revelation of His unique Servant to Israel (Isa 53:1-12) in the context of His calling of Israel to be His servant (vv.8-9)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

saiah can be broadly outlined as Retribution for Rebellion (Isa 1-39) and Restoration after Retribution (Isa 40-66). Isaiah 40 to 55 are words that God spoke to His people in exile31 and nearing the end of exile, and Isaiah 56 to 66 are words spoken to God’s people after the exile.32 God meets His exiled people first with words of comfort: “Comfort, O comfort My people” (Isa 40:1). Understanding their long down and dark times in exile, God keeps encouraging His people: “Do not fear, for I am with you…I will help you” (Isa 41:10, 13, 14; 43:1, 5; 44:2, 8; 51:7, 12-13). The divine comfort comes with the divine commission: “You are My servant” (vv.8-9; Isa 43:10; 44:1-2, 21) as “a light to the nations” (Isa 42:6; 49:6).

Against this divine commission for God’s people is the revelation of the unique Servant of the Lord in five Servant songs (Isa 42:1-4; 49:1-7; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12; 61:1-3). Israel could not be the ideal servant that God demanded because they remained a sinful people. This obedient (Isa 50:4-6) and sinless Servant (Isa 53:9), “the Righteous One” (Isa 53:11), must bear and die for the sins of Israel for their salvation (Isa 53:4-6, 10-12). And only then can Israel fulfil their call as the servant of God in corporate solidarity with the Servant, who is the only and true Israel (Isa 49:3). We are saved in Christ the Servant to be servants of God (Mk 10:45; Lk 22:24-27).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How does Christ as the Servant give me the impetus to grow as a servant of God?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for SGI leaders: To shine as the light of the world // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

31 32

Andrew E. Hill & John H. Walton, A Survey of the Old Testament (Zondervan, 1991), 323 Andrew E. Hill & John H. Walton, 324

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SATURDAY // 28 DECEMBER 2019

Isaiah 56 to 66: Grace and Glory in Discipleship S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 58:1-4; 59:1-4

O B S E RVAT I O N What was the spiritual condition of God’s people after God had restored them from exile?

DEEPER REFLECTION

T

he people of God had returned from exile, but “the sins of the past were apparently not eradicated by the exile, and stern warnings to both leaders (Isa 56:9-12) and the people were necessary even in an era that promised transformation and restoration [Isa 56-66].”33 Post-exilic leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah, and the prophet Malachi, had to deal with relapsed unfaithfulness and unfaithfulness that lingered on among God’s restored people (Ezr 9-10; Neh 13). Discipleship journey in God’s continuous grace: Like post-exilic Israel, we too fall into times when our “iniquities have made a separation between” us and God, and our “sins have hidden His face” from us (Isa 59:1-4); or when our spirituality is incongruent and hypocritical, in that we worship God – thinking that we “delight in the nearness of God” (vv.1-2) – and yet we wrong people at the same time (vv.3-4). We need to have a “lowly spirit” and “contrite heart” that God, our “Saviour” and “Redeemer” (Isa 60:16; 63:8-9) may “revive” us (Isa 57:15). Discipleship journey towards God’s climactic glory in “the new heavens and the new earth” (Isa 65:17; 66:22). Biblical discipleship is eschatological. We follow Jesus, “the Light of the world,” having “the Light of life” and not “walking in the darkness” in a dark world (Jn 8:12), until that day when we “will have the LORD as an everlasting light” (Isa 60:19-20).

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A P P L I CAT I O N In what ways is my discipleship journey eschatological in character?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for church board: To walk with God in humble brokenness // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

33

William Sanford LaSor, David Allan Hubbard, Frederic William Bush, Old Testament Survey: The Message, Form, and Background of the Old Testament, Second Edition (Eerdmans, 1982, 1996), 300

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SUNDAY // 29 DECEMBER 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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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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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.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

DECEMBER 2019 WEEK 5

HOW WILL YOU LOVE OTHERS?* Jesus loves us, so we can love others.

Scripture: 1 John 4:9-12 ACTIVITY BITE Play the “love charade” game with your family. Write down on small cards different examples of loving actions, such as praying for a friend, sweeping the floor and feeding the hungry, among others. Then, get each family member to act out what is on the card that he or she has drawn in one minute and without making any sound, while the others try to guess it. Conclude by emphasising that showing God’s love to others is extremely important, so that they will be drawn to Him through our actions.

CHAT TIME Q1: How does God show us His love?

Q2: What does God say about loving others?

Q3: How does God’s love motivate us to love others?

LEARNING POINT 1 John 4:9-12 tells us that no one has seen God. But people around us can see God through us. When we show kindness and patience, we are demonstrating God in action to others. When we care for others when they are sick or feeling sad, they will experience God’s love through us.

As His children, we are called to be the channel of God’s love. We love because of what God did for us. When we have experienced God’s love, loving others will come naturally to us.

ACTION POINT Praise God for His love for us with hymns and songs. Share with your family one area in your life which you can change to be more like Jesus, so that others will experience God’s love through us.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for showing His love to us. Pray for a forgiving and loving heart that loves others. Let us be the light in this world so that more people will experience His glorious love.

*Adapted from 252Basics, Dec 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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MONDAY // 30 DECEMBER 2019

Keep Studying God’s Word S CRIPTURE Psalm 119:17-24

O B S E RVAT I O N How do verses 17 to 20 show the necessity of knowing God’s Word for our lives?

DEEPER REFLECTION

V

erses 17 to 20 tell us about the indispensability of God’s Word for the life of God’s servant. To know and obey God’s Word requires God’s grace in one’s life; human effort is necessary but insufficient. Verse 17 is an appeal to God’s grace (“deal bountifully with Your servant”) to live a life that is obedient to God’s Word (“that I may live and keep Your word”). There will be many times in our lives when we fail to keep God’s Word, whether through deliberate acts, careless neglect or naïve ignorance. Each time, we will need to appeal to the mercy and grace of God: “Lord, please do not deal with me according to my disobedience, carelessness and foolishness. Otherwise how can I stand and keep pressing on to follow Jesus more closely?” Brothers and sisters, let us keep persevering towards a greater discipleship. We do our best to discipline ourselves to understand and obey God’s Word, while fully depending on God’s enabling grace (v.18). The life of discipleship is the life of “a sojourner on the earth” (v.19). Jesus’ disciples must have a pilgrim’s mentality. This world is not our home. We are simply passing through. Our heavenly home – our final destination – must always be kept before our eyes through faith as we contemplate God’s Word (v.19). Otherwise, the things of the world will quickly captivate our hearts and our deepest desires will begin to settle on worthless and temporal things. In contrast, when we have a pilgrim’s mentality, our souls can continually be fully occupied with the things of God as revealed by Him in His holy Word (v.20).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What commitment(s) will I make with regard to studying God’s Word in 2020?

P R AY E R Lord God, thank You for

Prayer Pointers

accepting me as Your servant on the basis of Christ’s

// Give thanks:

redeeming work in my life. On my own merits, I am unworthy to serve you. But by Your grace and through Your Spirit’s empowering, I can serve You

// Pray for leaders:

according to Your righteous Word. As I read and study the Bible in the new year, please open my eyes to keep seeing

// Pray for significant people:

wonderful truths in Your Word.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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TUESDAY // 31 DECEMBER 2019

Keep Obeying God’s Word S CRIPTURE Psalm 119:17-24

O B S E RVAT I O N How do verses 21 to 24 show the necessity of obeying God’s Word in our lives?

DEEPER REFLECTION

Y

esterday we reflected on the necessity for Jesus’ disciples to know God’s Word. True knowing of God’s Word cannot be separated from obeying the Word. We must experience the goodness and trustworthiness of God’s timeless truths and precious promises. To do so, we must believe them, rely upon and act on them. God’s blessings will ultimately be with those who obey His Word. But so often, our pride keeps us away from God’s Word. God will rebuke and discipline those who have encountered His Word but later wandered away from His commands (v.21).

God will vindicate His faithful ones who have held on to His Word, removing from them the rejection, abuse, ridicule and insults that their adversaries have heaped against them (v.22). Therefore God’s faithful servants will not turn away in fear. No matter the opposition, they will keep trusting and meditating on God’s Word, which will give them great joy, confidence, wisdom and guidance for righteous living and true flourishing (vv.23-24).

Brothers and sisters, in the trials of life, keep depending on and obeying God’s Word. God will prosper His righteous servants, but will bring down the proud and wicked who reject and disobey His Word. How does a servant of the Lord come to the point of delighting in God’s Word? Note that the process begins with discipline in studying God’s Word (v.18), then the desire for God’s Word grows (v.20), until one finds oneself transported to a happy place of delight in God’s Word (v.24).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What commitment(s) will I make with regard to obeying God’s Word in 2020?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To be strongly committed to obey God’s Word always // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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NOTES

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© 2019 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH T (65) 6892 6811 • E mail@cefc.org.sg • W www.cefc.org.sg

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