June Devotional Journal 2018

JUNE DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL 2018

While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

ACTS 13:2-3 (NIV)

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JUNE DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL 2018

While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

ACTS 13:2-3 (NIV)

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

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

ACTS 1:8 (NIV)

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

ACTS 2:42 (NIV)

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

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

ACTS 2:46-47 (NIV)

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

ACTS 4:12 (NIV)

M AY

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

We will turn this responsibility over to them…

ACTS 6:2-3 (NIV)

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

ACTS 13:2-3 (NIV)

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

ACTS 16:31 (NIV)

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

ACTS 17:11 (NIV)

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

ACTS 18:9-10 (NIV)

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

ACTS 20:28 (NIV)

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

ACTS 20:32 (NIV)

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

ACTS 28:31 (NIV)

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FOREWORD

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

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

“PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION

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

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

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

ACTS 20:28

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ, Rev Tony Yeo and Rev Tan Kay Kiong

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GUIDE TO USING THIS

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

1

Prepare your heart in God’s presence

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

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

■ Begin with a song of worship.

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

■ Ask God to open your heart to hear Him.

SOMETHING TO PONDER...

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

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

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9

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

with His Word and Spirit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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M AY – J U N E

WORSHIP SONGS THE LION AND THE LAMB Verse 1 He’s coming on the clouds Kings and kingdoms will bow down And every chain will break As broken hearts declare His praise For who can stop the Lord Almighty?

Chorus Our God is the Lion The Lion of Judah He’s roaring with power And fighting our battles And every knee will bow before Him Our God is the Lamb The Lamb that was slain For the sins of the world His blood breaks the chains And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb Every knee will bow before Him Verse 2 So open up the gates Make way before the King of kings The God who comes to save Is here to set the captives free For who can stop the Lord Almighty?

Bridge Who can stop the Lord Almighty?

Who can stop the Lord Almighty?

Brenton Brown | Brian Johnson | Leeland Mooring © 2015 Meaux Mercy (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7038281 CCLI License # 324618

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FACING A TASK UNFINISHED (WE GO TO ALL THE WORLD) Verse 1 Facing a task unfinished That drives us to our knees A need that, undiminished Rebukes our slothful ease We, who rejoice to know Thee Renew before Thy throne The solemn pledge we owe Thee To go and make Thee known Verse 2 Where other lords beside Thee Hold their unhindered sway Where forces that defied Thee Defy Thee still today With none to heed their crying For life and love and light Unnumbered souls are dying And pass into the night Chorus We go to all the world With (His) kingdom hope unfurled No other name has power to save But Jesus Christ The Lord Verse 3 We bear the torch that flaming Fell from the hands of those Who gave their lives proclaiming That Jesus died and rose Ours is the same commission The same glad message ours Fired by the same ambition To Thee we yield our powers

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Verse 4 O Father who sustained them O Spirit who inspired Saviour, whose love constrained them To toil with zeal untired From cowardice defend us From lethargy awake!

Forth on Thine errands send us To labour for Thy sake Ed Cash | Fionán De Barra | Frank Houghton | Keith Getty | Kristyn Getty | Samuel Wesley © 2015 Alletrop Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) De Barra, Fionan (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) OMF International (UK) (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Getty Music Publishing (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7002026 CCLI License # 324618

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THIS KINGDOM Verse 1 Jesus God’s righteousness revealed The Son of Man The Son of God His kingdom comes Jesus Redemption’s sacrifice Now glorified Now justified His kingdom comes Chorus And this kingdom will know no end And its glory shall know no bounds For the majesty and power Of this kingdom’s King has come And this kingdom’s reign And this kingdom’s rule And this kingdom’s power and authority Jesus God’s righteousness revealed Verse 2 Jesus The expression of God’s love The grace of God The Word of God Revealed to us Jesus God’s holiness displayed Now glorified Now justified His kingdom comes © 1995 Geoff Bullock Music For use solely with the SongSelect. Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 1650898 CCLI License # 324618

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HALLELUJAH TO THE LAMB Verse 1 Lord, I stand in the midst of a multitude Of those from every tribe and tongue We are Your people, redeemed by Your blood Rescued from death by Your love There are no words Good enough to thank You There are no words to express my praise But I will lift up my voice And sing from my heart With all of my strength Chorus Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah To the Lamb Hallelujah hallelujah By the blood of Christ we stand Every tongue, every tribe Every people, every land Giving glory, giving honour Giving praise unto the Lamb of God Verse 2 Lord, we stand by grace in Your presence Cleansed by the blood of the Lamb We are Your children, called by Your name Humbly we bow and we pray Release Your power To work in us and through us Till we are changed To be more like You Then all the nations will see Your glory revealed And worship You

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Bridge Every knee shall bow Every tongue confess That You are Lord of all Ending Giving praise unto the Lamb of God Giving praise unto the Lamb of God Jesus Christ, Lamb of God! Debbye Graafsma | Don Moen © 1997 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 2316323 CCLI License # 324618

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WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS Verse 1 When I survey the wonderous cross On which the Prince of Glory died My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride Verse 2 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast Save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most I sacrifice them to His blood Verse 3 See from His head, His hands, His feet Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Verse 4 Were the whole realm of nature mine That were a present far too small Love so amazing, so divine Demands my soul, my life, my all Isaac Watts | Michael James © 1986 Word Music, LLC (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 2922236 CCLI License # 324618

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O PRAISE THE NAME (ANÁSTASIS) Verse 1 I cast my mind to Calvary Where Jesus bled and died for me I see His wounds, His hands, His feet My Saviour on that cursed tree Verse 2 His body bound and drenched in tears They laid Him down in Joseph’s tomb The entrance sealed by heavy stone Messiah still and all alone Chorus O praise the Name of the Lord our God O praise His Name forevermore For endless days we will sing Your praise Oh Lord, oh Lord our God Verse 3 Then on the third at break of dawn The Son of heaven rose again O trampled death, where is your sting?

The angels roar for Christ the King Verse 4 He shall return in robes of white The blazing sun shall pierce the night And I will rise among the saints My gaze transfixed on Jesus’ face Benjamin Hastings | Dean Ussher | Marty Sampson © 2015 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7037787 CCLI License # 324618

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SPIRIT TOUCH YOUR CHURCH Verse 1 Lord, we need Your grace and mercy We need to pray like never before We need the power of Your Holy Spirit To open heaven’s door Chorus Spirit, touch Your church Stir the hearts of men Revive us, Lord With Your passion once again I want to care for others Like Jesus cares for me Let Your rain fall upon me Let Your rain fall upon me Verse 2 Lord, we humbly come before You We don’t deserve of You what we ask But we yearn to see Your glory Restore this dying land Ending Let Your rain fall upon me Kim Bollinger © 1990 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 451861 CCLI License # 324618

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IN THE PRESENCE Verse 1 In the presence of a holy God I bow down and I adore You reveal the secrets of my heart And I am shaken to the core In the presence of a holy God There’s new meaning now to grace You took all my sins upon Yourself I can only stand amazed Chorus And I cry holy, holy, holy God How awesome is Your name Holy, holy, holy God How majestic is Your reign And I am changed In the presence of a holy God Verse 2 In the presence of Your infinite might I’m so small and frail and weak When I see Your power and wisdom, Lord I have no words left to speak Verse 3 In the presence of Your glory All my crowns lie in the dust You are righteous in Your judgments, Lord You are faithful, true, and just Mark Altrogge © 1989 Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Sovereign Grace Praise (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 29688 CCLI License # 324618

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COME AS YOU ARE Verse 1 Come out of sadness from wherever you’ve been Come, broken-hearted let rescue begin Come find your mercy, O sinner, come kneel Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can’t heal Chorus (So) Lay down your burdens Lay down your shame All who are broken Lift up your face O wanderer, come home You’re not too far So lay down your hurt Lay down your heart Come as you are Verse 2 There’s hope for the hopeless And all those who’ve strayed Come sit at the table Come taste the grace There’s rest for the weary Rest that endures Earth has no sorrow That Heaven can’t cure Bridge Come as you are Fall in His arms Come as you are

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Verse 3 There’s joy for the morning O sinner, be still Earth has no sorrow That Heaven can’t heal Earth has no sorrow That Heaven can’t heal Ending Come as you are Come as you are Come as you are Ben Glover | David Crowder | Matt Maher © 2014 9t One Songs (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Ariose Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); sixsteps Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Sony/ATV Tree Publishing (Admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing) CCLI Song # 7017790 CCLI License # 324618

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01 FRIDAY

JUNE

Healing Through Peter’s Shadow

S CRIPTURE

Acts 5:12-16

O BSERVATION What does the healing of the sick taking place through the shadow of Peter (v.15) tell us about God?

Deeper Reflection THE EARLY CHURCH GREW in numbers “to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets” (vv.14-15a). One of the “many signs and wonders” through the apostles (v.12) was Peter’s “shadow” “overshadow[ed]” (v.15b, KJV) the sick and healing took place. It is of significance that the verb “overshadow” occurred three times in Luke-Acts. Jesus was conceived in Mary when “the power of the Most High will overshadow you [Mary]” (Lk 1:35). At the transfiguration of Jesus, a cloud “overshadow[ed]” Peter, John and James (Lk 9:34). “Overshadow” in Luke-Acts points to the overshadowing presence and power of God.1 Peter’s shadow intrinsically had no power, but it was a means by which God manifested His power. Years ago, I was teaching a course “Survey of the Bible”.

A student, on two separate occasions, experienced deliverance from demonic strongholds while I was teaching. There was no demonic manifestation and I wasn’t speaking about demons and deliverance.

I did not know about this until it was reported to me sometime later.

God is sovereign, and He can manifest His presence and power in any way He wills and pleases.

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A PPLICATION

What does it mean for me to know that God is sovereign in manifesting His presence and power?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders: To have God’s mighty working in their lives and ministry

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

1

Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan, 2012), 293; John Stott, The Message of Acts, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 1990), 113

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02 SATURDAY

JUNE

Will All Be Healed?

S CRIPTURE

Acts 5:12-16

O BSERVATION Does the phrase “all were being healed” (v.16) mean that God will heal every sick person and every sickness − why or why not?

Deeper Reflection PEOPLE FROM the “small neighbouring communities”2 “in the vicinity of Jerusalem” brought to the apostles “those who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits” for healing and deliverance (v.16). Luke did not specify if they were believers or unbelievers (vv.14-15). But it seemed to include unbelievers; and they were healed, as “all were being healed” (v.16b). It was true that “all” were being healed then, but the word “all” is not a promise by virtue of historical precedence. Divine forgiveness of sins, deliverance from Satan and healing of sicknesses are made possible through the redemptive death of Christ and His resurrection (see Col 1:13-14; 2:13-15; Matt 8:16-17 – cf. Isa 53:4-6). When we confess our sins to God, He will forgive our sins and cleanse us from “all” sin (1 Jn 1:7, 9). God will deliver us from all demonisation because Satan must not have a foothold in our lives (Eph 4:26-27). But God does not heal all who are sick and all with sicknesses. Why? The “redemption of our bodies” will be at Christ’s Second Coming (Rom 8:22-23). God can heal us a thousand times of terminal cancer and we will still die. For death is the last enemy that God will eliminate (1 Cor 15:50-54).

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A PPLICATION

How do I live with the eschatological reality of God not healing all who are sick and all sicknesses at the present time?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board: To walk in triumph in Christ ■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

2

Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Baker, 2007), 233

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03 SUNDAY

Sunday Journal

JUNE

S CRIPTURE

O BSERVATION

A PPLICATION

P RAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL WEEK 1 JUNE 2018

HOW CAN JESUS BE MY GUIDE? * Jesus guides us to make important choices in life.

Scripture: Psalm 119:105 ACTIVITY BITE Get your family members to come to your room at night and switch off the lights. Name some items in your room, such as a particular story book, and have everyone search for them. After some time, give them a torchlight and get them to search for new items.

CHAT TIME Q1: How did it feel to find the items in a dark room without the torchlight and with it?

Q2: When you have to make difficult choices, do you think that getting guidance from adults will help you to make better decisions? Why or why not?

Q3: How does God’s Word guide us in making good choices in life?

LEARNING POINT We make choices every day like what to wear, eat and do, as well as who to talk to. The simple choices are easy to make. But for difficult life decisions, such as whether you should listen to advice from friends who are a bad influence, it would be good to have someone more knowledgeable to guide us.

Jesus is our best guide because He knows all things − what is wrong or right, wise or unwise. He wants us to make the best choices because He cares for us. Trust in Him and He will lead you.

Just like how the torchlight helps us to see in the dark, the Bible guides us in making good choices in life.

ACTION POINT Share with your parents about a difficult decision you need to make.

Let them advise you, but most importantly, pray to Jesus together for His guidance.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that Jesus will point us to the people who are wise enough to guide us or Bible verses that will help us in making good choices every day. * Adapted from 252Basics, June 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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04 MONDAY

JUNE

Getting Worse, or Getting Better?

S CRIPTURE

Acts 4:1-4, 13-22; 5:17-18, 40

O BSERVATION What is the significance of the almost verbatim repetition of words in verse 3a and Acts 5:18?

Deeper Reflection IN THE SAME ADVERSITY, things can be viewed as getting worse or getting better. Luke described the two persecutions that the apostles suffered from the religious authorities using almost similar words: “they laid hands on them and put them in jail” (v.3a), and “they laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail” (Acts 5:18). Persecution had increased. And persecution was also intensified. In the first persecution, the apostles were released after they were given a threat (v.21), but in the second, they were “flogged” (Acts 5:40). The Sanhedrin or synagogue officials could mete out a punishment of “40 lashes less one” for offences against the Jewish law (Mk 13:9; 2 Cor 11:24).3 The whipping “could leave one close to death, if not dead, from loss of blood”4. One may view all these as things getting worse. Or, in the larger scheme of things, as things getting better, as portrayed in Acts 4 to 5: proclamation and progress (vv.1-4); persecution (Acts 4:5-22); praise, prayer, power and progress (Acts 4:23-37); problem (Acts 5:1-11); progress (Acts 5:12-16); persecution (Acts 5:17-40); and progress (Acts 5:41-42). When we follow the Lord faithfully, things are always getting better in the Lord, even though things may be getting worse externally – we just cannot see how it is so now.

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A PPLICATION

What changes do I need to make in my perspective and attitude towards situations in my life where things are getting worse externally?

won’t last very long, but that they produce for me a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!

Gi

vin

g

th

an

lf

my present troubles are small and

nee d

they have been. Help me to see that

Se

adversity, however great and long

Tho se in

Leaders

Lord, help me not to lose heart in

Significant people

P RAYER

ks

Help me to fix my gaze on things that cannot be seen, things that will last forever.5 Amen.

3 4 5

I. Howard Marshall, Acts, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1980), 123 Darrell L. Bock, 252 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

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05 TUESDAY

JUNE

The Safeguard Against Jealousy

S CRIPTURE

Acts 4:31; 5:1-3, 17-18, 27-28

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the word “filled” in verse 31 and Acts 5:3, 17, 28?

Deeper Reflection IN ACTS 4 TO 5, the word “filled” is used in four different ways: the early church was “filled with the Holy Spirit” (v.31), “Satan filled” the hearts of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:3), the religious authorities were “filled with jealousy” (Acts 5:17), and the apostles “filled Jerusalem” with the teaching about Jesus (Acts 5:28). The religious leaders’ “jealousy” was an “intense negative feeling over another’s achievement or success”6. It was mentioned immediately after the great success of the apostles (Acts 5:12-16). They “could not tolerate the increasing influence of the apostles” and “resent[ed] strongly the reputation and the popularity of the apostles”7. Jealousy is conceived by comparing with others in what they have that I do not have. Deep down is discontentment with what I have. Jealousy will give birth to covetuousness: wanting what others have that I do not. But once we get what we have coveted, we will not stop there. We will want more.

This will become selfish ambition. Gratitude to God and contentment in God guards us against jealousy. When John the Baptist was tempted to compare with Jesus, his response was: “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven” (Jn 3:27).

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A PPLICATION

What areas in my life are there jealousy and how would I want to deal with them?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: That God will guard their hearts against jealousy and selfish ambition

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

6 7

Eckhard J. Schnabel, 305 Eckhard J. Schnabel, 305

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06

WEDNESDAY

JUNE

“Speak in the Temple”

S CRIPTURE

Acts 5:19-26

O BSERVATION What is the significance of the idea “speak/teach in the temple” occurring three times in verses 19 to 26 (note vv.20, 21, 25)?

Deeper Reflection THE IMPRISONED APOSTLES were miraculously delivered by “an angel of the Lord” who gave them certain instruction (Acts 5:18-20).

“Speak/teach in the temple” is a key idea in verses 19 to 26, occurring three times. The angel ordered the apostles to “speak to the people in the temple” (v.20). Then, “they entered into the temple…and began to teach” (v.21). This was followed by a report of them “standing in the temple and teaching the people” (v.25). What is the significance of “speak/ teach in the temple” here? Divine appointment: The temple was “the appropriate place” for proclaiming the name of Jesus “because it was a well-frequented place”8. But “above all” the temple was “the place where God had chosen to make Himself known to the people of Israel”9. Under the new covenant, Christ is the temple (Jn 2:19-21) and the church is the temple (Eph 2:21-22), but God chose to make known to Israel at the old covenant temple that Jesus is the Messiah (Acts 5:30-32). The hostile priestly authorities controlled the temple and it was at the temple that the apostles were twice persecuted. To speak in Jesus’ name at the temple again was an act of dangerous obedience.

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A PPLICATION

How will I deal with obstacles to living by divine appointment and dangerous obedience in my life?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Lord Jesus, here I am in the Garden of Gethsemane with You. Be the strength of my

■ Give thanks:

heart that I may be strong and courageous in You and in Your grace. Fill me with Your Spirit, and help me to

■ Pray for leaders:

be willing and able to walk according to Your Word, to follow Your way and to do Your will, even when it is

■ Pray for significant people:

costly, and not to turn from it to the right or to the left.

Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

8 9

I. Howard Marshall, 118 I. Howard Marshall, 118

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07 THURSDAY

JUNE

It’s True, but Inadequate

S CRIPTURE

Acts 5:34-39

O BSERVATION What was the theological principle that Gamaliel applied in his counsel against the religious authorities’ intention to kill the apostles?

Deeper Reflection WHEN THE RELIGIOUS AUTHORITIES “intended to kill” the apostles (v.33), Gamaliel − who had “a reputation for scholarship, wisdom and moderation”10, was “renowned for his piety”11 and “respected by all the people” (v.34) − called for caution and restraint (v.35). Basing on two recent failed uprisings against the Romans (vv.36-37), Gamaliel articulated a theological principle for his counsel: “if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them” (vv.38-39). Gamaliel’s theological principle is true, but inadequate. For it is not true in this way always. “To be sure, in the long run what is from God will triumph, and what is merely human (let alone diabolical) will not. Nevertheless, in the short term, evil will plans sometimes succeed, while good ones conceived in accordance with the will of God sometimes fail. So, the Gamaliel principle is not a reliable index to what is from God and what is not.”12 God showed this in the crucified Christ. Crucifixion was “almost entirely used for the dregs of humanity”13.

It was “the death of a nobody”14. Looking at the crucified Jesus then before His resurrection, we could not imagine that it was God’s will.

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A PPLICATION

How can I grow in discerning what is from God and what is not from Him?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

10 11 12 13 14

John Stott, 116 I. Howard Marshall, 121 John Stott, 118 Fleming Rutledge, The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ (Eerdmans, 2015), 74 Fleming Rutledge, 76

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08 FRIDAY

JUNE

Honour to Be Dishonoured

S CRIPTURE

Acts 5:40-41

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the apostles’ view on suffering for Jesus?

Deeper Reflection AFTER BEING FLOGGED with 39 lashes (v.40), the apostles’ backs were bleeding badly, the pain was excruciating and certainly they were not walking normally. But they were “rejoicing” (v.41) – “full of joy” (NIV).

The “rejoicing” was “not just a brief emotional reaction but a continuous sense of gladness that come over them”15. That was the Holy Spirit’s power demonstrated as they were “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 4:31). What they suffered was shame, disgrace and dishonour (v.41). Shame is “always intended to wound the self-respect of a person”16; and in “honourshame societies” of Jews, Greeks and Romans, shame was “especially grievous”17. The apostles could rejoice because they saw themselves “considered worthy” by the Lord “to suffer shame for His name” (v.41).

“Considered worthy” and “suffer shame” are contradictory terms – an oxymoron. It is an honour to be honoured makes sense. But an honour to be dishonoured? Here is a paradox. Biblical discipleship is filled with paradoxes, for God is a God of paradoxes. It is an honour because it is from the Lord and “for His name”. Do we look at the shame, or at His name?

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A PPLICATION

What is it like for me to live by the discipleship principle of “considered worthy to suffer shame for His name”?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders: To be unashamed to suffer shame for Jesus’ name

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

15 16 17

Eckhard J. Schnabel, 319 Eckhard J. Schnabel, 319 Eckhard J. Schnabel, 319

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09 SATURDAY

JUNE

God’s Ways of Deliverance

S CRIPTURE

Acts 5:17-21, 33-40

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about God’s deliverance in verses 17 to 21 and 33 to 40?

Deeper Reflection THE APOSTLES WERE IMPRISONED by the religious authorities with double security: The jail was securely locked with guards standing outside (Acts 5:23). But “an angel of the Lord” came and “opened the gates of the prison” and took the apostles out (v.19). The deliverance was miraculous. After they were arrested again (Acts 5:25-26), the religious leaders “intended to kill them” (v.33). But, Gamaliel intervened with a counsel of caution and restraint, and the apostles were released (vv.34-40).

The deliverance was providential, but not without suffering pain, for they were “flogged” before their release (v.40a). When Daniel’s three friends were given the last chance to escape being thrown into the furnace of fire by worshipping King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, they refused, trusting in God for deliverance (Dan 3:13-18). They knew their God as the God who “is able to deliver”, “will deliver” (Dan 3:17) and “does not” deliver (Dan 3:18). God delivers His people in ways that He chooses in His sovereign freedom and wisdom. God is reliable for His deliverance, but not predictable in His deliverance. Ultimately, we are to be faithful to the faithful God until death (Rev 2:10).

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A PPLICATION

What changes do I need to make in my perspective and attitude concerning the ways that God delivers?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board: To rest in God’s sovereign freedom and wisdom ■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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10 SUNDAY

Sunday Journal

JUNE

S CRIPTURE

O BSERVATION

A PPLICATION

P RAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL WEEK 2 JUNE 2018

HOW CAN GOD USE YOU? * God can use anyone to do His work on earth.

Scripture: Judges 6-8; Ephesians 2:10 ACTIVITY BITE Write down on some post-it notes things thay God might want you to do, such as inviting a friend to church or taking responsibility for tidying up your room. Stick the notes on a wall, placing the easier tasks at the bottom and the harder ones at the top.

CHAT TIME Q1: Do you think you can do the things that God wants you to do?

Why or why not?

Q2: What qualities do you think God looks for in you before He uses you to do good works? Why? Q3: In Judges 6 to 8, how did Gideon feel about himself? Why did God still use Gideon to do great things?

LEARNING POINT In Judges 6 to 8, Gideon probably thought that the situation would not go well when God reduced his army from 32,000 to 300 men.

He never thought that God would use him since his family was the least important in his clan and he was the least significant in his family. But God called Gideon a mighty warrior before anything took place in the story.

God is with us and He can work in and through us in ways we could never expect. We might not defeat an army with trumpets and torches, but God has some good things that He wants us to do. We first must learn to trust Him and realise that it is less about us and more about Him. ACTION POINT Collect all the sticky notes on the wall and stack them up.

Encourage your family members by telling them that God can use them any time because He is able to.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that we will trust God that He can use us for His good purposes. * Adapted from 252Basics, June 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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FATHER’S DAY WEEK 11-16 JUNE 2018

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FOR THIS YEAR’S FATHER’S DAY Week, in line with Covenant EFC’s spiritual burden of “Pray and Repent” for 2018, we will focus our daily devotions on how dads (and spiritual parents) are to be to their children’s good and authentic examples of people who pray to God for their and their children’s spiritual well-being and growth, and who repent of their sins before God, who is holy and has called us in holiness.

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11

MONDAY

JUNE

FAT H E R ’ S D AY W E E K

The Spiritual Role of a Father

S CRIPTURE

Job 1:1-5; Hebrews 5:1

O BSERVATION As a father to his children, what spiritual role did Job undertake?

Deeper Reflection JOB SERVED in a priestly role for his children – seven sons and three daughters. From verse 5, we observe how Job consecrated them or set them apart: (1) Job sent for his children after every round of feasting; (2) He rose early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for the sins of each of his 10 children; and (3) He did this continually, week after week. Job exercised spiritual authority as the father and head of the family. He clearly took his spiritual priestly role seriously. First, Job had a reverent attitude before God who is awesome and holy, and therefore to be feared and obeyed. Second, Job was diligent in the discharge of his duties, for he carried them out as a priority and as a perpetual ritual of atonement for his children. In all this, we see Job’s overriding concern as a father for the holiness of his children before a holy God. The New Testament revealed that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God, who had already come and willingly died on the cross as a perfect, once-andfor-all, atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. There is therefore no longer any need for priests to offer animal sacrifices as burnt offerings for the sins of God’s people. All who believe in Jesus and His finished work on the cross are fully forgiven of their sins. However, as fathers (and spiritual parents), we should still be greatly concerned about the holiness of our children. The way we express that concern and discharge our duties to them is by praying continually for them.

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A PPLICATION

As a father (or spiritual parent), how will I make it a priority to intercede continually for my children’s holiness before God?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Holy and righteous God our heavenly Father, please help Christian fathers take

■ Give thanks:

up the role of spiritual leader in their families and, as a priority, intercede continually for the holiness

■ Pray for leaders:

of their children, so as to set apart their families to worship and obey You in reverent awe and loving

■ Pray for significant people:

devotion. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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12 TUESDAY

JUNE

FAT H E R ’ S D AY W E E K

Why Pray for Our Children?

S CRIPTURE

Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

O BSERVATION What kinds of warfare and weapons did the Apostle Paul write about in these two passages?

Deeper Reflection HERE, THE APOSTLE PAUL DESCRIBES spiritual warfare and spiritual weapons in human military terms. Our enemy, the devil, is at work, always scheming to take down God’s people. The devil does not operate alone; he has at his command evil spiritual forces – an army of demons – as well as people and institutions under the power, control and influence of the devil’s falsehoods and lies. The primary weapons of the devil are lies and his primary mode of operation is deception.

Verse 12 tells us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”. This is spiritual warfare and we must fight equipped with God’s armour and spiritual weapons of truth (vv.14-17; 2 Cor 10:3-6) through continual intercession and persevering prayer (v.18). Do you not see clearly the need to pray for your children to know and live by the truth?

Do you have a lifestyle of continually interceding for your children to know and obey God? Is this a priority in your life as a father (or spiritual parent)? Your children need your prayers because they face all kinds of temptations in this life and in the world. They (and we ourselves!) are so susceptible to the sins of self-idolatry, self-rule and self-pleasure, without a reverent fear and awe of God who is holy and righteous. If you have concerns that your children are not worshipping, obeying and glorifying God in their lives, then you must pray for them!

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A PPLICATION

As a father (or spiritual parent), how will I make it a priority to intercede continually for my children’s holiness before God?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To be faithful intercessors of their children, whether biological or spiritual.

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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13

WEDNESDAY

JUNE

FAT H E R ’ S D AY W E E K

What Do We Pray for Our Children?

S CRIPTURE

Job 1:1-5; 1 John 2:1-6

O BSERVATION What was Job’s greatest concern for his children (v.5)?

Deeper Reflection JOB’S SACRIFICES AND PRAYERS focused on the purification of his children from their sins. He diligently offered burnt offerings on their behalf, “according to the number of them all” (v.5). Job recognised their propensity to sin against God in their hearts. There may not have been any outward behaviour that showed they had sinned. But there was a likelihood that his children could have harboured sin in their hearts, such as pride, arrogance, grumbling, complaining, anger, envy and covetousness. Therefore, Job sacrificed and prayed on their behalf for their forgiveness and purification just in case they have sinned against God, whether knowingly or unknowingly. As fathers (or spiritual parents), we ought to be greatly concerned about our children’s relationship with God – their love for God as evidenced by their obedience to Him (1 Jn 2:3-6).

Yet oftentimes, our prayers for them tend to be focused on matters such as their studies, choice of co-curricula activity, work, career, relationships with friends and physical well-being. We pray less about our children’s relationship with God, their daily walk with Him and growth towards spiritual maturity. Of course it is right to pray for our children’s felt needs. However, we should ensure that we continually focus our prayers on what is most foundational for them – their love for and obedience to God. For example, we could pray often that they will love the Lord their God with all their hearts and with all their souls and with all their minds, and love their neighbours as themselves (Matt 22:37-40); and that they will not love the world or anything in the world (1 Jn 2:15-17).

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A PPLICATION

As a father (or spiritual parent), how can I focus my prayers for my children on their foundational spiritual needs?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

O Lord, there is power in Your Word – power to set free, heal and transform

■ Give thanks:

people’s lives. Please help me to pray Your Word over my children. Holy Spirit, enable me to feel

■ Pray for leaders:

Your burden for their heart conditions and for their faith journeys. God, teach me to pray with Your authority

■ Pray for significant people:

against the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to distract and draw them away from You and Your

■ Pray for those in need:

Kingdom. In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

■ Pray for self:

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14

THURSDAY

JUNE

FAT H E R ’ S D AY W E E K

Praying as a Godly Parent

S CRIPTURE

Job 1:1-2; 1 John 1:5-10; Psalm 66:16-20

O BSERVATION How was Job a godly man?

Deeper Reflection JOB LIVED OUT THE GODLY LIFE he was praying for his children to have. The reality for fathers (or spiritual parents) is that our children observe us at close range. Do our children see in us an authentic model of what being Christ’s disciple really means? Often, discipleship is caught rather than taught. We must walk our talk. Our children need to see that we are genuine, the real thing! Our credibility is in our authenticity, humility and integrity as disciples of Christ. Job guarded his walk with God above all else and this guided his life. He lived as a man “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (v.1). Being blameless does not mean being sinless. We are all fallen human beings and sinners without exception. Rather, being blameless is about pursuing God with integrity, in that when we sin (we do and we will!), we sincerely confess our sins, repent of them and return wholeheartedly to God in faith and obedience. We trust our heavenly Father’s heart and believe that He is gracious and merciful, faithful and just to forgive penitent sinners on account of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross (1 Jn 1:5-10). When we turn away from our sins and cry out to God in faith, God will hear our prayers and again restore our fellowship with Him (Psa 66:16-20). While we cannot be completely sinless in this present life, we must continually seek to keep our hands clean and our hearts pure before God. May our children see in us an authentic model of the Christian life and imitate us!

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A PPLICATION

As a father (or spiritual parent), how can I model a blameless walk before God for my children?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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15 FRIDAY

JUNE

FAT H E R ’ S D AY W E E K

Surrendering as a Godly Parent

S CRIPTURE

Job 1:13-22

O BSERVATION How did Job view his children in relation to God?

Deeper Reflection IN ONE HORRIFYING INSTANT, Job was bereaved of all 10 of his children, whom he dearly loved. This great tragedy happened despite Job’s blameless life and continual intercessions for all his children.

The burning question is: Will Job still worship God? Upon hearing the tragic news, Job uttered in simultaneous mourning and worship these words of grief, surrender and praise from the depths of his soul: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away, blessed be the name of the LORD.” (v.21) And Job “did not sin or charge God with wrong” (v.22). He held fast to his belief that God was the owner and giver of all life, including that of his children. Job would still worship God for who He is and not for what God could give him. As fathers (or spiritual parents), we also desire that our children love us for who we are and treasure us above the gifts that we give them. We recognise that our children are God’s gifts to us and we are to love God for who He is and treasure Him above the children whom He has given us. With such a perspective, we hold our children with open hands before God. As much as God has given them to us, He has the right to take them away.

Therefore we are able to surrender them to God’s will and purposes for their lives. They ultimately belong to God and each day we have with them is a gift of God’s grace to be cherished by us.

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A PPLICATION

As a father (or spiritual parent), in what ways am I surrendering my children to God’s will and purposes for their lives?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders: To gladly surrender their children to God’s will and purposes for their lives

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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16

SATURDAY

JUNE

FAT H E R ’ S D AY W E E K

God Is God and We Are Not

S CRIPTURE

Job 42

O BSERVATION What were the verbal exchanges between Job and God (vv.1-6)?

Deeper Reflection IN HIS SUFFERING, JOB QUESTIONED GOD. God understood and welcomed Job’s honest questions. Twice, God testified that Job had spoken of Him what was right (vv.7, 8). There is no deepening relationship without honest dialogue. Yet when God answered Job’s questions (with a long list of questions!), He also spoke honestly and clearly revealed Job’s extensive ignorance and limited perspective (Job 38-41). In the context of fathering (or spiritual parenting), we need to recognise that God is God and we are not. Like Job, we need to acknowledge that our ignorance is so extensive and our perspective is so limited. We can say and do everything to the best of our knowledge and ability, and yet still fail as a parent. There is no guarantee that our children will turn out as we envisaged. However, we will grow in our relationship with God as we respond in obedience and relate in honesty to Him. What God purposed and promised He will certainly bring to pass, but His ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isa 55:8-11). God will ultimately bless His faithful servants beyond their imagination. This was true in Job’s case: The Lord restored Job’s fortunes, doubled his material possessions, gave him another 10 children and granted him a long and fulfilled life with many descendants (vv.10-17). It will be true in our case, too, if we do not lose heart and continue to trust and obey God in life’s journey. God is in control and will bring all His good promises to pass in His time, in His way and for His glory!

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A PPLICATION

In the difficult seasons of my life, how will I acknowledge that God is God and entrust my life into His sovereign hands?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board: To acknowledge that God is God and to always seek His ways, not their own ■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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17 SUNDAY

Sunday Journal

JUNE

S CRIPTURE

O BSERVATION

A PPLICATION

P RAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL WEEK 3 JUNE 2018

WHAT I F I T RU ST MYS E LF MOR E T H A N GO D? * You can trust God more because He is stronger than anyone else.

Scripture: Judges 13-16 ACTIVITY BITE Get a bunch of toothpicks. Pick one toothpick, then tell your family members how confident you are in breaking it and then do so. Next, do the same with two toothpicks. Continue adding toothpicks until you are not able to break them anymore. Let others in your family try it.

CHAT TIME Q2: If you have the same gift of strength that God gave Samson (Judg 13-16), how would you use it?

Q3: Is it true that when you trust yourself more than God, you don’t really need God’s help at all? Why or why not? Do you think this attitude is good for you?

LEARNING POINT When you have strength like Samson (Judg 13-16), it can be easy to forget where that strength comes from. Samson got overconfident and believed that nobody could stop him. He forgot to rely on God. It is easy to become overconfident in ourselves, especially when we are good at something. For example, we may think we are so good at a certain sport that we don’t need anyone to train us. Being confident is good, but if it causes us to become proud, then it’s not good. Always keep watch that our confidence will not cause us to be proud, so that we won’t think that we don’t need God’s help at all.

ACTION POINT Think about an upcoming situation where you may need to trust God more than yourself. Write it down and ask your family members to remind you regularly to keep trusting God. FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Ask God to forgive us for trusting ourselves often. Pray that He will give us a humble attitude to always trust Him more than ourselves. * Adapted from 252Basics, June 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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18 MONDAY

JUNE

Church Problems

S CRIPTURE

Acts 5:42; 6:1-6

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about church problems in the early church (v.42; Acts 6:1-2)?

Deeper Reflection INTERCHANGES BETWEEN PROGRESS AND PROBLEMS characterised the early church in Acts 2 to 6: progress (Acts 2:41-47), persecution from outside (Acts 4:1-3), progress (Acts 4:4, 32-37), corruption from inside (Acts 5:1-11), progress (Acts 5:12-16), persecution from outside (Acts 5:17-40), progress (Acts 5:41-42; 6:1a), and distraction from inside (Acts 6:1b-6). “While the disciples were increasing”, the community “of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32) faced the danger of division in the “complaint” of the Grecian Jews “against” the Hebraic Jews over their widows “being neglected” in the daily distribution of food (Acts 6:1). Underneath the “one heart and soul” were fault lines. There had always been rivalry between the two groups in Jewish culture.18 Grecian Jews lived outside Palestine and embraced Greek culture and language.

The “spiritually snobbish Aramaic speaking Jews”19 “had a prejudicial sense of superiority over Grecian Jews, because of their own birthplace and language”20. And the neglect was “a persistent state of affairs” as the imperfect tense of “being neglected” indicates.21 There will always be church problems, but we can choose to be part of a solution, and not part of a problem. It is a matter of maturing and being mature.

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A PPLICATION

What does it mean for me not to be part of a problem, but part of a solution in the church?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Lord, we pray for the unity of Your Church. Help us to see ourselves as rays from

■ Give thanks:

the one sun, branches from a single tree and streams from one river. May we remain united to You and to

■ Pray for leaders:

one another, because You are our common source of life, and may we send out Your light and pour forth

■ Pray for significant people:

Your flowing streams over all the earth.22 Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

18

John Stott, 121 William Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles, The Daily Study Bible (Saint Andrew Press, 1953, 1976; Theological Publications in India), 52 20 William J. Larkin Jr., Acts, IVP New Testament Commentary (IVP, 1995), 99 21 James D. G. Dunn, The Acts of the Apostles (Eerdmans, 1996), 82 22 A prayer of St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200-258), Angela Ashwin, The Book of a Thousand Prayers (Zondervan, 1996, 2002), 221 19

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19 TUESDAY

JUNE

Non-Negotiable Fundamentals

S CRIPTURE

Acts 6:1-6

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the Word of God and prayer in verses 1 to 4?

Deeper Reflection THE APOSTLES “did not cease teaching and preaching” the Word of God (Acts 5:42) and administrated the common fund for the poor (Acts 4:35). But as “the disciples were increasing”, their burden of the work became too great for them, to the point of neglecting the Grecian widows (v.1) and being distracted from their primary duty of the ministry of the Word and prayer (vv.2-4). The Word and prayer go together. Ministry of the Word presupposes studying the Word. Indeed, the standard and quality of preaching and teaching the Word will decline if little time is devoted to study or pray. The Word and prayer are not just the primary duty of the apostles, they are non-negotiable fundamentals for our personal growth and building the church. The Word and prayer are not religious rituals, but the means of grace by which we grow in knowing God. God reveals Himself to us in His Word, and we respond to Him through prayer. “Not right to neglect” (v.2) and “devote ourselves” (v.4) should characterise our attitude towards the dual non-negotiable fundamentals. What distracts us from this devotion can be things that are legitimate and necessary (as in the apostles’ case, ministering to widows).

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A PPLICATION

What does it mean for me to have the Word of God and prayer as nonnegotiable fundamentals in my life?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To have undistracted devotion to the Word and prayer

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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20

WEDNESDAY

JUNE

Christian Ministry

S CRIPTURE

Acts 6:1-6

O BSERVATION Were the apostles suggesting that the ministry of the Word and prayer were more important than the ministry of serving food to the widows (vv.2, 4) − if yes, how so, or if no, why?

Deeper Reflection WHEN THE APOSTLES decided not to “neglect the word of God in order to serve tables” (v.2), but to “devote ourselves” to “the ministry of the word” (v.4), they were not suggesting that the “serving of food” (v.1) was on a lower level and of lesser importance. Luke used the word diakonia (service, ministry) twice in this context (vv.1-6) for the “serving of food” (v.1) and the “ministry of the word” (v.4) to show that both ministries are of equal importance.23 The church must have both the pastoral ministry and social ministry, and neither to the exclusion of the other. One devotes to one ministry and not to another, like the apostles, according to each distinctive calling. John Stott defines Christian ministry in this way: “All Christians without exception, being followers of Him who came ‘not to be served, but to serve’24, are themselves called to ministry, indeed to give their lives in ministry. But the expression ‘full-time Christian ministry’ is not to be restricted to church work and missionary service; it can also be exercised in government, the media, the professions, business, industry and the home. We need to recover this vision of the wide diversity of ministries to which God calls His people.”25

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A PPLICATION

How do I fulfil my ministry at home, in my vocation, in church and in the world?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Lord, I seek to follow You, who came not to be served, but to serve. I

■ Give thanks:

thank You for the gift(s) of Your grace that You have given me as You desire, and for placing me where

■ Pray for leaders:

I am as You will, to be Your servant to serve others for their benefit. May Your Spirit work mightily in and

■ Pray for significant people:

through this jar of clay to the glory of Your name.

Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

23 24 25

John Stott, 122; William J. Larkin Jr, 100 Mark 10:45 John Stott, 122

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21

THURSDAY

JUNE

Character First

S CRIPTURE

Acts 6:1-6

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the criterion for the selection of the seven disciples to oversee the daily serving of food to the widows (vv.3, 5)?

Deeper Reflection SEVEN DISCIPLES were selected to be “in charge” of “the daily serving of food” to the widows (vv.1, 3, 5). The word “select” (v.3) means “to choose after careful investigation”26. Character, not competence, was the criterion for this leadership role. Listed first was character seen by outsiders: “of good reputation” (v.3a), as having “earned a warm commendation from those right outside the community of faith”27 (cf. 1 Tim 3:7). Character from the inside: “full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom” (v.3b) – a mark of spiritual maturity (cf. 1 Cor 2:6). The Spirit and wisdom go together as a pair – Spiritwisdom. The “wisdom” is “a particular manifestation of the Spirit’s presence”28 − it is Spiritual competence out of Spiritual character.

Spirit-wisdom is “insight and discernment” that is “exceptionally well matured”29, and comprises “mature people-skills − an ability to sensitively handle a situation where delicate and deep human susceptibilities are involved”30. Every disciple of Jesus is to mature into this Spirit-filled character. There cannot be maturing without ministering. But we mature through our ministry till our ministry is marked by maturity, where we minister out of our maturity.

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A PPLICATION

What does it mean for me to emphasise growing in Christian character as a disciple of Jesus?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

26 27 28 29 30

Johannes P. Louw & Eugene A. Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains, Vol. 1 (United Bible Societies, 1988, 1989), 30:102, 363 Bruce Milne, Acts: Witnesses to Him, Focus on the Bible Commentaries (Christian Focus, 2010), 143 David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, Pillar New Testament Commentaries (Apollos, 2009), 233 James D. G. Dunn, 83 Bruce Milne, 142-43

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22 FRIDAY

JUNE

Spirit-Filled Problem-Solving

S CRIPTURE

Acts 6:1-6

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the process of selecting the seven disciples to the task of overseeing the daily serving of food to the widows?

Deeper Reflection THE APOSTLES recognised that their overload in God’s work had caused a serious oversight (v.1) and a dangerous distraction in their ministry (v.2). Their response as leaders showed their humility. They faced the problem responsibly, immediately and openly before the congregation (v.2). They did not impose a solution, but invited the congregation to be part of the solution. They proposed a practical solution, but gave the spiritual criterion (vv.3-4). The proposal “found approval” with the congregation (v.5a), indicating that the apostles submitted to them. It was the congregation, not the apostles, who “select[ed]” (v.3) and “chose” (v.5) the men for the task at hand.

When the congregation had done their part, they handed the rest of the exercise back to the apostles: They “brought” to them the men they had chosen (v.6a). The apostles “prayed” for the seven men, for the Holy Spirit to fill them with power31 and “laid hands on them” to confer authority on them32 (v.6b). There was strong solidarity, with each group of people doing their part, with commitment to unity, to a holistic ministry and to growth by the ministry of the Word. The whole process was undergirded by a Spirit-filled posture.

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A PPLICATION

How can church problems help me to grow in a Spirit-filled posture?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders: To serve God and people with a Spirit-filled posture

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

31 32

I. Howard Marshall, 127 I. Howard Marshall, 127

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23 SATURDAY

JUNE

Living Word

S CRIPTURE

Acts 6:1-7

O BSERVATION What observations can you make about the Word of God in verses 2, 4 and 7?

Deeper Reflection WHEN THE APOSTLES had untangled themselves from the entrapment of neglecting “the word of God in order to serve tables” (vv.1-6), “the word of God continued to increase” (v.7). The Word is personified as the subject of the verb “continued to increase”. The Word has the power of life in itself. Luke probably had in mind Jesus’ parable of the soils (Lk 8:4-15) – how the Word “grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great” (Lk 8:8).33 The “increase” of the Word refers to the Gospel being preached to many people, and to believers’ lives continuing to be transformed through the ministry of the Word.34 The Word of God produces quantitative effects: the disciples “continued to increase greatly” (v.7b). It also produces qualitative effects: the priests were “becoming obedient to the faith” (v.7c). The “priests” were the apostles’ fiercest opponents (Acts 4:1), but now “a great many” of them were unexpectedly converted. The Word of God is “like fire… like a hammer that shatters a rock” (Jer 23:29). God’s Word should increase continually in our lives: in reading, studying and meditating, in understanding and conviction, in living by it and being transformed by it, and in sharing it with others.

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A PPLICATION

How can I make the Word of God increase continually in my life?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board: To have God’s Word increase continually in their lives ■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

33 34

David G. Peterson, 236; Eckhard J. Schnabel, 335 Eckhard J. Schnabel, 335

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24 SUNDAY

Sunday Journal

JUNE

S CRIPTURE

O BSERVATION

A PPLICATION

P RAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL WEEK 4 JUNE 2018

CAN GOD CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE? * God has the power to do anything to help us.

Scripture: 1 Kings 18; Romans 8:31 ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members to think of the most impossible things that man can’t do, but only God can. Be very creative. Take turns sharing your ideas what you came up with.

CHAT TIME Q1: Why do you think God wants to do impossible things that man can’t?

Q2: In 1 Kings 18, what kind of attitude did Elijah have towards God? Why do you think this attitude is important?

Q3: What are some “impossible” things that you wish God would do for you? Why? LEARNING POINT In 1 Kings 18, Elijah believed what God said and fire came down from heaven to burn up Elijah’s water-soaked sacrifice. This shows that God can do impossible things to help us.

Maybe your family is in a bad situation right now, facing the challenge of an illness or job loss and the situation seems impossible to you.

You can trust God like Elijah did. Romans 8:31 says that none can be against you because God is for you. So, when you’re afraid to do what you know is right or face bullying in school, you can be confident that God is with you. He is more powerful than anything we might face.

Not every impossible situation will always end up the way we want it to, but God will give you His peace to help you go through a tough time. You can trust God, who can do impossible things.

ACTION POINT Memorise Romans 8:31 together as a family. Recite this verse whenever you face an impossible situation that only God can help with.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that God will give us the faith to trust Him to do the impossible to help us in seemingly hopeless situations. * Adapted from 252Basics, June 2018. www.ThinkOrange.com

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25 MONDAY

JUNE

The Ordinary Errand

S CRIPTURE

1 Samuel 17:12-23

O BSERVATION Why did David go to the battlefront?

Deeper Reflection PEOPLE TEND TO SKIP OVER the ordinary and mundane parts of a story and gravitate towards the dramatic and miraculous parts. This part of the well-known story of David and Goliath has a certain richness that we must not miss. Jesse’s three oldest sons had followed King Saul to a battle between Israel and the Philistines. However, the towering Philistine champion, Goliath, challenged Israel to choose a warrior to fight him − the army of the loser was to serve the nation of the winner.

Due to fear and dismay, no one from Israel’s army was put forward to fight Goliath. This went on for 40 days. Jesse’s youngest son, David, was going back and forth between King Saul’s location and Bethlehem to feed his father’s sheep. The anxious Jesse decided to ask David to run an errand – take food to his three brothers and their commander, and bring back news of his brothers. To Jesse, David was just running an ordinary errand. But in doing so, David unknowingly entered into a watershed moment that would not only change his life, but also usher in a new era of God’s redemptive history. “And David heard him” (v.23) – it was at that very moment that David heard Goliath’s taunting of Israel’s army.

After 40 days of daily taunting, it would all come to an end when a young shepherd boy innocently followed his father’s instructions to run an ordinary errand. The scene was now set for David to meet Goliath.

From this we learn a simple principle: Sometimes, life-changing moments that propel us into our God-given destiny come disguised as ordinary events.

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A PPLICATION

How do I view the next generation or myself? Can I see beyond the ordinary moments to their God-given destiny that is just around the corner?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Heavenly Father, please help me not to despise the ordinary, mundane

■ Give thanks:

moments of my life, because those ordinary moments may lead to extraordinary life-changing

■ Pray for leaders:

encounters which You have prepared for me towards the fulfilment of Your destiny for my life. In Jesus’

■ Pray for significant people:

name, I pray. Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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26 TUESDAY

JUNE

You Can’t!

God Can!

S CRIPTURE

1 Samuel 17:31-37

O BSERVATION What did Saul say to David?

Deeper Reflection THE BOOK OF PROVERBS TELLS US that words have the power of life and death. In our lives, perhaps there have been words that have been spoken over us, that have shaped us. Words of encouragement from those we love most: “I believe in you!”; “You are a courageous man.”; and “You are a woman of extraordinary worth.” Or perhaps words that have damaged our souls: “You just cannot make it.”; “You have failed.”; and “You are a waste of time.” In this passage, David was a young teen, maybe 12 to 15 years old. And he was in a face-to-face conversation with the most powerful man in Israel, King Saul. When David said that He wanted to face Goliath, Saul’s response was essentially: “Inadequate. You can’t.”; “Limited. You’re too young.”; and “Too difficult. He is a great warrior!”

Saul was “correct” in all his statements. No well-meaning king would allow a youth to face a giant! However, David did not allow those words to take root in his heart. This is confidence. Where did this confidence come from? What kind of confidence is this? David responded by telling Saul about God’s track record of delivering him from lions and bears while he kept sheep for his father. God’s great track record was the basis of David’s great confidence to face Goliath. For David, Saul’s words did not define him. Instead, the foundation of God’s track record in David’s life formed the basis of his godly confidence in facing this destiny-making moment.

In the end, David’s God-centred faith inspired Saul to change his mind: “Go, and the LORD be with you!” (v.37).

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A PPLICATION

How can I view the next generation or myself with a confidence beyond what I physically see and hear in my immediate circumstances?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To see clearly the God-given potential of the next generation

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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27

WEDNESDAY

JUNE

In the Name of the Lord

S CRIPTURE

1 Samuel 17:38-47

O BSERVATION What do you think “the name of the LORD of hosts” (v.45) meant to David?

Deeper Reflection GOLIATH CAME in all his might, arrogance and hostility with a contemptuous desire to kill and humiliate his enemy. David came “in the name of the LORD of hosts” with: • A strong determination to defend the Lord’s name whom Goliath defied (v.45) • Great passion for God’s fame to spread (v.46) • An unwavering dependence on God, believing “the battle is the LORD’s” (v.47) Let us shift gears a bit and think about today’s “Gen Z”35. Here are a few statistics about them:36 • High users of Instagram and Snapchat, with 25% of them posting an original video and 65% sharing their own original content on a weekly basis via social media • 60% intend to change the world, compared to 39% of the millennial generation37 Social media can either be perceived as a type of Goliath mocking Christianity and tearing down the Church, or a formidable global platform that creatively explains Christ to a generation that listens with their eyes and thinks with their feelings! If we DISCIPLE NOW, we can progressively influence the next generation to impact the world and gradually raise the next generation to come to the world in the name of Jesus, spreading His fame and winning souls through innovative communication of the Gospel!

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A PPLICATION

How can I be discipled and DISCIPLE NOW disciple now in the name of the Lord?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

Almighty God, please help me to desire more of You in my life, so that I

■ Give thanks:

may walk in the name and the resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Holy Spirit, please grow

■ Pray for leaders:

me so that I may disciple now through authentic discipleship and intentional disciplemaking. Use me

■ Pray for significant people:

to help raise the next generation to impact culture in the name of the Lord! Amen.

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

35 36 37

Gen Zs are those born after 1995.

Source: https://www.visioncritical.com/generation-z-infographics/ Millennials are those born between 1981 and 1996.

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28 THURSDAY

JUNE

For Whom Was the Battle Unfair?

S CRIPTURE

1 Samuel 17:40-51

O BSERVATION What was it that David saw which Saul could not see?

Deeper Reflection “DAVID AND GOLIATH” – even in popular culture this reference is used for a fight that seems unfair. Through human lenses, David clearly stood no chance against Goliath. Goliath had been a warrior since his youth, whereas David was a youth. Goliath probably towered over David by about one metre or more. Goliath’s armour or spear alone probably weighed about the same as David himself. Goliath was heavily equipped, whereas David only had a shepherd’s staff, a sling and five stones. But for whom was the battle unfair? Note David’s words in verse 45. When David responded to Goliath, he did not say, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you with five stones and a sling.” Rather, David said, “…, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel...” David saw something that no one else in Israel could see: This was a spiritual battle! For David, the battle was not himself against Goliath, but rather God against Goliath! In verses 46 to 47, David declared that it was the LORD who would deliver Goliath into his hand, because the battle belonged to the LORD. David saw himself as merely the instrument of this battle. So for whom was this battle unfair?

If we see correctly the battle as “God vs Goliath”, then the answer is Goliath. When David went into battle, his confidence rested on his ability to see rightly that the battle was between God and Goliath, and that he was merely the instrument of God’s victory.

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A PPLICATION

How difficult is it for me to see the fight that the next generation has with various temptations and sins as battles belonging to God and that He will give them (or me) the victory if they (or I) trust in Him?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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29 FRIDAY

JUNE

David Ran!

S CRIPTURE

1 Samuel 17:40-51

O BSERVATION

How would you describe David’s life pursuit during these days of his youth?

Deeper Reflection “… DAVID RAN QUICKLY toward the battle line to meet the Philistine” (v.48).

Goliath practised evil:

David pursued righteousness:

• He was proud

• He believed God will deliver him

• He defied God

• He fought for God

• He hated God’s people

• He loved God and His people

David ran to defend righteousness. He ran to defeat evil. He ran with passion. He ran with a higher purpose. This was a display of pure faith.

David’s own brother had tried to turn him away from the battlefront (1 Sam 17:28). King Saul had attempted to discourage David from the fight (1 Sam 17:33). But David ran towards Goliath! As colossal as Goliath’s size was, David had audacious faith in God! What is your life like? Are you experiencing victory over sins, struggling with sins or defeated by sins? Perhaps you need to talk to a friend, and get right with God. Is your passion tank filled, draining out or already empty? Perhaps you need to spend a day alone with Jesus. Is your life purposeful, average or meaningless? Perhaps you need to take stock of your life. The reality is that each one of us can get drained by life. Isaiah 40:30-31 remind us that even young people can collapse exhausted from the pressures and stresses of life, “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles”. Do not allow the devil to rob your joy, kill your passion or imprison you in bondage to sins. Let God give you life, put praise on your lips and make you run with a higher purpose!

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A PPLICATION

What is my life like, and what do I really want God to do for my life?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for lay leaders: To wait upon the Lord and renew their strength to soar like eagles

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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30 SATURDAY

JUNE

Celebrate Success!

S CRIPTURE

1 Samuel 17:50-54; 18:5-16

O BSERVATION What was the purpose behind the battle against Goliath?

Deeper Reflection WE SAW THE DEVELOPMENT of David as he “had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him” (1 Sam 18:14). We witnessed the jealousy of King Saul over David’s great military success and immense popularity with all the people (1 Sam 18:8-16). David did very well for his king and the people of Israel and Judah against their enemies. King Saul should rightly celebrate David and his success, but instead he became very angry, envious, insecure and fearful. Should not one generation celebrate the success of the next generation? There should be great joy in one generation and much praise and thanksgiving to the Lord when the subsequent generations of Christians are living with a greater measure of confidence in the Lord and desire for the Lord. Adult disciples of Christ, let us lead the next generations of young people and children to taste and see that the Lord is good. Let us faithfully wrestle in prayer for them, teach them God’s Word and model for them godly discipleship. Let us patiently process with them how God is working in and through their lives, help them navigate through life’s challenges, allow them to fail and encourage them to succeed.

Let us wisely give them the biblical keys to a victorious life. Let us wholeheartedly celebrate their growth and achievements. May the Lord find our generation and the next ones faithful, so that the world may know that Jesus Christ is Lord!

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A PPLICATION

How will I commit myself to grow in my love for God, godly living and spiritual wisdom, and to do my part to disciple the next generation?

P RAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

■ Give thanks:

of the Scriptures.

■ Pray for church board: To be godly mentors, coaches and cheerleaders for the next generation of church leaders ■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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Notes

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

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