July Devotional Journal

JULY 2021 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

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

1 SAMUEL 16:7 (ESV)

JULY 2021

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

1 SAMUEL 16:7 (ESV)

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

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Memory Verses January

2021

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

1 Samuel 2:1 (ESV)

February And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel!

Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV)

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

1 Samuel 6:20 (ESV)

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

1 Samuel 7:3 (ESV)

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

1 Samuel 7:12 (ESV)

June Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

1 Samuel 12:23 (ESV)

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

1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)

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

1 Samuel 16:13 (ESV)

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

1 Samuel 17:45 (ESV)

October And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him.

1 Samuel 18:14 (ESV)

November The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness, for the LORD gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.

1 Samuel 26:23 (ESV)

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

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Foreword

BY SENIOR PASTORS

DISCIPLING

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

2021

“Then the remnant of Jacob

shall be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass which delay not for a man, nor wait for the children of man. And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep, which, when it goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is none to deliver.” – Micah 5:7-8 The remnant people do not consist only of today’s strong and successful Christians.

It also includes weak and downtrodden believers who are experiencing much brokenness and need for purification. Their lives may currently be in a mess, but they are willing to let God

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discipline, mould, shape and restore them for a future that will see them glorify God in all kinds of ways. By God’s grace, they will come through the testing and training process shining as God’s people who trust and obey Him more and more.

“In that day, declares the Lord. I will assemble the lame and gather those who have been driven away and those whom I have afflicted; and the lame I will make the remnant...” – Micah 4:6-7a

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who will do His bidding and carry out His work whatever the cost in these last days. Let us be committed to be disciples who make disciples!

To be a church that is growing deep in God’s Word and Spirit, members must grow spiritually through self-feeding on God’s Word and not depend only on Sunday feeding. Every day from Monday to Saturday, let us

Every day from Monday to Saturday, let us individually seek the Lord by opening up the Scriptures and drinking from Him who is the fountain of living water."

“Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love.”– Micah 7:18 God’s call for His people remains certain and unchanged. We are not just to be disciples but to make disciples of all nations!

In 1 Samuel, God called a simple shepherd boy named David who had faith in Him. And just as God raised up His servant David, God will also raise up a faithful remnant — people

individually seek the Lord by opening up the Scriptures and drinking from Him who is the fountain of living water. This Devotional Journal is designed to help you do just that.

In 2021, may we all from the young to the old, the single to the married, the struggling to the successful, and the fearful to the faith-filled, be discipled as the remnant for the future and for God’s glory!

In Christ, Rev Tan Kay Kiong and Rev Tony Yeo

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Guide to Using THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Step 1 PREPARE YOUR HEART IN GOD’S PRESENCE • Select a fixed time (preferably in the morning before you begin your day) and a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed.

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

• Begin with a song of worship. Meditate on the lyrics even if you are unfamiliar with the tune.

(Refer to the list of worship songs provided.)

• Ask God to open your heart to hear Him.

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

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

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Step 2 ALLOW GOD TO S.O.A.P. YOU WITH HIS WORD AND SPIRIT • Scripture – Take your time to meditate on the Scripture passage for the day. Pause and mull over words and phrases that stand out to you.

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

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

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

+ PRAYER POINTERS FOR 2021

We have provided prayer pointers for Pastors and Staff every Tuesday and for the Generations every Wednesday.

Every Thursday, a prayer pointer is included for Outreach/ Missions/New Life Leaders. On each Friday, there is a prayer pointer for SGI Leaders (e.g. Zone Mentors, CG Leaders and Assistant CG Leaders). A prayer pointer for Church Board Members is included every Saturday. Please pray for each group as well as any specific individuals whom God may bring to your mind.

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Pray for

Covenant EFC Missions So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

ACTS 1:6-8 (ESV)

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JESUS REMINDED the disciples prior to His ascension that they were to focus on being His witnesses in Jerusalem (i.e. where they were at the time), and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Jesus reminded them not to be distracted by the times and seasons, but to focus on their given tasks. Jesus knew the challenges that the disciples would face in His physical absence. Therefore, He drew their attention to the vision and mission given to them. For Christian Singaporeans, we are to be Christ’s witnesses and bring the Gospel to our nation, the surrounding region and to the end of the earth! In this seemingly endless season of the

The travel restrictions can prevent us from being physically present with people, but they cannot in any way limit the saving power of the Gospel!

COVID-19 global pandemic, we can easily be distracted and discouraged by the troubles and challenges that we experience in the here and now. Let us not lose heart! Let us put our hands again firmly on the plow and not look back. We can be ready to share the Good News with every unbeliever we meet here in Singapore, whether the person is a citizen, permanent resident, foreign professional or dependent, migrant worker, international student or essential traveller. We can leverage digital technology to share the Gospel with people living in other parts of the world. God has provided the digital means for us to bridge the geographical gap. The travel restrictions can prevent us from being physically present with people, but they cannot in any way limit the saving power of the Gospel!

Let us lay hold of God’s promises and pray.

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Pray • That the global discipleship movement will grow indigenously even in a global pandemic like this.

• That God will raise up a new generation of missionaries in Covenant EFC who will break new grounds for the Gospel in a “new normal” world.

• For the Gospel to be compassionately and creatively shared.

• For the protection of our overseas missionaries and partners who are serving their communities in the midst of multiple waves of COVID-19 infections.

• That Covenanters will reach out to our neighbours and to the nations.

• That Christian Singaporeans will love and serve the migrant workers in our midst, including the domestic helpers in our homes.

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Notes

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

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Verse 3 And the morning that You rose All of heaven held its breath Till that stone was moved for good For the Lamb had conquered death And the dead rose from their tombs And the angels stood in awe For the souls of all who’d come To the Father are restored Verse 4 And the Church of Christ was born Then the Spirit lit the flame Now this Gospel truth of old Shall not kneel, shall not faint

By His blood and in His Name In His freedom I am free For the love of Jesus Christ Who has resurrected me Brooke Ligertwood | Jason Ingram | Scott Ligertwood © 2019 Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Hillsong Music Publishing Australia For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7127647 CCLI Licence # 324618

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WORTHY IS THE LAMB Verse Thank You for the cross, Lord Thank You for the price You paid Bearing all my sin and shame In love You came And gave amazing grace Thank You for this love, Lord Thank You for the nail pierced hands Wash me in Your cleansing flow Now all I know Your forgiveness and embrace Chorus Worthy is the Lamb Seated on the throne Crown You now with many crowns You reign victorious!

High and lifted up Jesus Son of God The Darling of heaven crucified Worthy is the Lamb!

Worthy is the Lamb!

Darlene Zschech © 2000 Wondrous Worship (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 3217555 CCLI Licence # 324618

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

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

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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 Licence # 324618

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

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

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

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Notes

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SCRIPTURE

Song of Solomon 1:5-11; 2:3-4, 16

THURSDAY 1 July

Cultivating Security: Building Up Your Spouse OBSERVATION How do the bride and groom appreciate one another?

Deeper Reflection

COMMUNICATION AND PRAISE can be tools to build up the emotional health of a marriage. In the midst of the courtship in Song of Solomon, we find hints of the fears and self-doubts that individuals may bring into a marriage. Verses 5 to 6 highlight the bride’s insecurity and sense of inadequacy, where she may have been dark-skinned from being forced to work in the fields by her stepbrothers. Her reference to “daughters of Jerusalem” suggest that she fears not being accepted as a worthy bride by the women of the city.1 Physical appearance is one of the greatest areas of insecurity for many women and it is beautiful to see how the loving words of her groom overcome her inner fears and develop her security in being loved and accepted. He extoled her beauty in a way that she knew that she was not just accepted, but was special to him.2 In the same way, the bride also openly praises her groom in Song of Solomon 2:3 where she likens him to a fruitful tree with both sweet fruit and a good shade that speaks of his ability to provide for her and protect her. In appreciating one another, the lovers build up a security in their love relationship and their sense of mutual belonging (“My beloved is mine, and I am his”, Song 2:16). Their togetherness is secure psychologically, emotionally and physically, and is emphasised repeatedly throughout the Song of Solomon (see Song 6:3; 7:10).

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APPLICATION

How can I build up and appreciate my spouse or others close to me? For married 2020 couples: Think back on your last conversation with your spouse — was it a word of praise or criticism or just an indifferent transaction?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To find security in the compassionate love of God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

1 2

Tom Gledhill, The Message of the Song of Songs, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 2010), 101.

Warren W. Wiersbe, Song of Solomon, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary (David C Cook, 2007), 1147.

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SCRIPTURE

Song of Solomon 2:8-17

FRIDAY 2 July

Cultivating Intimacy: Loving Your Spouse OBSERVATION In this passage, what words speak of intimacy between the lovers?

Deeper Reflection

IN THIS DESCRIPTION of the lovers in the countryside during springtime, we see a beautiful picture of intimacy. This passage illustrates different aspects of intimacy. (1) Attention to one another as illustrated by the bride’s anticipation of her lover’s arrival (vv.8-9). (2) Uninterrupted time with one another as seen in the groom’s invitation to “come away” (vv.10-14). (3) Vigilance over the many small offenses or “foxes” that may spoil the vineyard of the marriage (v.15). (4) Belonging to one another in physical intimacy (vv.16-17). Marriage is like a fruitful vineyard that needs the work of tending, as well as protection from the many things that can destroy a love relationship. The things that erode a marriage may not be big (note the description, “little foxes”), but over time, unresolved hurts can break the bonds of love. Vines need their blossoms to be protected, if not there will be no grapes. Similarly, the intimacy of marriage needs to be protected from the destructiveness of unforgiving attitudes, mistrust, jealousy, pride or selfishness, otherwise these offenses will steal the joy of the marriage. Ultimately, the vineyard of marriage belongs to both husband and wife, and there is a need for both to spend quality time together so as to listen well to and cherish each other. In verse 16, “my beloved is mine, and I am his” means that the man and woman possess each other. This picture of mutual belonging is replicated by Paul’s description in 1 Corinthians 7:4 of the mutual yielding of wife and husband in a symmetrical relationship.3

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APPLICATION

What “little foxes” have crept into my relationship with my spouse or even my 2020 relationship with God? Take some time to pray for God’s protection, forgiveness and restoration of intimacy in the relationship.

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To guard their marriages and help others to strengthen their marriages Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

3

Tom Gledhill, The Message of the Song of Songs, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 2010), 140.

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SCRIPTURE

Song of Solomon 8:6-7; Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:2-9

SATURDAY

3 July

Cultivating Commitment: Committing to Your Spouse OBSERVATION What observations can you make about the nature of love?

Deeper Reflection

THE CALL TO COMMITMENT in marriage requires resolve, sacrifices and active steps to “make it work”. Verse 6 describes the seal, a symbol of authority and ownership, and a pledge of unending love and faithfulness.

Commitment is like a seal – both a private (“upon your heart”) and public declaration (“upon your arm”) – that indicates that the marriage union is secure and indissoluble. The inner determination is paired with an outward pledge to work at the relationship and persevere throughout the ups and downs of life. Public declaration of this commitment requires accountability in community. The strength of the couple’s commitment to love is described in strong language (“is strong as death”, v.6) and their relationship is unassailable (“many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it”, v.7a). This love commitment cannot be bought (v.7b). The union is complete as the couple has become “one flesh” (Gen 2:24) and no one is to separate them (Mk 10:9). When a man has left his father and mother to hold fast to his wife and they become one flesh (Gen 2:24; Mk 10:7-8), there is no turning back or resorting to a “Plan B”. In today’s societies, there is a need to return to wholehearted commitment in marriages. Strong forces battle to break apart marriages and families. In the United States, more than 30% of marriages end in divorce.4 In Singapore, there was an average of over 7,000 divorces per year from 2010 to 2019. 5 We need to redeem our marriages and bring our relationships into alignment with Christ’s perfect example of loving and sacrificial commitment to His bride, the Church (Eph 5:22-33).

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APPLICATION

What am I called to sacrifice or set aside in order to strengthen my marriage 2020 commitment?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Church Board: To continually make a wholehearted commitment to love God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

4 5

https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2021/demo/p70-167.pdf https://www.tablebuilder.singstat.gov.sg/publicfacing/createDataTable.action?refId=14107

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SUNDAY

4 July

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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The Past Week REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? Commit in prayer.

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CONFIDENCE: Learning to see yourself the way God sees you.

MEMORY VERSE “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” - PHILIPPIANS 1:6, NIV

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK ONE

* BOTTOM LINE

Trust that God is always with you*.

BIBLE STORY VIDEO http://cefc.ch/21FD07W1

* BIBLE STORY

Daniel 3 – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

* ACTIVITY

The Floor Is Lava Props: Pillows and blankets Gather your family members in a room. Get everyone to spread out some blankets and pillows and arrange the furniture such that it creates a path across the room. Explain the rules of the game. Say, “We’re going to move from one side of the room to the other without stepping on the floor. Let’s pretend that the floor is lava. If we touch it, we would burn our feet and have to return to the starting point. So, we have to tread on the furniture, pillows and blankets to move across the room.” After this, try playing another version of this game by using smaller objects to get across the room.

* TALK ABOUT IT • If you were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, what would have gone through your mind before going into the fiery furnace?

• How do you think Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego felt when they were in the furnace?

• Can you think of times in the past when you needed to trust God?

Parents: Share with your family about a time when it was difficult to have confidence in God. Were you able to fight those feelings and trust Him anyway?

* PRAYER

Thank God for always being with us. Pray that He will help us be confident not just in ourselves, but also in Him. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/July2021

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SCRIPTURE

Luke 15:1-7; 2 Peter 3:8-10

MONDAY

5 July

Go in Search of the Lost OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about the man who lost one of his hundred sheep?

Deeper Reflection

JESUS WAS CRITICISED by the Pharisees and the scribes because He spent time with tax collectors and sinners (vv.1-2) – people who were seen as outcasts of Jewish society.6 Jesus exposed their inconsistency by pointing out that it was natural for a person to seek out even one of his lost sheep (v.4). Bible scholar N.T. Wright paraphrased Jesus’ words in this way: “Supposing one of you has a hundred sheep…and you lose one of them. What will you do? Why, you’ll leave the ninety-nine out in the countryside, and you’ll go off looking for the lost one until you find it!”7 Search until the lost sheep is found! There is a perseverance in seeking out the lost sheep. And great joy when the lost sheep is found! The man would “joyfully carry it home on his shoulders” (v.5, NLT). No scolding, no harsh word. The man’s carrying of the sheep all the way home reveals his deep love and compassion for it.8 Upon reaching home, his first action is celebration with friends (v.6)! Likewise, whenever a lost sinner repents – is found – and returns home to God, there is great rejoicing in heaven because, obviously, God Himself rejoices (v.7)! This shows us the heart of God: He is continually seeking out the lost, “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Pet 3:9).

Brothers and sisters, do your hearts beat with God’s heartbeat for lost individuals who have yet to repent of their sins and return to Him who loves us sinners so deeply despite the evil and darkness within us?

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APPLICATION

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What is God saying to me about His heart to seek out sinners and the present condition 2020 of my own heart towards lost individuals around me?

PRAYER

lf

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in nee

7

Those

ESV Study Bible.

Tom Wright, The New Testament for Everyone (SPCK 2011), 158.

8 By now the sheep was probably too tired to walk on its own.

9 Luke 19:10.

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Significant people

Leaders

Lord Jesus, You came to seek and to save the lost.9 Today, we see Your heart for the lost and Your desire that none should perish. Please grow in our hearts Your love and compassion for lost individuals both near and far. Help Giv e th ank us to urgently search for them and sa nd pra share the Gospel while there is still ise time for them to repent of sins and return home to You. In Your name and for Your sake. Amen.

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SCRIPTURE

Leviticus 19:33-34; Philippians 2:3-5

TUESDAY 6 July

Love Them as Yourself OBSERVATION Why did God give this commandment to His people to show love to sojourners among them (vv.33-34)?

Deeper Reflection

IN VERSES 33 TO 34, the strangers or sojourners in the land were “those who were least able to defend themselves and were vulnerable in Israelite society”10. God instructed Israel, “Do not take advantage of foreigners among you in your land.” (v.33, NLT). Treat them like “nativeborn Israelites” (v.34a, NLT). God’s command “unites the two social groups that elsewhere serve as contrasting members of the population”11.

A sojourner was “not simply to be treated with consideration and courtesy because he is a foreigner and enjoys the rights and receives the justice due to every human being, but he is to be put on a perfect equality with the ordinary Israelite”12. Indeed, God’s people are to love sojourners as ourselves (v.34b)! In Singapore, we have (as at December 2020) 1,231,500 foreign workers, of which 247,400 are domestic workers and 311,000 are in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors.13 While these sojourners live in our land, Christian Singaporeans have a God-given opportunity to love and bless them, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak last year, many Christians from various local churches have served and helped our migrant workers, collectively touching thousands of lives! One migrant worker wrote: “Thank you for brothers and sisters who have been journeying with me all the time.

Because of their prayer, love and care I could overcome…This is the family today I have with me. And this journey will continue!” Praise and glory be to God! Much more can still be done. Will you go and love the sojourners in our midst and treat them as one of us?

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

37

How will I obey the Lord’s command to love the sojourners in our land? Think of one or 2020 two specific actions or practices and commit them to God in prayer.

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To set an example for the church members by reaching out to sojourners with the love of Christ Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 1: Genesis-Leviticus (Revised Edition).

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 1: Genesis-Leviticus (Revised Edition).

Charles John Ellicott Commentary, cited in The Discovery Bible.

13 https://www.mom.gov.sg/documents-and-publications/foreign-workforce-numbers 10 11

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© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

SCRIPTURE

Acts 10:1-35

WEDNESDAY 7 July

Obedience Beyond Our Comfort Zone OBSERVATION How did God prepare Peter to meet Cornelius’ men in verses 9 to 20?

Deeper Reflection

PETER’S ENCOUNTER with the Roman centurion, Cornelius, put him “in the centre of the mission to the Gentiles”14 and was “a crucial step in the progress of the church in fulfilling the Great Commission”15. Cornelius, though a Gentile, was “a devout man who feared God” (v.2). This means that he has responded positively to the knowledge of the God of Israel without embracing Jewish practices in entirety.16 One day around 3 pm, an angel of God appeared to the praying Cornelius in a vision and told him to summon Peter from Joppa; Cornelius immediately obeyed (vv.3-8).

The next day around 12 pm, while Peter was praying, he saw three times a vision of a great sheet descending from the sky and in it were all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds (vv.11-12).17 A divine voice commanded the hungry Peter to “kill and eat” (v.13). But as there were unclean animals (according to Jewish dietary laws),18 Peter refused with a strong objection: “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” (v.14). But the voice also instructed Peter, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” (v.15) This was the beginning of Peter’s change in his mindset. Subsequently, Peter invited Cornelius’ men in to be his guests and on the next day set out with them for Cornelius’ house in Caesarea (v.23). All these steps were very uncomfortable for Peter as a devout Jewish Christian, but he nonetheless obeyed the Lord (vv.28-29).

Indeed, “a passion for obedience makes God’s servants open to changes with which they may at first be uncomfortable”19.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How will I respond when God leads me to reach out to a non-Christian of a different 2020 culture or nationality?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for The Next Generation: To be willing to step out of their comfort zone to befriend and reach out to non-Christians of different cultures or nationalities Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

ESV Study Bible.

Ajith Fernando, Acts, The NIV Application Commentary (Zondervan, 1998), 318.

Darrell L Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Baker, 2007), 386.

17 “The entire animal world is symbolised, and clean and unclean animals are included”: Ajith Fernando, 320.

18 For the Jews, “the dietary laws are…a matter of survival and identity”: Ajith Fernando, 320.

19 Ajith Fernando, 324.

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© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

SCRIPTURE

THURSDAY

Acts 10:1-48

8 July

God Shows No Partiality OBSERVATION What did Peter mean when he said, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality…” (v.34)?

Deeper Reflection

PETER ARRIVED at Caesarea and came to Cornelius’ house. Gathered there were Cornelius and his relatives and close friends – many people who were all ready to hear from Peter (vv.24-33)! The Peter who stood before this large gathering of Gentiles was a different Peter from the one who had in the past avoided associating with Gentiles because they were regarded

by Jews as common or unclean (vv.15, 28). Peter made two significant statements to his Gentile hearers. (1) “God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean” (v.28). This was “the pivotal message of this whole passage”20. Peter realised that “no longer are the typical Jewish distinctions among people significant”21 and was learning to embrace the Gentiles. (2) “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality” (v.34). Peter now understood that “in the kingdom of God we may not categorise people according to their background”22. God receives from any nation any person who would trust and obey Him: “But in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him” (v.35, NASB). Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ receives forgiveness of sins through His name (v.43). No one is excluded simply because of their nationality or ethnicity. God shows no partiality. His love is available to anyone who would turn to Him. The Good News of Jesus Christ is for all nations. Because Peter acted in obedience to what God had revealed to him, that day the entire group of Gentiles heard the Gospel, believed in the Lord Jesus and were baptised in His name (vv.44-48)!

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

41

To2020 what extent do I show no partiality to people regardless of their background and seek to embrace even those very different from me with the Gospel?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To be Christ’s ambassadors to love and embrace people from all nations, cultures and walks of life Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 21 22

Ajith Fernando, 322.

Ajith Fernando, 322.

Ajith Fernando, 323.

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© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

SCRIPTURE

Acts 8:26-40

FRIDAY

9 July

Radical Obedience in God’s Mission OBSERVATION What do you observe about God’s part and Philip’s part in the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch?

Deeper Reflection

PHILIP WAS IN SAMARIA preaching the Gospel to crowds of people, performing many miraculous signs of healing and deliverance, and baptising new believers (Acts 8:5-8, 12). In the midst of this thriving ministry and a revival in the city, God suddenly called Philip away to a desert place (v.26).

Although the Lord’s command would have seemed illogical to Philip then and he did not know what to expect, he immediately obeyed (v.27a). Led by the Spirit, Philip soon encountered an Ethiopian eunuch who was returning in his chariot from Jerusalem to Ethiopia (vv.27-29).23 Philip heard the eunuch reading from the prophet Isaiah and boldly asked him whether he understood what he was reading (v.30). Humbly admitting his inadequacy, the eunuch invited Philip into the chariot to explain the text from Isaiah chapter 53 (vv.31-34).24 Philip carefully explained how the Scripture passage referred to Jesus Christ (v.35). The eunuch believed the Good News about Jesus and promptly requested water baptism by Philip (vv.36-38). In ancient literature, “the Ethiopians were considered as living in the ends of the earth”25. Therefore, “with the Gospel going to the Samaritans and then to the Ethiopian, it was going to the last two geographical spheres of the Great Commission in Acts 1:8”26. By his radical obedience, Philip not only participated in God’s plan of salvation for the Ethiopian eunuch, but also in God’s grand plan to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth! When God gives us divine appointments to proclaim the Good News to the unreached, let us walk in active obedience and be excited to participate in God’s mission in the world!

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

43

Who are the persons I want very much to share the Gospel with? Earnestly ask God for 2020 divine appointments to reach out to them.

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders:To walk in active obedience and be excited to participate in God’s mission to the unreached Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

This eunuch was a highly trusted court official of the Ethiopian queen, Candace, with responsibility over all her treasure.

It took trust and humility on the part of the eunuch, because Philip was a stranger and was obviously of a much lower social standing.

25 Ajith Fernando, 283.

26 Ajith Fernando, 283.

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© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

SCRIPTURE

SATURDAY

Psalm 67

10 July

Let the Nations Be Glad OBSERVATION What is the significance of the words, “all nations” (v.2), “the peoples” (vv.3, 5), “all the peoples” (vv.3, 5) and “the nations” (v.4), occurring throughout this psalm?

Deeper Reflection

THIS IS A MARVELLOUS PSALM. “No other psalm captures more clearly and simply the grand vision that God is the God of all people and nations, that He wants all of them to embrace Him, and that He wants His own people to mediate that blessing to the nations.”27 Psalm 67 begins with a prayer asking God to bless His people and make His face to shine upon them (v.1), so that they may “radiate His light and truth outward as a testimony to the nations”28. God’s saving power is to be made known among all nations (v.2). How? Through His people. God’s people are blessed to be a blessing to all the families of the earth (cf. Gen 12:1-3). The psalm continues with repeated prayers that all the peoples would praise God (vv.3, 5), and would do so with glad hearts and joyful songs because of God’s just and wise rule (v.4). The repetition of the idea of all the nations praising God is an expression of the hope of the nations, for “the Old Testament is replete with promises and expectations that God would one day be worshipped by people from all nations of the world”29. “Blessings came to Israel as a means of reaching the nations. This is the hope of the Old Testament: The blessings of salvation are for the nations.”30 The blessings of salvation has come to the Church. And through us the blessings are meant to go to the nations. Let us therefore go forth to reach the nations, so that they can share in the blessings of salvation!

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

45

Which nations or people groups do I have a burden for? Ask God for the compassion and 2020 love to regularly pray for at least one nation or people group.

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Church Board: To know God and make Him known among the nations Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

NIV Zondervan Study Bible.

NIV Zondervan Study Bible.

John Piper, Let The Nations Be Glad, 3rd Edition (IVP, 2010), 189.

30 John Piper, 197.

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28

29

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© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

SUNDAY

11 July

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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The Past Week REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? Commit in prayer.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

CONFIDENCE: Learning to see yourself the way God sees you.

MEMORY VERSE “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” - PHILIPPIANS 1:6, NIV

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK TWO

* BOTTOM LINE

Stay focused on Jesus*.

BIBLE STORY VIDEO

http://cefc.ch/21FD07W2

* BIBLE STORY

Matthew 14:22-33 – Peter walks on water.

* ACTIVITY

Walk the Line Props: Masking tape and a timer Stick masking tape in a straight line from one end of the room to the other. Parents, tell your children that just like Peter, they are going on a very important walk and that they need to focus on what matters most. Explain the game rules. Say, “You’re going to walk down the line marked out by the tape. If you step off, you have to go back to the beginning. I’m going to time you to see how quickly you can do it!” After that, time your kids – once with one eye closed and another time with both eyes closed. If there’s time, you can take a turn walking the line too.

* TALK ABOUT IT • How was walking down the line a little like how Peter walked on water?

• What made Peter lose his confidence and begin to sink?

• What are some things that might pull you away or distract you when you’re trying to follow Jesus?

• How can you stay focused on Jesus?

Parents: Share with your family about a time when you lost your focus on Jesus. How did you get your focus back on Him?

* PRAYER

Thank God for sending Jesus. Pray that He will help us to trust Jesus and stay focused on Him. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/July2021

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SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 2:1-3; Micah 4:1-2

MONDAY

12 July

The Vision of God’s Church OBSERVATION Why did God give this vision of “the latter days” to His people?

Deeper Reflection

THE VISION of a glorious future (vv.1-3)31 came immediately after an extensive and explicit description of the downfall of Judah and Jerusalem (Isa 1:1-31). This coming fall of Judah and Jerusalem would not be due to a biological or economic pandemic, but a spiritual one – the persistent rebellion and disobedience of the people. Yet there was a dramatic shift from hopelessness to hope in Isaiah chapter 2. God gave His people a glimpse of a glorious future: “…the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains…” (v.2). Why was there a promise of rebuilding after a prophecy of destruction? After all, the Jewish nation deserved to be punished and forsaken – like a murderer sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. But God is perfect in His justice and mercy. Our covenant-keeping God never gives up on His wayward people no matter how many wrong choices we make. He continually calls us to return to Him. We live in an increasingly mob-driven society and cancel culture, where one statement or action can result in a tsunami of criticism and judgment. Certain high-profile scholars and pastors have had their ministry and reputation all but erased due to their moral failure and deception. Yet, God will never cancel repentant sinners. The greatest demonstration of God’s mercy and grace is found in Jesus Christ: “…while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). Through His death and resurrection, Christ has fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah 2:1-3 by establishing the worldwide Church whose hope is found in Him alone!

Have you experienced God’s grace?

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How can I receive grace from God and release grace to my family, friends and 2020 colleagues?

PRAYER Lord God, You are the God of truth and grace. We live in a world that is unrepentant toward You and unforgiving towards others. So many people have not received Your grace and do not know how to release grace to others. We praise and thank You, Lord, that You are merciful and gracious, and will never give up on and cancel Your covenant people who put their trust in Jesus Christ Your Son. Amen.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

31

Cf. Micah 4:1-2.

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SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 2:1-3; Revelation 7:9-12; Ephesians 2:11-22

TUESDAY

13 July

A Church That Welcomes the Nations OBSERVATION Why does Isaiah’s vision include the coming of “all the nations” (v.2b) and “many peoples” (v.3a)?

Deeper Reflection

ONE KEY ASPECT of Isaiah’s vision of the future Church was the inclusion of “all the nations” and “many peoples”. Like a river defying gravity, people of all nationalities will “flow” up the mountain of the Lord to His dwelling place. As they journey along the way, those people will even invite the people of many other nations to join them to worship and follow the Lord (v.3). Similarly, John saw in a vision: “…a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb,…” (Rev 7:9). How does the Church today compare with these visions? The Jewish Christians initially struggled with the idea that the Gentles could be part of the Church. Even today, this kind of exclusiveness permeates the Church in many places, posing barriers to non-Christians of certain ethnic, social or economic groups coming to know, worship and follow the living and true God. Local churches founded by Christians of a particular background tend to be less welcoming – even unwelcoming – of people from other backgrounds.

However, God’s vision is for churches everywhere to be welcoming communities for all. There are to be no barriers, for Jesus has already torn down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles (Eph 2:14).32

By God’s grace, Covenant EFC has had the opportunity to welcome people from various nations by pioneering discipleship groups among Indonesians, Filipinos, Japanese, Chinese nationals, Tamil and others.

However, there is much more that we can do.33 May the Lord use each of us for His vision of a Church of all nations!

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

53

Which nationalities have God placed upon your heart (review your life journey) for you 2020 to pray for and intentionally reach out to in this year and beyond?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: That God will protect and strengthen our pastors, staff and church missionaries who are serving in China, Nepal, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand during this global pandemic Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

32 33

https://sermonwriter.com/biblical-commentary/old-testament-isaiah-21-5-commentary/ According to the Joshua Project, 7,400 ethnic groups or 42% of the world’s population do not have a healthy and growing local church (https://joshuaproject.net/resources/articles/has_everyone_heard).

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© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 2:1-3; Matthew 28:18-20

WEDNESDAY 14 July

A Church That Disciples the Nations OBSERVATION What is the difference between knowing God’s ways and walking in His paths? (v.3)

Deeper Reflection

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CHURCH does not stop at welcoming people from all the nations to believe in Jesus Christ and thereby become part of His body, the global family of God. We hold the conviction that social action and evangelism are important first steps in God’s mission in the nations of the world. Many of Covenant EFC’s overseas partners have excellent outreach ministries, such as food distribution, medical and dental clinics, school programmes and evangelistic rallies. But these are inadequate in themselves to fulfil God’s vision for the Church. Isaiah the prophet of God envisions that the nations will be taught “His ways” and will “walk in His paths” (v.3). New believers must not only be grounded in the teachings of God’s Word, but also taught to obey His commands. Mere head knowledge does not transform people’s lives. As Reverend Edmund Chan pithily puts it: “Truth does not change lives. It is truth applied that changes lives!” Sermons alone are insufficient. Disciples need to be trained to put into consistent practice, in various contexts, the timeless theological principles found in God’s Word. Authentic biblical discipleship involves discovering the truth, applying it in daily life and passing it on to others.

This pattern is found in the Great Commission that Jesus gave to the Church: “…make disciples of all nations,…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matt 28:19-20a). As such, a key strategy of the local church is for every disciple to be in a small group community of learners, where authentic and accountable life-on-life discipling can take place in the context of caring and trusted relationships.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How can I encourage and participate in the holistic discipling of foreigners living in 2020 our midst?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for The Next Generation: That each child, youth and young adult will catch God’s vision for the nations, and be equipped and released to disciple the nations Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 2:1-3; Romans 10:14-15; Acts 1:8

THURSDAY 15 July

A Church That Sends Out the Gospel OBSERVATION Why must the Word of God go out from Zion and Jerusalem?

Deeper Reflection

GOD’S VISION cannot be contained within the church walls. Verse 3 has a clear outward focus: “out of Zion shall go the law” and “the word of the LORD from Jerusalem”. God’s Word will go out into the neighbouring community, surrounding places, and nations of the world. That is what missions is about! At an individual level, holistic disciplemaking involves winning a soul through evangelism, changing a life through discipleship and sending a mentor for missions. Not every person can physically come to church to hear the Gospel, but Christ’s disciples everywhere can bring the Word of God to every unbeliever they know. The feet of the Gospel are the feet of its proclaimers! Those feet shall go into all the world. Thanksgiving and praise shall arise to God from countless people who gratefully hear and believe the Gospel! Indeed, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Rom 10:15). Like an expanding wave, we begin first in our city (our “Jerusalem”), then our surrounding region (our “all Judea and Samaria”), and ultimately “to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Years ago, Ester came from Indonesia to Singapore to find work and was employed by our church member. Ester was later brought to our Indonesian Fellowship and warmly welcomed. After hearing the Gospel she put her trust in Jesus. Ester’s leaders faithfully discipled her and soon she began leading worship and Bible studies. When Ester’s employment contract ended, she received God’s call to bring the Gospel back to her village in Indonesia. Currently, Ester is doing mission work in East Indonesia. Praise the Lord!

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

Who in my “Jerusalem” is God leading me to share the Gospel with this week? Ask God 2020 for divine appointments.

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: That our full-time and bi-vocational missionaries currently based in Singapore will continue to disciple the nations by reaching the migrants here and discipling overseas believers through online platforms Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 2:4-5; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21

FRIDAY

16 July

A Church That Brings Peace OBSERVATION How does the church bring peace to an unreached community?

Deeper Reflection

THE VISION ENDS with the images of peace replacing those of war.

Christianity not only brings reconciliation with God, it can bring reconciliation with our neighbours and enemies. Isaiah sees a future when the weapons of war will be turned into tools of agriculture (v.4).

Time and again, people who encounter Jesus experience a softening of their hardened hearts towards their enemies. That is the power of the Gospel and the forgiveness we receive from God through Jesus Christ.

However, while we live in this fallen world, there will continue to be wars and conflicts. As we eagerly await Christ’s return, let us pray for the world’s leaders to be reconciled to God. In the early 1800s, two American missionaries attempted to begin a ministry among the Batak tribe living on the island of Sumatra. Back then, the Batak people were known as fierce warriors who practised a form of ritual cannibalism. Neighbouring tribes feared them.

The Batak distributed the body parts of their prisoners of war and convicted criminals and ate them in public. Unfortunately, the missionaries were perceived as invaders, killed and eaten.34 But by God’s grace throughout the 1800s into the 1900s, subsequent missionaries continued the ministry and translated the first Batak Bible. By the early 20th century, a majority of the tribe had become followers of Jesus! Over time, many of their cultural practices were transformed. Today there are Batak church congregations all over Indonesia with the largest one comprising over 4 million baptised members!

Now instead of warring with their neighbours, Batak ambassadors for Christ reach out to them with God’s love and the Gospel!

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

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APPLICATION

How can I, over the next few weeks, help a neighbour towards reconciliation with God? 2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To catch God’s vision for reconciliation and peace, and mobilise their small groups to pray, give or be sent out for missions Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

34

Ida Pfeiffer, A Lady’s Second Journey Around the World: From London to the Cape of Good Hope, Borneo, Java, Sumatra, Celebes, Ceram, the Moluccas, etc., California, Panama, Peru, Ecuador, and the United States (Harper & Brothers, 1856).

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SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 2:4-5; Isaiah 42:6-7; Isaiah 60:1-3

SATURDAY

17 July

A Light for the Nations OBSERVATION Why does the passage end with a call for God’s people to “walk in the light of the LORD” (v.5)?

Deeper Reflection

ISAIAH 2:1-4 is an inspiring prophecy of the Church’s great future. But verse 5 brings us quickly back to the present reality. Presently, the Church is not the shining witness that she is supposed to be. Many Christians – even leaders – fail to live upright lives and to treat others with justice, love and respect. Our actions do not match up to our words. We do not look much like the Christ whom we proclaim. The credibility gap is glaringly clear to our children and co-workers. Instead of being counter-cultural, we have conformed to popular culture. In the workplace and at home, many Christians are indistinguishable from non-Christians. God’s people must get our own house in order before the nations will be drawn to us.35 Hence, the call to walk in the light of the Lord! Before we can be a light for the nations, we must walk in righteousness (Isa 42:6; 60:3). God’s people are attractive when they are increasingly conformed to the image of Jesus. For that to happen, we must walk closely with Jesus every day. We must committedly live out His teaching. We must confess and repent of our sins. We must submit to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in us and thereby grow in spiritual maturity. A missionary was once asked by a board member, “What is the most important thing that will keep a missionary on the missions field?” The board member was expecting an answer such as pastoral care, financial provision or prayer support. But the wise missionary replied, “A consistent walk with God.” Discipleship and missions begin with our walk with the Lord!

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

What am I going to do in order to be a light for the nations?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Church Board: That they and the Missions Governing Board members will walk closely with Jesus and receive God’s wisdom in making and guarding policies for church and missions Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

35

https://sermonwriter.com/biblical-commentary/old-testament-isaiah-21-5-commentary/

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SUNDAY

18 July

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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The Past Week REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? Commit in prayer.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

CONFIDENCE: Learning to see yourself the way God sees you.

MEMORY VERSE “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” - PHILIPPIANS 1:6, NIV

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK THREE

* BOTTOM LINE

BIBLE STORY VIDEO

Use what God has given you to stand strong*.

http://cefc.ch/21FD07W3

* BIBLE STORY

Ephesians 6:10-17 – Armour of God

* ACTIVITY

Armour Matching Props: Six note cards and some pens Write one of the following phrases on each of the note cards (one phrase per card): Belt of truth Shoes of peace Helmet of salvation Breastplate of righteousness Shield of faith Sword of the Spirit Parents, pass the cards to your children and read out the following sentences.

Ask them to match each sentence to the right phrase.

1. If we wear it, we can remember what’s true. (Answer: Belt of truth) 2. It keeps our hearts safe and helps control our actions and emotions. (Answer: Breastplate of righteousness) 3. These help us carry the Good News of Jesus everywhere we go. (Answer: Shoes of peace) 4. Our minds need help to stand strong. This piece reminds us that Jesus loves and forgives us.

(Answer: Helmet of salvation) 5. This shows us how God wants us to live, based on what is in the Bible. (Answer: Sword of the Spirit) 6. We hold this in front of ourselves to remind us that God is always with us and will always help us. (Answer: Shield of faith)

• •

• •

• •

* TALK ABOUT IT

• Why do you think Paul wrote about armour?

• How can our relationship with God give us confidence?

• Parents: Share a time when you needed God’s protection.

* PRAYER

Thank God for the strength and confidence we have from our relationship with Him. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/July2021

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 15:1-3; Deuteronomy 25:17-19

MONDAY

19 July

The Gospel of Divine Vengeance OBSERVATION Why did God want Amalek to be utterly destroyed?

Deeper Reflection

GOD SENT SAUL on a mission to “strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has”, including every human being and every domestic animal (v.3). It was a divine judgment: “I will punish Amalek” (v.2). The word for “utterly destroy” – “total curse of destruction”36 − is haram, which represents a process of special consecration whereby something is definitively and ultimately given over to God as a sacrifice where nothing could be kept for another use.37 This divine judgment is divine vengeance for His people. When Israel was on their way to the Promised Land, Amalek attacked them with a dirty attack, attacking from the rear those who were “faint and weary”; and for that God decreed the total destruction of Amalek (v.2; Deut 25:17-19). The holy and just God cannot and does not forget how His enemies hated and oppressed His people, who cried out to Him for “judging and avenging our blood” (Rev 6:9-10).

“No vengeance on God’s enemies means no deliverance for His people.

The ‘full Gospel’…in all its completeness, always proclaims both ‘the year of the Lord’s favor’ and ‘the day of the vengeance of our God’ (Isa 61:2).”38 The “avenging God” is “slow to anger” (Nah 1:2-3) and He had given Amalek 300 years to repent.39 But in unrepentance, Amalek’s atrocious war crimes persisted till Samuel’s days: “your sword has made women childless” (1 Sam 15:33).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How does the theology of God’s vengeance for His people shape my discipleship?

2020

PRAYER O Righteous God of vengeance, help me never to take revenge for any wrong done to me unjustly, but to leave that to Your righteous anger.

Help me to be forgiving, and not to let evil conquer me, but to conquer evil by doing good, feeding my enemies when they are hungry, and by doing so to heap burning coals of shame on their heads.40

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dale Ralph Davis, 1 Samuel, Focus on the Bible (Christian Focus, 2000), 154 David G. Firth, 1 & 2 Samuel, Apollos Old Testament Commentary (Apollos, 2009), 171, 172 Dale Ralph Davis, 155 39 Dale Ralph Davis, 155 40 Romans 12:19-21 36 37

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 15:1-13

TUESDAY 20 July

“I Have Obeyed God’s Voice!” (1) OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Saul and God in Saul’s mission to strike the Amalekites?

Deeper Reflection

GOD COMMANDED SAUL to “strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him” (v.3). And Saul “defeated the Amalekites” (v.7).

It was a victory. It was a success. But it was an “unfaithful success”41.

It is ironic. But it is a spiritual reality that can happen to us: We can be unfaithful to God and yet successful in life, and even in ministry. On the contrary, it can be that we are faithful to God, but not “successful” in life.

What is true success? Jesus is the only truly successful human being who ever existed. And Jesus’ life defines true success: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me” (Jn 4:34; 6:38; 17:4). In Saul’s case, the “success” is external, but being “unfaithful” is internal. What God commands Saul is: “utterly destroy all that he has…do not spare him” (v.3). But what Saul has done is: he “spared Agag and the best of the sheep…not willing to destroy them utterly” (v.9). In God’s command to Saul, “utterly destroy all” and “do not spare” was most critical, but it was in this very thing that Saul had failed. “Defeated the Amalekites” (v.7) was not enough. And tragically, what Saul thinks is: “I have carried out the command of the LORD” (v.13). But what God sees – which is ultimate reality, is: “he has turned back from following Me and had not carried out My commands” (v.11). What we think we are when we are not is spiritually precarious.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How can I guard against the reality of “unfaithful success” happening in my life?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To be able to see their spiritual condition as God sees Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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Dale Ralph Davis, 154

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© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 15:13-21

WEDNESDAY 21 July

“I Have Obeyed God’s Voice!” (2) OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Saul in the exchange between him and Samuel?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN SAUL MET SAMUEL with his self-confident pronouncement, “I have carried out the command of the LORD” (v.13), Samuel’s response was: “But Saul, dead animals can’t make any sound!” (v.14). The “bleating of the sheep” and the “lowing of the oxen” speak loud and clear that Saul did not obey the “put to death…ox and sheep” part of God’s command (1 Sam 15:3).

But Saul was so spiritually insensitive that he was oblivious to what was so obvious. And Saul put the blame on his troops: “the people spared the best of the sheep and oxen” and at the same time he put on a spiritual front to it: “to sacrifice to the LORD” (v.15). When God confronted Adam about his transgression, Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent (Gen 3:11-13).

This is our fallen human tendency. Putting on a spiritual front can be an illusion, and an easy and effective device to self-deception. While putting the blame on “the people”, Saul self-servingly included himself in the total destruction of the rest of the haram items: “we have…” (v.15). When Samuel rightly insisted that Saul had disobeyed God (vv.16-19), Saul relentlessly insisted, “I did obey the voice of the LORD” (v.20). What Saul had done was “evil in the sight of the LORD” (v.19), but to Saul himself, what he had done was right before God. Insensitivity leads to indifference. Be watchful: “the heart is more deceitful above all else” (Jer 17:9).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How can I guard myself from becoming spiritually insensitive to the point of being 2020 oblivious to the obvious?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for The Next Generation: To grow in spiritual sensitivity and discernment Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 15:20-23

THURSDAY 22 July

Obedience Is Better Than Sacrifice OBSERVATION What can you learn about obedience, sacrifice (worship) and sin?

Deeper Reflection

TWICE, SAUL CLAIMED that “the best of the things devoted to destruction” were “spared” “to sacrifice to the LORD” (1 Sam 15:15, 21).

But Samuel responded by educating and enlightening Saul that God has “much delight” in “obeying” His voice than “in burnt offerings and sacrifices”, and that “to obey is better than sacrifice” (v.22). Weekly formal worship on Sunday cannot be substituted for an obedient life.

Daily external devotions like prayer and reading the Bible is no substitute for internal submission to God. Let not our “multiplied sacrifices” and “multiplied prayers” fool and bluff us (Isa 1:11-15). The comparisons that Samuel made for sin are significant (v.23). Sin must be “rightly identified”: Not listening to God’s voice is not failure or misunderstanding, but “rebellion” and “arrogance/presumption”42 Sin must be “properly compared”: It is in the same category as “sorcery” and “idolatry”43. An “accurate thinking about sin”44 is critical, because “we may not see the sinfulness of sin on its surface”45. Jesus sums up obedience to God’s commands as loving God and loving people (Matt 22:37-40). A meaningful relationship with God is not possible unless we obey God’s command to love people in tangible, practical ways. Much of obedience to God is exercised in how we relate with people and treat people with love, for “love is the fulfilment of the Law” (Rom 13:8-10).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How do I perceive obedience, worship and sin in my life?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To worship and serve God in Spirit and in truth Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dale Ralph Davis, 158 Dale Ralph Davis, 158 Dale Ralph Davis, 159 45 Dale Ralph Davis, 158 42 43

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 15:24-35

FRIDAY

23 July

“I Have Sinned Against God” OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Saul’s confession, “I have sinned”?

Deeper Reflection

GOD ANSWERED Saul adamantly insisted twice that he had obeyed God’s voice (1 Sam 15:13, 20). But when the divine judgment, “God has rejected you from being king” (1 Sam 15:23), was pronounced, Saul immediately confessed, “I have sinned”, admitting that he had disobeyed God’s command (v.24a). The confession, however, was accompanied by shifting of blame on the people, claiming that he “feared” them and “listened to their voice” (v.24b). Saul had not fully accepted his guilt.46 Saul asked for “pardon” for his sin, but he seemed to be asking it from Samuel rather than from God (v.25a). Samuel repeated to Saul, and very emphatically, that God had rejected him from being king (vv.26, 28-29). In response, Saul made his second confession, “I have sinned,” but along with the request of “please honor me” before Israel and the elders of the people (v.30). The spirit is incongruent. There is no brokenness or contriteness. Even at this point, what really mattered to Saul was his reputation, that the esteem of men be retained.47 Like Saul, we ourselves, too, have stood among those who love human approval more than divine approval (Jn 12:43). 1 Samuel 15 ends with the tragic “Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death” (v.35). It means God’s communion with Saul as king through the prophet Samuel was broken.48 Without the prophet, Saul was without God’s word – “an unbearable silence”49.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How can I keep myself from falling into the kind of spiritual condition like Saul’s?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To have a heart of humble brokenness before God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

David G. Firth, 176 Dale Ralph Davis, 163 Dale Ralph Davis, 164 49 Dale Ralph Davis, 164 46 47

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 15:10-11, 28-29, 34-35

SATURDAY

24 July

The Unchanging God Who Changes OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about God in verses 11, 28 to 29 and 35?

Deeper Reflection

THE WORD NAHAM used in reference to God’s choice and rejection of Saul as king occurs four times in 1 Samuel 15: “I regret” (v.11), God “will not change His mind” (v.29) and “the LORD regretted” (v.35). God “change[d] His mind” when He “regretted” Saul as His choice. Is there a contradiction? Scripture depicts God as one “who does not change and yet who changes”50. Fundamentally, God’s character as consistent and reliable does not change. Samuel underscored this truth with a triple emphasis: It is God’s glory as “the Glory of Israel” that He “will not lie or change His mind” and God “is not man that He should change His mind” (v.29; cf. Num 23:19).

In other words, for God to “change His mind” is to “lie”; and God being God, is constant and not fickle-minded like man. But God acts in response to human actions, where He does change, especially so in relation to human rebellion and repentance. When God has pronounced judgment on a people and they repent from evil, He will “relent” from “the disaster I had planned”; and when God has promised good to a people, but they do evil, He will “reconsider the good I had intended to do for it” (Jer 18:7-10).

Here, God is the potter and we are the clay in His hand (Jer 18:5-6). And God “relents” concerning His judgment in response to repentance as “a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in steadfast love” (Jon 3:9-10; 4:2). We must see God in total theology.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How do I relate with a God who does not change and yet who changes?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

For Church Board: To know and trust in the unchanging God who does change Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

50

Walter Brueggemann, First and Second Samuel, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (John Knox, 1990), 116

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SUNDAY

25 July

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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The Past Week REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? Commit in prayer.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

CONFIDENCE: Learning to see yourself the way God sees you.

MEMORY VERSE “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” - PHILIPPIANS 1:6, NIV

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK FOUR

* BOTTOM LINE

God loves you no matter what*.

BIBLE STORY VIDEO

http://cefc.ch/21FD07W4

* BIBLE STORY

Romans 8:38-39 – Nothing can separate us from God.

* ACTIVITY

Wash Away Props: Non-permanent markers, soap, water and a Bible Read Romans 8:38-39 out loud. Say, “NOTHING can make God stop loving us.” But sometimes, when we mess up, it can make us feel like God won’t love us anymore. Parents, ask your kids to take a marker and write on the back of their hand what they feel could separate them from God’s love. Maybe it’s something they did a long time ago or more recently. Give your children a few moments to think and write it down. Once they have finished, get them to wash their hands with soap and water until all the ink marks are gone. Then say, “Just like you can’t see what you wrote anymore, when God looks at you, He doesn’t see any of your mistakes. He sees the awesome kid He made and loves. NOTHING can separate you from His love!”

* TALK ABOUT IT

• Paul wrote these verses as part of a letter to the Romans. How do you think the Romans felt when they first read Paul’s words? Why do you think they felt this way?

• What makes you sure that God will always love you?

• When you feel separated from God, what can help you feel close to Him? Parents: Share with your family about a time when you felt far away from God’s love. What did you do? How did you overcome how you felt and come to believe that God loves you no matter what?

* PRAYER

Thank God for loving us no matter what. Pray that He will help us see ourselves the way He sees us, so that we can have the confidence to live our lives the way He wants us to. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/July2021

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 15:34-35; 16:1

MONDAY

26 July

Human Setback Means Divine Setback?

OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about God in His choosing of a king for Israel?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN ISRAEL INSISTED on having a king over them, God “listened to their voice” and chose Saul to be their king (1 Sam 8:22; 10:24). God empowered Saul by His Spirit and “changed his heart” to equip him for the royal mission (1 Sam 10:6, 9). However, Saul disobeyed God time after time (1 Sam 13-15). This resulted in a divine regret: “I regret that I have made Saul king” (1 Sam 15:11, 35). God who does not change His mind (1 Sam 15:29) regretted and changed His mind here. 51 The divine naham (“regret/change the mind” in 1 Sam 15:11, 29, 35) contains “a certain emotional element” – the intensive divine sorrow and grief over human sin (cf. Gen 6:5-6). 52 The divine regret was expressed in divine rejection: “I have rejected him from being king over Israel” (1 Sam 16:1a).

But human setback does not mean divine setback. Divine regret is never final. There is always a divine restart: “I have selected a king for Myself ” (1 Sam 16:1b). Mark the divine ego in the divine words. It was all done by God Himself – “I have selected” − and for Himself – “for Myself ”. In fact, the divine restart had already begun before the divine regret. In response to Saul’s initial disobedience, God “has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and has appointed him as ruler over His people” (1 Sam 13:14; cf. 1 Sam 15:28). Nothing catches the only wise sovereign redemptive God by surprise.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How do I relate with God in the face of the setbacks of my life?

2020

PRAYER O gracious and compassionate God, abounding in steadfast love, You are a God who is able to make up my years that Your judgment locusts have eaten,53 because of my unfaithfulness. I dare not be presumptuous, but humbly ask You to give me a new restart, that though I fall I may rise; and though I dwell in darkness, You will bring me out to the light.54

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

See Devotional Journal 2021 July 24.

Dale Ralph Davis, 160 Joel 2:13, 25 54 Micah 7:8-9 51

52 53

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 16:1-6

TUESDAY 27 July

How Could Samuel Be Wrong?

OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Samuel as a prophet of God?

Deeper Reflection

IN 1 SAMUEL, Samuel is highly profiled as a prophet of God of significant importance in God’s purposes for Israel. A prophet is a mouthpiece of God, speaking what God commands him to speak (Exo 7:1-2), such that, like Jeremiah, “the words of Jeremiah” is equivalent to “the word of the LORD” (Jer 1:1-2). This also characterised Samuel: “the word of the LORD” (1 Sam 3:21) became “the word of Samuel” (1 Sam 4:1). Samuel’s prophetic word was God’s revelation of Himself: “the LORD revealed Himself to Samuel…by the word of the LORD” (1 Sam 3:21). For Samuel, “the LORD was with him and let none of his word fail” (1 Sam 3:19).

However, lest we overromanticise this “perfect” man of God, Samuel had his defects as God’s prophet. When Samuel just “entered” Jesse’s house to anoint Israel’s next king, Eliab caught his eyes, and his immediate “thought” was: “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before Him” (v.6). Samuel made the conclusion with confidence and certainty: “Surely.” He made the conclusion when “he looked at Eliab”. When God chose Saul to be king, He gave His people the kind of physically imposing and impressive individual that was desirable to man (1 Sam 9:2; 10:23-24). Samuel himself fell into “this superficial way of thinking”55. God had clearly said to Samuel, “I will show you” (v.3). At this point, God had not shown Samuel anything yet. But Samuel made a conclusion and it was wrong.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How should I go about looking at reality rightly?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To be able to look at reality rightly Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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Robert H. Chisholm Jr., 1 & 2 Samuel, Teach the Text Commentary Series (Baker, 2013), 111

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 16:6-7

WEDNESDAY 28 July

Walking According to God’s Will (1) OBSERVATION What is the significance of the word “see/look” being repeated five times56 in verses 6 to 7?

Deeper Reflection

SAMUEL HAD BEEN GRIEVING over the God-rejected Saul for too long (1 Sam 16:1a). As far as God was concerned, it is time to move on in the will of God. The will of God was: “I have selected a king for Myself” (1 Sam 16:1b).

From the story of God selecting His king among Jesse’s sons through Samuel, we can glean three principles for walking according to the will of God. Firstly, see as God sees: Samuel failed to see as God sees when he “looked at Eliab” (v.6). To Samuel, Eliab’s “outward appearance” and the “height of his stature” made him the natural divine choice (v.7a). There is really no such thing as natural divine choice. What is natural is usually human and external.

Like Samuel, we too can easily fall into “this superficial way of thinking”57.

“God sees not as man sees” and “God looks at the heart” is a critical doublebarrelled theology to live by (v.7b). There are only two ultimate realities: What God sees and the heart. But how can we see our hearts as God sees?

God alone can see the heart and we know our hearts only when we know God. And accordingly, we can see our hearts through the Word of God and by the Spirit of God. The “living and active” “Word of God” that is “able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” is “the eyes of God” to which “all things are open and laid bare” (Heb 4:12-13). And “the word of God” is “the sword of the Spirit” (Eph 6:17).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

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In2020 what ways is the double-barrelled theology of “God sees not as man sees” and “God looks at the heart” applicable to me?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for The Next Generation: To know God and their hearts through God’s Word Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

56 57

The Hebrew word ra’ah occurs four times, and nabat once – “Do not look at his appearance” (v.7).

Robert H. Chisholm Jr., 111

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 16:8-13

THURSDAY 29 July

Walking According to God’s Will (2) OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about the process of David being identified as God’s chosen king?

Deeper Reflection

FROM THE STORY of God selecting His king among Jesse’s sons through Samuel, we can glean three principles for walking according to the will of God. Firstly, see as God sees. Secondly, move as God leads. Jesse made his seven sons pass before Samuel to see if God’s chosen one was among them. Samuel’s immediate response for each of Jesse’s sons was: “The LORD has not chosen this one” (vv.8-10) – a statement that is repeated thrice for emphasis. God had said to Samuel: “I will show you” (1 Sam 16:3). But when each of Jesse’s sons passed before Samuel, there was divine silence – no divine leading. Thirdly, rest as God called. The divine silence led Samuel to ask Jesse, “Are these all the children?” (v.11a).

And Samuel discovered that “there remains yet the youngest” who was “tending the sheep” (v.11b). Then this “youngest” son of Jesse was brought in and presented to Samuel. The divine silence was broken: “Arise, anoint him, for this is he” (v.12). And for the first time the name “David” is mentioned (v.13a). Here is an irony. The one whom God had chosen was not among the candidates for the selection. He was excluded. Do you fear missing out on God’s blessing when man has left you out? The principle here is: When God has called us, He will seek us out. The corollary to this is: “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven” (Jn 3:27). We can rest in God’s call for us.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How will I posture myself to walk according to the will of God? 2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To have Spiritual wisdom to know God’s will Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 16:13-17

FRIDAY

30 July

Terrorising Evil Spirit from God OBSERVATION What is the meaning of “an evil spirit from the LORD terrorised Saul”?

Deeper Reflection

“THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD” that “came mightily upon” Saul (1 Sam 10:6, 10) had now “departed from Saul” (v.14a) and “came mightily upon David” (v.13).

This signals that God “has torn the kingdom of Israel” from Saul and “has given it” to David (1 Sam 15:28). The departure of the Spirit of God from Saul echoes Samson’s experience: “the LORD had departed from him” when he broke his Nazirite vow (Judg 16:20). The scary thing is: Samson “did not know that”. When the spiritually sensitive Psalmist sinned against God, he pled with God in brokenness and contriteness: “Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me” (Psa 51:11, 17). After the Spirit of God had left Saul, “an evil spirit from the LORD terrorised him” (v.14 – also vv.15, 16; 1 Sam 16:23). The source of this “evil spirit” is God Himself: “from the LORD”. The Hebrew word (ra) for “evil” “can refer to disaster or calamity sent as punishment from God”58. The word need not to be describing the spirit’s essential character, but referring to his mission as one of judgment.59 The coming of the “evil spirit” upon Saul means he is now an enemy of God and his effectiveness as king is undermined.60 It is a sobering reality that God’s judgment can fall on His people through being delivered “to Satan so that his sinful nature will be destroyed and he himself will be saved on the day the Lord returns” (1 Cor 5:3-5, NLT).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How will I know that the presence of God has left me?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To daily walk with God faithfully Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

58 59 60

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 112 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 112 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 112

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 16:18-23

SATURDAY

31 July

Beginning to Answer God’s Call OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about David?

Deeper Reflection

LEAVING THE PASTURE for the palace to serve Saul marks David’s beginning in answering God’s call to be the next king over Israel (vv.19-20).

It was marked by three characteristics. David was a man of holistic substance that was evident to outsiders: “I have seen…” (v.18). He was a steel and velvet worshipful warrior: “a mighty man of valor” and “a skillful musician” – “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Sam 23:1). David was “prudent in speech” – knowing what, when and how to speak (Eph 4:29), giving “apt answer” and “timely word” (Prov 15:23). David is twice described as “handsome” (1 Sam 16:12, v.18). There is nothing wrong about good looks, unless one’s significance depends on it. Most importantly is David’s close walk with God and God’s approval of him: “the LORD is with him.” David had an honourable standing before Saul. Saul “loved him greatly” and made him “his armour-bearer,” because he “has found favor in his sight” (vv.21-22). David was marked by his humble service, serving Saul while having been anointed as the next king. David knew his station now – to serve and support this outgoing king – and kept his station faithfully. David was superior to Saul in that Saul was dependent on David for even his sanity.61 Saul was helpless without David’s soothing music.62 But David did not take advantage of that.

He certainly played his harp wholeheartedly, aiming and seeking to bring relief and refreshing to the tormented king (v.23).

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APPLICATION

In2020 what ways do I need to be like David?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

For Church Board: To be people of holistic substance and humble service Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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Robert H. Chisholm Jr., 110 Robert H. Chisholm Jr., 113

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Notes

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

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