February Devotional Journal 2019

F EBRUARY

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)

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DEVOTIONA L JOUR NA L F EB RUARY 2 019

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)

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 judgement 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) D E V O T I O N A L J O U R N A L 2 0 1 9 // 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 judgement. 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 Lay Leaders (e.g. Zone Mentors, CG Leaders, Assistant CG Leaders and Ministry Leaders).

A prayer pointer for Church Board Members is included every Saturday. Please pray for each group as well as any specific individuals whom God may bring to your mind.

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JA N UA RY– F E B R UA RY

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

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BE THOU MY VISION Verse 1 Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art Thou my best thought, by day or by night Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light Verse 2 Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one Verse 3 Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise Thou mine inheritance, now and always Thou and Thou only, first in my heart High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art Chorus Oh, God, be my everything, be my delight Be, Jesus, my glory My soul’s satisfied Oh, God, be my everything, be my delight Be, Jesus, my glory My soul’s satisfied Verse 4 High King of heaven, my victory won May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall Still be my vision, O Ruler of all Eleanor Henrietta Hull | Mary Elizabeth Byrne © Words: Public Domain CCLI Song # 30639 CCLI License # 324618

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BUILD MY LIFE Verse 1 Worthy of every song we could ever sing Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe We live for You Verse 2 Jesus the name above every other name Jesus the only one who could ever save Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe We live for You Oh, we live for You Chorus Holy there is no one like You There is none besides You Open up my eyes in wonder Show me who You are And fill me With Your heart And lead me In Your love to those around me Bridge I will build my life upon Your love It is a firm foundation I will put my trust in You alone And I will not be shaken Brett Younker | Karl Martin | Kirby Elizabeth Kaple | Matt Redman | Pat Barrett © 2016 Martin, Karl Andrew (Admin. by Arkyard Music Services Limited) Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Housefires Sounds (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Said And Done Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) sixsteps Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) Kaple Music (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7070345 CCLI License # 324618

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YOUR LOVE AWAKENS ME Verse 1 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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THE COMPASSION HYMN Verse 1 There is an everlasting kindness You lavished on us When the radiance of heaven Came to rescue the lost You called the sheep without a shepherd To leave their distress For Your streams of forgiveness And the shade of Your rest Verse 2 And with compassion for the hurting You reached out Your hand As the lame ran to meet You And the dead breathed again You saw behind the eyes of sorrow And shared in our tears Heard the sigh of the weary Let the children draw near Chorus What boundless love What fathomless grace You have shown us, O God of compassion Each day we live An offering of praise As we show to the world Your compassion Verse 3 We stood beneath the cross of Calvary And gazed on Your face At the thorns of oppression And the wounds of disgrace For surely You have borne our suffering And carried our grief As You pardoned the scoffer And showed grace to the thief

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Verse 4 How beautiful the feet that carry This Gospel of peace To the fields of injustice And the valleys of need To be a voice of hope and healing To answer the cries Of the hungry and helpless With the mercy of Christ Keith Getty | Kristyn Getty | Stuart Townend © 2008 Thankyou 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 # 5468807 CCLI License # 324618

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CHRIST IS ENOUGH Verse 1 Christ is my reward And all of my devotion Now there’s nothing in this world That could ever satisfy Through every trial My soul will sing No turning back I’ve been set free Chorus Christ is enough for me Christ is enough for me Everything I need is in You Everything I need Verse 2 Christ my all in all The joy of my salvation And this hope will never fail Heaven is our home Through every storm My soul will sing Jesus is here To God be the glory Bridge I have decided to follow Jesus No turning back no turning back Post-Bridge The cross before me the world behind me No turning back no turning back Jonas Myrin | Reuben Morgan © 2012 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 6514035 CCLI License # 324618

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OVERCOME Verse 1 Seated above Enthroned in the Father’s love Destined to die Poured out for all mankind Verse 2 God’s only Son Perfect and spotless One And He never sinned But suffered as if He did Pre-Chorus All authority Every victory is Yours All authority Every victory is Yours Chorus Savior worthy of honor and glory Worthy of all our praise For You overcame Jesus awesome in power forever Awesome and great is Your Name For You overcame Verse 3 Power in hand Speaking the Father’s plan You’re sending us out Light in this broken land Bridge We will overcome By the blood of the Lamb And the word of our testimony Everyone overcome Jon Egan © 2007 Integrity Worship 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 # 5064359 CCLI License # 324618

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GOD IS HERE Intro Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Verse 1 Open our eyes, Lord We want to see You Open our hearts, Lord We want to know You Open our ears, Lord We need to hear You Jesus be revealed Jesus be revealed Chorus God is here God is here God is here He is able We draw near To see Jesus face to face God is here God is here God is here He is faithful We draw near to see Jesus Oh Jesus be revealed Verse 2 Open the gates, Lord Reveal Your glory Open the nations Establish Your Kingdom Open the Heavens Pour out Your Spirit Jesus be revealed Jesus be revealed

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Bridge Holy We cry holy Hallelujah God is here (x4) Darlene Zschech | Israel Houghton | Phil Wickham © EWI (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin.

by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Sound Of The New Breed (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Simpleville Music, Inc.); Seems Like Music (Admin. by Simpleville Music, Inc.) CCLI Song # 6454669 CCLI License # 324618

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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

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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 License # 324618

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GOD OF AGES Verse 1 God of ages Bringing glory here You are good, You are good Son of righteousness You are all I seek With all my heart Pre-Chorus Giver of life Hope for the lost Is in You All of the earth Shines with Your light Your glory Chorus You are the God who lives You are the God who heals You are my hope, my everything You brought salvation to us Offered Your peace to the world You are my Lord My everything Verse 2 In your promise And your faithfulness I will trust all my days King forever Reign in majesty Be glorified Ben Fielding Š 2007 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 4869933 CCLI License # 324618

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FRIDAY // 01 FEBRUARY 2019

Empty and Thirsty S CRIPTURE

Jeremiah 2:12-13; John 4:7-15

O B S E RVAT I O N What are some modern examples of “broken cisterns that can hold no water” (v.13)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

G

od rebuked Israel for abandoning Him − the fountain of living waters − for broken cisterns that cannot hold water (v.13).

In ancient Palestine, there were three sources of water: (1) fresh running water from a spring, also known as living water; (2) water from a well; and (3) runoff water collected in a cistern that contained silt and mosquito larvae. The Israelites traded the best water supply for the worst. Further, their cisterns were broken, such that all the water leaked out and nothing but sludge remained.1 Today, people refuse to return to God, the fountain of living waters. Instead, they run to the world to satisfy their thirst. The world’s various “beverages” leave them intoxicated – thus temporarily numbing their pain – but at the same time deeply unsatisfied. Deep within their souls, they are yearning for purpose and connection, they remain empty and thirsty.

Christians know that there is but one source of living water: Jesus Christ (Jn 4:14). But are we sharing this knowledge with others? Are we too absorbed in our own pursuits that we find it troublesome and a chore to spend time with people and counsel them to seek living water to quench their thirst? While it is true that we cannot force people to drink from the fountain of living water, we can certainly show God’s love through caring conversations and kind actions. Over time they may ask, “Why do you care for me?”, “Why do you have such joy and purpose?”, “How do you stay calm in such a situation?”, “Can you pray for me?” and “How can I receive Jesus?”

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A P P L I CAT I O N Who can I connect with and encourage to seek the living water that wells up to eternal 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 SGI leaders: To lead with zeal and courage in outreach and evangelism

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

1

ESV Bibles by Crossway, ESV: study Bible: English standard version., ESV ed. (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2008), 1372.

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SATURDAY // 02 FEBRUARY 2019

Are You Fruitful?

S CRIPTURE John 15:1-8

O B S E RVAT I O N What does “fruit” refer to and how does fruitfulness come about?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

n grape-growing, success in fruit-bearing depends on the work of the vine-dresser – referring to God the Father – who tends, waters and cultivates the plants to produce its maximum yield.2 The branches must be pruned by the vine-dresser, so that the dead wood are removed and the live wood are trimmed to maximise the yield of fruit.3 Obviously, to be fruitful, the branches – referring to people – must stay connected to the vine – referring to Christ. To abide in Christ, believers must continually trust and obey His words and constantly be connected to Him.4 If one abides in Christ, fruitfulness is a natural outcome of one’s life. However, when one lives with no connection to the Lord and His words, one will have no ability to produce any spiritual fruit of lasting value (v.5). When Christians through prayer (v.7) and effort bear much fruit, the outcome of fruitful lives pleases and glorifies God (v.8). What do we understand by “fruit” here? It refers both to believers’ increasingly Christlike character (cf. Lk 6:43-45), as well as to the growing numbers of converted people resulting from their sacrificial witness and faithful service (cf. Jn 4:34-36; 12:23-26). Here in this passage, branches that are fruitless refer to people who are not true believers in Christ, because at that time not everyone who followed Jesus and heard His teaching were genuine believers.5

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A P P L I CAT I O N In what specific area(s) of my life do I need to be more fruitful in 2019?

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 the fruitfulness of their personal character and witness

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

2

Kenneth L. Barker & John R. Kohlenberger III and consulting editors, Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1999), 350.

Kenneth L. Barker & John R. Kohlenberger III and consulting editors, Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1999), 350.

4 Kenneth L. Barker & John R. Kohlenberger III and consulting editors, Zondervan NIV Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1999), 351.

5 ESV Bibles by Crossway, ESV: study Bible: English standard version., ESV ed. (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2008), 2054.

3

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SUNDAY // 03 FEBRUARY 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

FEBRUARY 2019 WEEK 1

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?* Be on the lookout for what needs to be done.

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1; 2:1-9 ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members to look around the house and list down what needs to be tidied up, thrown away or cleaned up. After five minutes, gather everyone and compare notes.

CHAT TIME Q1: Why do you think we failed to notice previously the things that need to be done at home?

Q2: What happens if we choose to ignore the things that need to be done at home and not do anything about them?

Q3: Why does God want us to be active in doing what needs to be done to help others?

LEARNING POINT Nehemiah was working for King Artaxerxes when he heard about the destruction of Jerusalem’s wall. He was heartbroken and knew that something had to be done to rebuild the wall. He didn’t ignore it and say that it wasn’t his problem. He saw what needed to be done and he did it. He could see that rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was what God wanted him to do. Oftentimes, God will enable us to see the things that need to be done. It could be as simple as making your bed, tidying up your study table or sharing your stationery with friends who need it. Let your eyes be open to see the needs around you and don’t ignore them.

ACTION POINT From the things you listed down in the activity, set an action plan and timeline to do the things that need to be done.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that God will open our eyes to see the needs around us and help us to be active in doing what needs to be done.

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

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MONDAY // 04 FEBRUARY 2019

The Holiness of God S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 1:4; 31:1; 54:4-5

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of “Israel” being attached to “the Holy One” in the divine title “the Holy One of Israel”?

DEEPER REFLECTION

T

he divine title “the Holy One of Israel” occurs 25 times in Isaiah, along with “the Holy One of Jacob” (Isa 29:23) and “the Holy One”6. God is “the Holy One” means He is the Wholly Other, who is supreme over all, transcendent and exalted, distinct and separate from everything He has made,7 and “exceeds everything worldly: all human conceptuality, all moral categories, all metaphors”8.

In Isaiah, God is not just “the Holy One”, but “the Holy One of Israel”. The Church is the new covenant Israel (Eph 2:11-22). Adding the phrase “of Israel” to “the Holy One” says “something that risks undoing the expression ‘the Holy One’”9. The “Holy One” has entered a relationship with a non-holy entity − Israel − that is also unholy. If we truly grasped the meaning of “the Holy One” we will realise how adding the phrase, “of Israel”, “radically compromises the notion of holiness”10.

“The separate one becomes the attached one.”11 Grasp this humble redemptive condescension of the Holy One! Does this cause us to ask, “How can this be?” It’s possible because “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor 5:21).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How does knowing God “the Holy One” as the Wholly Other affect my discipleship journey?

Thos e in lf

need

Se

Leaders

God who is holy, holy, holy, open my eyes through the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that I may see and know You as the transcendent and exalted Gi vin gt Wholly Other, and to know what ha nk s it means that God is GOD, whose understanding is infinite and whose ways are unfathomable, who wills and works in total sovereign freedom and wisdom.

Significant people

P R AY E R

6

Isaiah 10:17; 40:25; 43:15; 49:7 David G. Peterson, Holiness, New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (IVP, 2000), editors: T. D. Alexander, Brian S. Rosner, D. A. Carson & Graeme Goldsworthy, 544-45 8 Bernhard W. Anderson, Contours of Old Testament Theology (Fortress, 1999), 41 – citing Ernst Sellin, 46 9 John Goldingay, Isaiah, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Baker, 2001), 15 10 John Goldingay, 15 11 John Goldingay, 15 7

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TUESDAY // 05 FEBRUARY 2019

The Sovereignty of God S CRIPTURE Isaiah 10:5-12

O B S E RVAT I O N How did God demonstrate His sovereignty in verses 5 to 12?

DEEPER REFLECTION

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saiah prophesied during the reigns of the four kings of Judah (Isa 1:1): Uzziah and Jotham (Isa 2-6),12 Ahaz (Isa 7-12), and Hezekiah (Isa 13-39),13 against the backdrop of the Assyrian supremacy in the Near East in the eighth and seventh century BC. The prophecies in Isaiah 40 to 66 have the Babylonian dominance in the seventh and sixth century BC as the backdrop: when Judah was in exile (Isa 40-55)14 and after Judah’s return from exile (Isa 56-66).15 Imperialism – powerful nations wanting to control and change weaker nations – happened throughout the history of mankind. Imperialism is not just military and political, but also cultural, intellectual, economic, technological and religious. The sovereignty of God is a key theme in Isaiah that shows that human imperialism is not omnipotent or everlasting. The foundation of Isaiah’s prophecies is a theological vision: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted” (Isa 6:1). This God is the God of the nations (Isa 13-23), who is behind and over human imperialism. God raised the Assyrians to discipline His people for their unfaithfulness, after which He removed the Assyrians (vv.5-12). This sovereign God is “the Holy One of Israel”.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What areas in my life now do I want to trust God for His sovereignty?

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 serve God with freedom under His sovereignty

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

12

Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, Vol. 15A, The New American Commentary (Broadman & Holman, 2007), 28 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 43 Andrew E. Hill & John H. Walton, A Survey of the Old Testament (Zondervan, 1991), 323 15 Andrew E. Hill & John H. Walton, 324 13 14

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WEDNESDAY // 06 FEBRUARY 2019

The Supremacy of God S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 40:25; 43:12-13; 44:6-7

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about God in verse 25; Isaiah 43:12-13 and 44:6-7?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

n 586 BC, the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the temple, and the people of God went into exile (2 Kin 25:1-12, 21). Jerusalem was a city “chosen” by God and the temple was “a house for the name of the Lord” (2 Kin 23:27; 1 Kin 8:16-20). In the ancient Near East, the military power of a nation reflected the power of its god(s). The battles of nations were battles of gods (e.g. 1 Sam 4:1-11). The destruction of the temple and the exile threw the people of God into a theological crisis: “Have the Babylonian gods defeated the God of Israel?” We who know the one and only true God will probably think that we won’t ask this question.

But that’s only theoretically. In dark times of evil when we experience “the God-forsakenness of the victims and the Godlessness of the perpetrators”16, we will probably struggle with that question. God revealed to His people in exile His supremacy over the seemingly more powerful Babylonian gods in Isaiah 40 to 48 through His self-declarations like these: “To whom will you liken Me that I should be his equal?” (v.25), “I am God, even from eternity I am He” (Isa 43:12-13), “I am the first and the last, and there is no God besides Me. Who is like Me?” (Isa 44:6-7).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How do I demonstrate in my life that God is supreme above all things?

P R AY E R O God of gods, I bless You and

Prayer Pointers

I trust in You, the only true and living God, whom heaven and

// Give thanks:

the highest heaven cannot contain, whom human wisdom and understanding can never fully grasp! You are the first and

// Pray for leaders:

the last, the One who was, who is and who is to come, from whom, through whom and to whom are all things, in whose

// Pray for significant people:

hands I am fully secure.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

16

JĂźrgen Moltmann, The Crucified God, 40th Anniversary Edition (SCM, 1974, 2015), xi

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THURSDAY // 07 FEBRUARY 2019

The Salvation of God S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 41:14; 43:1; 45:20-22; 49:26; 60:16; 61:10

O B S E RVAT I O N Why is it significant that the words for salvation and redemption in Isaiah 40 to 66 occur 44 times out of the 61 instances they appear in the whole book of Isaiah?

DEEPER REFLECTION

V

ery emphatic in Isaiah is the theme of the salvation of God. The prophet’s name “Isaiah” means “the Lord saves”. This was no coincidence and not without significance. In Hebrew, the words “save”, “salvation” and “Saviour” (all in the same word family) occur 48 times in Isaiah (e.g. Isa 45:20-22; 61:10; 62:1). The words “redeem” and “Redeemer” occur 23 times (e.g. v.14; Isa 43:1; 44:22-23).

In Isaiah, salvation and redemption are closely linked theologically – “I, the Lord, am your Saviour and your Redeemer” (Isa 49:26; 60:16). The words for salvation and redemption together occur 61 times – of which 17 times are found in Isaiah 1 to 39, and 44 times in Isaiah 40 to 66. It is clearly obvious that the salvation of God is greatly emphasised for His people in exile in Babylon. This divine salvation was more than salvation from exile. Exile was the ultimate covenant curse for breaking the covenant with God (Lev 26:27-33). This divine salvation was salvation from divine judgement. We cannot sin against God so much that God cannot or will not save us, unless we refuse His salvation. It is more than God saves us. It is “God is my salvation…He has become my salvation” (Isa 12:2). Such is our redemptive hope!

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A P P L I CAT I O N What areas in my life do I need to hope in God for His salvation?

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 know God as their salvation in adversity

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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FRIDAY // 08 FEBRUARY 2019

The Servant of God S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 41:8-9; 43:10; 44:1-2

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about Israel as the servant of the Lord in verses 8 to 9 and Isaiah 43:10; 44:1-2?

DEEPER REFLECTION

‘‘

T

he Servant of the Lord” (Isa 42:19; 54:17) is a major theme in Isaiah – with 31 specific references in the book. Israel was chosen to be the Lord’s servant: “You are My servant, whom I have chosen” (vv.8-9; Isa 43:10; 44:1-2). What does it mean to you when God says to you, “You are My servant”? Who are you that God should give you such an honour? Do you feel humbled? It is significant that all the 31 references to the servant(s) of the Lord are found only in Isaiah 40 to 66. Despite suffering exile for their covenant unfaithfulness, Israel remained chosen by God to be His servant. Such is God’s grace!

However, Israel cannot be the Lord’s servant. There are two servants of the Lord in Isaiah 40 to 66: Israel as a nation collectively, and a unique individual who is mentioned in the five “Servant Songs”17. Although Israel was chosen, they could not be the ideal Servant that God demanded. Only that unique Servant can be God’s ideal “My Servant, Israel” (Isa 49:3), who must bear and die for the sins of Israel (Isa 53) so that Israel can be the Lord’s servant. That unique Servant is Jesus Christ (Mk 10:45; 1 Pet 2:21-25). What was true about Israel is also true about us as servants of God in Christ.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean to you to know that God has chosen you to be His servant?

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 be servants of God like their Servant Lord

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

17

Isaiah 42:1-4; 49:1-7; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12; 61:1-3

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SATURDAY // 09 FEBRUARY 2019

Paradigm of the Prophetic Message S CRIPTURE

1 Kings 2:1-4; 6:11-13; 2 Kings 17:10-13

O B S E RVAT I O N Why did God raise prophets in Israel, according to verses 1 to 4; I Kings 6:11-13 and 2 Kings 17:10-13?

DEEPER REFLECTION

S

ince Solomon fell into idolatry (1 Kin 11:1-13), the kings of Israel failed to lead Israel to walk in covenant faithfulness by keeping “what was written in the Law of Moses” (vv.1-4; I Kin 6:11-13).

So God raised prophets as “covenant enforcement mediators”18 to call His people back to keeping the covenant (2 Kin 17:10-13). It is not easy to read and understand the prophetic books. Martin Luther said, “The prophets have a queer way of talking, like people who instead of proceeding in an orderly manner, ramble off from one thing to the next so that you cannot make head or tail of them or see what they are getting at.”19 The prophetic oracles in the prophetic books generally follow a paradigm of four focuses.

This paradigm helps in following what the prophets had written. Let me illustrate this with Isaiah 1. Confrontation of rebellion: “They have revolted against Me” (Isa 1:2-4). Warning of retribution – the covenant curses (Lev 26:14-39): “Your land is desolate” (Isa 1:5-8). Calling for repentance: “Remove your evil deeds” (Isa 1:16-20). Promise of restoration – as God had promised (Lev 26:40-45): “Zion will be redeemed with justice” (Isa 1:21-27). But the focuses are not always in this order.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What do I know about God through the paradigm of four focuses in the prophetic oracles in the prophetic books?

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 have a repentant spirit with the hope of divine restoration

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

18 19

Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Fourth Edition (Zondervan, 2014), 190-92 Quoted in Gerhard von Rad, Old Testament Theology, trans. D. M. G. Stalker (Harper & Row, 1965), Vol. 2, 33, footnote 1

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SUNDAY // 10 FEBRUARY 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

FEBRUARY 2019 WEEK 2

HOW CAN I HELP PEOPLE IN NEED?* Don’t wait for someone else to help people in need.

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:1-12, Proverbs 3:27-28 ACTIVITY BITE Try to find volunteering opportunities to help the less privileged in your community. Share with your family about the people who need help and the type of help they need.

CHAT TIME Q1: What kind of volunteering opportunities did you find within your community?

Q2: Why do you think we may hold back from taking the initiative to help others?

Q3: Why is it good to take the initiative to do good rather than waiting for someone else to do it?

LEARNING POINT During the rebuilding of the wall, Nehemiah noticed that some people were being mistreated. He stopped the work and helped them instead of waiting for someone else to do it. People mattered more to him than the work itself.

When we see people in need, we can take the initiative to help instead of thinking it is someone else’s problem. God commanded us to love everyone. Don’t think that you are too young and not capable of doing good works. God can use us to make others feel better when they are hurting or make them feel more at peace when they are worried.

ACTION POINT From the volunteering opportunities you found, plan something you can do together as a family to help in the coming month.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that God will give us compassion for the less privileged and the opportunity to help.

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

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MONDAY // 11 FEBRUARY 2019

Vision of God S CRIPTURE Isaiah 1:1-2; 2:1

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about the Word of God in verses 1 to 2 and Isaiah 2:1?

DEEPER REFLECTION

T

he book of Isaiah is “The vision of Isaiah” (v.1). The whole book is one singular “vision” – not “visions”20. Isaiah had preached many sermons to Judah. The book is an edited collection of Isaiah’s lifetime prophetic work, artistically woven into one coherent theological presentation – one “vision”21 − to function as the Word of God to every generation of God’s people until the day we see “a new heaven and a new earth” (Isa 65:17; 66:22; 2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1). This “vision” is verbal. The “vision” which Isaiah “saw” (v.1) was the “word” which he “saw” (Isa 2:1). The vison of God is the Word of God, and the Word of God is the vision of God. This vision of God through Isaiah is “a way of seeing”22 God’s perspective on everything. God’s people in Isaiah’s days were seeing things not in God’s way, but in human, pagan and worldly ways. Even their worship of God was not in God’s way (Isa 1:11-15).

We can be easily blinded to the things we most need to know. We need to see through immediate appearances into ultimate reality. How can we see in this way? Through the Word of God, “the Lord speaks” (v.2a). So, we see by hearing and listening to God’s Word: “Hear! and ... listen!” (v.2a).

It is hear, trust and obey.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How does the Word of God help me to see through immediate appearances into ultimate reality?

P R AY E R God, it is so easy for me to walk

Prayer Pointers

by sight rather than by faith in Your true and living Word.

// Give thanks:

Deliver me from this! I am so prone to look as man looks, even at appearances, rather than as You look, at the heart.

// Pray for leaders:

Deliver me from this! Help me to see as You see and see how You see, even through Your Word where You have revealed

// Pray for significant people:

Yourself and Your mind.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

20 21 22

Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr., Isaiah: God Save Sinners, Preaching the Word (Crossway, 2005), 18 Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr., 18 Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr., 18 D E V O T I O N A L J O U R N A L 2 0 1 9 // 49

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TUESDAY // 12 FEBRUARY 2019

Knowing Your God S CRIPTURE Isaiah 1:1-3

O B S E RVAT I O N How was the spiritual condition of Israel (vv.2-3)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

G

od intended His people to be such that the world could see and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people” (Deut 4:6). But God’s people can become more stupid than stupid animals: “An ox knows…a donkey [knows]…but Israel does not know” (v.3). Isaiah’s audience were familiar with the difficulty of handling a stubborn ox and how stupid their idiot donkey was, but which were smart enough to realise that they needed to come home at night if they wanted to eat, and how they maintained their relationship with their owner.23 The problem with Israel was that they did not know God, who had “raised” and “brought them up” as His “children” (v.2). We can forget and be ungrateful for what God is to us and what God has done for us, and dangerously slip into rebellion like Israel (v.2). When God’s way seems too demanding, do we say “We’re doing the best we can, and life is hard. What is God expecting of us?” This is a rebellious attitude.

Whenever we resist God’s claims upon us and make peace with our mediocrity, we are rebelling against God.24 We know God by maintaining and growing in our relationship with Him through walking with Him and following His way daily.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How do I show the importance of knowing God 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 pastors and staff: To serve out of knowing God deeply

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

23 24

Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 102 Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr., 27

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WEDNESDAY // 13 FEBRUARY 2019

Judgement of Grace S CRIPTURE Isaiah 1:4-9

O B S E RVAT I O N What can you learn about God in His relationship and dealings with His people?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

saiah 1 is a prologue with themes “in embryonic form”25 that are developed later in the book. In the prologue, Isaiah described Israel’s callous rebellion in seven ways, to show how sinful Israel’s sinful state was (v.4). The “holy nation” (Exo 19:4-6) had become a “sinful nation” “whose guilt was great”, with “evildoers” who “acted corruptly”.

Sin is never just sin by itself. It is always sin against God: abandoning, despising and turning away from God. The result was God’s severe retribution (vv.7-8), probably through the Assyrians during Hezekiah’s reign (Isa 36-37), who conquered 46 of Judah’s towns, citadels and villages and drove out more than 200,000 people.26 The divine chastisement left the nation “crippled from top (‘head’) to toe (‘foot’), inwardly (‘heart’) and outwardly (‘head’) and without remedy”27 (vv.5-6). Unbelievably, Israel’s rebellion continued. Rebellion wounds the heart of God. We hear the “cry of pain from Heaven”28: “Why do you continue to invite punishment? Must you rebel forever?” (v.5a, NLT). Israel’s only hope was God’s gracious restraint: “Unless the Lord of hosts had left us a few survivors” (v.9). God holds out this redemptive hope to His sinful people!

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A P P L I CAT I O N In what ways have I seen God’s judgement of grace in my life?

P R AY E R O Lord, do not rebuke me in

Prayer Pointers

Your anger or discipline me in Your rage. Have compassion on

// Give thanks:

me, Lord, for I am weak. Heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. I am sick at heart. How long, O Lord, until You restore

// Pray for leaders:

me? Return, O Lord, and rescue me. Save me because of Your unfailing love.29

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

25 26 27 28 29

Allan Harman, Isaiah, Focus on the Bible (Christian Focus, 2005), 39 John Goldingay, 35 J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Volume 20 (IVP, 1999), 51 Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr., 28 Psalm 6:1-4 (NLT) D E V O T I O N A L J O U R N A L 2 0 1 9 // 53

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THURSDAY // 14 FEBRUARY 2019

Worshipping God Offensively S CRIPTURE Isaiah 1:10-15

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about worship to God in verses 10 to 15?

DEEPER REFLECTION

W

e must guard against this spiritual danger: We can be worshipping God without knowing that our worship is offensive to God. This happened to Israel in Isaiah’s time. Our worship can be just outwardly impressive: “multiplied sacrifices” (v.10) and fervent religious activities (vv.13-14 – “solemn assemblies”, “new moon”, “sabbath” and “appointed feasts”). We must always remember that “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam 16:7). Israel’s outwardly impressive worship was upwardly repulsive. God responded with five strong expressions of divine displeasure: “I have had enough”, “I take no pleasure” (v.11), “I cannot endure” (v.13), “I hate” and “I am weary” (v.14). God saw Israel’s worship as “worthless offerings” and an “abomination” to Him (v.13).

Our worship is offensive to God when we are inwardly hypocritical. For Israel, “iniquity and solemn assembly” incongruently went together, and God cannot “endure” that (v.13). Israel’s “hands” spread out to God in “multiplied prayers” were “hands covered with blood” (v.15). It is tragic should our “multiplied sacrifices” and “multiple prayers” only make God hide His eyes from us (v.15).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can I guard myself against worshipping God offensively?

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 worship God as He is worthy of

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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FRIDAY // 15 FEBRUARY 2019

Making a U-Turn S CRIPTURE Isaiah 1:16-20

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about God and His requirements from His people?

DEEPER REFLECTION

W

ith nine imperative exhortations, Isaiah forcefully called Israel for decisive change in their corrupted vertical relationship (v.16) and uncaring horizontal relationships (v.17). The cleaning up of their lives and removing of evil deeds from “His sight” that God called Israel to (v.16) refers to Israel’s detestable worship (vv.11-15) before “His eyes” (v.15). True worship to God includes compassion and kindness for the needy, afflicted, weak and vulnerable people (“orphan…widow”), and justice and protection for them against “the ruthless” (v.17). We love God by loving people (1 Jn 4:19-21). God gently extended His gracious invitation to His wayward people: “Come now, let us reason together” (v.18). God was saying, “Come on, let’s talk this over. Let’s open our hearts to one another. I only want to save you. Here’s My invitation.”30 However stained we are by our sins, God can forgive and cleanse us to become unstained like pure white snow and wool (v.18). It is not God’s agenda to end His relationship with His people with punishment (Isa 1:5-8).

God’s grace is more than forgiving our sins, but also seeking to bless us with “eating the best of the land” when we repent and obey (v.19).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What stains in my relationship with God and with people do I need to make myself clean from through God’s redemptive grace?

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 constantly seek and live by God’s grace and mercy

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

30

Raymond C. Ortlund Jr., 38, 39

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SATURDAY // 16 FEBRUARY 2019

Tragedy in Discipleship S CRIPTURE Isaiah 1:21-31

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about Israel regarding their past, present and future (vv.21-26)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

srael’s discipleship journey (vv.21-22) shows a tragedy in discipleship that has happened to many Christians. We see Israel in the past: she “was” a “faithful city”, “full of justice” and “righteousness once lodged in her” (v.21). Then, we see Israel at present: she “has become a harlot”, “but now murderers” (v.21) and her “silver has become dross” (v.22). How had this happened? Israel had been worshipping God with “multiplied sacrifices” (Isa 1:11), but the reality which eluded Israel was that they had “abandoned”, “despised” and “turned away” from God in their hearts (Isa 1:4). Have we been progressing or regressing from what we once were in our relationship with God? If we are regressing, we can, and we must, change course towards progressing. Our hope lies on God with a redemptive heart. God put Israel through His purifying judgement to “smelt away” their dross and “remove” their alloy (vv.24-25). God’s purpose was that “I will restore your judges as at the first … as at the beginning” and Israel will again be a “city of righteousness, a faithful city” (v.26). But we must want to change course and submit to God’s painful purifying discipline so “that we may share His holiness” (Heb 12:10-11).

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A P P L I CAT I O N In what ways have I regressed from what I once was in my relationship with God, and what do I need to change course from through God’s redemptive grace?

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 be kept and delivered from spiritual regression

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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SUNDAY // 17 FEBRUARY 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

FEBRUARY 2019 WEEK 3

WHY ARE THERE SO MANY DISTRACTIONS?* Stay focused on what needs to be done.

Scripture: Nehemiah 4; Proverbs 16:3 ACTIVITY BITE Fill up a bowl with jelly beans and ask someone in your family to count how many there are. At the same time, get everyone else to distract him or her in various ways, such as making noises, talking or tickling the person with a feather.

CHAT TIME Q1: Is it difficult is it to stay focused without being distracted from completing a task? Why or why not?

Q2: What distractions do you commonly face when doing important tasks like schoolwork or housework?

Q3: Why is it necessary to stay focused on doing what God wants us to do?

LEARNING POINT Enemies tried to distract Nehemiah and his people from finishing the wall. He didn’t give in to them, but stayed focused on the job God entrusted him to do. We’ve all had experiences where we started projects that end up unfinished because we got distracted.

Some might be out of our control, but for those within our control we should stay focused on completing them. Satan doesn’t like us to do God’s work, so he will do everything he can to distract us. But with God’s help, we can stay focused and avoid being distracted from what needs to be done.

ACTION POINT Think of important tasks that you left unfinished or occasions where you get distracted while doing something. Draw up a plan to get your parents or friends to help you focus when you are distracted.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that God will help us stay focused on doing His work and not get easily distracted. *Adapted from 252Basics, Sep 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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MONDAY // 18 FEBRUARY 2019

The Last Days (1) S CRIPTURE Isaiah 2:1-4

O B S E RVAT I O N What was the significance of Isaiah pointing Israel to “the last days” (v.2) right after giving a portrait of the sorry spiritual state of Israel in chapter one?

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enesis begins with “In the beginning” (Gen 1:1) and ends with Jacob’s prophecy about his 12 sons “in the last days” (Gen 49:1, NKJV). The idea of “the last days” began in Genesis. Isaiah pointed Israel to “the last days” at this point of Israel’s sacred history (v.2) which began with Abraham. God who “spoke by the prophets” in Old Testament times “has spoken to us by His Son” “in these last days” (Heb 1:1-2). Jesus Christ who “has appeared in these last times” (1 Pet 1:20) is pivotal and central in “the last days”.

The people of God indwelt by the Holy Spirit since Pentecost is a “last days” phenomenon (Acts 2:1-4, 16-18). Paul warned that “in the last days difficult times will come” (2 Tim 3:1). Isaiah’s climax of “the last days” is God’s new creation of Genesis 1 to 2 – “new heavens and a new earth” (Isa 65:17; 66:22; 2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1). When Israel was in a political and spiritual crisis (Isa 1), Isaiah called them to fix their hope on (cf. 1 Pet 1:13) and live by God’s grand redemptive purpose for them in the eschatological31 future, in which they could find true security and stability with confidence and certainty, because “It shall come to pass” (v.2). God has called us to be an eschatological people.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean for me to live my life in terms of the last days?

P R AY E R Prayer Pointers

Lord, Your Word has warned that in the last days, difficult times will come when people

// Give thanks:

will have the appearance of godliness but denying its power32, when some will turn away from the true faith and follow deceptive spirits and

// Pray for leaders:

teachings33. Lord, keep me from straying away from You and help me to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and the

// Pray for significant people:

armour of light daily.34

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

31 32 33 34

Eschatological: it comes from the Greek word eschatos, which means last, final 2 Timothy 3:1, 5 1 Timothy 4:1 Romans 13:12, 14 D E V O T I O N A L J O U R N A L 2 0 1 9 // 65

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TUESDAY // 19 FEBRUARY 2019

The Last Days (2) S CRIPTURE Isaiah 2:1-4

O B S E RVAT I O N What characterises “the last days” according to verses 2 to 4?

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hat characterises “the last days”? The mountain of God’s temple, the dwelling of God among His people, will be established as the most important and the most prominent of mountains (v.2). Jesus who came as “Immanuel”, “God with us” (Matt 1:23), is the temple of God (Jn 2:19-21). In turn, the church is the “holy temple in the Lord”, the “dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Eph 2:19-22). In “the last days”, “all the nations” and “many peoples” will be drawn to God’s presence for one purpose: to learn the Word of God and “walk in His paths” (v.3). God’s dwelling among us and us living by His Word go together. There cannot be one without the other. The effect of this is the peace of God in human relationships. God “will set things right between the nations”35 so that wars will cease (v.4). This has already begun: “Christ is our peace” who has made peace possible through His blood (Eph 2:13-15).

The future tense of the verbs in verses 2 to 4 mean that these future things will surely happen, despite the imperfect church now, like Israel in Isaiah’s days, still struggling and stumbling in walking with God faithfully as “the light of the world” (Matt 5:14-16). Let us not lose heart!

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does the certainty of the grand and glorious fulfilment of God’s redemptive purposes in the future mean to me personally?

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 lead their ministries with an eschatological confidence

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

35

Alec Motyer, Isaiah Day by Day, New Devotional Translation (Christian Focus, 2011), 20

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WEDNESDAY // 20 FEBRUARY 2019

What Filled My Life?

S CRIPTURE Isaiah 2:5-9

O B S E RVAT I O N What does Isaiah say about what filled the lives of His people in verses 5 to 9?

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he nations’ “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord… that we may walk in His paths” (Isa 2:3) must be preceded by the Church’s “Come…let us walk in the light of the Lord” (v.5); the former is to propel the latter. Let God’s future purpose and promises (Isa 2:2-4) have their full impact on us now.36 But we must be careful not to ignore this divine call like Israel. This happens when our lives are filled with anything other than God. The Church can be “filled with” worldly ways, wisdom and worldview, as Israel was “full of superstitions from the East…and embraced pagan customs” (v.6, NIV). We can be “filled with” money and power with “no end” to them (v.7). Do we look to and rely on these things for strength, security, significance, sufficiency in life and for salvation in hard times? At the heart of this is that we are “filled with idols” (v.8a). Idols are our self-made gods (v.8b). And our lives will only be going downhill: To be brought low by God (v.9). But the self-deception is: we think we are going uphill in life. When we are so filled with the wrong things and so emptied of a sense of God, the consequence is: God will abandon us (v.6a) and “forgiveness become unthinkable”37 (v.9c). It is that serious!

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A P P L I CAT I O N What wrong things have filled my life such that God has become secondary in my life, and which I want to get rid of?

P R AY E R Be Thou my Guardian and

Prayer Pointers

my Guide, and hear me when I call. Let not my slippery

// Give thanks:

footsteps slide and hold me lest I fall. And if I am tempted to sin and outward things are strong, do Thou, Lord, keep

// Pray for leaders:

watch within and save my soul from wrong.38

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

36 37 38

Raymond C. Ortlund Jr., 52 Raymond C. Ortlund Jr., 52 A prayer of Isaac Williams (1802-1865), from The Book of a Thousand Prayers, compiled by Angela Ashwin (Zondervan 1996, 2002), 125-26

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THURSDAY // 21 FEBRUARY 2019

God and Pride S CRIPTURE Isaiah 2:11-17

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about the pride of humanity in verses 11 to 17?

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od will have “a day against” every proud person and everything we take pride in (vv.11-17). Uzziah’s reign was marked by great achievements (2 Chron 26:6-15) and known as the second golden age of Israel.39 But when Uzziah “became strong” “his heart” became “proud” (2 Chron 26:16). Pride was also Hezekiah’s problem (2 Chron 32:24-26). The words used to point to human pride occurs 12 times in verses 12 to 16. And God “against all” forms of pride is repeated 10 times. God is “against” the worldly finest – “the cedars of Lebanon” and “the oaks of Bashan” (v.13). But do we seek to be and have the best in worldly terms? God is “against” the worldly greatest and highest – “lofty mountains” and “lifted up hills” (v.14). But do we feel inferior and insignificant in the world? God is “against” the worldly safest – “high tower” and “fortified wall” (v.15). But, do we feel insecure in the world? God is “against” the worldly wealthiest – “the ships of Tarshish” and “beautiful craft” (v.16). But are we discontented with what we have? Pride causes us to compare and compete to be as good as, or better than others. Isn’t it futile and foolish to seek and get what only to be completely devastated by God eventually (v.17)?

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A P P L I CAT I O N How is pride manifested in me and how will I deal with it?

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 sensitive to pride in their hearts

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

39

The first golden age of Israel was in King Solomon’s days (1 Kin 4).

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FRIDAY // 22 FEBRUARY 2019

The Lord Alone …

S CRIPTURE Isaiah 2:11-17

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about God in verses 11 to 17?

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he antithesis and antagonist of the glory of God is human pride: “the loftiness of man … the Lord alone will be exalted” (vv.11, 17). In a way, we can say that human pride is the greatest enemy of God. Pride is very subtle. I have a passion for truth.

Some years ago, I realised that in my heart, my passion for truth can subtly shift to become pride of heart, and that the line separating the two is not clear. The antidote to pride is humility. But to be humble we must first see our pride. The scariest thing is that we can be so proud that we do not know that we are proud. But the best antidote to pride is to live by the dictum, “The Lord alone will be exalted”, with emphasis on the phrase, “The Lord alone”. It means that we have a passion for and delight in the glory of God. It means that our hearts are stirred whenever we read of the glory of God in Scripture. It means that in all that we are, we have, we do and whatever happens to us, we only want to see God being glorified. But then again, even in exalting God, self-exaltation can come in the way. In exalting God, “God, I thank You”, the Pharisee exalted himself, “I fast twice a week … ” (Lk 18:11-12). Oftentimes, self-exaltation in exalting God comes in a more subtle and silent way.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can I discern that I am exalting myself when I am exalting 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 do all things to God’s glory

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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SATURDAY // 23 FEBRUARY 2019

When God Arises …

S CRIPTURE Isaiah 2:9-22

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of the thrice-repeated refrain “before the terror of the Lord and the splendor of His majesty” (vv.10, 19, 21) in the context of verses 9 to 22?

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‘‘

n that day” when “the Lord alone will be exalted” to be “against all” forms of pride (Isa 2:11, 12, 17), God will arise in His “terror” and “the splendor of His majesty” “to make the earth tremble” (vv.10, 19, 21). The “splendor of His majesty” is a description of “the visible appearance of the glorious presence of God in its exalted fullness” which “in many ways exceed human comprehension”40. But we must, by the Holy Spirit, capture a theological vision of this magnificent glory of God from Scripture, for it is revealed in Scripture. When we are gripped by this theological vision, we will keep ourselves in our “rightful humble place”41. The humble will delight in “that day”, but the proud will dread it. The proud will “hide” from God’s glorious presence (vv.10, 19, 21).

But before they “hide” they will have to “cast away” their “idols of silver” and “of gold” (v.20). Three recurring theologically-related words and ideas dominate Isaiah 2:6-22: “man” (nine times42), “idols” (four times43) and “pride” (12 times44). Without God having His supreme place in their lives, humans are proud with the idolatry of self-importance, self-confidence and self-sufficiency. God’s call is: “Stop trusting in mere humans...why hold them in esteem?” (v.22, NIV).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean for me to live by God’s call, “Stop trusting in mere humans ... why hold them in esteem?”

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 be kept from self-importance, self-confidence and self-sufficiency

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

40

Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 139 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 139 Isaiah 2:9, 11, 17, 20, 22 43 Isaiah 2:8, 18, 20 44 Isaiah 2:11-17 41 42

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SUNDAY // 24 FEBRUARY 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

FEBRUARY 2019 WEEK 4

WHAT GOOD THINGS CAN WE CELEBRATE?* We can celebrate what God has done.

Scripture: Nehemiah 8; Psalm 118:24 ACTIVITY BITE Plan a family party with nice food, music, decorations and gifts to celebrate God’s love, goodness and faithfulness to your family.

CHAT TIME Q1: What good things has God done for your family?

Q2: How do you feel about celebrating God’s goodness in your life?

Q3: Share your thoughts after reading Psalm 118:24.

LEARNING POINT God helped Nehemiah and the people to rebuild the wall in 52 days. Hence, they were able to celebrate its completion. The people remembered this historical event for God’s faithfulness to them. There are many things that God has done for our lives and quite often we don’t realise it. It is good to reflect on all the wonderful things that God has done over the past weeks and months and celebrate it by giving thanks to Him who is so good to us.

ACTION POINT Ask everyone in your family to take turns sharing five good things that God has done for him or her. End with a prayer or a song of thanksgiving together as a family.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for His great love and goodness, and pray for His people to have a heart of thanksgiving that celebrates His faithfulness at all times.

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

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MONDAY // 25 FEBRUARY 2019

God’s People Thrown into Disarray (1) S CRIPTURE Isaiah 3:1-15

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about God in His dealings with His people in verses 1 to 7?

DEEPER REFLECTION

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nrepentant of their human pride (Isa 2:11-22), God’s people were thrown into a major national upheaval (vv.1-15). But behind and over this was “the Lord, the Lord Almighty” (v.1, NIV) who “controls mighty resources and is thus able to implement His purposes in the world”45. God is totally sovereign. It is God who “will remove” (v.1) everything that supports life and social order (vv.1-3): food and water, and key leaders in various arenas who failed God: military (mighty man, warrior and captain of fifty), political (judge, elder, honourable man and counsellor), spiritual (prophet, fortune teller and astrologer) and economic (skilled craftsman). It is God who “will make” (v.4) “children” as the new leaders – people “who act like immature, unwise, mischievous, strong-willed and ‘inexperienced children’”46. And this reversal of the natural social order would cause the young to disrespect and scorn the elders (v.5). We can trust in God that He is purposefully and actively sovereign over leadership in the Church and in the world. But church leaders must vigilantly place a high premium on godly character (1 Tim 3:1-13; Tit 1:5-8) and competence in the Word (1 Tim 3:2 – “able to teach”; Tit 1:9) as God requires.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What changes do I need to make in my understanding and perspective on the total sovereignty of God?

P R AY E R Sovereign God, You speak

Prayer Pointers

with Your mouth and fulfil Your Word with Your hand.47

// Give thanks:

You brought Your people to exile in Babylon to fulfil Your Word. And to fulfil Your Word, You faithfully and graciously

// Pray for leaders:

brought Your people back from exile.48 Truly, from You and through You and to You are all things. To You be the glory forever. Amen.

// Pray for significant people:

49

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

45

John Goldingay, 38 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 146 1 Kings 8:24 48 2 Chronicles 36:20-22 49 Romans 11:36 46 47

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TUESDAY // 26 FEBRUARY 2019

God’s People Thrown into Disarray (2) S CRIPTURE Isaiah 3:1-15

O B S E RVAT I O N What was spiritual condition of Israel like according to verses 8 to 9?

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srael in disarray in all ways (vv.1-15) was the judgement of God (vv.1, 4, 13-14a). This sorry state of the people of God was characterised by leadership without God leading. Competent and godly leaders through whom God leads His people were rare in Israel then. No one wanted to be in a leadership position so much so that the only qualification was “Do you have a coat?” (v.6). And no one knew how to heal or alleviate Israel’s chronic depravity (v.7).

Consequently, the least qualified ended up as leaders: “children” who were “immature, unwise, mischievous, strong-willed and inexperienced”50 (v.4). Such leaders abused their power, and oppressed the weak, and led the people astray and confused the direction of their paths (vv.12, 14-15). Israel’s dire state was due to them defying God’s glorious presence by their “speech and actions” (v.8). “His glorious presence” is literally, “the eyes of His glory”. Israel did not try to hide their sins, but in direct defiance boldly and openly paraded them right before God’s glorious and holy eyes (v.9). Can God’s people sin against God in this way? Yes, if we let our hearts be continually hardened by persistent sinning (cf. Heb 3:7-11).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can we as a church prevent ourselves from falling into the dire spiritual condition like Israel did in Isaiah’s days?

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 steadfast in walking faithfully with God

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

50

Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 146

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WEDNESDAY // 27 FEBRUARY 2019

We Will Reap What We Sow S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 3:9-11; Galatians 6:7-8

O B S E RVAT I O N What do verses 9 to 11 tell us about God, righteousness and wickedness?

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he fate of the righteous and the wicked – “it will go well” with the righteous (v.10) and “it will go badly” with the wicked (v.11) − are based on God’s covenantal promise of blessing the righteous and cursing the wicked (Deut 27:11 – 28:6). The parallelism in verses 10 to 11 indicates that “they will eat the fruit of their actions” (v.10) and “what he deserves will be done to him” (v.11). This forms a theological principle that applies to both the righteous and the wicked: We will reap what we sow (cf. Gal 6:7-8). It is a principle established by the God of justice who requires full accountability from every person. This principle includes this: the consequences we suffer for sinning against God persistently and indifferently are evil which we have brought on ourselves (v.9b). Oftentimes in life, the heyday of wicked people doing evil deeds seems to have no end. At times, the righteous feel they have been living righteously in vain (cf. Psa 73:13-14). And in such times, God seems to be silent and inactive, or slow in executing His justice. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked” (Gal 6:7). Even when nothing appears to be happening, the reality is that God is still present and He is still at work.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What areas in my life do I need to pay attention to in light of the theological principle of “we will reap what we sow�?

P R AY E R God of righteousness, grant

Prayer Pointers

me the strength and grace to walk with You and serve You faithfully, knowing that

// Give thanks:

it is never in vain, although at times I may grow weary. Help me not to lose heart. But be merciful to me, when in my

// Pray for leaders:

weakness and faithlessness I have strayed from You. Do not forsake me, but graciously seek Your servant and restore

// Pray for significant people:

me to Yourself.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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THURSDAY // 28 FEBRUARY 2019

The Beauty and the Beast S CRIPTURE Isaiah 3:16-4:1

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about pride in verses 16 to 24?

DEEPER REFLECTION

I

saiah was addressing “the daughters of Zion” (v.16) when he listed the 21 beauty-enhancing objects in verses 18 to 23. During the second golden age of Israel under Uzziah’s reign, the wives of many government officials, businessmen and military leaders gained the financial resources to spend excessively on themselves to dress lavishly.51 When we beautify anything in any way, the beauty of the beautified object is just outer beauty. Outer beauty can be amoral. We beautify to look nice, feel good, be attractive, for good image, publicity and marketing.

But residing in the outer beauty may be an inner beast: “the daughters of Zion are proud” (v.16). These haughty elite women were in “Zion”, that is, “the temple area in Jerusalem, the very place where God should be glorified and exalted”52. This should be the last place that anyone should lift themselves up as a spectacle to behold. Yet, pride in the very presence of God often happens in the Church. But God is determined to remove everything that makes us pridefully beautiful, and leave us humiliated, shamed and repulsive (vv.17-24). Let us double-check our attitudes and re-examine the ways we present ourselves to others.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What do I need to be vigilantly alert to when I present myself to others?

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 have a humble posture in achievements

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

51 52

Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 150 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 151

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NOTES

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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 92 // D E V O T I O N A L J O U R N A L 2 0 1 9

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