January Devotional Journal 2018

JANUARY DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL 2018

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

ACTS 1:8 (NIV)

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JANUARY DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL 2018

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

ACTS 1:8 (NIV)

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

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

ACTS 1:8 (NIV)

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

ACTS 2:42 (NIV)

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

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

ACTS 2:46-47 (NIV)

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

ACTS 4:12 (NIV)

M AY

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

We will turn this responsibility over to them…

ACTS 6:2-3 (NIV)

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

ACTS 13:2-3 (NIV)

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

ACTS 16:31 (NIV)

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

ACTS 17:11 (NIV)

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

ACTS 18:9-10 (NIV)

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

ACTS 20:28 (NIV)

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

ACTS 20:32 (NIV)

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

ACTS 28:31 (NIV)

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FOREWORD

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

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

“PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION

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

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

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

ACTS 20:28

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ, Rev Tony Yeo and Rev Tan Kay Kiong

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GUIDE TO USING THIS

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

1

Prepare your heart in God’s presence

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

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

■ Begin with a song of worship.

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

■ Ask God to open your heart to hear Him.

SOMETHING TO PONDER...

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

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

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9

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

with His Word and Spirit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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JANUARY–FEBRUARY

WORSHIP SONGS HOW GREAT THOU ART Verse 1 O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the works Thy hand hath made I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed Chorus Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Verse 2 When through the woods, and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze Verse 3 And when I think, that God His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing He bled and died to take away my sin Verse 4 When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart Then shall I bow, in humble adoration And there proclaim, “My God, how great Thou art!”

Stuart Wesley Keene Hine © 1949 and 1953 Stuart K. Hine Trust - Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch) CCLI Song # 14181 CCLI License # 324618

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

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10,000 REASONS (BLESS THE LORD) Chorus Bless the Lord, O my soul O my soul Worship His holy name Sing like never before O my soul I’ll worship Your holy name Verse 1 The sun comes up it’s a new day dawning It’s time to sing Your song again Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me Let me be singing when the evening comes Verse 2 You’re rich in love and You’re slow to anger Your name is great and Your heart is kind For all Your goodness I will keep on singing Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find Verse 3 And on that day when my strength is failing The end draws near and my time has come Still my soul will sing Your praise unending Ten thousand years and then forevermore Ending Worship Your holy name Lord I’ll worship Your holy name Jonas Myrin | Matt Redman © 2011 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)) SHOUT! Music Publishing CCLI Song # 6016351 CCLI License # 324618

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IN CHRIST ALONE Verse 1 In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This Cornerstone, this solid ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My Comforter, my All in All Here in the love of Christ I stand Verse 2 In Christ alone, Who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones He came to save Till on that cross as Jesus died The wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live Verse 3 There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain Then bursting forth in glorious Day Up from the grave He rose again And as He stands in victory Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ Verse 4 No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life’s first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand Keith Getty | Stuart Townend © 2001 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 # 3350395 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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WONDERFUL GOD Pre-chorus All of my life belongs to You alone With every breath my song will rise to You Chorus You are the joy of every nation The giver of salvation, wonderful God You are God throughout the ages Enthroned upon our praises Wonderful God Verse 1 There is no other God like You Who made the heavens and the earth And fills my heart with joy unending All I can do is give my life Offer to You a sacrifice Here is my heart for You unending Verse 2 Every morning when I rise It is Your presence I desire To see Your faithfulness unending Mercy and goodness follow me For in Your presence I am free I put my trust in You unending Bridge All of my life belongs to You alone All of my life belongs to You alone All of my life belongs to You alone With every breath my song will rise to You Denis Campos Š 2009 CFN Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) CCLI Song # 5427037 CCLI License # 324618

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PSALM 23 Verse 1 The Lord’s my Shepherd I’ll not want He makes me lie in pastures green He leads me by the still still waters His goodness restores my soul Chorus And I will trust in You alone And I will trust in You alone For Your endless mercy follows me Your goodness will lead me home Descant I will trust, I will trust in You I will trust, I will trust in You Endless mercy follows me Goodness will lead me home Verse 2 He guides my ways in righteousness And He anoints my head with oil And my cup it overflows with joy I feast on His pure delights Verse 3 And though I walk the darkest path I will not fear the evil one For You are with me And Your rod and staff Are the comfort I need to know Stuart Townend © 1996 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 # 1585970 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 1 I have decided to follow Jesus No turning back no turning back Bridge 2 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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JESUS IT IS YOU Verse 1 Who makes the sun to rise And bring the earth new life in every beam Jesus it is You Who turns the day to night And watches me as I begin to dream Jesus it is You Who brings me food for my table Who cares for all of my needs Who walks the road with me has grown with me Through all that I have been Jesus it is You Jesus it is You Chorus I lift my hands I bring my song All of my days All of my rights, all of my wrongs I offer my life here and beyond To the One thing true Jesus it is You Verse 2 Who sees my brokenness And carries me when I am frail and weak Jesus it is You Who tells the storm to rest When I am overwhelmed and cannot speak Jesus it is You Who wears my guilt on His shoulders Who holds my heart in His hands Who takes my thoughts and fears And hangs them on the arms of Calvary Jesus it is You Jesus it is You Ben Manusama Š 2009 Melbourne Life Christian Church For use solely with the SongSelectŽ Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 5494974 CCLI License # 324618

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COME AND SING PRAISES Verse Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones Ascribe to the Lord, glory and strength Ascribe to the Lord, the glory due His name Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness Chorus Come and sing praises to the Rock of all ages Come and sing praises to Jesus our Lord Come and adore Him, bow down before Him Come and sing praises to Jesus our Lord Greg Massanari | Morris Chapman © 1982 CCCM Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Word Music, LLC (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 38277 CCLI Licence No. 324618

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01 MONDAY

JANUARY

We Are Under Attack!

S CRIPTURE

Exodus 17:1-8

O BSERVATION What do you notice about the conditions under which Israel was attacked?

Deeper Reflection WHEN THE ATTACK HAPPENED: After the people of Israel quarrelled with Moses over the lack of water in the desert. At a time when they were carnal in testing the Lord and rebellious against their leader (vv.2-3). And the leader was emotionally worn down (v.4)! Also, as a strategy in ancient warfare, attacks were launched at dawn to give the element of surprise, create maximum damage and ensure victory. This was a double whammy − Israel was disunited internally and unprepared to face what was coming at them! Where the attack happened: Rephidim (v.8), which means “rest” or “resting place”.1 What an irony that after trekking through the hot desert of Sin for miles and days and arriving at this resting place, they had to face the enemy! Who launched the attack: The Amalekites descended from Esau2 who was determined to kill Jacob when Esau’s blessing was stolen.3 The hostility had begun generations before and the enemy reared its ugly head in a brand new way. Here at Rephidim was the first time the Amalekites attacked Israel and this would not be the last battle between the two (Exo 17:16). Can you see the parallel? At a time when the God’s people were disunited and unprepared, the leader discouraged and possibly fearful, an age-old enemy launched a surprising and new attack at a place where God’s people thought they could rest and relax!

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A PPLICATION

What attacks do I see launched against our church and nation today? List them down.

P RAYER

boundaries are challenged and love distorted, and immorality and

Gi

vin

infidelity are rampant. You are our

g

th

an

lf

divide Your people, marriage

nee d

our land. Where disbelief and disunity

Se

happening against Your people and

Tho se in

Leaders

see the onslaught that is already

Significant people

Almighty God, open our eyes to

ks

ever-present help in times of need.

Deliver us from the enemy who is too strong for us. Unite Your Church for such a time as this, that the Kingdom may strike back! Amen.

1 2 3

Source: Brown-Driver-Briggs’ Hebrew Definitions (Public Domain).

Genesis 36:12 Genesis 27:41

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02 TUESDAY

JANUARY

Answer His Call to Pray (1)

S CRIPTURE

Exodus 17:8-16

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about how the battle against the Amalekites was fought?

Deeper Reflection WHEN THE AMALEKITES attacked Israel, three battles were happening – the battle below, the battle on top and the battle above! The battle below (v.8): Moses chose Joshua to lead the battle for the first time. In the past, confrontations were taken head-on by Moses himself against the Egyptians.4 But now, Joshua had to rise up − no longer as Moses’ aide, but as the commander of the army. And he had to call other men to rise up with him. The battle on top (vv.9-10): Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the mountain, presumably to pray. Aaron was a ministry veteran. He spoke to Israel’s elders on Moses’ behalf, and accompanied Moses to confront Pharaoh.5 They heard God’s voice together6 and performed miracles that brought the mighty Egyptian empire to her knees.7 Hur on the other hand, was an “unknown” and never in the spotlight. When it comes to prayer, God calls both the seasoned and famous, the novice and unknown! The battle above (vv.15-16): Ancient armies believed their gods were fighting on their behalf against the gods of their enemies. The greatest world we live in is the unseen world. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but rulers and powers of evil.8 This is where battles are ultimately won – on our knees. With a hand upon the throne of the Lord who fights for us (v.16)!

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A PPLICATION

How will I answer God’s call to battle through prayer this year?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To be ready to engage in deeper and greater prayer this year

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

4

Exodus 5-14 when he confronted Pharaoh repeatedly with ‘Let my people go!’ and the 10 plagues.

Exodus 4:27-5:20; 10:3.

Exodus 9:8; 12:43.

7 Exodus 6:26; 7:10-12, 19-20; 8:5-8, 12-17; 11:10.

8 Ephesians 6:12.

5 6

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03

WEDNESDAY

JANUARY

Answer His Call to Pray (2)

S CRIPTURE

Exodus 17:8-16

O BSERVATION How long did the battle against the Amalekites last?

Deeper Reflection IN ANCIENT WARFARE, battles began at dawn to make maximum use of daylight. This battle lasted till sunset (v.12). Moses, Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands for a good 10 to 12 hours! At the same time, while the battle lasted a day, the war lasted for generations (v.16). In time to come, judges like Gideon and kings like Saul, David and Hezekiah had to fight this age-old foe,9 until God’s promise to wipe them out came to pass and they were remembered no more (v.14). There was a time when Israel was beaten and driven by the Amalekites, when they went presumptuously without prayer and without God’s presence.10 Prayer is God’s chosen means for us to win the battle today and the war tomorrow! Yet was it necessary for the war against the Amalekites to take that long? Certainly our all-powerful God can work faster and better. And without our prayers! But God has chosen to work through the prayers of His servants and children who are feeble, fallen and sometimes fickle.

Because something happens in us when we pray. We rise up with spiritual authority to that priestly role, like Moses, Aaron and Hur did. We grow up in spiritual maturity through this preserving work, and become more like Jesus when we join Him who is praying 24-7-365 for His people.11 So that we, His people, persevere and prevail with constant victory.

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A PPLICATION

What will help me join Jesus our Intercessor in persevering prayer for victory? (Recommendation: Consider forming a prayer trio with your CG mates. Battles must be fought and won together!)

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Lord Jesus, You will build Your Church. And the

■ Give thanks:

gates of hell shall not prevail against us. We shall prevail, for You have given us spiritual authority to

■ Pray for leaders:

overcome the darkness.

Teach us how to pray, that we may fulfil our priestly role and grow to full maturity as we join You,

■ Pray for significant people:

our Great High Priest and Intercessor who lives to pray for us. Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

9

10 11

Judges 7:12; 1 Samuel 14:48; 15:1-8; 27:8; 30:18; 1 Chronicles 4:43.

Numbers 14:43-44.

Romans 8:34; 7:25.

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04 THURSDAY

JANUARY

Answer His Call to Repent (1)

S CRIPTURE

Joel 1:13-20

O BSERVATION In the light of the locust plague (cf. Joel 1:2-12), how was Joel calling the people to respond?

Deeper Reflection THE DREADED LOCUSTS had stripped every living green thing bare, leaving Judah in complete devastation. But this national disaster still paled in comparison to what God was about to bring upon His people. An army from the north would come to attack the nation and would leave behind devastation even more comprehensive than that of the locusts. Judah’s only hope was to repent. Joel’s call to repentance was first to the priests and the ministers of the altar – the spiritual leaders. They were to “put on sackcloth and lament” (v.13), leading in the engagement in repentance. Such expression of mourning for sin was commensurate with the repentance that was called for. Then they were also to “consecrate a fast, call a solemn assembly” (v.14), calling the elders and all the inhabitants of the land. Fasting served to deny oneself of physical necessities, thus humbling oneself spiritually before God (Psa 69:10), while a solemn assembly is literally the “stoppage of work”12 so as to give priority to such an assembly. It was to be a nation-wide response, demonstrating the extent of repentance to which they had to go. Finally, they were to “cry out to the LORD” (v.14). “Even the beasts of the field pant for you” (v.20, italics added), said Joel. The animals long for food and water, the ultimate source of which is Yahweh,13 but these desperate cries are also metaphorically interpreted in terms of prayer to their Creator (cf. Job 38:41; Psa 104:21; Rom 8:22).14 Such desperation, such earnestness of repentance, was what was needed.

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A PPLICATION

What does God want me to repent of today and how am I responding to Him (v.19)?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

12

Leslie C. Allen, “Joel,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 784.

Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition Notes (Biblical Studies Press, 2006), Joel 1:20.

14 Leslie C. Allen, “Joel,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 785.

13

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05 FRIDAY

JANUARY

Answer His Call to Repent (2)

S CRIPTURE

Joel 2:12-17

O BSERVATION Is repentance a matter of personal spirituality or communal response?

Deeper Reflection REPENTANCE IS, paradoxically, a matter of both personal spirituality as well as communal response. The call to repentance demands, first, not just an outward demonstration but an inner life posture, and more importantly so. The tearing of garments as an expression of mourning was a cultural practice that was familiar to the Israelites. But the Lord demanded more – a sincere repentance by which not just garments, but hearts too, had to be torn, that is, broken. Beyond the fasting, weeping and mourning, Israel’s response had to be more than skin deep. For true repentance to occur, open display must be matched, even undergirded, by personal spirituality. Secondly, the call to repentance demands not just private conviction but also public practice. The sounding of the trumpet rallied the entire nation to congregate for a formal ceremony of lamentation and prayer. From the oldest (elders) to the youngest (nursing infants), all were summoned to the Temple to cry out in repentance unto God. None were excused, not even newlyweds, who were normally exempt from civic duties in ancient Israel (Deut 24:5); every single one was required to show up. True repentance therefore also demands a communal response. Repentance is the desired outcome of God’s judgements (cf. Deut 4:30; 30:1-2; Hos 3:4-5; Am 4:6-11).15 He chastises us only because that is what a loving father must do (cf. Heb 12:5-11), and His ultimate purpose is not punitive but always restorative – seeking to renew fellowship. God longs to relent, provided only that we repent.16

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A PPLICATION

What will help me in the practice of repentance in community?

(Recommendation: Confess your sins to a trusted brother or sister in Christ and have him or her pray for you. See Jas 5:16.)

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders: To have a trusted mentor in whom they can confide without being judged

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

15 16

Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., “Joel,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1417.

Leslie C. Allen, “Joel,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 786.

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06 SATURDAY

JANUARY

We Are Church: Pray and Repent

S CRIPTURE

Joel 3:1-21

O BSERVATION In the day of the Lord, what does God promise for His people and their enemies?

Deeper Reflection GOD PROMISES to judge Egypt and Edom – Judah’s enemies – for their crimes against His people (vv.2-16). Even though God Himself gave Judah over to her enemies (cf. Lam 5:2; Mic 2:4), He still held them guilty for failing to recognise His sovereignty and for their cruelty to His people.17 God Himself will contend with them, even avenge their blood, on behalf of Judah (vv.2, 21). Judah is divinely assured of the final victory. God also promises blessing and restoration to His covenantal people. The day will come “when [God] restores the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem” (v.1) (Note: “When” not “if ”, indicating the certainty of its occurrence). God’s presence will return to His people (v.17), Jerusalem will be holy once again (v.17), His people will receive overwhelming blessings of richness and abundance (v.18) and such blessings will extend from generation to generation (v.20). God’s ultimate purpose – that His people shall know that He is the Lord their God – shall be fulfilled (v.17).

What a glorious promise! In the Old Testament, Judah (Israel) was God’s covenantal people. God had earlier called them to repentance, and here promises that after a period of divine chastisement He will vanquish and judge their enemies, while restoring and blessing His people abundantly.

Today, the universal Church of Jesus Christ is God’s covenantal people.

We are Church! We are God’s covenantal people! And while we may now be under attack by the enemy, we must stand and fight. We must pray and repent. And we most certainly must hold fast to God’s promises of unparalleled blessing to those who remain faithful to Him to the end.

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A PPLICATION

How will I live life differently, knowing my destiny as a member of the Church and as God’s covenantal people?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board: To lead and govern the church in prayer and repentance ■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

17

Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., “Joel,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1421.

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07 SUNDAY

Sunday Journal

JANUARY

S CRIPTURE

O BSERVATION

A PPLICATION

P RAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL WEEK 1 JANUARY 2018

DO I NEED TO PRACTISE HEARING AND DOING WHAT GOD SAYS? Practising hearing and doing what God says helps us to become better Christians.

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27 ACTIVITY BITE Get your family members to do these exercises with you: jumping jacks, push-ups and sit-ups. See who can last the longest before getting tired. Discuss how you can strengthen your muscles so you can improve your stamina to do these exercises for longer periods of time.

CHAT TIME Q1: Can you strengthen your muscles by just thinking about it and without actually exercising? Why or why not?

Q2: Can we suddenly form good attitudes or become a very kind person when we have not practised doing kind deeds to anyone? Why or why not?

Q3: What do Matthew 7:24-27 teach us about growing to become better Christians?

LEARNING POINT Hearing about exercising isn’t enough. You need to put in the effort to exercise to grow stronger. Jesus says that just hearing the truth isn’t enough. If we want to be like the wise man in Matthew 7:24-27, we must put the truth into practice. It’s the same when it comes to growing in your faith. You can read your Bible or memorise verses every day. But if you want to grow stronger in your faith, you need to put Jesus’ words into practice. This will help you to hear and do what God says. No one expects you to be perfect, but practice can help you become a better Christian.

ACTION POINT Think of one good attitude you want to grow in. Ask your parents to put a special magnet on the fridge door every time you demonstrate this good attitude. Watch how the number of magnets grows over time.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that God will help us to not just listen to what He says, but to also follow through with our actions. Ask Him to give us strength to keep practising it every time.

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08 MONDAY

JANUARY

What’s the Plot?

S CRIPTURE

Luke 9:51; John 6:38; 12:27-28

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about our Lord’s understanding of His mission?

Deeper Reflection IN 2005, the CEO of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) resigned in the infamous NKF saga. Among the many accusations levied against him was that he had installed a gold-plated tap in his office! He had, in the words of a writer, “lost the plot”. He had forgotten why he was there in the first place. Most people join volunteer organisations to serve and help those who are less privileged, not to make money or for self-glory.

In contrast, notice our Lord’s determination to press on to accomplish all that His Father gave Him to do – even to die on a cross for the sins of the world. Unfortunately, it’s so easy for us to “lose the plot” and forget why we are doing what we are doing. Keeping true to the “plot” is a constant battle, because with so much thrown at us in today’s world, we can easily drift, become distracted and may even find ourselves totally off course. Therefore, this January, we will remind ourselves of God’s call upon Covenant EFC. Our mission from God is: “Returning the Church to its disciplemaking roots (the Mandate) through authentic discipleship (the Maturity) and intentional disciplemaking (the Multiplication), so as to reproduce disciples of “a certain kind” (the Ministry) and to multiply them to win the world for Christ (the Mission).” May we be as resolute as our Lord and press on to accomplish all that God has called us to do and never “lose the plot”.

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A PPLICATION

What are some things in life that I am resolute about and why? Am I certain that these are from God?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Dear Heavenly Father, I am grateful for the certainty Jesus had in His mission and

■ Give thanks:

that He accomplished all You had set for Him – even death by crucifixion on a cross.

I acknowledge that I have

■ Pray for leaders:

eternal life right now because He held true to the mission and finished Your work. I have new life because of Him!

■ Pray for significant people:

Hallelujah! Grant that I may know Your mission and stay true to Your plot for my life. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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09 TUESDAY

JANUARY

Created with a Mandate

S CRIPTURE

Genesis 1:26-28

O BSERVATION What did God say about humankind immediately after He created them in His image?

Deeper Reflection MANY OF US would be familiar with Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. His idea is simple: Humankind has various needs, beginning with what he terms physiological needs, followed by the need for safety, beloning/love, esteem and self-actualisation. In Maslow’s latter years, he added the sixth need – transcendence. So according to Maslow, once our basic needs are met, we long to live for something larger than ourselves. The Bible tells us that God created humankind in His image.

Immediately after that, the Bible tells us that we are made for a purpose (literally in Hebrew, “so that they may rule” [v.26b]). The phrase “so that” is a purpose statement. Furthermore, God added to that mandate the following: “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it” (v.28a). In other words, this notion of purpose and mission is hardwired into our very being! All of us are created with a mandate.

That is why it is so crucial to know our mission in life. This is more than just a “transcendence” question. It is a basic question! That is why many of us may be “successful” in our studies, careers and family, but are still “lost” and “unfulfilled”. Because right at creation, God made us as beings with a purpose, with a mandate. Until we find God’s mandate and mission for us – until we know His calling in our lives and fulfil it – nothing will satisfy!

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A PPLICATION

What is God’s mission for your life? (Recommendation: If you are not sure, speak to your spouse, a trusted friend or mentor. Set aside a couple of days to seek the Lord in His Word through prayer.)

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To know with certainty God’s mission for their lives

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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10

WEDNESDAY

JANUARY

The Edict Arrives!

S CRIPTURE

Matthew 28:18-20

O BSERVATION What is the basis on which our Lord tells us to go and disciple the nations?

Deeper Reflection THERE IS OFTEN A SCENE in Chinese period dramas, where horsemen ride furiously and arrive at a particular governor’s mansion (often in the dark of night!). When the governor rushes out to greet them, the riders hold forth an imperial scroll to pronounce: “This is the edict of the emperor…”, everyone immediately prostrates on the ground to receive the orders of their king. We marvel at such reverence!

Here were men responding to another mere mortal. Now in verse 18, Jesus tells us that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. By authority, it means the right to rule. Notice the scope of such rule – “in heaven and on earth” – which is a way of saying the entire universe, both spiritual and physical! In other words, Jesus has complete legitimacy and absolute power to rule! It is on this basis that our Lord gives us His mandate to disciple the nations! Here, it is not a human king who issues us his edict, but rather the King of kings and the Lord of lords − our Creator, the One to whom one day every knee will bow, and of whom every tongue shall confess “Jesus is Lord!” How then should we respond to our King’s mandate! May we rush forth, fall prostrate on our faces to receive His “edict”! Let us ask the Holy Spirit to stir afresh in our hearts the fear of the LORD by which we receive His commands in reverent awe, humble submission and total obedience.

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41

A PPLICATION

What is my attitude towards my Lord’s commands?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Father God, I confess that so often I take Your Words lightly. I bow my heart in

■ Give thanks:

repentance. Please, would You forgive me? Please stir afresh in my heart the fear of the LORD. As I start a new

■ Pray for leaders:

year, may I always be quick to bow in honour, reverence and obedience to Your Word! In Jesus’ name, I pray.

■ Pray for significant people:

Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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11

THURSDAY

JANUARY

The Great Commandment to Love God

S CRIPTURE

Matthew 22:34-40; Deuteronomy 6:5; 7:6-11

O BSERVATION What were the Pharisees concerned with?

Deeper Reflection WHICH IS THE GREAT COMMANDMENT in the Law of Moses?

Jesus stumped the Pharisees by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. Here is a possible paraphrase: “Above all else, love the Lord your God with everything you have got…all your heart, soul and mind. Then, love your neighbour like yourself. Every other command are footnotes to these two.” The Pharisees were concerned with the methods of religion; Jesus, the mandate of a relationship! They were after the “hardware” of the Law; Jesus, their “heartware” for the LORD. The heart of the matter is a really a matter of the heart. “Heart”, “soul” and “mind”, all refer to the psychological faculties for loving God. These refer to the locus of a person’s thoughts, will, feelings, conscience, understanding and reason. To love the LORD with all our hearts and soul and mind is to love Him truly, deeply and completely with every fibre of our being, every ounce of our strength and every moment of our lives. Loving God with all that we are is the first and foremost mandate of every disciple of Jesus Christ! We love the LORD by obeying His Word (Deut 7:11). Yet, common experience tells us how miserably we fail to love God. Which is why our love for God must be anchored in His love for us (Deut 7:6-9) and not merely in our own efforts. We can only truly love the LORD with all that we are when we truly know and experience His love for us.

The mandate to love God is anchored in Jesus’ great love for us (Rom 5:8)!

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43

A PPLICATION

How can I love the LORD my God with all my heart, soul and mind in a tangible way in one specific area of my life?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Dear LORD, thank You for Your grace and love. Change my heart, O Lord, and make

■ Give thanks:

it ever true. Help me see how poor and broken I am and how undeserving I am of Your grace and love, and

■ Pray for leaders:

in the process, create in me a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, that I may love You with all my heart, and

■ Pray for significant people:

with all my soul and with all my mind. Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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12 FRIDAY

JANUARY

The Great Commandment to Love Your Neighbour

S CRIPTURE

Matthew 22:34-40; Leviticus 19:18; 1 John 4:7-12

O BSERVATION What did Jesus mean when He said, “And a second is like it…” (v.39)?

Deeper Reflection A THEOLOGIAN LAMENTED that, “Man as sinner hates God, hates man and hates himself. He would kill God if he could. He does kill his fellow man when he can. He commits spiritual suicide every day of his life.”18 When we look deep into the deceitfulness of our hearts (Jer 17:9), we can agree with him. Yet, loving our neighbour is God’s mandate for us. How are we to love our neighbour? The first clue is in the phrase, “And a second is like it...”. To love our neighbour is fundamentally the same as, and stems from, our love for God. Loving others is an outflow of loving God. Yet, to love God, we must know first-hand and personally experience God’s great love for us. The Apostle John wrote, “… everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” (1 Jn 4:7-8, NAS) The second clue is to love your neighbour as yourself. If God loves us to the extent of sending His Son to die on the cross for our sins, how can we not love ourselves? We have dignity and worth as persons created in the image of God! To love ourselves is to allow God’s love to transform us to become like Him. When we choose to love others as ourselves, the love that comes from God – the love that He has for us – reaches perfection in our love for others (1 Jn 4:12). As we express God’s love, both we ourselves and the people who receive that love are transformed by it!

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45

A PPLICATION

Who is one person that you must choose to love despite how you feel towards him or her?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders: To experience God’s great love, and love themselves and others out of God’s love

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

18

John H. Gerstner, “The Atonement and the Purpose of God,” in Our Savior God: Man, Christ and the Atonement, ed.

James Montgomery Boice (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1980), 107, quoted in James Montgomery Boice, The Gospel of Matthew (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2001), 479.

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13

SATURDAY

JANUARY

The Great Commission to Make Disciples

S CRIPTURE

Matthew 28:18-20; John 20:21

O BSERVATION What are the tasks Jesus called us to do in the Great Commission?

Deeper Reflection JESUS’ UNIVERSAL LORDSHIP demands a universal mission.19 Here is the shocker: He is doing it through you and me, His disciples!

This mandate only goes forward to the extent that we, Jesus’ disciples, are taking it forward. This mandate of disciplemaking consists of a mission with two tasks and one assurance. Our mission is to make disciples of all peoples. A disciple is one who seeks to become like one’s teacher (Lk 6:40; 1 Cor 11:1). True discipleship transforms one’s entire worldview, values and lifestyle to become Christ-centred. Such a mission is proactive (“go therefore”), productive (“and make disciples”) and pervasive (“of all nations”, that is, all peoples). The first task of disciplemaking is to baptise believers. Baptism is not an optional extra. Baptism commits us, through immersion in water, to die to our old self, and rising from the water, to live the new life in Jesus. It is the public, physical and visible way in which someone is “branded” with the name of the living God − the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.20 The second task of disciplemaking is to teach believers to obey everything Jesus has commanded us – that means the whole Word of God, both the Old and New Testaments (Matt 5:17-20). All of Jesus’ teachings may be condensed into the Great Commandment to love God with all our heart and all our soul and all our mind; and to love our neighbour as ourselves (Matt 22:37-39). Our mission is impossible without God. But Jesus has assured us that we are not alone in this, for He is with us always until He comes again!

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A PPLICATION

How may we “go therefore and make disciples of all the nations” when we are not missionaries?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board: To never lose sight of God’s mission for the church ■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

19 20

R. T. France, Matthew: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 1, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1985), 419.

Tom Wright, Matthew for Everyone, Part 2: Chapters 16-28 (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004), 208.

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14 SUNDAY

Sunday Journal

JANUARY

S CRIPTURE

O BSERVATION

A PPLICATION

P RAYER

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49

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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50

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

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

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL WEEK 2 JANUARY 2018

DO I NEED TO PRACTISE PRAYING TO GOD? There are no fixed ways to pray. God hears us anytime and in all kinds of ways.

Scripture: Luke 11:2-4 ACTIVITY BITE Imagine you have a friend who lives in another country. Describe the different ways you can communicate with him or her.

CHAT TIME Q1: Do you think there is only one fixed way to contact your friend?

Why or why not?

Q2: Do you think God can hear you if you try to communicate by emailing, texting or writing a postcard to Him? Why or why not?

Q3: What would you like to tell God if He reads your phone messages to Him? LEARNING POINT In Luke 11:2-4, Jesus was modelling the way we should pray rather than showing us the exact words to say. Let’s look at each verse.

“Father, may Your name be honoured. May Your kingdom come” (Lk 11:2b NIrV). We should honour Him when we talk to Him. We recognise that He is great.

“Give us each day our daily bread” (Lk 11:3 NIrV). This isn’t just about bread. It means that we trust God to provide for us. He knows what we need and prayer is our way of asking Him. “Forgive us our sins, as we also forgive everyone who sins against us” (Lk 11:4a NIrV). This reminds us that God loves us and forgives us our sins. It also tells us that we need to forgive others.

“Keep us from falling into sin when we are tempted” (Lk 11:4b NIrV).

This reminds us that we need God’s help. If we want to be strong enough to live His way, we can’t do it on our own.

ACTION POINT Practise writing a Luke 11:2-4 prayer to God in your own words, then say your prayer out loud with your family.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that your family gets into the habit of daily prayer anytime and in all kinds of ways.

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15 MONDAY

JANUARY

Growing in Maturity Is Essential

S CRIPTURE

Hebrews 5:11-14

O BSERVATION What are the author’s expectations of a believer in Jesus Christ?”

Deeper Reflection ARE WE GROWING in spiritual maturity? What does the word “mature” (v.14) mean? In Greek, the word is teleios – which carries the idea, not necessarily of perfection, but of being fully grown, complete in moral character and not lacking anything that makes it incomplete. This is essential in our walk with God and enables us to live well and wisely on this earth. The fundamental premise of these verses is that growing in maturity is not an option. We are born again to grow, not to stagnate.

We forfeit all our potential if we fail to grow. In fact, if someone has zero desire for maturity and no growth in maturity for many years since coming to Christ, we may wonder whether the person has truly been born again in the first place. The author wrote with a certain sense of sorrow about the Christians’ immaturity. He lamented that he wanted to, but was unable to reveal to them deeper spiritual truths because of their immaturity. Immaturity hindered them and cost them something. We will see over the next few days that maturity comes at a price to us. But here we see that there is also a price to pay for remaining in immaturity.

According to Christian scholar Dallas Willard, “The main thing God gets out of your life is not the achievements you accomplish; it’s the person you become”. Our growth in maturity is far more important than what we accomplish for God. You may have been a Christian for some time, but have you been growing or have you stagnated over time? Are you prepared to pay a price for growth?

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A PPLICATION

How will I set my heart on spiritual growth? (It is a necessity, not an option.)

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Lord Jesus, I know that I was destined to grow and was never called to stagnation.

■ Give thanks:

Please stir my heart to desire spiritual growth, especially when my desire is weak. Open my eyes to

■ Pray for leaders:

see the price that I will pay for spiritual stagnation, so that I may shun it through the choices I make this year.

■ Pray for significant people:

Empower me as I commit myself to grow in maturity.

Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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16 TUESDAY

JANUARY

Growing in Maturity Requires Intentionality

S CRIPTURE

Hebrews 5:11-14

O BSERVATION How does a believer grow in maturity (v.12)?

Deeper Reflection TODAY’S EMPHASIS is on the biblical author’s expectations of his own people, the Hebrews. He expected them to be teachers of spiritual truth, but felt sorrowfully disappointed that they were still so immature. Being Jews, maybe he expected them to have a sufficient understanding of the heart of God as revealed in the Old Testament (“basic principles of the oracles of God”), such that they should better grasp His redemptive plan actualised through Christ. Or maybe he had those expectations because they were already advanced in years or had been Christians for many years (“by this time”). Some people may think that ministry accomplishments or spiritual anointing are accurate indicators of spiritual maturity, but that is simply not the case. Anointing and accomplishments are not necessarily signs of spiritual maturity. Someone might be Spirit-gifted (i.e. endowed by the Holy Spirit with strong ministry abilities) but not Spirit-filled (i.e. controlled by the Holy Spirit in his thinking and conduct). Another might overflow with much worldly wisdom but be woefully immature in matters of spiritual understanding and discernment. We age by default, but don’t mature by default. No one drifts towards maturity while living any way he wishes. It’s like a person who is dismissive of the need to exercise and eats with complete abandonment. Can he keep his body strong and in good health? It just does not happen! Maturity only happens with intentionality.

You are not necessarily mature despite your age, accomplishments or anointing. Intentionality is critical. Without that, you will stagnate spiritually. Will you do what it takes to grow in maturity this year?

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55

A PPLICATION

What are one or two practices I can do throughout this year that will help me mature spiritually?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To never neglect their personal growth towards greater maturity

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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17

WEDNESDAY

JANUARY

Maturity Through Spiritual Attentiveness and Receptiveness

S CRIPTURE

Hebrews 5:11

O BSERVATION What has the ability to hear got to do with one’s spiritual maturity?

Deeper Reflection THREE HARD-OF-HEARING GENTLEMEN stand at a street corner.

The first one says, “Brrrrr, it’s windy!” The second protests, “No… it’s Thursday.” The third one concurs, “Me too, let’s go get a drink.”

In verse 11, the author described the believers as immature and “dull of hearing”. The Greek word for “dull” means to be slow, sluggish, indolent and languid. The believers’ hearing was not physically impaired, but spiritually impaired. Like the gentlemen who could not connect meaningfully with one another, the believers’ hearts could not find a deep and meaningful connection with spiritual truth from God and were unreceptive to it. Why were they “dull of hearing”? One possibility was that they did not believe in the truth of what was communicated to them. Another was that their hearts were too overcrowded or overtaken by the pleasures and cares of the world to have any desire for spiritual truth (cf. Lk 8:14). The opposite of dullness of hearing is whole-hearted attentiveness to God. It means to silence all other noises, something you have to do if you want to hear an analog clock tick. This is so important that Jesus repeatedly said in his teaching, “He who has ears, let him hear”. Spiritual attentiveness is coming before God, hungry for Him and His Word. Spiritual receptiveness is having the willingness to act on what God says to you. Without both of these, maturity is not possible. How spiritually receptive are you to God? Are there other things to which you respond with far more enthusiasm, interest and concern? Could those things have overcrowded your soul, making you “dull of hearing”?

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A PPLICATION

What are the pleasures or cares of the world that choke you and cause you to have no appetite for spiritual things?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Lord Jesus, I want to have an open heart before You, one that is receptive to You and

■ Give thanks:

wants to hear and respond to You. Forgive me for being often preoccupied with the cares of this world and

■ Pray for leaders:

being easily distracted with pleasures. Forgive me for being often dull of hearing.

I don’t want that, Lord.

■ Pray for significant people:

Grant me, in the course of this year, to have stronger spiritual attentiveness and receptiveness to you than

■ Pray for those in need:

ever before. Amen.

■ Pray for self:

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18

THURSDAY

JANUARY

Maturity Through Being Grounded in the Basics

S CRIPTURE

Hebrews 5:12

O BSERVATION What are the “basic principles of the oracles of God”?

Deeper Reflection REPEATEDLY, JUST WHEN WE THINK we have grasped the basics of our faith, we find ourselves having to be brought back to them. Each time, we come to see them with new eyes, know them more deeply and experience them afresh. Over time, the basics go from being taught recitations to “caught” realities, from pious-sounding propositions to settled convictions that shape our values and steer our choices. The biblical author lamented that his Christian hearers remained immature: They were still not grounded in the basic principles! What are these basics? In the context of God’s revelation of Himself to humankind, the basics would include who God is, what God has done, who we are, as well as the timeless principles by which God relates with us and we are to live our lives with wisdom. Those are fundamental truths that every disciple should be able to speak about from the heart. For example, the truths that God is perfectly holy and righteous, but we are grievous sinners; that God hates sin and must judge sin in humankind; that God is love and chose to love us and provide us a way of salvation in Christ; that by God’s grace we receive salvation through faith in Christ; that we can completely trust God with our lives and all that we go through; and that we have eternal life in Christ and a blessed and glorious destiny awaits us in eternity at the second coming of Christ. To grow in spiritual maturity, Christ’s disciples must also diligently engage in core spiritual disciplines through which those basics are constantly re-encountered, deeply internalised and consistently lived out.

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59

A PPLICATION

What are some basic principles I need to review and apply with renewed strength and depth in my life?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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19 FRIDAY

JANUARY

Maturity Through Growing Deep in the Word

S CRIPTURE

Hebrews 5:12-13

O BSERVATION What is the “milk” in this context?

Deeper Reflection THE AUTHOR DESCRIBED his hearers as mere infants in the faith.

They still had to be fed milk rather than solid food, because they remained “unskilled in the word of righteousness”. The Greek word for “unskilled” carries the idea of being inexperienced in or unaccustomed to. The author was not referring to a need to acquire a particular skill in the Scriptures.

Rather, he was addressing the believers’ lack of engagement with the Scriptures, thus being unaccustomed to God’s Word. That situation had caused them to languish in a spiritual immaturity they ought to have already outgrown. We gain maturity through engaging with the Scriptures regularly and frequently in various ways: Covering large portions for breadth, studying short passages for depth, memorising key verses for internalisation, reading daily to listen for divine direction and inspiration and hearing Scriptures read by an audio Bible (this can be surprisingly refreshing). While it is important to be accustomed to the Scriptures as a matter of discipline, we also need to go beyond that. The Psalmist wrote about a delight in God’s truth (Psa 1:2; 19:7; 119:72). We need both intentionality and interest in the Scriptures. The delight and interest grows when we interact slowly and reflectively with the Scriptures rather than speed-reading them. There is a price to pay. You need to devote time.

Maturity is never going to come without this. Will you pay the price to grow in God’s Word? Otherwise, you will remain at the point where you should already be an adult in the faith taking solid food, but are still settling for milk like an infant.

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61

A PPLICATION

What am I going to do this year to grow deep in God’s Word?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders: To approach God’s Word with discipline and grow in devotion and delight

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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20 SATURDAY

JANUARY

Maturity Through Walking in Active Obedience

S CRIPTURE

Hebrews 5:14

O BSERVATION According to this verse, what characterises a mature disciple of Christ?

Deeper Reflection TO DEVELOP SPIRITUAL MATURITY, all that we have covered so far is necessary, but also inadequate. The author addressed one remaining thing in this verse. He described how the mature are “powerful� in a particular respect: They have well-developed powers of discernment to distinguish between right and wrong. Sounds like a great thing to have.

But how is such discernment developed? The author pointed out that it is by constant practice, meaning not just through having to make many choices, but in habitually and increasingly choosing rightly. For example, consistently choosing purity over defilement, righteousness over compromise, godliness over sin. The mature, when faced with having to make moral choices and in every temptation, gain enhanced discernment of right and wrong through choosing rightly. Does that sound circuitous to you? Well, like many spiritual truths, it is paradoxically true. God has given us enough to enable us to make godly choices (1 Cor 10:13). Every godly moral choice we make adds to our spiritual insights and powers of discernment. Every sinful choice diminishes our abilities. To the one who has, more will be given. To the one who does not have, even whatever little he has will be taken away (Lk 8:18; 19:26). What does all this come down to? It is this: Walking in active obedience. Regardless of how much a disciple knows or how receptive or hungry his heart is to God, he remains immature if he does not increasingly walk in obedience on a day-to-day basis. Obedience is the ultimate litmus test! There is simply no substitute for this. There is power in every single act of obedience!

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63

A PPLICATION

What areas of compromise and sin am I aware I need to deal with but have been ignoring?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board: To lead the church by active obedience to God’s leading ■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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21 SUNDAY

Sunday Journal

JANUARY

S CRIPTURE

O BSERVATION

A PPLICATION

P RAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL WEEK 3 JANUARY 2018

SHOULD WE PRACTISE TALKING ABOUT GOD TO ANYBODY? We should not be ashamed to tell people about God anytime.

Scripture: Romans 1:16; Luke 2:11 ACTIVITY BITE Play a guessing game about Jesus with your family. Ask each family member to describe Jesus by secretly writing on a piece of paper, “Jesus is _________________”and then paste it on someone else’s back. Get everyone to guess what is written on their backs by giving them clues.

CHAT TIME Q1: Are there many ways to describe who Jesus is? Why or why not?

Q2: Is it easy for you to tell your friends about who Jesus is? Why or why not?

Q3: Why shouldn’t we be ashamed or fearful about telling our friends who Jesus is?

LEARNING POINT Everybody needs to hear about who Jesus is. If you have tasted something nice, it is good to share with others about what you have tasted. It is a good thing to be ready to talk about what we believe and what God is doing in our lives. But this isn’t always easy. Talking about God is something that takes commitment and practice. That’s why it’s a good idea to practise doing it so that it will become easier for us to share with our friends.

ACTION POINT Practise talking to each other about Jesus and what He has done for you. Do it a few more times until you feel comfortable. Now try to talk to a friend about Jesus.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that God will give you courage to talk to other people about who Jesus is. Ask Him to show you the people who are ready to hear about what you want to share too.

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22 MONDAY

JANUARY

Live for Christ

S CRIPTURE

Mark 8:34-38

O BSERVATION What does it take to follow Jesus?

Deeper Reflection CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP is simply following the Lord Jesus Christ.

God’s grace that has come to redeemed sinners has been offered for free.

But that grace has been made available to us through the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross. The free grace of God the Father was costly to Him – it required the death of His beloved Son. That grace is also costly for Christ’s disciples, because it calls us to follow Christ. Thus, the free grace is at the same time costly grace. It must never become to us cheap grace. According to theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book, The Cost of Discipleship, “Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.” Theologian Dr Roland Chia paraphrased Bonhoeffer’s explanation of cheap grace as “a religion that makes no demands on its adherents, a religiosity that gives a polite nod at commitment but refuses to pay the price it exacts.” Jesus does not approve of people calling themselves His disciples, but who live their lives according to the cheap grace of nondiscipleship (v.38). Such people are deceiving themselves. They are not following Jesus. They do not set their minds on the things of God, but on the things of man (Mk 8:33). There is no self-denial, no putting of God’s will above their own. There is no cross-bearing, no willingness to suffer pain, loss, discomfort or even inconvenience in order to serve God’s purposes.

They are not really living for Christ. What about you?

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69

A PPLICATION

What changes must I make in my mindset and lifestyle in order to live for Christ and the Gospel?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Lord Jesus, I confess that I have often lived for myself and not for You and Your

■ Give thanks:

Gospel. I’ve often taken Your grace for granted and disobeyed your commands.

Please, would You forgive me?

■ Pray for leaders:

I want to find my greatest joy and satisfaction in serving You and Your purposes in my generation. Please change

■ Pray for significant people:

my heart and help me to truly follow You. Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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23 TUESDAY

JANUARY

See Four Generations

S CRIPTURE

2 Timothy 2:1-2

O BSERVATION How many generations of teachers and learners do you see in these verses?

Deeper Reflection WE HAVE PROBABLY HEARD this aphorism before: “Discover the truth, apply the truth, reap the benefits and pass it on.”21 Often when we discover a good thing, we are quick to pass it on, for example, good eats, big discounts and helpful life hacks. But have we considered what happens after we pass it on? Will the person who received it feel the same way and want to pass it on too? When we apply truths that we have discovered and reaped the benefits of, we will know how good those truths truly are. And when we have personally enjoyed the benefits, there will be a conviction that comes from having actually experienced a helpful process and a good outcome. Then when we pass on important truths, we will do so with a distinct sense of authority, conviction and enthusiasm, such that the receiving persons will be impacted even by the manner in which we pass on those truths. God wants us to entrust His Word to faithful people, who will in turn be able to teach others. So we must strongly impress on our learners the need for them to pass it on to others as well. Then we will make disciples who make disciples. If we do not entrust the truth in a compelling manner, or we neglect to ensure that it gets passed on down the line, then the process will be truncated and we will fall short. However, if we do well, we will see four generations just like in these verses: Paul, Timothy, “faithful men” and “others”.

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71

A PPLICATION

How will I entrust biblical truths to faithful people this year?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your

■ Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To faithfully disciple people with God’s Word

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

21

Crafted by Reverend Edmund Chan in his teaching on mentoring.

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24

WEDNESDAY

JANUARY

Be Intentional

S CRIPTURE

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

O BSERVATION How did Paul help the recent converts in Thessalonica grow in their newfound Christian faith?

Deeper Reflection WHEN WE HAVE A GOAL (i.e. a desired long-term destination) that we are striving towards, we often develop a plan with a timeline and then work towards that goal according to the plan. We become very intentional about our objectives (i.e. specific steps in the short term that lead us towards our goal), so that we can achieve it. One example is, if we want to lose weight, we look at an exercise and diet plan, and then put it in place. We say “no” to certain foods, limit our daily calorie intake and make time to exercise, so that there is a calorie deficit and our weight will go down. We become very intentional about our intake of food and exercise. Likewise, we need to be clear about our goals and objectives as disciples of Jesus Christ, so that we can be intentional in living our lives in accordance with the will of God, in a manner worthy of God. God’s will for us is that every disciple becomes a disciple-maker – a spiritual parent. As we walk through each week, month and year that God gives us, we must bear in mind that our life goal is to be spiritual parents who reproduce disciples of Jesus Christ to the glory of God. How can we be intentional about living our lives, so that we will teach those who are coming behind us about who God is, His mission in the world and His call to His people? How can we do so in such a way that they will want to do the same for others after them?

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73

A PPLICATION

How can I intentionally help a recent convert grow spiritually this year?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Lord Jesus, please help me to answer my calling to be a spiritual parent

■ Give thanks:

who effectively nurtures the younger Christians You bring into my life. Give me eyes to see the importance

■ Pray for leaders:

of my role, faith to believe that You can use me to make a significant difference and a heart of love to invest

■ Pray for significant people:

my time and energy to make disciples for Your glory. Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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25 THURSDAY

JANUARY

Be Relati0nal

S CRIPTURE

1 Thessalonians 2:7-10

O BSERVATION How did Paul relate with the Thessalonian Christians?

Deeper Reflection PAUL, SILVANUS AND TIMOTHY (1 Thess 1:1) were gentle and loving towards the Thessalonian Christians. The language used in these verses reveal a deep affection for them: “like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (v.7), “being affectionately desirous of you” (v.8), and “you had become very dear to us” (v.8). Paul and his co-workers did not just teach God’s Word to the believers from a distance, but came up close to know them personally. Paul’s team authentically shared their lives with them, probably revealing their desires, thoughts, joys, sorrows, hopes and fears. Paul could also say that they conducted themselves towards the Thessalonian Christians in a “holy and righteous and blameless” manner (v.10). There was a track record of diligence, responsibility and considerateness in working hard and earning incomes to support themselves while carrying out the Gospel ministry. What a tremendous testimony of honouring God and experiencing God’s faithful provision, protection and blessing! So the believers not only heard sound teaching, but also observed it in action and practical outworking. We see in Paul and his co-workers a clear model that the income-generating work we do is meant to support our core mission of disciple-making. Our work is necessary and important, but relating with and discipling the people around us is even more important. Your work is subservient to making disciples of your family members and the people whom God brings across your path through the various phases of your life. Are you making time to build relationships with people and allowing them to know you personally as you share with them the Gospel of God?

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75

A PPLICATION

To what extent do my family and friends know me and see Christ’s teachings lived out by me?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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26 FRIDAY

JANUARY

Implement a Training Process

S CRIPTURE

Luke 9:1-6; 10:1-2

O BSERVATION What was Jesus seeking to accomplish here?

Deeper Reflection WE SEE in these two passages in Luke’s Gospel how the Lord Jesus sent out His disciples to do the work of evangelism and ministry. Jesus called, empowered, sent out and instructed His disciples for Gospel ministry (vv.1-5). They had on many occasions seen Jesus preach, teach and heal. They had observed how Jesus related to people and had compassion on the social outcasts, the sick and the demon-possessed.

They had noted Jesus’ dependence on the Father in prayer for power, wisdom and strength. Now it was their turn to go out two by two and do the ministry (cf. Mk 6:7; Lk 10:1). Jesus did not train His disciples only in theory. It was not limited to “classroom” teaching. Jesus sent them out into the real world to do all the things that He was doing, to experience real-life ministry situations and learn skills “on-the-job”, so as to develop their ministry competence. Jesus was not interested in merely increasing the disciples’ head knowledge, but had a clear goal in mind. At the end of the day, Jesus was training labourers for the harvest field in order to send them out, because “the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few” (Lk 10:2).

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A PPLICATION

What tools, plans and processes will I use to train people for the work of evangelism and ministry?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To effectively train more labourers for the Lord’s harvest field

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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27

SATURDAY

JANUARY

Cultivate Soul-winning Passion

S CRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 9:19-22

O BSERVATION What is one thing that strikes you most about Paul’s Gospel ministry?

Deeper Reflection THE APOSTLE PAUL was not mastered by any person or people group in the sense of having to do anyone’s bidding. Yet Paul willingly assumed the role of a servant to all people groups. He chose to serve every possible group by seeking to understand their belief system, identify with their struggles and meet their felt and real needs. When Paul made efforts to step into their shoes, he could begin to speak their lingo, understand their mindsets and fears, feel their frustrations and pain. Then he was able to better bring the Gospel to bear upon their particular contexts and help them understand that Jesus Christ truly was the answer to their greatest need and deepest longing. Paul went many extra miles to help the people see the relevance of the good news of Jesus Christ, as many who believed in Jesus’ name received salvation and eternal life. When we read about Paul’s ministry conviction and practice, we marvel at his all-encompassing passion to save the souls of people around him! Do you share Paul’s conviction and practice? Has your soul-winning passion waned over the years? May we seek the Lord for a renewed passion to do all within our power to reach the people around us with the Gospel, so that we can “by all means” save some!

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79

A PPLICATION

How can I cultivate a passion for soul-winning?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board: To be renewed in their passion for soul-winning ■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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28 SUNDAY

Sunday Journal

JANUARY

S CRIPTURE

O BSERVATION

A PPLICATION

P RAYER

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81

THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL WEEK 4 JANUARY 2018

SHOULD WE PRACTISE LIVING FOR GOD? Training ourselves to live godly lives is more valuable than anything.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:8; Mark 12:41-44 ACTIVITY BITE Write down on a piece of paper the good and bad character traits that a person can have. If you could buy the character traits you want and sell those you don’t want, which ones would you end up with?

CHAT TIME Q1: Do you think most people will want good character traits compared to the bad ones? Why or why not?

Q2: In Mark 12:41-44, the rich men possessed more of something compared to the widow, but the widow had more of something than the rich men. What are these things?

Q3: What were the character traits of the widow that Jesus was praising? Why? LEARNING POINT As the people put their money into the temple treasury, Jesus pointed out the poor widow who only gave two small coins, instead of the rich men who put in large sums of money. He wasn’t concerned with the amount that people gave, but the amount of the widow’s trust that God would take care of her. That’s godly living − living for God by obeying His Word and trusting Him to take care of all our needs. But it doesn’t happen naturally. Training the body by eating healthy food or exercising has value. But when you practise living for God, the way you live your life will be a blessing to others.

ACTION POINT Identify one character trait you want to improve. Talk to your parents about what you can do to practise improving this trait.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that all the Christians in your church will choose to practise living godly lives so that their lives will bless others and please God.

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29 MONDAY

JANUARY

Reproduce Disciples of A Certain Kind

S CRIPTURE

2 Timothy 2:1-7

O BSERVATION What qualities of a disciple are highlighted by apostle Paul?

Deeper Reflection YOUNG TIMOTHY was first identified as a disciple in Lystra and the community spoke well of him.22 Then Paul took him under his wing for his missionary journeys.23 Timothy grew as a disciple of Christ and was given various assignments. Paul described him as one who is “faithful to teach the ways in Christ”, “proven to preach the Gospel” and a “true child in the faith”24. Paul exhorted Timothy as being a “child in the faith” (vv.1-7) to give attention to the following: (a) be strengthened in the grace in Jesus Christ (v.1); (b) to equip faithful men and women so that they may disciple others (v.2); (c) have total allegiance to the Lordship of Christ (vv.3-4); (d) to abide in the Word of God (v.5); and (e) to expect fruit-bearing in his labour in Christ (v.6). Reverend Edmund Chan devoted a chapter, “A Certain Kind of Product”, in his book, A Certain Kind, to describe the mark of a true disciple.25 These five distinct marks correspond closely to today’s passage: (1) grounded in the Word of God; (2) submits fully to the Lordship of Christ; (3) walks in love; (4) bears much fruit; and (5) equips others and multiplies. All these tell us that a disciple of “A Certain Kind” is “A Christ-mastered Kind”26. Invest your life: Biblical marks of a disciple (the product) have to significantly influence the way (the process) in which we carry out disciplemaking.

Jesus spent much time with His disciples,27 and Paul devoted time to Timothy. Following Jesus, will you likewise invest your life to make disciples who possess these distinctive biblical marks?

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A PPLICATION

What is one thing I can do at home, in my school, workplace or church to reproduce disciples who possess these biblical marks?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Lord Jesus, please help me to overcome my personal obstacles so that I may

■ Give thanks:

invest the time, talents and treasures which You have graciously given to me to steward for Your glory. Grant

■ Pray for leaders:

me the wisdom and strength to work on it. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

22

Acts 16:1-2.

Acts 17:14; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4.

1 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 2:22; 1 Timothy 1:2.

25 Edmund Chan, A Certain Kind (2013), 179-185. Chapter on “A Certain Kind of Product”.

26 Edmund Chan, A Certain Kind (2013), 35-39. Chapter on “What is A Certain Kind”.

27 Mark 3:14; Acts 4:13.

23 24

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30 TUESDAY

JANUARY

Submit Fully to the Lordship of Christ

S CRIPTURE

2 Timothy 2:3-4; Luke 9:23, 57-62; Matthew 6:33

O BSERVATION What level of allegiance must a soldier pledge to the Commanding Officer?

Deeper Reflection ANYONE WHO CHOOSES TO FOLLOW JESUS must logically concede that he or she ought to submit to Jesus’ authority. It has been said, “If Christ is not Lord of all, then He is not Lord at all!” This is akin to the soldier pledging his full allegiance to his officer (vv.3-4). There is to be no wavering thought. In Luke 9:23, Jesus specifically mentions three things about full allegiance: (1) “Deny self ” – to deny one’s own will in order to take up God’s will; this includes surrendering one’s pursuits, desires, rights, power and family over to God’s will; (2) “Take up your cross daily” – in reference to the cross of Christ, we ought to take up our own “cross” which includes the sufferings, rejections or inconveniences faced for the sake of the Lord’s name; (3) “Follow Me” – the outward demonstration of one’s faith in the Lord and a submissive act to His lordship. Jesus knows the hearts of individuals and He calls for personalised outward actions that declare our hearts’ conditions and directions.28 These outward actions are an indication of a heart that is rightly pointed towards Jesus and empowered by the Spirit’s working in the inner life. In ministry, we must acknowledge Jesus’ call to us and our fellow disciples to count the cost of discipleship, both at the initial point of faith and the ongoing discipleship journey. There will be worldly distractions (e.g. pursuit of affirmation and achievements) that try to create a counterfeit allegiance. In our faith community, may we urge one another to focus our allegiance towards God, and to guard against these false allegiances.

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A PPLICATION

What is one thing I can do in ministry for myself and fellow disciples to maintain allegiance to the Lord Jesus?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your

■ Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To be Spirit-empowered to maintain allegiance to Jesus Christ

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

28

Michael J. Wilkins, Following the Master (Zondervan, 1992), 220-223.

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31

WEDNESDAY

JANUARY

Abide and Grow Deep in God’s Word

S CRIPTURE

John 8:31-37, 59; Matthew 7:24-27

O BSERVATION Why did Jesus make the conditional statement, “If you abide in My word…” to the Jews who had just professed their belief in Him (v.31)?

Deeper Reflection A TRUE DISCIPLE OF JESUS abides in God’s Word after his or her initial profession of belief. A person does not abide in the Word so as to become a disciple. Instead, one becomes a disciple through true belief, and the reality of true belief is proven by one’s abiding in God’s truth.29 In John 8:30-32, Jesus called the Jews who have expressed belief to continue in His Word. Jesus specifically required them to believe that as the Son of God He has the power to save, thus setting them free by the truth. Sadly, those Jews had flawed beliefs and were not true believers.

Their absence of a continued abiding in God’s Word was exposed in the ensuing intense conflict (vv.33-37, Jn 8:38-58, v.59). Human traditions have hindered people’s trust in Jesus’ words that can save them and set them free from the bonds of deceptions concerning eternal life and also every area of earthly life. Personal Abiding: What about our own situation? After our initial profession of faith, have we continued to dig deep to know God’s Word and obey His commands and principles for godly living (Matt 7:24-27)? Or have worldly traditions hindered our growth? Community Abiding: In our disciplemaking ministry, a key task therefore is to “give opportunity for people to hear God’s Word, to help one another appreciate how it can be claimed as the truth for life, to model for one another how to live it out and to encourage one another to continue abiding in God’s truth”30.

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A PPLICATION

How can I provide opportunities for people to hear and claim God’s Word as the truth for life and to show them how to live it out and encourage them to do so?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

O God, the application of Your Word sets us free.

Please grant us strength to

■ Give thanks:

continue digging deep to know Your Word and obey what You call us to be and do. Enable us to serve You

■ Pray for leaders:

by providing others the opportunity to know Your Word and to abide in it.

For Your Word is life!

■ Pray for significant people:

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

29 30

Michael J. Wilkins, Following the Master (Zondervan, 1992), 232.

Michael J. Wilkins, Following the Master (Zondervan, 1992), 239.

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Notes

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

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