June Devotional Journal by Covenant EFC

JUNE 2021 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

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)

JUNE 2021

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

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)

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

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)

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)

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 t he 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

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

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

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!

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.

Prayer for

India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. PSALM 9:9-10 (ESV)

LIVING IN EXTREME POVERTY, not knowing when their next meal will be, the situation in South Asia for daily wage workers badly hit by COVID-19 is beyond the imagination of ordinary Singaporeans. According to data from the World Bank, India and Bangladesh have among the highest poverty rates in Asia, with approximately 24% of their population living under US$1.90 per day (compared with the world’s average of 9%). This statistic has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 global pandemic. As a result of a deadly second wave of infections in India, daily new cases have exceeded 350,000 since end-April this year, with more than 3,000 infected people dying every day. India has become the country with the second highest total number of infections – exceeding 20 million recorded cases in early May out of a population of almost 1.4 billion.

According to data from the World Bank, India and Bangladesh have among the highest poverty rates in Asia, with approximately 24% of their population living under US$1.90 per day (compared with the world’s average of 9%).

Pray • First, let us repent of our apathy towards the suffering of the needy in South Asia. Ask God for forgiveness and to give us hearts of compassion towards our neighbours in the Indian sub-continent. That we will learn to intercede for these nations, to cry out on their behalf to God, who is compassionate towards the poor and marginalised (Psa 9:9-10), and who lifts up the humble and brings low the proud (Psa 18:27). • For the COVID-19 situation to come under control soon through the government’s vaccination programme and the people’s individual vigilance in hand hygiene and social distancing. For strength and protection for the healthcare workers, who have been overwhelmed by the number of patients and the shortage of medical equipment and supplies. • For God to raise up righteous and humble servant leaders in these countries, who will put the interests of the people before themselves. That God will anoint them with wisdom and power to lift the masses out of poverty. That God will continue to open doors for the Gospel of peace to spread at all levels of society. For brothers and sisters in Christ to serve the Lord in strategic places as the salt and light of these nations.

• For justice and righteousness to rule in these nations, so that they will be rid of corruption and oppression (Psa 75:8-10). For greater protection over women and girls in India, that the arm of the law be strong and uncompromising against the perpetrators of sexual violence. For the spirit of pride and deception behind the caste system to be bound. For God’s light to shine in the hearts and minds of people so that they will remove the divisions within and between their communities. • For the Christians to walk closely with God, to abide in Christ and know how to reach the lost in the new normal. For Christians to be doers of God’s Word and not just hearers. For Christians and local churches to have much greater influence over their communities for the common good and Gospel advance. That Christian leaders will lead upright and blameless lives, and love the Lord and not the world. For the senior leaders, especially, to be holy in their personal conduct and have avenues to seek accountability and support. • For God to provide for the poor who have lost their livelihood in the COVID-19 situation. That Christians will be generous towards the needy in their midst (2 Cor 9:8). That the national churches will rise up as God’s agents of blessing to serve the poor, the needy, the frail, the despondent, the displaced and the helpless in their lands (Isa 61:1-3).

MAY-JUNE FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE Verse My Saviour, Redeemer Lifted me from the miry clay Almighty, forever I’ll never be the same Pre-Chorus ‘Cause You came near from the everlasting To the world we live, the Father’s only Son Chorus You lived, You died You rose again on high You opened the way For the world to live again Hallelujah, for all You’ve done Reuben Morgan © 2004 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 4254689 CCLI Licence # 324618

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

TIMES OF REFRESHING Chorus Times of refreshing Here in Your presence No greater blessing Than being with You My soul is restored My mind is renewed There’s no greater joy, Lord Than being with You Don Harris | Martin Nystrom © 1993 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 # 1175177 CCLI License # 324618

GOODNESS OF GOD Verse 1 I love You, Lord Oh Your mercy never fails me All my days I've been held in Your hands From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head I will sing of the goodness of God Chorus All my life You have been faithful All my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God Verse 2 I love Your voice You have led me through the fire In darkest night You are close like no other I've known You as a father I've known You as a friend I have lived in the goodness of God Bridge Your goodness is running after It’s running after me Your goodness is running after It’s running after me With my life laid down I’m surrendered now I give You everything Your goodness is running after It's running after me Ben Fielding | Brian Johnson | Ed Cash | Jason Ingram | Jenn Johnson © 2018 Alletrop Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7117726 CCLI Licence # 324618

SOVEREIGN OVER US Verse 1 There is strength within the sorrow There is beauty in our tears And You meet us in our mourning With a love that casts out fear Verse 2 You are working in our waiting You’re sanctifying us When beyond our understanding You’re teaching us to trust Chorus Your plans are still to prosper You’ve not forgotten us You’re with us in the fire and the flood You’re faithful forever, perfect in love You are sovereign over us Verse 3 You are wisdom unimagined Who could understand Your ways Reigning high above the heavens Reaching down in endless grace Verse 4 You’re the lifter of the lowly Compassionate and kind You surround and You uphold me And Your promises are my delight Bridge Even what the enemy means for evil You turn it for our good You turn it for our good And for Your glory

Even in the valley, You are faithful You’re working for our good You’re working for our good And for Your glory (Repeat) Ending You’re faithful forever, perfect in love You are sovereign over us Aaron Keyes | Bryan Brown | Jack Mooring © 2011 Jack Mooring Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Meaux Jeaux Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 6011370 CCLI Licence No. 324618

AT THE CROSS (LOVE RAN RED) Chorus At the cross, at the cross I surrender my life I’m in awe of You, I’m in awe of You Where Your love ran red and my sin washed white I owe all to You, I owe all to You Interlude Jesus Verse 1 There’s a place Where mercy reigns and never dies There’s a place Where streams of grace flow deep and wide Where all the love I’ve ever found Comes like a flood, comes flowing down Verse 2 There’s a place Where sin and shame are powerless Where my heart Has peace with God and forgiveness Where all the love I’ve ever found Comes like a flood, comes flowing down Bridge Here my hope is found Here on holy ground Here I bow down, here I bow down Here arms open wide Here You saved my life Here I bow down, here I bow (down) Ending Jesus Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Jonas Myrin | Matt Armstrong | Matt Redman © Atlas Mountain Songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7017786 CCLI License # 324618

FOREVER Verse 1 Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King His love endures forever For He is good, He is above all things His love endures forever Sing praise, sing praise Verse 2 With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm His love endures forever For a life that’s been reborn, His love endures forever Pre-Chorus Sing praise, sing praise Sing praise, sing praise Chorus Forever, God is faithful Forever, God is strong Forever, God is with us Forever and ever Verse 3 From the rising to the setting sun His love endures forever And by the grace of God, we will carry on His love endures forever Sing praise, sing praise Sing praise, sing praise Bridge His love endures forever His love endures forever His love endures forever Forever Chris Tomlin © 2001 sixsteps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI Song # 3148428 CCLI Licence # 324618

WE PRAISE YOU Verse 1 Let praise be a weapon that silences the enemy Let praise be a weapon that conquers all anxiety Let it rise, let praise arise Verse 2 We sing Your name in the dark And it changes everything We sing with all we are and we claim Your victory Let it rise, let praise arise Chorus We’ll see you break down every wall We’ll watch the giants fall For fear cannot survive when we praise You The God of breakthrough’s on our side Forever lift (Him) (You) high With all creation cry, God we praise You Interlude Oh, we praise You, oh Verse 3 Let faith be the song That overcomes the raging sea Let faith be the song That calms the storm inside of me Let it rise, let faith arise Interlude Oh, we praise You, oh, we praise You Oh, we praise You, oh, we praise You Bridge This is what living looks like This is what freedom feels like This is what heaven sounds like We praise You We praise You (Repeat)

Ending Oh, we praise You, oh, we praise You Oh, we praise You, oh, with all Your praise Brandon Lake | Brian Johnson | Matt Redman | Phil Wickham © 2019 Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook)) Said And Done Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook)) Phil Wickham Music (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Simply Global Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Sing My Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) Maverick City Publishing Worldwide (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7130961 CCLI Licence # 324618

THERE’S NOTHING THAT OUR GOD CAN’T DO Verse 1 Just one word You calm the storm that surrounds me Just one word The darkness has to retreat Just one touch I feel the presence of heaven Just one touch My eyes were opened to see My heart can’t help but believe Chorus 1 There’s nothing that our God can’t do There’s not a mountain that He can’t move Oh, praise the name that makes a way There’s nothing that our God can’t do Verse 2 Just one word You heal what’s broken inside me Just one word And you revive every dream Just one touch I feel the power of heaven Just one touch My eyes were opened to see My heart can’t help but believe Chorus 2 There’s nothing that our God can’t do There’s not a mountain that He can’t move Oh, praise the name that makes a way There’s nothing that our God can’t do There’s nothing that our God can’t do There’s not a prison wall He can’t break through Oh, praise the name that makes a way There’s nothing that our God can’t do

Bridge 1 I will believe for greater things There’s no power like the power of Jesus Let faith arise, let all agree There’s no power like the power of Jesus Bridge 2 I will believe for greater things There’s no power like the power of Jesus Let faith arise, let all agree There’s no power like His power Ending Oh sing oh, oh, oh There’s nothing, there’s nothing There’s nothing, there’s nothing Oh, oh, oh (There’s nothing that our God can’t do) Brandon Lake | Jonathan Smith | Kristian Stanfill © Kristian Stanfill Publishing Designee (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) sixsteps Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Be Essential Songs (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Cashagamble Jet Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) Maverick City Publishing Worldwide (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7141227 CCLI Licence # 324618

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 13:1-7; Joshua 11:4, 8; Judges 7:12, 22

TUESDAY 1 June

Guard Against Easy Spiritual Amnesia OBSERVATION What observations can you make about Israel when comparing verses 5 to 6 with Joshua 11:4, 8 and Judges 7:12, 22?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN JONATHAN “smote the garrison of the Philistines” at Geba, Israel became “odious to the Philistines” (vv.3-4). And this led to “the Philistines assembled to fight Israel, 30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen, and people like the sand which is on the seashore in abundance” (v.5). And Israel “saw that they were in a strait” and felt “hard-pressed” (v.6a), for their enemy’s military might was too intimidating and too overwhelming for them. So, they fled to safe places for refuge (v.6b-7a). And those who “followed” Saul, their king, were “quaking with fear” (v.7b, NIV). Israel had faced enemies of similar superior military power before in the past (Josh 11:4; Judg 7:12) and God gave them complete victory (Josh 11:8; Judg 7:22). Would not the same God of Israel do the same for Israel again in this very challenging situation? Did not God choose Saul and empower him by His Spirit for this purpose with a promise: “he will deliver My people from the hand of the Philistines” (1 Sam 9:16)? Did not God recently deliver Israel from the Ammonites (1 Sam 11)? But where is God now in this crisis? Israel’s problem is spiritual amnesia, which we can easily fall into. Here we see only human actions in crisis (vv.1-4) and human reactions to crisis (vv.5-7). And it is not enough that we turn to God when we are in crisis. God must be the centre of life and in our dominant consciousness at all times — crisis or no crisis.

APPLICATION

What does it mean for me to make God the centre of life at all times, whether I am in 2020 crisis or not?

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 live a God-centred life steadfastly in every circumstance Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 13:8-12; 10:8

WEDNESDAY 2 June

The Seven Days Waiting Test (1) OBSERVATION What was Saul’s failure with regards to Samuel’s instruction to wait for him seven days at Gilgal (vv.8-11)?

Deeper Reflection

SAMUEL INSTRUCTED Saul to go to Gilgal ahead of him, saying, “I will be coming down to you to offer burnt offerings and sacrifice peace offerings. You shall wait seven days until I come to you and inform you of what you should do” (1 Sam 10:8). At Gilgal, Saul “waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel”, but Samuel did not turn up (v.8). Was Samuel late? Sacrifices were normally offered up twice a day – in the morning and at twilight (Num 28:1-6). So, Samuel “could have arrived at any time on the seventh day and still fulfilled his role in the process”1. Then “the people were scattering from” Saul (v.8). This triggered Saul’s decision not to wait for Samuel anymore, but he offered the offerings himself (v.9). It was not for Saul, but Samuel, to offer the offerings. Samuel turned up and confronted Saul of his sin, “What have you done?” (v.11). And Saul’s answer was: “Because I saw…” (v.11). Saul lived by circumstances, rather than by the commandments of God. This is a common test of our discipleship. The pressure of difficult circumstances are real, as in Saul’s case (v.11), but we cannot deviate from God’s Word by thinking that it is understandable and thus excusable. The discipleship test of circumstances tests two realities: our faithfulness to God and God’s faithfulness to His Word. And the latter undergirds the former.

APPLICATION

How do I ready myself for the discipleship test of circumstances? 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 leaders:

Pray for married couples: To live together by God’s Word and not circumstances Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel, The New American Commentary (B & H, 1996), 150

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 13:8-12

THURSDAY

3 June

The Seven Days Waiting Test (2) OBSERVATION Where does Saul’s fault lie in offering the offerings to God himself according to verse 12?

Deeper Reflection

AS FAR AS GOD WAS CONCERNED, for Saul, whatever his circumstances might be, he had only to be clear about God’s Word to him through Samuel (1 Sam 10:8), believe it, remember it, stand on it and live by it. And he had only one instruction from God: Wait for Samuel. And to God, waiting for Samuel was waiting on God — “to show you what you should do” (1 Sam 10:8). But the longer Saul waited for Samuel, the more his troops were deserting him from the inside, while on the outside the Philistines were massed for battle and ready to attack (vv.8, 11). And Saul did not want to be in a position of “I have not asked the favour of the LORD” when “the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal” (v.12). Wanting God’s favour is a right thing, but we can be wrong in our motive and the manner of seeking it. For Saul, it was “So I forced myself and offered the burnt offering” (v.12), which reflects five flaws. Saul’s concern about his dwindling forces revealed his belief that human armies, not God, decides the battle, 2 albeit he sought God’s favour. He thought that ritual could somehow guarantee divine favour. 3 He failed to see that how he sought God’s favour was, ironically, an act of disobedience.4 What spiritual dullness! For him, certain emergencies rendered God’s word unnecessary. 5 And he responded to Samuel’s question defensively, blaming three other parties for his act of disobedience (v.11).

APPLICATION

In2020 what ways may I be seeking God’s favour with a wrong motive and in a wrong manner?

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 seek God’s favour with a pure heart Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 1 & 2 Samuel, Teach the Text Commentary Series (Baker, 2013), 82 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 82 Robert D. Bergen, 150 5 Dale Ralph Davis, 1 Samuel, Focus on the Bible (Christian Focus, 2000), 136 2 3

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 13:13-14

FRIDAY

4 June

According to God’s Own Heart OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about God in verses 13 to 14?

Deeper Reflection

GOD IS KING is the theological centre of 1 Samuel. As King, God acts sovereignly and expects obedience. God “would have established” Saul’s “kingdom over Israel forever”, had he not “not kept the commandment of the LORD” (v.13). Disobedience can result in losing the God-given privilege and blessing. But we can never know when and how God will remove them. So, keeping short accounts of our lives with God is critical. When one king fails, God can raise up another, because He is King: “The LORD has sought out” — not “will seek out” — and “has appointed” — not “will appoint” — someone to replace Saul (v.14). And God has done all these “for Himself ”. God is sovereign. God “puts down one and exalts another” (1 Sam 2:7; Psa 75:7). God seeks for Himself individuals “after His own heart” (v.14), not just for leadership, but in discipleship. “After His own heart” means “according to His own heart” — “likeminded”6 with God. It is about a divine pursuit: “the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth” looking for “those whose heart is completely His” (2 Chron 16:9), who “will do all My will” (Acts 13:22). Are we this kind of person? How do we know? We must know God’s heart. And God’s heart is revealed in His Word. So then, knowing God’s Word is basically knowing God’s heart. That should be our purpose and pursuit in our reading of the Scriptures.

APPLICATION

What does it mean for me to pursue to be a man or woman after God’s own heart? 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 know God’s heart from God’s Word Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 83

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 13:8-23

SATURDAY

5 June

What Makes All the Difference OBSERVATION What is the significance of what is written about Saul as king over Israel in verses 15 to 23 in relation to verses 8 to 14?

Deeper Reflection

SAUL’S MILITARY STRENGTH had shrunk from 3,000 (1 Sam 13:2) to “six hundred” (v.15). And the Philistines, with their massive “30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen” (1 Sam 13:5), strategically divided their forces to make three attacks from Michmash to encircle Saul and his troops and prevent reinforcements from reaching Saul (vv.16b-18).7 Then we are told that “not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel”, because the Philistines controlled metal production and maintenance (v.19). The Philistines “thus effectively disarmed Israel, since all they could access in metal were farming tools for which the Philistines charged outrageous prices for sharpening”8 (vv.20-21). The result was: Only Saul and Jonathan could equip themselves properly for battle, while all other Israelite soldiers “had to manage with inferior weaponry, such as clubs and slings”9 (v.22). Saul’s situation was “one where victory appears impossible”10. Note that the description of Saul’s pathetic situation (vv.15-23) follows immediately after Saul’s act of disobedience to God (vv.8-14). But the point is not that the latter caused the former. Would the physical state of Saul’s army change if Saul had obeyed God’s commandment? No. The heart of the matter here is following God’s word. This makes all the difference. Under an obedient king, the small and weak Israel would face the militarily superior Philistines with a God-centred perspective and divine power.

APPLICATION

What are the things that make all the difference 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 Church Board: To have God’s Word as anchor and compass in life Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

David G. Firth, 1 & 2 Samuel, Apollos Old Testament Commentary (Apollos, 2009), 156 David G. Firth, 156 David G. Firth, 156 10 David G. Firth, 156 7

SUNDAY

6 June

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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?

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.

WEEK ONE / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / JUNE 2021

FORGIVEN

Scripture: John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Jesus sacrificed to save us.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Ask your family members to read and memorise 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. Create a “fill in the blanks” worksheet based on these verses and get everyone to complete it in the shortest time possible. After the activity, discuss what love looks like in your family.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: Who does God love? Q2: What does it mean to believe in Jesus? Q3: What does it mean to have eternal life?

* LEARNING POINT

When Adam and Eve sinned, this meant that all living things on earth would eventually experience physical death. Sin brings death. Sin keeps us away from God. John 3:16 says that God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to earth to die on our behalf, so that our sins are washed away. Believing in Jesus is the only way to gain eternal life. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice for all mankind, our sins are forgiven. Now, we can pray directly to God in the name of Jesus Christ!

* ACTION POINT

Share with your family members some areas that show God’s love for the family. Discuss as a family and decide how everyone can demonstrate God’s love to one another inwardly and outwardly as a family. Commit to doing it together.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for His unconditional love. Pray that He will lead us to others who need His love, so that they may know Him and gain eternal life.

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 13:13-23; 14:1-6

MONDAY

7 June

The Heart of Saul’s Son OBSERVATION What is the significance of Jonathan being identified as the son of Saul (v.16) only after God’s pronouncement of His judgment on Saul for his disobedience (vv.13-14)?

Deeper Reflection

1 SAMUEL 14:1-23 is about a miraculous great victory over the Philistines that God gave Israel through Jonathan. The backdrop to this victory is verses 15 to 23. Saul’s small force of 600 soldiers was greatly outnumbered by the “30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen” of the Philistines (13:5, 15). And they were completely surrounded by their enemies (vv.16b-18). And Israel was utterly outmatched by the Philistines in weaponry: swords and spears were found only in the hands of Saul and Jonathan (vv.19-22). Jonathan is first introduced in 1 Samuel in 13:2. But it is noteworthy that Jonathan is not identified as the son of Saul until verse 16. And significantly, Jonathan’s identity as Saul’s son is made only after God’s pronouncement of His judgment on Saul for his disobedience: “for now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not endure” (vv.13b-14a). Jonathan’s identity is mentioned particularly as “Saul and his son Jonathan” (v.16). The narrator is telling us that Jonathan would have been the successor of his father as king over Israel had it not been for Saul’s disobedience. A great loss to Jonathan for no fault of his. How would we feel if we are in Jonathan’s shoes? How would we respond? It was no major issue to Jonathan. The heart of “Jonathan, the son of Saul” (14:1a) was primarily on fighting the Philistines for Israel with God (14:1-6).

APPLICATION

How can I cultivate the kind of heart like Jonathan’s? 2020

PRAYER Lord Jesus, I am Your servant by Your grace, who is to live according to Your purpose and to Your glory. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I may follow You and say, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work”11 and recognise that a person can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven.12

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

11 12

John 4:34 John 3:27

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 14:1-12

TUESDAY 8 June

Trusting God in Knowing God OBSERVATION What observations can you make about Jonathan’s faith in God?

Deeper Reflection

ISRAEL WAS so greatly outnumbered and completely surrounded by their enemies that victory appeared impossible and Philistine victory seemed inevitable (1 Sam 13:15-23).13 But it was in this very situation that Jonathan took a faith initiative to fight the enemies: “Come and let cross over to the Philistines’ garrison” (v.1). The narrator shows emphasis on this initiative: “Jonathan sought to cross over to the Philistines’ garrison” (v.4). Jonathan’s initiative began with an unpresumptuous tentativeness before God: “perhaps the LORD will work for us” (v.6). Faith in God is not purely dead sure confidence and nothing else. Faith in God includes a humble careful “perhaps” – a “not sure yet”. Paul sought to visit the believers in Rome with “always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the will of God I may succeed in coming to you” (Rom 1:10). Jonathan’s faith initiative was anchored in a clear theology about God: “for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few” (v.6). Jonathan recognised God’s sovereign power – “the LORD is not restrained” and God’s sovereign freedom – “to save by many or by few”. The sign for “the LORD has given them into our hands” that Jonathan asked of God was risky offensive (v.10), and not safe defensive (v.9) in orientation. Knowing that God had answered him, Jonathan moved forward with action trust in God: “Come up after me…” (v.12).

APPLICATION

How should I exercise faith in God in certain present life situations? 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 grow increasingly in knowing and trusting God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

David G. Firth, 156

SCRIPTURE

WEDNESDAY

1 Samuel 14:11-23

9 June

God Is God in All OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about God in this passage?

Deeper Reflection

TRUSTING IN GOD, Jonathan and his armour bearer “climbed up” to meet the Philistines who were on advantageous higher ground,14 and killed them, even though outnumbered about ten to two (vv.11-14). Next, the narrator describes the effects that God brought about from this “first slaughter” (v.14) with extensive and intensive emphases: “there was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even the garrison and the raiders [see 1 Sam 13:17-18] trembled, and the earth quaked so that it became a great trembling” (v.15), “the vast army of the Philistines” – of “30,000 chariots and 6,000 horsemen” (1 Sam 13:5) – “began to melt away in every direction” (v.16, NLT), “the tumult in the Philistine camp increased more and more” (v.19, NIV), “every Philistine sword was against his fellow, and there was great confusion” (v.20). Furthermore, God brought about great reversals. Earlier on, the Israelites were “trembling” (1 Sam 13:7), but now the Philistines were “trembling” (v.15). The Israelites hiding in safe places out of fear of the Philistines (1 Sam 13:5-6) now came out to pursue the Philistines closely in battle (v.22). The ark of God was with Saul (vv.18-19), but ironically, this had nothing to do with God’s awesome presence of wreckage among the Philistines. God acts according to His purposes without being bound by His people’s great failures. Ultimately, it is “So the LORD delivered Israel” (v.23). God is God in all.

APPLICATION

What does it mean for me to see God as God in all in my life? 2020

PRAYER

Prayer Pointers

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

Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for married couples: To know God as God in all in their marriage Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

David G. Firth, 163

SCRIPTURE

THURSDAY

1 Samuel 14:24-34

10 June

Out of Touch with God (1) OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Saul?

Deeper Reflection

THE NARRATIVE of King Saul in 1 Samuel 14:24-52 presents a portrait of a person who is out of touch with God. Israel’s overwhelming victory over the Philistines sparked by Jonathan’s “first slaughter” (1 Sam 14:13-22), summed up as “the LORD delivered Israel that day” (1 Sam 14:23), ironically, becomes “the men of Israel were hard-pressed on that day” (v.24). The battle was God’s battle, but Saul viewed it as his own when he placed his men under oath not to eat food “until I have avenged myself on my enemies” (v.24). The danger of doing God’s work out of self-serving motivation is real. We can “proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition” (Phil 1:17). We can serve ourselves by serving God. This can happen in spiritual leadership: God is at work mightily (1 Sam 14:23), and yet at the same time, the people are “hard-pressed” and “weary” due to certain leadership decisions and actions (vv.24-26, 28). We cannot just assume by the former (divine power) that the latter (human capacity) is alright when it is not so in God’s eyes. Saul’s self-serving oath caused his men to become so “very weary” that they “rushed greedily” to eat meat from their spoil without first draining the blood, and sinned against God (vv.31-33; Deut 12:23-27). Saul was so out of touch with God that he was unaware that his men were sinning against God until he was told (v.33). And his exhortation, “Do not sin against God” (v.34), was anything but hollow, without conviction.

APPLICATION

How can I guard against self-serving motivation in doing God’s work? 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 be kept from self-serving motivation in serving God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

FRIDAY

1 Samuel 14:35-37

11 June

Out of Touch with God (2) OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Saul’s spiritual condition?

Deeper Reflection

SAUL’S “ATTEMPT TO RIGHT a sinful wrong perpetrated by his understandably hungry troops”15 (v.34) was followed by building an altar to God (v.35). The altar is specially noted as the “first altar” that Saul built to God. The note is probably “subtly condemnatory”16, “directed at Saul’s lack of piety”17. It was ritual without reality. Then Saul drew up plans for a predawn raid on the Philistines to take more plunder and to completely wipe out their enemies (v.36). But Saul “inquired of God” first (v.37). This might not be Saul’s initiative, but his response to the priest’s “Let us draw near to God here” (v.36). Saul’s two rather redundant inquiry questions reveal how out of touch with God he was. “Shall I go down after the Philistines?” Of course, he should, because this was his calling: “he will deliver My people from the hands of the Philistines” (1 Sam 9:16). “Will You give them into the hand of Israel?” Israel’s most recent supernatural overwhelming victory over the Philistines (1 Sam 14:13-23) points to “the LORD has given them into the hands of Israel” (1 Sam 14:10, 12). Why ask “Will You give?” when “the LORD has given”? God “did not answer” Saul’s inquiry (v.37), because he was self-centred and not God-centred (1 Sam 14:24), and because God’s will was obvious. We can be out of touch with God when we are out of touch with His Word where He has revealed His will.

APPLICATION

What is my approach to seeking the will of God for 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 SGI leaders: To be filled with the knowledge of God’s will Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

15 16 17

Ronald F. Youngblood, 1, 2 Samuel, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 3 (Zondervan, 1992), 667 Robert D. Bergen, 160 Ronald F. Youngblood, 667

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 14:38-52

SATURDAY

12 June

Out of Touch with God (3) OBSERVATION What is the significance of the summary of Saul’s career in verses 47 to 52?

Deeper Reflection

SAUL CONCLUDED that God was silent to his inquiry of Him because someone among them had sinned and he called for an investigation by casting lots (vv.37-38). Saul’s conclusion was wrong. But interestingly, when Saul asked God, “Give a perfect lot” (v.41), God answered him. When the lot was cast, “Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped” (v.41). And “Jonathan was taken” when the lot was cast between the father and son (v.42). This would lead to Jonathan’s death according to Saul’s purpose in this seeking of God (vv.39-40). God answered Saul’s prayer, even though Saul was out of touch with God, but only to counter Saul’s purpose: to deliver Jonathan from his father’s folly through the people’s strong objection (vv.43-45). The summary of Saul’s career in fighting against “all his enemies on every side” looks very glowing: “wherever he turned, he inflicted punishment” (v.47), “he acted valiantly and defeated…delivered Israel” (v.48). But there are “dark shadows” here, “cast not so much by what is said as by what is not said”18. There is no mention of God or God’s involvement in Saul’s wars. And Saul viewed the nations he fought against as “his enemies” (v.47 – cf. 1 Sam 14:24 – “my enemies”), rather than God’s enemies. Life can still be very glowing when we are out of touch with God and preoccupied with and pursuing selfinterests. And we think that we are alright when in reality we are not.

APPLICATION

How will I know that I am out of touch 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 Church Board: To be kept from being out of touch with God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 92-93 – citing V. Philips Long

SUNDAY

13 June

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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?

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.

WEEK TWO / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / JUNE 2021

CITIES IN DUST Scripture: Joshua 5:13-6:20 God’s plan is the best plan.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Get each of your family members to place a piece of paper on a tray and put a blot of paint as well as a marble on the paper. Then get everyone to create an art piece by rolling the marble in different directions across the tray. After the activity, discuss how the art piece relates to God’s plan for us. For example, following God’s plan may be difficult at times, but it leads to a perfect picture.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: Why is it hard to follow God’s plan at times? Q2: How has God helped you to follow Him? Q3: How does remembering what God has done in the past help us to have confidence in God’s plan even when we don’t understand it?

* LEARNING POINT

To enter the land of Canaan, the Israelites had to conquer the city of Jericho. Jericho is a city protected by strong walls and a ruthless King who spared no one. It was natural for Joshua to feel anxious. Then God appeared before Joshua. He gave Joshua the plan to win the battle against Jericho. Joshua and his men followed God’s plan faithfully and they conquered Jericho! God has the best plan even though we may not understand or see where He is taking us. The significant events in the Bible tell us that God is there even in the most challenging situation.

* ACTION POINT

Discuss what could be God’s plan for your family. Commit the plan to God. Then make an agreement with your family members to follow His Way wholeheartedly.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for the things and help He has provided for your family. Pray for perseverance among your family members to follow His Way in everything they do because God’s plan is the best.

14 - 20 JUNE 2021

FATHER’S DAY WEEK

Fathers, let us constantly run to our heavenly Father for help to be the fathers that He wants us to be.

IN THIS WEEK’S DEVOTIONS leading up to Father’s Day, we will focus on the themes of God’s grace, love and wisdom – attributes that earthly fathers need to learn in the journey of fatherhood. It is a tough journey that is frustrating and humbling. Fathers often get frustrated with their children, but ultimately with themselves. Why can’t I get my desired outcomes? We are humbled when we recognise that we cannot make it on our own. Our knowledge and skills are simply inadequate. Our attitudes need to be overhauled. God, please help! That is a good place to arrive at. Awareness precedes learning and growth. Then begins the journey of learning to depend on God, imitate His character and emulate His practices. God’s ways are the right ways. But we are not God and need to constantly pray for His resources to be supplied to us in the right measure and at the right time. God our heavenly Father is ever faithful. He also knows our weaknesses and inadequacies. God is delighted to be our source of refuge and strength, wisdom and understanding, and inspiration and encouragement. Fathers, let us constantly run to our heavenly Father for help to be the fathers that He wants us to be. God wants us to succeed and He is for us. In our failures, we experience His abundant grace. In our faltering and selfish love, we experience His unfailing and self-giving love. In our foolish pride, we experience Him lifting us up when we humble ourselves before Him. The fathering journey is not smooth and easy. But it can be joy-filled, because we develop a deeper relationship with our heavenly Father along the way. What a gift we can then give to our children — being fathered by a dad who walks closely with God in an authentic relationship of love, trust and obedience.

SCRIPTURE

MONDAY

Luke 15:11-24

14 June

The Waiting Place OBSERVATION In reading this familiar parable of “The Prodigal Son”, what strikes you afresh about the father?

Deeper Reflection

FACED WITH a humiliating rejection by his younger son, the father’s waiting and inaction confounds Asian fathers. The father did not search for or send workers to track down his son. The father simply waited for his arrogant and ungrateful son to return by his own volition. While waiting, it appears that the father did not replay in his mind the scenes of his son’s rude and rebellious behaviour, nor did he simmer with anger and plan how to mete out due punishment. Many Asian fathers show their love by taking corrective action, not talking things through with their wayward children. In this parable, the prodigal son chose to leave and the father chose to watch him leave and wait for his return. In his book, Oh the Places you’ll Go!, Dr Suess describes the place that all fathers dread – “The Waiting Place”. That’s the place where everyone is waiting. There we can only wait, helpless to fix what is broken. God sometimes brings parents to that waiting place of helplessness when our children reject us and withdraw from us. It is in this place that we learn to patiently wait, hope in God and faithfully pray for our children to return. During that time, God has the space to work in us, so that He tutors us in godly perspective and wisdom to receive our children when they return. God reveals and deals with the attitudes in our hearts, and teaches us His love, mercy and grace. If we respond aright to God, we will be able to embrace our returning children and find reconciliation in our relationships.

APPLICATION

How can I give God the space to work in my heart and teach me how to be a loving, 2020 merciful and gracious father (or person) to my child (or a loved one)?

PRAYER We praise You, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, because You have blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as You chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before You. In love You predestined us for adoption through Christ. We have redemption in Christ; all our sins are forgiven through His blood. Our Father, thank You for lavishing upon us Your glorious grace! Amen.19

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Adapted from Ephesians 1:3-8.

SCRIPTURE

Luke 15:20-32; Ephesians 1:3-14

TUESDAY

15 June

Unconditional Love, Abundant Grace OBSERVATION What gave the younger son worth despite his rebellious and wayward ways?

Deeper Reflection

WE LIVE in a world where people love conditionally. How much we are loved depends on our performance. Our good can always be better and our best is never good enough. We strive for the bigger and better, because our self-worth is tied to what we do and have achieved. Our children are conditioned from an early age to measure their significance by their academic success. In this parable, the father joyfully celebrated the return of his younger son who was lost but is now found. But when the older brother was very angry, because he felt short-changed for being the “good” son serving and obeying the father all these years, but apparently deserving no reward or celebration (v.29). Notice how what “I” have done and achieved was the basis of what “I” deserve. Beware of the performance trap that distorts our values and perspectives, and determines the way in which we act and react to our children. It is very insidious and can be a major blind spot in our lives. Remember, the prodigal son was loved not because he was worthy; he was worthy because he was loved by his father. Jesus told this parable to show us the kind of love the Father has for us. In so doing, Jesus tells us sinners that we are of priceless worth, because of the immeasurable love of God our Father towards us. This is so liberating! It is not we who chose God, but God who, by His grace, chose us from the beginning and blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Eph 1:3-6).

APPLICATION

What is one thing that I can do today to reflect God’s unconditional love to my 2020 family members?

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 help them to love their children and other family members unconditionally Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 3:1-21; 1 John 4:9-10

WEDNESDAY 16 June

The Way of the Father (1) OBSERVATION Why did an all-seeing, all-knowing God ask Adam, “Where are you?” (v.9)?

Deeper Reflection

SIN AND SHAME caused Adam and Eve to hide from each other and from God. God’s question to Adam, “Where are you?”, seems odd for an allknowing God – unless the question was for Adam’s benefit, not God’s. God’s responses to Adam’s sin were intentional, measured and not done in anger. They are instructive for us fathers in at least three ways. First, God made the first move. As a father, I tend to avoid conflicts with my children, often leaving it to my wife to handle the children’s meltdowns and address prickly issues that require a firm response or tactful conversation. God took the initiative to look for Adam. Taking the first step requires courage, generosity and wisdom to speak redemptively to our children who have fallen down and help them get up again. Second, God asked an important first question. He did not start by accusing or lambasting Adam for his wrongdoing. God’s first question was searching but non-condemning, convicting but redemptive. The open-ended question gave Adam the space and opportunity to willingly confess his sin and seek reconciliation. Third, God brought about a way back. God made a veiled reference to a coming Saviour (that is, Jesus Christ) who would one day defeat and destroy the serpent, the tempter of the first man and woman (v.15). From the beginning, God knew the cost of humanity’s sin and was prepared to pay the price to redeem sinners. “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 Jn 4:10).

APPLICATION

How can I make the first move to reconcile a broken relationship with my child (or a 2020 next generation family or church member)?

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 married couples: To graciously, wisely and sacrificially resolve conflicts between themselves (and between them and their children) for the purpose of reconciliation Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

THURSDAY

Exodus 32

17 June

The Way of the Father (2) OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about God’s justice and mercy in this chapter?

Deeper Reflection

EXODUS CHAPTER 32 tells us how the stiff-necked people of Israel quickly forgot about God and crafted a golden calf to worship as gods. They also ate, drank and indulged in revelry. In the context, the Hebrew word translated as “stiff-necked” means obstinate and stubborn. In their stubbornness, the Israelites chose to harden their hearts against God and disobey His clear commandments against idolatry (Exo 20:3-5). God was so angry that He wanted to destroy all the people. Yet, after Moses’ intercession, God relented from bringing disaster on them. It would have been perfectly just for God to carry out His intended punishment. But in His mercy and grace, God remembered the covenant He had entered into with His people and withheld His hand. As God’s people, the penalty for our sins still had to be paid – ultimately by Jesus Christ through His sacrificial death on the cross. Both God’s justice and mercy were fully expressed in Christ and their requirements completely fulfilled. As a father, I know how difficult it is to apply this principle of both requiring justice upon and extending mercy to my children. Without mercy, fathers end up exercising authoritarian rule. Thus our children may feel obliged to obey us and give external compliance, but their hearts are not changed to love and learn virtue. Without justice, fathers end up practising permissive parenting. Thus our children may grow up without learning right from wrong and understanding proper boundaries, and live undisciplined and indulgent lives. Fellow fathers, let us learn to be both merciful and just, like God our heavenly Father (Exo 34:6-7).

APPLICATION

How can I grow to be a better father (or mother or spiritual parent) who both requires 2020 justice upon and extends mercy to my child?

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 receive God’s wisdom and enablement to hold the tensions of justice and mercy in all their relationships and responsibilities Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

Mark 12:28-34; Proverbs 4:1-4; 7:1-3

FRIDAY

18 June

Wise and Loving Boundaries OBSERVATION How should God’s people view God’s commandments that have been given to them?

Deeper Reflection

GOD GAVE Adam and Eve clear instructions in the Garden of Eden that they were to obey. In the same way, God gave commandments to the Israelites in the wilderness of Sinai and required their obedience. However, those were not the unjust laws of an authoritarian dictator who oppresses and enslaves the people. Rather, they were the righteous laws of an authoritative Father who has set high moral standards and protective boundaries designed to bring about righteousness, goodness and blessings in His people’s lives. Jesus taught us that the most important commandments of God were to love God with our whole being and to love our neighbour as ourselves (vv.29-31). These go beyond mere external ritualistic offerings (vv.33-34). The godly thoughts and actions of a lover of God stem from so much deeper. God’s commandments are for our good, protection and blessings. Our heavenly Father is not a killjoy. The devil has from the beginning sought to deceive people to misinterpret God’s commandments as restrictive and not in our best interests. Nothing is further from the truth! The writer of Proverbs understood this. He solemnly instructed his sons: “Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching. …Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.” (Prov 4:1-4; cf. Prov 3:1-2) and “keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you…keep my teaching as the apple of your eye…write them on the tablet of your heart” (Prov 7:1-3).

APPLICATION

How will I better understand and respond to God’s commandments in my daily life 2020 (and fathering, if applicable)?

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 love and obey God’s commandments in their daily lives and various duties Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

Luke 11:1-13; 1 John 4:9-10

SATURDAY

19 June

The Father Who Provides Incomparably OBSERVATION How has God provided for His children throughout the nations and generations?

Deeper Reflection

PROVIDING FOR OUR CHILDREN is certainly part and parcel of fatherhood. But sometimes, we fathers mistakenly consider that everything will be fine with our children as long as we provide well for their needs and give desirable gifts. And we apply this misconception to our own relationship with God. When God gives us what we want, we think He is a good Father. But when God does not, we get disappointed with Him. Whenever I travel for work, I try my best to come back with gifts for my children. I love to hear them say, “Yay, thank you, Daddy, I love it!” It brings a smile to my face. Yet I know that these gifts and the children’s sentiments do not last, for the toys are soon carelessly tossed aside. Giving things is never enough to grow a strong relationship. Our heavenly Father provides for His children in ways beyond comparison. In Jesus’ words, “…how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (v.13). God’s fatherly provision to His children included first and foremost the giving of Himself! God gave His only Son to atone for our sins and make us righteous in Christ,20 and His Holy Spirit to indwell, teach, guide and empower us.21 The price that God had to pay to give us the gifts of His Son and Spirit was unimaginably high. Can we see how loved and valued we are by God our Father? May we then treasure our relationship with Him above all else! May we also learn to give ourselves to our children!

APPLICATION

How can I better trust God to provide for my needs and how can I better provide for 2020 those entrusted to my care?

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 learn a deeper trust in God’s provision for their families and the church family Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 21

See 1 John 4:9-10; John 3:16-17. See John 14:15-17, 25-26; 16:12-15; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8.

SUNDAY

20 June

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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?

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.

WEEK THREE / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / JUNE 2021

USE SOMEBODY Scripture: Judges 6-8

God can use you no matter what.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Give each family member a piece of paper. Then ask everyone to write or draw the most significant skill they possess. Discuss how these skills are used to do good for others and themselves.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: How did God use Gideon? Q2: How can God use you to serve other people? Q3: What can we do when asked to do something we are not confident in?

* LEARNING POINT

God was upset with the Israelites for falling into sin. Therefore, God left the Israelites in the hands of their enemy. The Israelites cried out to God. God chose a young man, Gideon, to free the people from the enemy. God gave Gideon the courage to destroy the altar of the false god, Baal. The people began to fear God and Gideon. With only 300 men, Gideon followed God’s instructions obediently and defeated the enemy! When God chooses us to do His work, He gives us the skills and power to do it well. We can ask God for the courage to face the challenges and complete His work!

* ACTION POINT

Get each of your family members to identify a verse that speaks of God’s help for us when we are weak or in need. Then get everyone to share how they can apply this verse in their lives, for example at work, in school or in the family.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for being our help when we are weak or in need. Pray for perseverance to keep God’s Word close to our hearts so that we will not fall into temptation.

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18-25; Ephesians 5:22-33

MONDAY

21 June

Human Sexuality — It Reflects Something About God OBSERVATION In what ways does our human sexuality reflect God’s character and ways?

Deeper Reflection

THIS WEEK’S DEVOTIONS focus on how Christian men can be discipled in our male sexuality the way God intends. For our female readers, we hope that this would aid your understanding and appreciation of your husbands, boyfriends, male relatives and friends…and fuel your prayers for them! As disciples of Jesus, our sexuality must start with God!22 God in His wisdom, creativity and power created us male and female. Why God created us this way must be the starting point for our reflection. We were created to reflect the image of God. That is, God reveals what He is like through our maleness and femaleness! Just as He created by His power, He has blessed us with His power to create by being fruitful and multiplying through our biological functions. Just as Adam and Eve saw each other in their nakedness and were not ashamed, God sees us for who we really are and is not ashamed to be called our God (Heb 11:6). In fact, He rejoices over us with singing (Zeph 3:17), just as Adam broke out in poetic delight when he saw Eve! Just as through the gift of sex, a male and female can cleave together in marriage, Jesus is pictured as the Bridegroom cleaving to us His bride and never letting us go no matter what (Heb 13:5). As Elizabeth de Smaele pointed out, our sexuality is Imago Dei, made in the image of a God who is relational and calls us into relationship. Understanding and appreciating our human sexuality must start with God, for it reflects who He is and what He has done!

APPLICATION

How do I want my sexuality to reflect God more and more? 2020

PRAYER Our Almighty Creator, Your eyes saw our unformed bodies even before each of us were made. You knit us in our mothers’ wombs and skillfully fashioned us to reflect who You are. We praise You, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made! Thank You for creating us male and female. Let every aspect of our sexuality truly reveal Yourself to our lost and broken world more and more. For Your sake and in Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.23

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

When teenagers undergo sexuality education, the first few aspects that would be touched upon often include: (1) Physical development – reproduction system, intercourse and puberty, etc. (2) Psychological and emotional impact – how we relate to others including the opposite sex. (3) Gender identity – how society and culture regard this issue. 23 Prayer adapted from Psalm 139. 22

SCRIPTURE

Leviticus 18:6-18, 22; 20:13; Romans 1:18-32

TUESDAY 22 June

Human Sexuality — It’s Much More Than Gender Identity OBSERVATION Why is judgment the consequence of sex with the same gender?

Deeper Reflection

AT FIRST GLANCE, God’s judgment on those who have sex with the same gender seems extremely harsh. Why must He be so uncompromising? Why didn’t God exercise some leniency on this sin, especially for those who experience their same-sex attraction as something inborn? Consider again why God created male and female at the beginning. Adam and Eve were given a mission to be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it (Gen 1:28). To fulfil this divine assignment, they were to produce generations who would span the whole earth and rule with righteousness, justice and compassion as God’s representatives. This is a picture of human society flourishing under God’s rule. God’s intent is to involve families as His partners for that flourishing. God’s prohibition against a man having sexual relations with another man (v.22; Lev 20:13) must be seen in the context of other protective prohibitions (vv.6-18). Sexual relations between two women or two men are against the order of nature (Rom 1:26-27). Unnatural sexual relations run counter to how men and women were created to relate to one another in families, and go against God’s desire for humanity to multiply and society to flourish. If same-sex “marriage” is legalised as an acceptable alternative basic family unit,24 then this — just like any other wilful disobedience to God’s good and perfect purpose — will open the doors to all manner of detrimental consequences.25 Therefore God’s severe judgment will come if humanity persists in this direction. However, God’s judgment is always redemptive; it is His way of redeeming and restoring what He had intended at the start – families and societies flourishing under God.

APPLICATION

How does God’s original intent for His creation change the way I have conversations 2020 with family and friends on the issue of same-sex relationships?

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 see and discuss issues from the perspective of God’s intent for the flourishing of families and societies Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

24 25

In the name of a misconceived freedom to love and an individual’s “right” to happiness in a “progressive” society. Foreseeably, there will be much pressure to legalise unethical applications of medical science and social arrangements in order to enable same-sex couples to become legal parents of babies or children who are not their natural offspring.

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 2:21-25; 3:6-11

WEDNESDAY 23 June

Sexuality — It’s Much More Than About Intercourse OBSERVATION What positive thoughts and feelings are evoked in you when you read that Adam and Eve were naked before each other and were not ashamed?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN WE THINK of sexuality, one picture we often associate it with is sex – the physical act of sexual intercourse. Media abound describing techniques to achieve maximum pleasure, the types of hormones released and birth control measures to use. But sexuality is a whole lot more than intercourse! God created us male and female with physical reproductive features to enable intercourse to take place, but what enables a marriage union to begin is a man cleaving to his wife. Imagine two objects superglued to each other. Absolute closeness! There was to be no distance between a husband and his wife. God intended sex to be an expression (and reinforcement!) of that intimacy. Thus Adam and Eve “were both naked and were not ashamed” (v.25). They saw each other for what they were and hid nothing from each other and God. It was only after sinning that the intimacy between them was lost (as seen in their wearing of loincloths to cover their nakedness, Gen 3:7) and they also hid from God out of fear and shame (Gen 3:10). Our world longs for intimacy and has often confused it with intercourse. A celebrity couple talked about having conversations as the best part of their marriage. Upon hearing that, their friend said he wanted someone with whom he could share embarrassing things and yet still have a good conversation. He then started to well up in tears, was choked with emotion and could not continue speaking. As Dr Brad Miller pointed out, “True intimacy seeks to answer: ‘How can I know you better?’” Don’t we all wish to know and be known?

APPLICATION

How can I grow in appropriate intimacy with my family members and friends? 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 leaders:

Pray for married couples: To grow in intimacy with God and each other through prayer and honest conversations Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 6:12-7:9

THURSDAY 24 June

Sex — It’s Not Primarily About Satisfying Ourselves OBSERVATION Why did God command husbands and wives to give to each other their conjugal rights (v.3)?

Deeper Reflection

CORINTH WAS A PLACE rife with sexual immorality. As part of their city’s religion, prostitutes would be offered at temples for devotees to have sex with them as their act of worship to their god Aphrodite.26 When the Apostle Paul instructed the Corinthian church about sexual purity, you can imagine how counter-cultural it was for him to write what he wrote! Just as the temple devotees employed sex to get what they wanted then, such as the blessing of fertility from Aphrodite, the world today often uses sex to satisfy our own needs for pleasure, pain relief and love. But what if we see sex as part of God’s design for our worship to Him? The premise for Paul to command husbands and wives to give their conjugal rights to each other, is theological rather than biological. For our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (v.19). There is such a sacredness to how God created our bodies and now lives in us. This sacredness did not come cheap – it cost Jesus everything (v.20). Like the Corinthian Christians, we believers – including our bodies – are washed and sanctified in Christ (1 Cor 6:11), made holy for God’s purposes. Therefore, out of gratitude, our bodies are now to be offered back to God for worship. Even in the arena of sex! For the single person, it would often mean exercising self-control as our God-graced act of keeping this body sacred for God. For married couples, it would mean offering our bodies – as unto the Lord – to serve each other by regarding each other’s sexual needs above our own.

APPLICATION

How will I continually offer my body to God (and my spouse, if applicable) as an act 2020 of worship?

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 their bodies would be offered wholly and continually to God (and their spouses, if applicable) as an act of worship Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution_in_ancient_Greece#Temple_prostitution_in_Corinth

SCRIPTURE

Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6; Philippians 4:8-9

FRIDAY

25 June

Sexual Purity — It Must Be Propelled by a Renewed Mind OBSERVATION What has a renewed mind got to do with sexual purity?

Deeper Reflection

WE LIVE IN A WORLD rife with messages about sex through the mass media, be it digital or print. Some of them include: “masturbation is not sinful as it does not hurt anyone”; “sex is good for you whether you are married or not”; and “have sex before marriage to explore and ascertain compatibility”. How do we ascertain the truth and validity of these ideologies? As disciples of Jesus Christ, our fundamental premise for truth must be the Bible. The only way to ascertain the veracity of the beliefs reflected in popular culture is to benchmark them against the Word of God as our accepted standard. As Christians, we pursue truth for the purpose of cultivating our relationship with God. That is why in the Apostle Paul’s battle against false teaching he wrote: “We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ” (2 Cor 10:6 NLT). Our relationship with God is expressed through our obedience to His Word. It is when our minds continually dwell on what is true and aligned to God’s Word (Phil 4:8), and we keep putting truths into practice through obedience (Phil 4:9), that we are transformed by the renewal of our minds (v.2) and kept guarded from a sinful lifestyle. Research shows that the most important sex organ in our bodies is actually our brain. Surprise! How we think about sex affects everything else about it. So let our minds be informed by the truth. And let the truth transform our thinking – and thus our obedience – in the area of sexuality purity!

APPLICATION

What are some practical ways in which my mind can be continually renewed and 2020 transformed by God’s Word?

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: That their minds would continually be renewed and guarded from false ideologies about sex Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 2:20-26; Hebrews 10:19-25

SATURDAY

26 June

Sexual Purity — It Must Be Pursued in Community OBSERVATION Why must sexual purity be a journey taken with others?

Deeper Reflection

AT A MEN-IN-COVENANT GATHERING, the brothers were asked to complete the sentence: “Without a zookeeper, the zoo animals will ….” Their answers included “run wild”, “starve to death” and even “eat other animals”! Without brothers who can keep and spur one another, we can end up in similar and dire straits. The Apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to flee youthful lusts and pursue kingdom values, “along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (v.22).27 Purity is meant to be a shared journey with others. However, many Christians may think that they are doing okay even without spiritual community and accountability. If we don’t commit adultery or compulsively watch porn, that is good enough, isn’t it? But righteousness and purity are things we are called to “pursue” (v.22; also 1 Tim 6:11), meaning “aggressively chase, like a hunter pursues a catch”28. God did not intend for sexual purity to be merely a line that we don’t cross, but rather a relentless and passionate pursuit of His holiness.29 To what end? That we may be vessels cleansed for honourable use, “set apart as holy”, “useful” to the Master and “ready for every good work” (v.21). Where God is concerned, the vessel must not just be mostly clean, but entirely so, without even “a hint of sexual immorality or of any kind of impurity” (Eph 5:3 NIV). Notice the repetitions of “let us” when the writer of Hebrews exhorted the church to continue strong in their faith and practice (Heb 10:19-25). We have a sacred responsibility to help one another finish well and strong. Let us pursue purity together!

APPLICATION

Who will I call upon and be responsible for in this shared pursuit of sexual purity? 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 would pursue sexual purity with others and finish strong Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

27 28 29

Here, “a pure heart” has to do with a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Tim 1:5). From the Greek word dioko: word study notes from The Discovery Bible. Christian singles and spouses, whether men or women who desire to pursue purity, may find this e-book an insightful read and a helpful resource: www.covenanteyes.com/resources/download-more-than-single/

SUNDAY

27 June

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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?

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.

WEEK FOUR / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / JUNE 2021

FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN Scripture: 1 Kings 18:16-46 God can do the impossible.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Get your family members to sit in a tight circle. Then ask each person to stretch out his or her hand parallel to the ground, while sticking out their index finger. Place a paper cup in the centre of the circle. Ask everyone to place their index finger on the cup and move it in different directions together without losing contact with the cup. Discuss what this activity teaches us about trusting each other to accomplish a task.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: What did God do in the Bible that seems impossible for man? Q2: What seems impossible to you right now? Q3: How does knowing that God can do the impossible help us?

* LEARNING POINT

King Ahab and his people abandoned God’s commandments and prayed to the false god, Baal. Therefore, God sent a drought to King Ahab’s land as a punishment for their sins. To turn the people’s hearts back to God, Elijah challenged the 450 prophets of Baal. He prayed for God to help. And God answered with fire coming down from heaven. God can work in extraordinary ways. When situations seem impossible to man, we can look to Him who can do anything that man can’t. We are assured of His response and help in good and bad times. Nothing is impossible for our God!

* ACTION POINT

Identify the biggest hurdle that your family or family member is facing now. Get everyone to discuss what it means to let God control life’s challenges and commit the above challenge to God in prayer.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for helping us to do things that seem impossible in our lives. Present any difficult situations to God and fully trust that He will take care of everything.

SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 7:6-9, 25-35

MONDAY

28 June

Pursuing Undivided Devotion to Christ OBSERVATION What were the Apostle Paul’s views on singleness?

Deeper Reflection

IS SINGLENESS seen as a good thing in your culture? Is it seen as something negative – a void waiting to be filled through marriage? Or as something positive – an existing fullness from which Christian singles can explore opportunities for undivided devotion to Jesus? The Apostle Paul’s teaching on singleness is instructive for us.30 The city of Corinth in AD 55 was the chief city of Greece with great political influence and bustling commercial activity, while at the same time characterised by rampant sexual immorality and widespread idolatry.31 Thus the backdrop of Paul’s teaching is “the present distress” (v.26) with a real sense that “the appointed time has grown very short” (v.29). Paul appeared to expect the imminent return of the Lord Jesus Christ to judge all people and bring about the new heaven and new earth (“the present form of this world is passing away”, v.31; cf. Rev 21:1). Christians need to be prepared for the second coming of the Lord. To Paul’s mind, being single was the better way for Christians to move forward undistracted by the troubles of the world and the anxieties of married life. They would have better opportunities to focus on “the things of the Lord” (vv.32, 34), “how to please the Lord” (v.32) and “how to be holy in body and spirit” (v.34).32 Paul made it clear that it was not a sin to marry (v.28), but that his personal example of and advocacy for singleness was “for [their] own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon [them], but to promote good order and to secure [their] devotion to the Lord” (v.35).

APPLICATION

How could a Christian single direct his or her sexual desires in such a way as “to be 2020 holy in body and spirit” (v.34)?

PRAYER Dear Lord Jesus, I want to seek You with my whole heart. Help me to not wander from Your commandments, but to meditate on Your precepts and fix my eyes on Your ways. Train me to turn my eyes from looking at worthless things and give me life in Your ways. Be gracious to me in my weakness, for I do love Your name. Keep my steps steady and let no iniquity have control over me. Amen.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

See also Mark 12:18-25, where Jesus taught that in the life to come, “people neither marry nor are given in marriage”. This tells us that marriage between resurrected human beings is not their final destiny nor the fulfilment of their lives. The marriage relationship that is central in the new heaven and new earth is that between Christ and the Church (Eph 5:22-32; Rev 19:7-9; 21:1-4, 9-11). The marriage between Christ and the Church is the final and eternal destiny of Christians and the ultimate source of fulfilment in their lives. 31 https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/intro-to-1-corinthians/ 32 But how should Christians view their sexuality; what is our sexuality for? Award-winning Christian author Ed Shaw answers this question in his new book, Purposeful Sexuality: A Short Christian Introduction. For a brief answer, see Shaw’s article at https:// www.livingout.org/resources/articles/56/what-is-sexuality-for. 30

SCRIPTURE

Psalm 24:3-6

TUESDAY 29 June

Pursuing Personal Integrity in Courtship OBSERVATION How would these verses apply to the context of a courting relationship between two Christians?

Deeper Reflection

WHATEVER LIFE STATION we are in, all of us as disciples of Christ are to seek to give our undivided devotion to the Lord.33 What does that mean practically for Christians in a courting relationship? Imagine that you are attending the wedding service of a Christian couple. They screen a video montage of their courtship and engagement. You see several beautiful photos and video clips of the happy couple in some overseas locations. What thoughts and feelings would you have? As their Christian parents. As their unmarried Christian friend. As their Christian leader. As a non-Christian friend. It is likely that the couple were — while unmarried — travelling on their own, sharing a room and bed during the trips. Our thoughts and feelings about such a situation will reflect our values — whether these are worldly or distinctively Christian. Verses 3 to 6 speak about a godly person’s character, closeness to God and the outcome of godly living. Applied to the context of a courting relationship, “clean hands” would speak of actions and behaviour that honour and respect each other’s bodies as sacred dwelling places of God. “Pure heart” would include thoughts and attitudes that are uncorrupted and unselfish; that desire the best for the other person; and that safeguard his or her good, well-being and interests. Courting friends, let us not be deceived by the world’s lies about the acceptability of sexually touching and relating with each other before marriage. Wise boundaries now will lead to much blessings later. In the journey ahead, let us encourage and support one another in seeking closeness to God and growth in our knowledge of Him.

APPLICATION

How will I pursue (or help my Christian friend or family member pursue) personal 2020 integrity in a courting 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 pastors and staff: To lovingly and firmly uphold standards of godliness in the church family Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Certainly, none of us will be able to do this completely and consistently in this present life. We will all be perfected only at Christ’s return (1 Jn 3:2).

SCRIPTURE

Song of Solomon 4:9-5:1; Isaiah 62:1-5; Hosea 2:14-23

WEDNESDAY 30 June

Pursuing a Deeper Relationship with God OBSERVATION How do these passages relate to our relationship with God who has, in His love, chosen and redeemed a people to be His own beloved bride?

Deeper Reflection

THE SONG OF SOLOMON (or Song of Songs) is a collection of love poems that were meant to be sung in ancient Israel. The poetry contains a lot of metaphors describing the love relationship between the two main characters; there is passion, longing, intimacy and fulfilment. Today’s passage is the climax of the book, where the lovers celebrate and enjoy their marital union through consummation. Pastor Ed Shaw wrote, “In God’s counter-culture, sex is not a recreational activity driven by our desires. Instead it is a sacred activity that, most fundamentally of all, communicates God’s desire for us. Sexual intercourse within marriage, a man and a woman joining themselves together, a bodily union in sexual difference, has been designed as a symbolic foretaste of something much greater. It trails the joining together of heaven and earth, the spiritual union in their difference, of God’s Son, Jesus, and God’s people, the Church, for all of eternity (Eph 5:31-32). Most fundamentally of all, sexuality is not all about human love, but God’s love for us. When God most wants to communicate the sort of relationship he wants with his people, the full passion of his love for us, the most effective language and imagery he uses is that of sexuality and marriage (for instance in Song of Songs, Isaiah 62, Ezekiel 16 and Hosea).”34 Indeed, in texts like Isaiah 62:1-5 and Hosea 2:14-23, the Lord describes Himself as a bridegroom or husband and His people as His bride.35 God’s commitment to, joyful delight in, and passionate love and care for, His people are so clearly evident in His words through the prophets.

APPLICATION

How can I pursue a deeper relationship with the Lord who loves me so passionately? 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 leaders:

Pray for married couples: To pursue a deeper relationship with the Lord and with each other in the marital union Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

34 35

https://www.livingout.org/resources/articles/56/what-is-sexuality-for Isaiah 62:5; Hosea 2:16, 19-20. Other Scripture texts tell us that spiritual Israel (Rom 9:1-8) is the bride and wife of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev 21:1-4, 9-11).

Notes