Introduction
Definition of Discipline
Discipline is the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using words and actions, warnings and consequences to keep one on track. Christian discipline involves cultivating specific habits and practices like prayer, fasting and Bible reading to help believers grow closer to God and become more like Christ.
Discipline is a key quality that shapes how we work, live, behave and relate with others. It involves managing our actions and staying committed especially when challenges arise. Discipline includes Motivation and Attitude: the motivation to improve and push oneself, and an attitude of focus, selfcontrol and professionalism in pursuing a goal.
Definition of Self-Respect
Self-respect is pride and confidence in oneself – a feeling that one is behaving with honour and dignity. It is the foundation of how we treat ourselves and others, and how we present ourselves in the world. Self-respect, learned through Scripture, will cultivate a healthy sense of identity, self-worth and self-esteem.
Over the next 20 days of the devotional challenge, we will dive into three aspects of self-respect, namely Confidence, Compassion and Modesty. The first is about believing in oneself and one’s ability to make a positive impact. The second involves treating others with empathy and care, while the third is reflected in how we dress and present ourselves appropriately for different occasions.
Notes:
1. The duration of the devotional sessions is 20-30 minutes.
2. This leader’s guide is suitable for both online and physical discussions.
3. This leader’s guide is suitable for officers and leaders who lead a group or individuals who are not joining any of the discussion groups.
For officers or leaders who conduct the sessions in a group, keep in mind the following:
1. Have a non-judgmental attitude.
a. In the course of the discussion, some members may give answers that you, as the leader, know are wrong.
b. Don’t pounce on the answer or reprimand them – they will not want to continue participating.
c. Value the insight you are gaining into their true thoughts, so that they are able to share what they think openly rather than parroting “right answers” to you.
d. Accept the answer by saying something like, “That’s an interesting point of view. What do the rest of you think?”
2. Encourage participation.
a. Some members are chatty and assertive. Welcome their contribution but remind them to give others a chance to speak.
b. Other members are shy and quiet. Encourage them to share, but if they really don’t want to, don’t force them.
c. Try to give every member a chance to say something.
3. When summarising or concluding, highlight good answers that have been contributed and add insights from the leaders’ guide that the members may have missed.
Day 11: Of Pain and Gain
Lesson/Learning Objective: To discipline ourselves to urgently confess our sins to God and receive His forgiveness.
Preparation:
❖ Bible verse: Read Psalm 32.
❖ Context: The Psalms are the worship songbook and prayerbook of ancient Israel. There are various types of psalms, and today’s passage is one of the penitential psalms together with Psalms 6, 14, 31, 38, 41, 51, 102, 130, and 143. In these psalms, the psalmists confess their sins to God, trust in His willingness to forgive, and receive His forgiveness (see 32:5 in today’s passage).
❖ Materials: Laptops, phones, and/or tablets with internet capability.
Activity:
❖ Solve the following word puzzles: https://mywordle.strivemath.com/?word=lozq and https://mywordle.strivemath.com/?word=cozq. What is a common saying that links these two words together?
❖ Players can start with any random word they can think of, if a letter is correct in the right place, the tile will be green, if it's correct but in the wrong place, the tile will be yellow. If no colour, means the word doesn't contain that letter. Make subsequent guesses based on those clues.
❖ The answer is, “pain” and “gain”, which links to today’s title: “No pain, no gain” – something which today’s devotional article talks about.
Discussions:
❖ Read the Bible passage and the devotional article with the participants.
❖ Discuss the three questions:
1. Q: What happened to the psalmist when he refused to confess his sin to God (v.3-4)?
A: He suffered. He felt like his bones were wasting away and his pain, which was probably more spiritual and emotional than physical, caused him to groan (v.3). He felt the weight of God’s displeasure upon him, and it made him feel physically weak (v.4).
(Note: While we may tend to think of ourselves as divided into body, soul, and spirit, we are a unified whole. What we do with one part affects the others; for example, gluttony involves the food we ingest into our body; but spiritually, it is also a sin; and there could also be psychological and emotional reasons behind the action of overeating. Similarly, while confessing or refusing to confess our sin is a spiritual act, it can have physical effects such as the psalmist describes.)
2. Q: What happened to the psalmist after he confessed his sin to God (v.5)?
A: He received forgiveness from God and was freed from the guilt of his sin.
3. Q: What conclusions did the psalmist make from this experience (v.1-2, 6-11)?
A: The psalmist concluded, from the relief and joy of being forgiven, that being able to be honest with God, receive His forgiveness, and be restored to right relationship with Him is a great blessing (In verses 1-2, he started the psalm with his conclusion before describing the experience that led him there.)
Besides that, he concludes that everyone should turn away from their sin and turn to God while they have opportunity to do so. Verse 6 suggests a sense of urgency as the time may come when God cannot be found or is out of our reach. We will not always have this opportunity, so right now as we read this Psalm, God is calling us to repentance. If we do this, then like the psalmist, we will enjoy His protection (v.7), His love (v.10, and His joy (v.11).
We should confess to Him now, of our own free will, and not wait to be pushed into it by the pain and suffering which are the logical consequences of turning away from God. Verse 9’s metaphor of bits and bridles which control horses refers to this pain and suffering.
Conclusion:
❖ Worship with this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rII4UzVTuQo
❖ Lead your members in a time of confession. They don’t have to speak their sins out loud, but tell them to search their own hearts, and be open to the Holy Spirit’s conviction. If He brings to mind any sins they need to confess to God, encourage them to admit those sins to Him and ask Him for forgiveness.
❖ If there’s time, ask members to write their sins on a small piece of paper and perform a symbolic act like tearing them up, throwing them away, burning them, or pinning them to a cross. This portrays a visual way of surrendering that sinful part to God, accepting what Jesus did on the Cross, and receiving His forgiveness.
❖ Share 1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1 with them on the promise of forgiveness and a reminder that in Christ, there is no condemnation. Let them experience in even greater measure the psalmist’s joy and blessedness at being forgiven, because we live on this side of the Cross.
❖ Close in prayer.
Day 12: For a Limited Time
Lesson/Learning Objective: To discipline ourselves to obey God with a sense of urgency and face the unknown future with confidence in Him.
Preparation:
❖ Bible verse: Read James 4:13-17.
❖ Context: The book of James was written by James, the half-brother of Jesus. He did not believe in Jesus when he was alive but became a Christian after meeting the risen Jesus. After that, he became a key leader of the Church in Jerusalem. In today’s reading, James calls out the arrogance of rich people who make big plans to expand their business and rake in the profits. He gives them a good dose of humility, pointing out their ignorance of the future and the temporary nature of their lives. He convicts them of sin on two counts – it is evil for them to boast of their arrogant schemes, and sinful when they know they should submit their plans to God’s will but refuse to do so.
❖ Materials: A dice, pen and a piece of paper. If you’re doing this online, members can an online dice roller: https://www.roomrecess.com/Tools/OnlineDice/roller.html
Activity:
❖ Divide your members into 2 or 3 groups. Each group appoints a dice-thrower.
❖ Choose the youngest or oldest dice-thrower to start.
❖ The dice-thrower starts by throwing the dice.
➢ The group gets 100 points for each dot on the dice; so three dots = 300 points, and so on.
➢ After Round 1, the group can decide to end their turn or continue. If they end, their score (300 points) is written on the paper and it is safe.
➢ If they continue, they can play Round 2 and their score will be added to the earlier one. So if the dice-thrower then gets a four, that’s 400 points and the group now has 700 points.
➢ However, if they throw a six, their turn ends. They lose their accumulated scores for that turn, and the group will be punished with push-ups or star jumps.
➢ The goal is to reach 3,000 points.
❖ How did your group decide whether to end the turn or continue playing? What did they disagree about, and what made it difficult?
❖ Did any group collect lots of points before losing them all when they rolled a six?
❖ If you’re doing the devotional alone, continue rolling the dice until you hit a six. Then restart the game. The game ends when you achieve 1,000 points.
❖ The game restarts because the dice is unpredictable, and you can’t see the future to know what number would turn up. Today’s reading has something to say to people who confidently make plans for the future despite its unpredictability.
Discussions:
❖ Read the Bible passage and the devotional article with the participants.
❖ Discuss the three questions:
1. Q: What are two reasons we should not be overconfident or arrogant in making future plans (v.14)?
A: The first is that we cannot predict the future. Just like we couldn’t predict when a six would turn up in the game, any number of things could happen to change our plans or cause them to fail. Therefore, we are to hold future plans loosely and be prepared to adapt according to the situation.
The second is that our life is like a mist. It means that we only live for a short while. Mists are like clouds that appear in the early morning when the air is cold. Once the sun comes up, it disappears. In life, we do not know when the metaphorical sun will come up and dissipate us, i.e. when we will die. We could have great plans for success, then suddenly have a heart attack and die. Therefore, while we do need to prepare for the future, we should not be overconfident in our plans. Also, as pointed out in the devotional article, the shortness of life should give us a sense of urgency, not to carry out our selfish ambitions, but to do the things that God calls us to do.
2. Q: How should we plan for the future instead (v.15-16)?
A: Firstly, we are to submit our plans to God’s will. Before we start making plans, we are to first consult with God and lay our lives before Him (Romans 12:1). Then, ask Him for wisdom and direction for our future. Sometimes He will speak clearly to tell us what to do; other times, He gives us the freedom to think for ourselves and choose the best option we can with the information that we have. Throughout the whole process, our primary motivation should be to glorify God and be in the centre of His will. Our prayer should echo that of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: “yet not my will, but yours be done”
Secondly, we should not speak boastfully, pridefully, or arrogantly about our plans. There is nothing wrong with sharing your hopes for the future to get valuable advice or invite others to be part of your vision. But the attitude behind that should be humility and submission, not pride or arrogance. Ask, why do I want to talk about my plans? What is my goal in talking about this to others? Am I promoting myself, trying to show off how wise and forward-thinking I am? Do I have healthy pride in the good plans I have made in partnership with God, or is it an unhealthy, self-centred kind of pride?
3. Q: What are some of your cherished hopes, ambitions, and plans for the future? Where is God in the midst of all this and ill you submit your plans to Him?
A: Some of your members may want to score straight A’s for SPM, win a sports medal, be a club leader, get into a good uni, migrate to a certain country, find a suitable spouse, raise a
family etc. Encourage them to share their hopes, ambitions, and plans with the group, and to submit these things to God.
We do not know what the future holds, but He knows all things and our times are in His hands (Psalm 31:14-15). Assure them that even if things do not turn out exactly as they envision, God has a good purpose and plan for them (Jeremiah 29:11). They can offer their unknown future to Him and trust Him to guide them. God can even turn mistakes, missteps, and mishaps for the best (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28).
Conclusion:
❖ Lead your members to sing, “Lord, I Offer My Life” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwDsSdP_wvQ). Emphasise or sing the second verse again:
“Things in the past, things yet unseen; Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true; All of my hopes and all of my plans, My heart and my hands are lifted to you.”
❖ Close in prayer.
Day 13: Telling Time
Lesson/Learning Objective: To be aware of our short human lifespan, and to develop a sense of urgency and discipline to live for God.
Preparation:
❖ Bible verse: Read Psalm 90:9-17.
❖ Context: Psalm 90 is the oldest psalm in the songbook of ancient Israel. It was written by Moses and touches on the overarching theme of the Law. It begins with an affirmation of God’s eternal existence and faithfulness (v.1-2), then compares the shortness of human lives with God’s timelessness (v.3-6). Today’s passage is on the brevity of life and laments that it is full of trouble and sorrow because God is angry with the Israelites (v.9-10). In view of this sad situation, the psalmist expresses the need to know God’s wrath and be aware of one’s short life (v.11-12), for it would be foolish to continue sinning, and to live without factoring in our limited lifespan.
❖ Materials: Pen and paper.
Activity:
ς Allow your members to draw two tables on a piece of paper: one indicating 10 years and the other 1 week.
ς Ask them to write in each table what they will do in 10 years and in 1 week. Don't take too much time writing them in 5 minutes will do..
ς Discuss:
➢ After listing them down, reflect how will this affect your future plans, the way you live or the things you choose to do for the 10 years?
➢ Now imagine that you only have one more week to live. How will this change the answers you gave in the previous question?
❖ Debrief:
➢ Understanding the limitations of our lifespan will affect the way we live.
➢ That is why today’s passage asks God to, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (v.12). Let’s read it together.
Discussions:
❖ Read the Bible passage and the devotional article with the participants.
❖ Discuss the three questions:
1. Q: What does the psalmist say about life (v.9-10)?
A: Firstly, the psalmist says that we live under God’s wrath (v.9). Because of our sins – the wrong things we think, say, and do, as well as our heart’s attitude of rejection against God –we have made ourselves enemies of God and are subject to His judgment and condemnation.
Secondly, the psalmist says that our life is short – just 70 or 80 years. This is true despite modern science and medicine. Life expectancy in Malaysia is an average of 75 years (see https://open.dosm.gov.my/dashboard/life-expectancy). This may seem like a long time to teenagers, but time flashes by as we age.
Thirdly, the psalmist says that life is full of trouble and sorrow. This may seem pessimistic, and we can remind ourselves of happy times, but it's undeniable that there is much injustice in this world. Even the most sheltered child will experience troubles, be they first-world problems compared to less-privileged children.
2. Q: Given the facts about life in Question 1, what does the psalmist ask of God (v.11-12)?
A: The psalmist asks God to let us know the power of His anger (v.11), so that we may seek His forgiveness and be reconciled to Him. We do not want to go through life thinking that all is well, only to receive a horrible shock in the end when we discover our eternal destiny.
The psalmist also asks God to help us be aware of our short lives, and to “number our days” (v.12). Whether we’re rich or poor, short or tall, fat or thin, respected or hated, death eventually comes for every one of us. It would be foolish to ignore this reality, and wise to let this sense of urgency determine our plans and actions.
3. Q: What further requests does the psalmist ask God for (v.13-17)?
A: The psalmist asks God to relent from His wrath and have compassion on His servants. Do your members still live under God’s wrath, or have they received His forgiveness? Jesus died on the cross to bear God’s punishment on our behalf, so that we could be reconciled to God (Romans 5:8-11).
[This is a good time to remind non-Christian members that God is waiting for them to accept Him as Lord and Saviour. They can pray the ABC prayer in Day 5 to be free of His wrath, receive His forgiveness, and become His children.]
The psalmist asks God to give us His love and joy, and that the sweetness of knowing Him will outweigh the troubles that we experience in life. He also asks God to reveal Himself to us and to the next generation. He asks that instead of God’s wrath, we will enjoy God’s favour.
Conclusion:
❖ This psalm gives us two contrasting pictures of what life is like:
➢ Under God’s wrath – short, full of trouble and sorrow.
➢ Under God’s favour – still short, but full of God’s love and joy, and God’s intervention to help us, save us, and establish the work of our hands.
❖ Which life are your members living? Which life would they like to live?
❖ Close in prayer
Day 14: Every Moment Counts
Lesson/Learning Objective: To equip and prepare members to share the gospel whenever the opportunity arises.
Preparation:
❖ Bible verse: Read 2 Timothy 4:1-8
❖ Context: 2 Timothy is Paul’s last letter in the New Testament, written around 66 or 67AD while in prison in Rome. He was released, but later rearrested and executed by Emperor Nero. 2 Timothy contains Paul’s very personal last words and instructions to Timothy, his son in the faith. In today’s passage, Paul charges Timothy to preach the Word with perseverance, patience, and carefulness (v.1-5). He refers to himself as an example of one who has sacrificed himself for the sake of the gospel and is now reaching the end of his race of faith (v.6-8).
❖ Materials: Laptop, phone, or tablet with internet.
Activity:
❖ Have you heard of the RMS Titanic?
➢ In 1912 (113 years ago!) it was the largest ocean liner of its time, measuring 269m long, 28m wide, and 32m tall.
➢ The Titanic was said to be “practically unsinkable,” as it used the best modern shipbuilding technology of the time.
➢ On its first maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean from England to the United States, it collided with an iceberg and sank.
➢ Of the estimated 2,224 passengers on board, 1,518 died and 706 survived.
❖ Watch this video which imagines the final moments of the Titanic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEQ8FGXWeQ8.
❖ Today’s devotional article describes the actions that one man chose to take when he was caught up in this disaster. Let’s read it together.
Discussions:
❖ Read the Bible passage and the devotional article with the participants.
❖ Discuss the three questions:
1. Q: What does Paul charge Timothy to do (v.1-2, 5)?
A: Paul charges Timothy to preach God’s Word at all times and opportunities, using it to correct the mistaken, rebuke the wrong, and encourage the tiring (v.1-2). He asks Timothy to do so with great patience and careful instruction, for people often don’t “catch” the lesson immediately. It has to be explained many times before they can get it. God’s Word must also
be handled with care to prevent misinterpretation, which may lead to heresies and false teachings.
Paul also charges Timothy to remain calm in all situations and endure hardship (v.5). With his experience as an itinerant preacher and church planter, Paul knows the challenges Timothy will face. Paul, therefore, advises him to keep a cool head and persevere in sharing the gospel as an evangelist and carrying out the work responsibilities of his ministry.
2. Q: Why does Paul charge Timothy to do these things (v.1, 3, 6)?
A:
(i) Paul urges Timothy to preach the gospel urgently because Jesus is coming again soon (v.1). We only have a small window of time to share the Good News with others before the end comes.
(ii) Paul foresaw that in the future, people would rather listen to pleasant, nice-sounding false teachings than the truth of God’s Word. Therefore, right now, before people start to turn away, is the best time to share God’s Word.
[Note: One false teaching infecting many large churches is the prosperity gospel. It emphasises God’s love and blessings, especially material blessings, without equal emphasis on discipleship and holy living. It may be good to talk about this so that members can recognise and reject it when they come across it.]
(iii) Paul senses that he is about to die (v.6). A “drink offering” in Numbers was about 1.45 or 1.9 litres of wine offered on the tabernacle altar before God. Once the offering is poured out, it is finished. So Paul “being poured out like a drink offering” means that he is almost finished and his death is near. With that in mind, he is passing on his mission and vision to Timothy, whom he hopes will continue to preach and do God’s work after he dies.
3. Q: Have you ever tried to share God’s Word with your friends? How was the experience and how can you better prepare yourself?
A: Members can share if they’ve spoken God’s Word to someone else or given a timely Word to a troubled friend.
To better prepare, they need to read, understand, study, memorise, and meditate upon God’s Word. As they take in God’s Word and live it out in their own lives, it will become natural for them to share it with others.
For example, in secondary school I remember sitting around a campfire with friends who were sharing ghost stories. I told them boldly that I wasn’t afraid of ghosts. Surprised, they asked me, “What?! Why aren’t you scared?” and I quoted 1 John 4:4 – “…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” Jesus is greater than any ghost or evil spirit, and He
lives in me. I’m under His protection, and therefore those demons cannot harm me. That’s why I wasn’t afraid.
Secondly, they can learn to share their salvation testimony in about 3-4 minutes. See Paul’s example in Acts 26:2-23. Include a “Before”, “How” and “After” section, like before believing in Jesus, we struggled with guilt, fear of death, boredom, lack of purpose, etc. The “How” part is how you encountered Jesus. The “After” section is how knowing Jesus has changed your life. Members can also learn the John 3:16 method to share the gospel. See this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsFNcPb9eRE
Conclusion:
❖ In today’s devotional article, Pastor John Harper spent his last minutes after the Titanic sank swimming from person to person and sharing the gospel with each one.
➢ But the only way he could do this was because he was already prepared to preach the Word “in season and out of season.”
❖ Let’s not wait until we’re caught up in some tragic disaster before we start equipping ourselves. Now is the time to prepare and be ready to share God’s love and truth.
❖ List down three friends who need to hear the Good News about Jesus. Start praying for them daily, and when an opportunity arises, share the gospel with them. 1. 2. 3.
❖ Close in prayer.
Day 15: Small but Great
Lesson/Learning Objective: To discipline ourselves to depend on the Holy Spirit rather than our own strength, and to obey when God asks us to make small changes in our lives.
Preparation:
❖ Bible verse: Read Zechariah 4:4-10.
❖ Context: Zechariah is one of the twelve minor prophets, “minor” because of the relative shortness of their books. It was written around 520-480BC, and together with Haggai and Malachi, spoke to God’s people who had returned from exile. Zechariah called for the rebuilding of God’s Temple, and in today’s passage, an angel delivers four messages for Zerubbabel after Zechariah sees a vision of a gold lampstand: the work of rebuilding the Temple cannot be completed with mere human strength, but only by the Holy Spirit’s power (v.6); with God’s help, all obstacles to rebuilding will be overcome (v.7); rebuilding will be accomplished during Zerubbabel’s governorship (v.8); and though it might seem like a small beginning, God Himself will rejoice when rebuilding continues (v.10).
❖ Materials: Taboo word cards, or laptop, phone or tablet (for online activity).
Activity:
❖ Print or copy these 6 Taboo cards (see last page).
❖ If playing online, you may direct message each volunteer with a card.
❖ Ask six volunteers to come up one by one.
➢ Give the first volunteer the first card. The group has to guess the word “Gold,” but the volunteer cannot explain “Gold” using the five words below.
➢ The time limit is one minute. If the group answers correctly, give them a round of applause, or some small sweets. If the group can’t, reveal the answer.
➢ Repeat with the next five volunteers using new cards.
❖ Today’s passage is from the book of Zechariah. Before our passage begins, he sees this vision: “I see a solid GOLD LAMPSTAND with a BOWL at the top and SEVEN lamps on it, with seven CHANNELS to the lamps. Also there are two olive TREES by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left.” (Zechariah 4:2-3)
❖ Today’s passage begins with the prophet asking what all these things mean. Let’s read it together.
Discussions:
❖ Read the Bible passage and the devotional article with the participants.
❖ Discuss the three questions:
1. Q: How was God’s first message for Zerubbabel (v.6) related to the vision Zechariah saw (4:2-3)? What does it say about your own works and ambitions?
A: God’s first word to Zerubbabel was to let him know that the work of rebuilding the temple would be done “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” This was an encouragement to Zerubbabel that even though the work seemed impossible or very difficult to finish by human strength, it would still be done by the Holy Spirit’s power.
In Zechariah’s vision, the seven lamps on the gold lampstand were supplied with oil from the two olive trees, which kept them burning. Oil is frequently associated with the Holy Spirit (see 1 Samuel 16:13, Isaiah 61:1), therefore oil is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit’s power to accomplish the rebuilding of the temple.
In our own endeavours and ambitions, we need to remember that without Jesus, we can do nothing (John 15:5). We must abide in Him, submit our hearts’ desires to Him, and align our hearts with His. Then the work we’re trying to do will not merely be our own, but His; it will not be done in our meagre efforts, but in the boundless, limitless power of the Holy Spirit.
2. Q: What is the main thrust of God’s next two messages for Zerubbabel (v.7,9)? What is the meaning of the “mighty mountain” and the “capstone” (v.7)?
A: The main point was to assure Zerubbabel that the work of rebuilding the temple would be complete. The “mighty mountain” refers to the obstacles they were facing, but they will become “level ground,” meaning the difficulties will be overcome.
The “capstone” is the highest stone on top of a building. As the last stone to be put in place, it locks the other stones in, gives structural integrity, and completes the building. Therefore, verse 7 looks forward to the end of the building process, when Zerubbabel brings out the capstone to be put in place. Verse 9 then assures Zerubbabel that the work will be finished under his rule, not a future governor’s.
3. Q: What does verse 10 mean? How can we apply this in our lives?
A: The rebuilding of the temple may have been regarded as a “small thing” for it paled in comparison to Solomon’s temple. That’s why those who remembered the first temple mourned when the second temple re-started (Ezra 3:12). In verse 10, God tells His people not to despise the day of small things, for He Himself will rejoice to see it rebuilt.
[Note: The number seven symbolises completeness in the Bible, for God completed the creation of the world in seven days. Eyes represent knowledge and understanding; so the “seven eyes of the LORD” refers to God’s omniscience and complete knowledge of all things.]
In the Bible, God often uses things or people which appear small to do great things. For example, He used 11 rough, uneducated men to start the Church, which spans the globe today. We see this outside the Bible, too – ACS Sitiawan was started by the missionaries as an orphanage with just four boys. Today it is a school with more than 1,500 students.
This encourages us to listen and obey when God tells us to make small changes in our lives. Is it to start reading the Bible and praying every day? Or paying attention to sermons in church instead of daydreaming? The changes may seem small and insignificant, but only God knows the true depth of its eventual impact on us, through us, and to those around us.
Conclusion:
❖ What is one small thing that God is asking you to change in your life today? Give your members some time to reflect and answer.
❖ Don’t despise the day of small beginnings! Whatever small change God asks of you, do it.
❖ But don’t do it in your own strength and effort, but in the Holy Spirit’s power. “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (v.6).
❖ Close in prayer.
GOLD LAMPSTAND BOWL
SEVEN
CHANNELS TREES
Day 16: Everyday Disciples
Lesson/Learning Objective: To discipline the members to be everyday disciples who are faithful and fruitful.
Preparation:
❖ Bible verse: Read 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
❖ Context: See Day 8 for the broader context of 1 Thessalonians. In today’s passage, Paul urges the Thessalonians to love one another more and more (v.9-10). He advises them to live in peace with others, respect others’ boundaries, and work hard so that they’ll be respectable and independent (v.11-12). After today’s passage, Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the resurrection hope when Jesus comes again.
❖ Materials: Six paper slips with themes, four A4 papers
Activity:
❖ Write down these themes on small slips of paper:
Love one another
Live in peace with others
Respect others’ boundaries
Work hard
Win others’ respect
Be independent
❖ Divide your members into two groups.
➢ Each group gets one slip and one A4 paper.
➢ In three minutes, draw a photo of the theme on the A4 paper.
➢ Time’s up! Look at each other’s drawings and guess what the other group was trying to illustrate.
➢ Repeat the game until all slips are played.
➢ For online, split into two breakout rooms. DM each group with a phrase. Draw for three minutes, then show and guess. Play until all themes are done.
❖ Today’s passage contains these six themes. Let’s read it together.
Discussions:
❖ Read the Bible passage and the devotional article with the participants.
❖ Discuss the three questions:
1. Q: Why did Paul tell the Thessalonians to love one another (v.9-10)? How are you practising love for fellow Christians, and how can you do better?
A: Paul writes that his audience no longer need telling because they’ve learnt to love one another directly from God (v.9). They’ve not only loved their brethren in Thessalonica but in
Macedonia region (v.10), which included cities like Philippi and Berea. Yet Paul urged them “to do so more and more” (v.10b).
Let members share how they’ve shown love to their brothers and sisters in Christ. As they share, let the group brainstorm, not in a hurtful or judgmental way but in a helpful and constructive way, about how they can increase and improve their love for one another.
2. Q: In verse 11, what three things does Paul advise the Thessalonians to do? Which is the most challenging, and what are you going to do about it?
A: The three things are to live in peace with others (“a quiet life”), to respect others’ boundaries (“mind your own business”), and to work hard (“work with your hands”).
Different members may find different things challenging. For those who love to instigate others and are itching for a fight, they may need to work on their temper and learn to pause before reacting. For strong personalities who like to boss people around or the curious who love to know other people’s gossip, they must learn to recognise others’ boundaries, respect others and be sensitive to others’ feelings. For those who are laidback, p erhaps today’s devotion is a wake-up call to discipline themselves, put in effort, and finish their tasks well.
3. Q: Why did Paul emphasise the three things in Question 2? On a scale of 1 to 10 of independence, where you do fall?
A: Paul advised the three practices so that the Thessalonians would win others’ respect and not be dependent on anyone. This would give them a platform to share the gospel with others, as very few people would be willing to listen to a disreputable person. Being a respectable, independent equal would give the Thessalonians a voice that would be heard and an opportunity to speak God’s truth and love.
As minors, your members are not expected to be financially independent. However, they should be growing in independence, ie. knowing when to clean their rooms, do their homework, help in household chores etc. without being asked. With that, ask them to evaluate themselves on the scale of 1 to 10 of independence. Encourage them to slide up the scale in the coming week.
Conclusion:
❖ Most Christians are not “superstar” preachers, evangelists, or worship leaders.
➢ As written in the article, most Christians are ordinary people who are steadily faithful and fruitful in their mundane lives.
➢ God uses them, maybe not to touch thousands, but to make a difference where they are.
❖ If members feel they’re called to be “superstar” Christians, that’s well and good.
➢ However, such ministry must be rooted in Christlike character and perseverance, formed by the same kind of steady faith.
➢ True “superstars” are thereby the result of faithful obedience to God. He is the one who guides our steps to be faithful on or off stage.
❖ So, then, will your members be “Everyday Disciples” of Jesus? Will they do the things that Paul tells us to in 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12?
❖ Close in prayer.
Day 17: Words and Actions
Lesson/Learning Objective: To discipline ourselves to say “Yes” to what God tells us to do and to follow through.
Preparation:
❖ Bible verse: Read Matthew 21:28-32.
❖ Context: Today’s parable was told during Passion Week during Jesus’ last days before crucifixion. It’s the story about two sons; the first says he won’t do as his father says but changes his mind and does it anyway (v.28-29). The second verbally agrees but does not actually do the work (v.30). The point that Jesus makes is that sinners and outcasts of society are like the first son. Outwardly, they seem far from God; but when they heard John the Baptist preach, they repented and so entered the Kingdom of God. The chief priests and the Pharisees, however, are like the second son. Outwardly they seem righteous, but their refusal to repent reveals that their hearts are not right.
❖ Materials: None.
Activity:
❖ Play “Big fish, small fish” with your members.
➢ Ask your members to sit in a circle.
➢ “Big fish” means hold your hands 10cm apart. “Small fish” means hold your hands 30cm apart.
➢ Choose someone to start the game and move anti-clockwise. If the first person says “Big fish” the person on the right says “Small fish” and the next person says “Big fish” and so on, with the corresponding hand actions. If someone repeats (ie. “Big fish”, “Big fish”), the game changes direction and moves to the left.
➢ The game continues until someone makes a mistake:
■ Does the wrong action when saying the phrase
■ Says the phrase wrongly (e.g. “Fig Fish”)
■ Takes more than two seconds for his or her turn.
➢ Play a few rounds and those who made a mistake must do a forfeit like sing a song, do ten push-ups etc.
❖ Debrief: This game was difficult because our actions were opposite to our words. In today’s passage, Jesus tells a parable about two sons who each said one thing but ended up doing the opposite. Let’s read it together.
❖ For online, you may play the game “Actions Align with Our Words”.
➢ Setup:
■ Participants are split into small teams.
■ The host presents a series of challenges that require verbal commitments before execution.
■ Examples of challenges: solving a riddle, drawing something in 30 seconds, listing 10 items in a category, or completing a physical action like balancing an object.
′ Gameplay:
Round 1 - Making Commitments:
Before attempting a task, each member must declare what they will achieve within a set time limit.
Example: "I will name 8 capital cities in 20 seconds."
Round 2 - Execution:
Members must complete exactly what they committed to.
′ Twists & Challenges:
Halfway through a task, add on one simple task for the members.
Example: “Name 8 capital cities in 20 seconds, then do one squat.”
Discussions:
❖ Read the Bible passage and the devotional article with the participants.
❖ Discuss the three questions:
1. Q: How do you evaluate the words and actions of the two sons (v.28-31)? Who’s right or wrong?
A: The first son was wrong to immediately refuse his father’s command. In our Asian culture, he disrespected his father and didn’t “give him face”. Yet in the end, he redeemed himself by changing his mind and doing what his father asked.
The second son gave a compliant verbal response, which was good. But in the end, he didn’t do what he said he would. This is clearly wrong, but there may be debate if the second son was worse than the first, or both were equally bad.
Jesus’ intention in telling this parable is in His question: “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” (v.31). To Jesus, actions speak louder than words. So, to align our evaluation with Jesus’ values, both sons did wrong, but in the end the first son was better than the second.
2. Q: In the parable, who do the father and two sons represent? If you were a chief priest of Pharisee, how would you feel?
A: The father in the parable represents God. The first son represents the sinners and outcasts of their society ie. tax collectors and prostitutes. (Tax collectors were hated because they collaborated with the colonising Roman Empire to line their own pockets and were seen as traitors to their own people. Prostitutes gave sexual favours for money and were looked down upon.) The second son represents the respected religious leaders of their society – the chief priests and the Pharisees.
If I were a chief priest or Pharisee, I imagine I would be very angry with Jesus. I’m a leader in the community, I have studied the scriptures since I was a child, and I teach others how to follow God’s law. I am a good person who loves God, and this guy dares to say that sinners and criminals are entering God’s Kingdom before me? I would be outraged and indignant!
3. Q: How can we apply this parable to ourselves?
A: Firstly, if you hear God telling you to do something – to stop telling lies, be kinder to your friends, reach out to that loner in your class, etc. – don’t say “No” to Him like the first son. Say “Yes” and do what He tells you. Let Him sit in the driver’s seat of your life and see where He will lead you.
Secondly, if you have given your “Yes” to God, follow through. Don’t be like the second son and fail at the point of action. Be a man or woman of your word. If you have promised God that you will do something – provided it’s not a bad thing – then make sure you really do it.
Thirdly, if you feel like an outcast, know that God sees you. He knows you and loves you. Just as Jesus welcomed the tax collectors and sinners into the Kingdom of God, so does Jesus welcome you. Come to Him today and let nothing hinder you. Then persevere in following Him for all your days to come.
Fourthly, if you think you’re very good, holy and close to God, be careful. Take care that you don’t become proud and judgmental like the Pharisees. Be open to God’s correction, which may come from the Bible, a sermon, a friend, or an impression in your heart. Don’t get angry and defensive, but repent and turn back to God.
Conclusion:
❖ Ask your members, “What is one thing that God is telling you to do this week?”
➢ Will they say “Yes” to God?
➢ Will they keep their word and follow-through on their commitments to Him?
❖ Close in prayer
Day 18: Keep the Prize in Mind
Lesson/Learning Objective: To discipline ourselves to keep pressing on in knowing Jesus.
Preparation:
❖ Bible verse: Read Philippians 3:7-14.
❖ Context: See Day 4 for the broader context of Philippians. Before today’s passage, Paul spoke out against the Judaizers, a faction of Jewish Christians who taught that Christians had to be circumcised to be saved (v.1-4). Paul writes that our faith should be in Jesus, not in our ethnic lineage or our ability to keep the law. Then in today’s passage, Paul says that these things –his circumcision, lineage, education, zeal, and lawfulness – are now rubbish to him compared to knowing Jesus. It is only through knowing Jesus that we can obtain true righteousness and Christlikeness. Paul isn't there yet, but he is pressing on towards the heavenly prize.
❖ Materials: None.
Activity:
❖ Let’s play the “Would you rather...?” game.
❖ Ask all members to stand up and move around for this activity.
❖ Designate the right and left sides of the room as the first and second answers, and ask them to move to that side of the room.
➢ For online, ask members to get two pieces of paper ready.
➢ For each question, designate A and B as the two answers, and ask them to show which they’ve chosen.
❖ Possible questions for: “Would you rather...”
➢ Have smelly feet or bad breath?
➢ Live in a world without music or without movies?
➢ Give up rice or noodles?
➢ Be a great artist or a great athlete?
➢ Get A in science but D in maths, or A in maths but D in science?
➢ Always feel too hot or always feel too cold?
➢ Be more beautiful or more intelligent?
➢ Have many normal friends, or just one best friend?
➢ Plan things out, or make spontaneous decisions?
➢ Do 100 push-ups or drill practice for one hour?
➢ Do enjoyable work with low pay, or boring work with high pay?
➢ Note: Feel free to come up with other questions.
❖ In this activity, we had to look at two options and make a value judgment. Which option is better, more preferable, more valuable?
❖ In today’s passage, Paul describes how his values have changed. There are things he once held dear and took pride in, but he now considers them worthless rubbish. Why? Let’s read it together to find out.
Discussions:
❖ Read the Bible passage and the devotional article with the participants.
❖ Discuss the three questions:
1. Q: Why did Paul experience such a drastic change in his values?
A: He found something worth far more than all the things he valued, which is knowing Jesus, having Him and being found in Him (v.7-11). Knowing Jesus and becoming like Him is of such great worth that all other things he previously valued were like rubbish in comparison.
To illustrate – would you rather eat Pringles, or Super Rings? But compare that with your favourite home-cooked meal, lovingly prepared and cooked by your mother. Suddenly both Pringles and Super Rings lose their appeal – they’re just junk food, empty calories, snacks that won’t make you full or give your body the nutrition it needs. The home-cooked meal is so much better that Pringles and Super Rings look like rubbish in comparison.
2. Q: What’s so great about knowing Jesus?
A: Paul writes that knowing Jesus is of “surpassing worth” (v.8). That’s because humans were created for a relationship with God. Genesis 1:27 says that we were created in His image to love and be loved by Him. Because of this, knowing Jesus is the only thing that can satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts.
Paul also writes about being found “in Jesus”. In Jesus, we have God’s righteousness based on having faith in Him (v.9). When we know Jesus, our sins and wrongdoings, our character flaws, and any addictions that we struggle to overcome are covered by the righteousness of Jesus.
Paul writes that knowing Jesus includes knowing “the power of His resurrection” (v.10) and participating in His suffering. Suffering is a part of life, and as Christians, we believe that it has a deeper meaning to relate with Jesus’ suffering on the cross for us. This means that we too have hope that after death, we will be resurrected like Jesus into an eternity where all injustices will be overturned, all sicknesses healed, and all tears wiped away.
3. Q: Given the all-surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, what should we do? How should we live?
A: For non-Christian members, they may have heard a lot about Jesus but do not really know Him. You may ask, “Do you know Jesus? Do you want a living relationship with Him, walking and talking with Him every day? Encourage them, and if they’re ready, invite them to say the ABC Prayer (see Day 5).
For members who are from Christian families, they may just be following whatever their parents believe. Encourage them to know Jesus personally and directly as their own Saviour and Friend, not just their parent’s Saviour and Friend.
Others may already know and follow Jesus, and this is the group that Paul speaks directly to in today’s passage: Press on towards the goal and keep your eyes on the prize (v.12-14). Our prize is Jesus Himself, and the goal is running towards the day when we will see Him face to face and know Him fully as He knows us fully.
Conclusion:
❖ If any member decides to follow Jesus today, ask them to stay back after closing prayer for a follow-up to:
➢ Make sure they understand what they’ve have done, what it means to be a Christian and to follow Jesus.
➢ Teach them the basics of Bible reading and prayer so they can continue to know Jesus better on their own.
❖ For members who are already Christians, ask them how they are doing in the race of faith. Are they running strong? Slowing down? Losing steam? What obstacles are they facing? Encourage them to keep their eyes on the prize and press on.
❖ You may end with this song on today’s passage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r8XfE_VNb0
❖ Close in prayer.
Day 19: Living Life to the Maximum
Lesson/Learning Objective: To live life to the maximum by believing in Jesus and following Him.
Preparation:
❖ Bible verse: Read John 10:7-11
❖ Context: Today’s passage is part of a series where Jesus answers challenges from His opponents. In John 9, Jesus had healed a blind man and declared that He had come so that the blind will see and the seeing become blind. This offended the Pharisees, who asked if He was calling them blind. It led to Jesus’ next round of teaching, where He described Himself as the Good Shepherd who comes legitimately to His people and calls them by name with a voice they recognise (v.1-6). In today’s passage, He describes himself as the Gate for the sheep, through whom we can obtain salvation and abundant life (v.7-10), and that He lays down His life for them (v.11).
❖ Materials: A room with sufficient space, or an outdoor area.
Activity:
❖ Ask for one volunteer to be a thief and another to be a shepherd; the rest will be sheep.
➢ Sheep line up behind the shepherd and hold onto the shoulders of the person in front of them.
➢ The thief’s job is to steal one sheep by tagging it; the shepherd’s job is to defend the sheep.
➢ If the thief manages to steal a sheep, the thief becomes a sheep, and the stolen sheep becomes the thief.
❖ For online, play the game “The Shepherd’s Watch”.
Before the Game
1. Schedule a Zoom meeting and ensure all participants have their cameras and microphones enabled.
2. Rename Participants:
Ask each person to rename themselves to "Sheep � � � � � [Name]" for easy identification.
3. Brief Everyone:
Explain the roles and rules clearly before assigning them.
Step 1: Assign Roles
Choose 1 Shepherd
Choose 1 Thief
Everyone else are Sheep
someone with a calm, clear voice.
someone who can imitate or trick.
� You can use private chat or breakout rooms to assign roles secretly if you want to keep the Thief’s identity hidden at first.
Step 2: Start the Game
The Shepherd begins giving simple voice commands like:
“Sheep, clap twice!”
“Sheep, tilt your head!”
The Sheep follow the commands only if they believe it's the Shepherd speaking.
The Thief jumps in occasionally with fake commands using a similar voice.
E.g., “Sheep, wave your hands!” (But it's not the Shepherd!)
Step 3: When a Sheep is Deceived
As the game host, you need to observe the actions of the sheep. If you notice any sheep mistakenly following the thief’s instructions and carrying them out, you have to point it out to them:
They are “stolen” and must turn off their camera.
They stay silent and wait.
Step 4: The Shepherd Calls Back Lost Sheep
The Shepherd can say something like:
“Sheep, return to me only if you know my voice!”
“Stolen” Sheep can turn their camera back on only if they believe it’s truly the Shepherd speaking.
Step 5: End the Round
Set a time limit (e.g., 3–5 minutes per round).
The round ends when:
Time is up.
Or when most Sheep are “stolen” or have returned.
Step 6: Play Multiple Rounds
Rotate roles:
Pick a new Shepherd and Thief each round to keep it fresh and fun.
Extra Tips
Use Gallery View so all participants can see each other.
Keep mics unmuted for voice-based gameplay but remind players not to talk unless they are the Shepherd or Thief.
Want to raise the difficulty? Have both Shepherd and Thief give rapid-fire commands!
❖ Debrief:
➢ Read John 10:10-11 together:
■ “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd.”
➢ Ask:
■ What helped you recognise the real Shepherd’s voice?
■ How does this apply to real life? (e.g., making wise choices, following the right leadership, being cautious of false influences)
Discussions:
❖ Read the Bible passage and the devotional article with the participants.
❖ Discuss the three questions:
1. Q: What are the two metaphors Jesus uses to describe Himself and what do they mean?
A: Jesus says He is the Gate (v.9) and the Good Shepherd (v.11). In the Judean countryside, sheep pens were a low stone wall about one-metre high enclosing an area. An empty hole functions as a door, and the shepherd sits or lies there acting as a gate to block thieves and protect the sheep. See picture below:
2. Q: What does Jesus offer us as our Gate and Good Shepherd?
A: Firstly, He offers us salvation. He said, “whoever enters through me will be saved” (v.9). Through His death on the cross, He saves us from our sins and wrongdoings. We enter God’s Kingdom through Jesus, the Gate, by believing in Him, and He saves us from the terrible destiny of separation from God forever.
Secondly, He offers us abundant life. The “pasture” in verse 9 is a metaphor for this fullness of life. Sheep love to eat grass. For them to safely go in and out and enjoy pasture is a picture of protection and provision. If we believe in Jesus, He will give us a life worth living; full of meaning, purpose, joy and love.
3. Q: God promised to be our Gate and Good Shepherd. How do we apply this truth?
A: (i) Enter the gate. Choose to put your full trust in Him alone for salvation and invite Him to be your Lord. Ask your members what’s keeping them from entering the Gate. Is it intellectual (“I’m not sure God exists”), emotional (“God didn’t answer my prayer”) or volitional (“I’m not
interested”)? You may not be able to deal with their specific issues, but you’ll have a better idea of how to intercede for them.
(ii) Enjoy the abundant life that Jesus promised. Jesus’ intention is for us to live “life to the maximum” as today’s article says. Firstly, let’s check our hearts and lives. If we have one million in the bank but don’t spend it, we wouldn’t be enjoying it. In the same way, Jesus gives us abundant life, but we also have our part to play in turning away from sin and choosing to follow Him every day.
(iii) Remember that you have an enemy. Apart from coming to give us abundant life, Jesus also came to destroy the devil’s work (1 John 3:8). So ask Him for protection (Job 1:10, Isaiah 4:5-6), and to place Himself as a wall of fire around you (Zechariah 2:5). God will restore the abundant life that He came to give if there is any form of spiritual attack on you.
Conclusion:
❖ Encourage all your members to live life to the maximum with Jesus.
❖ Close in prayer.
Day 20: Affirming Others to Help Them Grow
Lesson/Learning Objective: To speak words of affirmation to those around us to help them grow.
Preparation:
❖ Bible verse: Read 1 Corinthians 1:4-9
❖ Context: For the context of 1 Corinthians, see Day 2. In today’s passage, Paul thanks God for the grace and gifts that He has given the Corinthians (v.4-7). He then affirms that God will be faithful to keep them standing firm in the faith, and He will sanctify them so that they will be blameless when Jesus comes again (v.8-9). After today’s passage, Paul gets into the first main topic of his letter, which is division and disunity in the church.
❖ Materials: A4 papers, pencils or pens, cellophane tape.
Activity:
❖ Give each member an A4 paper to stick on someone’s back with cellophane tape.
➢ Give everyone a pen.
➢ Ask them to go around and write down something good about each person on their back.
➢ It should be specific, such as “You’re great at [insert skill]” etc.
➢ It should be a genuine, honest compliment.
❖ For online, let the members DM each other with something good about one another.
❖ After 10 minutes, everyone removes their paper and see what others wrote about them.
❖ If you have the time, let each person share what their favourite or most surprising compliment was.
❖ How did you feel to read the positive things others had to say about you? Good, right?
❖ In today’s passage, Paul has something positive to say to the Corinthians. Let’s read it together.
Discussions:
❖ Read the Bible passage and the devotional article with the participants.
❖ Discuss the three questions:
1. Q: What positive things does Paul say about the Corinthians (v.4-9)?
A: Paul says that he thanks God for them, and that they are rich with spiritual gifts like the gift of tongues (“all kinds of speech”) to speak another language, and the gift of knowledge (“all knowledge”) to minister and help others. Besides that, he expresses confidence that God will sustain them so that they’ll be blameless when Judgment Day comes.
2. Q: What made it possible for Paul to say these positive things?
A: It probably wasn’t easy for Paul to write these affirming words. If you read the rest of the letter, you’ll find that the Corinthian church was full of problems like disunity, sexual immorality and more. Yet something enabled Paul to see past these failures and say something good about them.
That “something” was the work of God in them. Paul didn’t only see them from a human perspective; he saw what God was doing in their midst. In this passage, he mentioned that God had given them grace in Jesus, God had enriched them with spiritual gifts, and that God would be faithful to them.
Some people are difficult, irritating and have wronged us, and it may be hard to see any of their good points. But they are still created in the image of God, so choose to see them through His eyes, and you’ll be able to say something positive to them or about them.
3. Q: Think of three friends to encourage this week with a positive word. Write down their names and pray for them. When the opportunity arises, affirm them.
A: Friends I will pray for and encourage: 4.
5.
6.
Conclusion:
❖ Encourage your members to follow-through on Question 3.
❖ Close in prayer.
