February Devotional Journal by Covenant EFC

FEBRUARY 2021 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 1 SAM 3:10 (ESV)

FEBRUARY 2021

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” 1 SAM 3:10 (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 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 17:45 (ESV)

October And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him. 1 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 30:6 (ESV)

ÂŠ 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

Foreword BY SENIOR PASTORS

DISCIPLING

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

2021

Then the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass which delay not for a man, nor wait for the children of man. And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep, which, when it goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is none to deliver. (Mic 5:7-8) The remnant people do not consist only of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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... (Mic 4:6-7a)

– people 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. (Mic 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

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 East Asia (China, Japan, North Korea and Mongolia) “Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.” PSALM 25:6

IN SINGAPORE, the various religious faiths and the government have coexisted harmoniously for the past decades, affording us the space and freedom to worship. However, this is not the case in some countries in East Asia. Whilst Christianity is based on the love of God and preaches harmony in the family and submission to governing authorities under His lordship, Christianity is sometimes misconceived as a breaking away from Eastern traditions and the government. This places pressure on believers to not openly live out their Christian faith.

How can we view these realities through a Christian lens in order to pray according to God’s will? First, let us use God’s Word as the yardstick of truth and righteousness as we make sense of competing narratives. The Lord has commanded us to worship no other gods but Him alone (Exo 20:3), but God also wants His people to be subject to governing authorities (Rom 13:1), which are still ringfenced by Him. In the midst of persecution, the sovereign Lord will still bring His plans to fruition (Isa 46:9-10). God has also called us to live in peace with everyone to the extent possible (Rom 12:18).

By His death and resurrection, Jesus has redeemed everyone who believes in Him from all their sins and failures! Second, let us identify the common ground. Christianity does not promote individualism but emphasises the values of community and respect for the elderly – ideas with which Eastern religions and Confucianism agree. God commands us to honour our parents and to love our neighbours as ourselves (Exo 20:12; Deut 5:16; Lev 19:18). Third, let us to hold fast to the truth that, in all circumstances, God is love and our source of hope (1 Jn 4:7-10; Col 1:27). Youth suicides and performance pressures are real in China and Japan. But Jesus died on the cross for people because of His great love. By His death and resurrection, Jesus has redeemed everyone who believes in Him from all their sins and failures!

Pray • For the reforming of governments — for believers, like Daniel of the Old Testament, with strong credibility and who have the trust of the governing leaders, to arise to positions of powerful influence for good. • For strength to arise in the believers, so that they will continue to believe that God is the Almighty God who will protect His believers through persecution and storms in life (Dan 3:16-18). • For favour in e-missions and other initiatives to creatively open doors for evangelism. For revival rain to fall upon Christian congregations everywhere, so that they will truly be churches without walls! • For harmony and unity within the local churches, so that they can stand strong together (Mk 3:25). • For the health of missionaries and their family members who are afflicted by serious ailments. For their protection against COVID-19. • For people to know that God is their true anchor and hope in life. • That the youths will not be distracted and grow cold in their seeking of God, His Kingdom and His righteousness. That the “dry bones” will become flesh and be an exceedingly mighty army for the Lord.

Notes

JANUARY-FEBRUARY A THOUSAND AMENS Verse Praise God from Whom all blessings flow Praise Him, all creatures here below Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost Chorus Unfailing love comes with the morning It’s Your faithfulness we sing at night It’s Your kindness, Lord, that leads to our healing All glory to our Maker and a thousand amens Ending Amen (4x) Amen (4x) Amen (3x), all glory to our Maker Tim Timmons © 2009 Fair Trade Music Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Singapore) CLCI Song # 5682346 CCLI License # 324618

10,000 REASONS (BLESS THE LORD) Chorus Bless the Lord O my soul O my soul Worship His holy name Sing like never before O my soul I'll worship Your holy name Verse 1 The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning It's time to sing Your song again Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me Let me be singing when the evening comes Verse 2 You're rich in love and You're slow to anger Your name is great and Your heart is kind For all Your goodness I will keep on singing Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find Verse 3 And on that day when my strength is failing The end draws near and my time has come Still my soul will sing Your praise unending Ten thousand years and then forevermore Ending I’ll worship Your holy name Worship Your holy name Worship Your holy name Jonas Myrin | Matt Redman © 2011 Atlas Mountain Songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) sixsteps Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 6016351 CCLI License # 324618

GREAT GOD Verse Great are Your ways Great are Your works Great are You, Lord, in all the earth Great is Your power Great is Your strength Great are You, Lord, and greatly to be praised! Pre-Chorus Your greatness Your famous name is exalted in all the earth! Chorus Glory, glory, hallelujah Glory to the God of Israel Glory, glory, hallelujah All the earth will sing that You're a great God! Bridge We won't stop till the whole world knows We won't stop till the whole world knows We won't stop till the whole world knows That You're a great God, great God! Ending Great God, great God! Israel Houghton | Ricardo Sanchez © 2007 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Integrity's Praise! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); New Breed Extended (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Ricardo Music Dot Com (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Sound Of The New Breed (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 4989590 CCLI License # 324618

GREAT IN POWER Verse 1 Praise Him, you heavens and all that's above Praise Him, you angels and heavenly hosts Let the whole earth praise Him Verse 2 Praise Him, the sun, moon and bright shining stars Praise Him, you heavens and waters and skies Let the whole earth praise Him Chorus Great in power Great in glory Great in mercy King of heaven Great in battle Great in wonder Great in Zion King over all the earth Russell Fragar © 1998 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 2582339 CCLI License # 324618

FOR YOU ARE GLORIOUS Verse We see Jesus, for His suffering Crowned with glory and with praise Tasting death for all men by God's grace Given power to put all things in place And we see Jesus Seated at the right hand of the throne Making intercession for His own Upholding all things by His Word alone Chorus For You are glorious Shining victorious O'er powers and principalities For You are glorious Shining victorious Disarming all Your enemies The rulers of this world Beneath Your feet are hurled As You reign, our conquering King David Morris | Michael Massa © 1988 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 # 19320 CCLI License # 324618

WORTHY IS THE LAMB Verse 1 Thank You for the cross, Lord Thank You for the price You paid Bearing all my sin and shame In love You came And gave amazing grace Verse 2 Thank You for this love, Lord Thank You for the nail pierced hands Wash me in Your cleansing flow, now all I know Your forgiveness and embrace Chorus Worthy is the Lamb, seated on the throne Crown You now with many crowns You reign victorious! High and lifted up, Jesus Son of God The Darling of heaven crucified Worthy is the Lamb! Worthy is the Lamb! Darlene Zschech © 2000 Wondrous Worship (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 3217555 CCLI 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 Refrain His love endures forever His love endures forever His love endures forever Forever and ever Chris Tomlin © 2001 sixsteps 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 # 3148428 CCLI License # 324618

HOSANNA (PRAISE IS RISING) 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 Ending Hosanna, hosanna Brenton Brown | Paul Baloche © 2005, 2006 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4662491 CCLI License # 324618

WAY MAKER Verse 1 You are here, moving in our midst I worship You I worship You You are here, working in this place I worship You I worship You Chorus (You are) Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper Light in the darkness, my God That is who You are Verse 2 You are here, touching every heart I worship You I worship You You are here, healing every heart I worship You I worship You Verse 3 You are here, turning lives around I worship You I worship You You are here, mending every heart I worship You I worship You Lord Tag That is who You are That is who You are That is who You are That is who You are

Bridge Even when I don't see it, You're working Even when I don't feel it, You're working You never stop, You never stop working You never stop, You never stop working Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu © 2016 Integrity Music Europe (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7115744 CCLI Licence # 324618

ÂŠ 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

THE BLESSING Verse The Lord bless you and keep you Make His face shine upon you And be gracious to you The Lord turn His face toward you And give you peace Chorus Amen Amen, amen Amen Amen, amen Bridge 1 May His favour be upon you And a thousand generations And your family and your children And their children and their children May His favour be upon you And a thousand generations And your family and your children And their children and their children Bridge 2 May His presence go before you And behind you and beside you All around you and within you He is with you, He is with you In the morning, in the evening In your coming and your going In your weeping and rejoicing He is for you, He is for you

Tag He is for you, He is for you He is for you, He is for you He is for you, He is for you He is for you, He is for you Bridge 3 May His favour be upon you And a thousand generations And your family and your children And their children and their children May His presence go before you And behind you and beside you All around you and within you He is with you, He is with you In the morning, in the evening In your coming and your going In your weeping and rejoicing He is for you, He is for you Chris Brown | Cody Carnes | Kari Jobe | Steven Furtick © 2020 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Kari Jobe Carnes Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Writer's Roof Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Music by Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7147007 CCLI Licence # 324618

SCRIPTURE

MONDAY

1 Peter 1:1-12

1 February

A Living Hope Through Christ OBSERVATION Why can Christians rejoice despite undergoing various trials?

Deeper Reflection

THE APOSTLE PETER probably wrote 1 Peter from Rome1 in the early AD 60s to Gentile and Jewish Christians2 dispersed among five Roman provinces of Asia Minor (v.1).3 The believers needed encouragement to persevere in their faith, live as God’s holy people in the midst of suffering and persecution, and continue to spread the Gospel. The first letter of Peter contains many themes for discipling the remnant people of God and we will consider some of them over six days. Today’s passage tells us that the basis for our joy despite trials and testing is that we have a living hope through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on our behalf (v.3). We have the certainty of an inheritance that is eternal and secure (v.4). When we go through suffering, we are protected by God’s power and He will enable us to persevere to the end when Christ returns (vv.5, 7). Our hope is certain and sure because it stands upon God’s trustworthy promises. Our hope does not depend on what we can see and it is not diminished by what we must suffer. We are going through the process of receiving in full what we already possess by faith in Christ – the salvation of our souls (v.9). Therefore we can “rejoice, though now for a little while, as was necessary, [we] have been grieved by various trials” (v.6). The Apostle Paul had the same perspective: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom 8:18). An eternal glory awaits us!

APPLICATION

How does this passage help me to rejoice in the midst of the trials that I am currently 2020 going through?

PRAYER Those lf

in nee

Significant people

Leaders

Heavenly Father, I thank You that Your words are trustworthy and Your promises are true. You see me in the midst of my trials and You know my struggles and needs. Please enable me by the Giv power of Your indwelling Spirit to e th ank have joyful perseverance that stems sa nd pra from a sure and certain hope of the ise glorious inheritance that I have in Jesus Christ. Amen.

“She who is at Babylon” in 1 Peter 5:13 is probably a figurative reference to the church at Rome. In verse 1, “elect exiles” (Greek, eklektois parepidemois) is probably used metaphorically of Christians who live in this world as sojourners since their homeland is heaven, while “dispersion” (Greek, diaspora) probably refers metaphorically to Gentile Christians spread out as God's people in the midst of a godless world: NET Bible Notes. See also 1 Peter 1:17; 2:11. 3 See https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/intro-to-1-peter/; https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/ 1-peter-introduction/. During this period, the Roman Empire was ruled by Emperor Nero, whose reign was from AD 54 to 68. 1

SCRIPTURE

TUESDAY

1 Peter 1:13-2:3

2 February

Be Holy for I Am Holy OBSERVATION According to this passage, what does it mean for Christians to be holy?

Deeper Reflection

IN OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY, God had righteously judged and justly punished both the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah for their persistent rebellion, idolatry and disobedience. The Lord had been long-suffering and given the people many chances to repent and return to Him. After repeated warnings through His prophets, God finally subjected them to exile under the Assyrians and Babylonians. Nonetheless, God preserved a remnant through whom He would, in Christ, fulfil His covenant with His people in all generations (vv.18-21). Our God is holy. He calls us to holiness, so that we can have fellowship with Him and be characterised as a distinct people belonging to God: “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (v.16; Lev 19:2). The Apostle Peter is specific in his command4 regarding holiness: “as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (v.15). “Holy” (Greek, hagios), means “different from the world” and “like the Lord”5. All our conduct is to be Christlike and distinct from the world’s standards: “So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander” (1 Pet 2:1). It requires the removal of every kind of wrongful attitude and action towards others; the tutoring of our minds and hearts; and the control of our tongues and other bodily members. Our obedience to the truth – God’s living, abiding and eternal Word – produces a genuine love for other people (vv.22-25). We are to practise holy conduct “throughout the time of your exile” (v.17), i.e. for as long as we live in this present life until Christ returns.

APPLICATION

In2020 what ways do I need to grow in being holy in my conduct?

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 fear and obey God and strive to be holy in all their conduct Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

The Greek aorist imperative (here, “…be holy…”) commands “action to be completed as urgently and decisively as the context calls for. It focuses on the first needed point-of-completion if part of a series, i.e. the most immediate (pressing) occasion to get checked-off (fulfilled)”: The Discovery Bible. 5 The Discovery Bible. 4

SCRIPTURE

WEDNESDAY

1 Peter 2:4-12

3 February

Our Identity in Christ OBSERVATION What is the identity of believers in Jesus Christ?

Deeper Reflection

CHRISTIANS MUST KNOW their true identity in Christ and live in such a way that is consistent with that identity. The Apostle Peter used three metaphors to teach about our Christian identity. First, the believers are “living stones” (v.5). Together we are both “a spiritual house” and “a holy priesthood” (v.5). Jesus Christ is God’s chosen and precious cornerstone for that spiritual house (vv.4, 6). God’s presence dwells in Christians individually and collectively. In addition, through Jesus Christ, we are all qualified to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God (v.5). Spiritual sacrifices include the sacrifices of praise, thanks and good works (Heb 13:15-16).6 Second, Christians are “a people for God’s own possession” (v.9). We are “chosen”, “royal” and “holy” (v.9). As God’s people, we proclaim the goodness of God our Saviour, because we have received His mercy (vv.9-10). Third, the believers were “sojourners and exiles” (v.11). This world is not our home. We are “in the world” but “not of the world” (Jn 17:11, 14, 16). Worldly values are diametrically opposed to God’s values.7 “The passions of the flesh” (v.11) are constantly in conflict with “the desires of the Spirit” (Gal 5:17). Every day we are confronted by many choices: whether to gratify the desires of the flesh or to walk by the Spirit (Gal 5:16-24). Since we are not of the world, then we should not choose that which is worldly. We must choose the fruit of the Spirit instead of the works of the flesh. “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal 5:24).

APPLICATION

How does my Christian identity impact the daily choices I make regarding what I do at 2020 my workplace and how I spend my leisure time?

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 married couples: To grow strong in their Christian identity as individuals and as a married couple Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

6 7

True worshippers are to worship God continually and wherever they are, doing so “in spirit and truth” (Jn 4:23-24). James, the brother of Jesus and an early leader of the church in Jerusalem, gave the believers a sober reminder that “friendship with the world is enmity with God” and “therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (Jas 4:4).

SCRIPTURE

THURSDAY

1 Peter 2:13-3:7

4 February

Holy Submission to Authority OBSERVATION Why should Christians be subject or submit to human authorities?

Deeper Reflection

OUR SUBMISSION to governing authorities honours God.8 It is morally righteous behaviour and requires our prior submission to God’s ultimate authority over our lives (vv.16-17). We are to submit to human authorities (vv.13-14), even when we disagree with them.9 This is because we are to be subject to those in authority not for our own sake, but “for the Lord’s sake” (v.13). This is part of doing good according to the will of God and it will be a powerful witness to the reality of God against the ignorance of those who reject God (v.15). In accordance with this general principle, employees are to be subject to their employers even if they are unjust (vv.18-19) and wives are to be subject to their husbands even if they do not obey God’s Word (1 Pet 3:1-2). This is hard teaching! The Apostle Peter gave two supporting examples. First, the example of Christ. Our Lord willingly suffered unjust treatment so that a great future blessing can flow to many people (vv.21-25).10 It was a supreme act of grace and sacrifice on the part of Christ to be the means of immeasurable blessing to underserving people. When Christ’s disciples endure unjust suffering for doing good in their own contexts, they are doing “a gracious thing in the sight of God” (v.20). Second, the example of God’s servants. Godly wives, by their “respectful and pure conduct” (1 Pet 3:2), can win over their disobedient husbands. By submitting to their husbands,11 the holy women adorned themselves with “a gentle and quiet spirit”, which is an internal quality of “imperishable beauty” and is “very precious” in God’s sight (1 Pet 3:4-5).

APPLICATION

In2020 what ways do I need to make changes to how I relate to human authorities, particularly in the area of submission?

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 submit first and foremost to God’s authority and then to the authority of their human leaders Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Romans 13:1-2. Provided that those human authorities are not telling us to disobey God. Cf. Acts 4:13-20. Christ’s sacrifice for people’s sins brought upon all those who believed in Him the great blessing of being healed of their unrighteous status and saved from God’s judgment upon sinners; relationally, they have moved from being far away from God to being reconciled to Him. 11 In mutual submission (“likewise”, 1 Pet 3:7), Christian husbands are commanded to honour their wives and be understanding towards them (1 Pet 3:7). 8

SCRIPTURE

FRIDAY

1 Peter 3:8-4:19

5 February

Do Good for God’s Glory OBSERVATION What can you learn from this passage about doing good?

Deeper Reflection

GOD IS GOOD (1 Pet 2:3). Therefore when God’s people do good, they reflect His attributes of goodness. God’s will is for His people to do good (v.11-12). The opposite of doing good is doing evil, i.e. sinning. Christ has died for our sins in order to reconcile us to God (v.18. See also 1 Pet 2:24-25). Christ has risen and ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God with supreme authority (vv.21-22). Christ will return soon “to judge the living and the dead” (1 Pet 4:5). Judgment begins with the household of God (1 Pet 4:17). But no matter how many good deeds we do, we are not saved on that basis. All believers in Christ have God’s righteousness imputed to them, i.e. God counts them as righteous on the basis of their faith in Christ (Rom 3:21-26). In contrast, all those who reject the Gospel will not be saved on the day of judgment (1 Pet 4:17-18). As Christ’s disciples, let us persevere in doing good even when it involves suffering, because our souls are saved and we can rest secure knowing that eternal life is ours in Christ (1 Pet 4:19). Bless those who harm or hurt us (v.9). Speak only edifying and truthful words (v.10). Pursue peace with others (v.11). Be a faithful witness for the Lord Jesus Christ to unbelievers, treating them with gentleness and respect (vv.15-16). Be willing to suffer for doing good (v.17; 1 Pet 4:12-16). Maintain a constant love for one another (1 Pet 4:8). Show hospitality to one another without complaining (1 Pet 4:9). Faithfully use our spiritual gifts to serve one another (1 Pet 4:10). May all our good deeds glorify God!

APPLICATION

How will I commit to doing good to others for God’s glory in 2021? 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 keep on doing good to God’s people as well as unbelievers Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

1 Peter 5:1-14; Philippians 2:1-11

SATURDAY

6 February

Humility in Relationships and Service OBSERVATION Why is the humility of Christians so important to the Apostle Peter?

Deeper Reflection

IN INTERGENERATIONAL DISCIPLEMAKING within the local church, we envisage Christians across the generations helping one another follow the Lord Jesus. The discipling influence can take place in both directions, i.e. the older ones helping the younger ones and vice versa. Foundational to intergenerational disciplemaking relationships is the attitude of humility before God and towards one another (vv.5b-6; Phil 2:1-11). In this passage, the Apostle Peter gave instructions regarding humility to both the elders in the churches and those who are younger. As a fellow elder12, Peter commanded the elders to shepherd God’s people with a heart of humility under God’s authority, according to His will and in His righteous ways (vv.2-3). This meant leading and caring for God’s people (1) willingly, by choice and not out of compulsion; (2) eagerly, passionately but not motivated by a hidden agenda for personal gain; and (3) by example – exemplary faith in and obedience to God – and not by means of coercive force, harsh words and actions, and the abuse of authority and power. God Himself will reward the elders at the return of Christ the Chief Shepherd (v.4). Peter also commanded the younger members of the churches to be subject to the elders (v.5a). This was not to say that the younger ones were not valued or have nothing to teach the elders (cf. 1 Tim 4:12). The humble submission of the younger ones to the elders, as well as the reciprocal humility of the elders towards them, will build a discipleship culture of honour and order in the local church, to the glory of God.

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APPLICATION

How will I apply the principles in this passage to my relationships and Christian service? 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 live and serve in humility before God and towards fellow members of the church Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

As a fellow elder, Peter was older in age and carried the responsibility of teaching the believers entrusted to his care; he had experienced suffering for the sake of Christ and looked forward to share in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eternal glory in Christ (vv.1, 10). It is implied that Peter himself practised what he went on to instruct the elders of the local churches.

SUNDAY

7 February

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 / FEBRUARY 2021

GOD IS KIND TO US Scripture: Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to others because God is kind to you.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Provide each family member with a piece of paper. Then ask everyone to draw what kindness means to them and share their thoughts about it. Get everyone to share a kind deed that they have done and how it made them feel.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: How does God show kindness to you? Q2: What does it mean to forgive someone? Q3: How does forgiving others help us?

* LEARNING POINT

We show kindness to others because God shows us kindness first. Ephesians 4:32 teaches us to be kind and to forgive others who may have wronged us. We show kindness by saying encouraging words, visiting people when they are sick or delivering packed meals to them when they are unable to cook. When we show kindness, we are showing God’s love to others.

* ACTION POINT

Discuss as a family how God has shown us kindness from the Bible. Think of an act of kindness that your family will do within the coming month: firstly for each other and secondly for people whom they know.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for teaching us through the Bible. Ask God to guide us to be a better friend to others. Pray that God will teach us to be kind and learn to forgive others.

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 5:25-33; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

MONDAY

8 February

What Is Love? OBSERVATION According to verses 25 to 33, what is the essential nature of love?

Deeper Reflection

THIS SUNDAY is the third day of Chinese New Year as well as Valentine’s Day. In our devotions this week, we will consider what it means for a Christian to love one’s family members, spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend. After dating seriously for some time, many couples desire to get married and dream of growing old together.13 Early on in their marriage, both the husband and the wife desire to be with each other all the time. But before long, projects, tasks, deadlines, friends, hobbies and even children, start to regularly displace the couple’s exclusive time together. The needs of one’s spouse are relegated to the back of the queue. However, true love is selfgiving (v.25). Love gives to others by putting their interests before one’s own. In a marriage, putting your spouse’s interests first expresses your love for your life partner and contributes to the success of your marriage. Love “does not insist on its own way” (1 Cor 13:5). In many biblical accounts, we see that genuine love is sacrificial, not self-seeking. Jonathan’s brotherly love for David was seen in Jonathan giving his royal robe, armour, sword, bow and belt to David as a gesture to mark the great value of their friendship.14 The real mother’s love for her child was seen in her giving up her own rights in order to protect the baby’s life.15 God’s great love for fallen humankind was seen in God giving His only Son Jesus Christ to die as an atoning sacrifice in the place of sinners, so that through faith in Christ they can be saved from condemnation and have eternal life.16

APPLICATION

What are two things that I need to do (even if it requires much effort) to truly love my 2020 family member, spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend?

PRAYER Lord Jesus, I confess that I am mostly self-seeking due to my fallen human nature and have much to grow in the virtue of love. Please teach me to love the people around me, especially my family members, spouse (if applicable) and friends. Help me to love them like You loved me, by putting their interests before my own. In Your name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

As the first two lines in Robert Browning’s poem “Rabbi Ben Ezra” (1864) go: “Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, ...” 1 Samuel 18:1-4. 1 Kings 3:23-28. 16 John 3:16. 13

14 15

SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Ephesians 4:1-3

TUESDAY

9 February

A Test of Patience OBSERVATION What is patience (v.4; Eph 4:2)?

Deeper Reflection

CAN WE PATIENTLY love others despite their faults? “Patience” is “the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious”.17 The Greek word makrothumeo (“to be patient”) means “long-tempered (deferring anger); refusing to retaliate with carnal anger (i.e. based on human reasoning)”.18 In a marriage, after living together for some years, the couple would have experienced a lot of each other’s idiosyncrasies and bad habits. Their patience towards each other tends to wear thin over time. The spouses voice out their complaints without restraint: Why are you like that? You are so messy! Can you stop always trying to fix my problems? Must you be so unreasonable all the time? Why are you so stubborn? Stop shouting at me! In a family, perhaps over many years you had hoped that a particular member would change. Maybe you even thought that you were the appointed change agent! But that family member’s unchanged behaviour has left you disappointed, even dismayed. A person’s battles with his or her sinful nature are real and can be fierce. One’s internal conflicts rage on without final victory apart from the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ through the cross (e.g. Rom 7:21-25). Without God’s power at work within a person, there can be no enduring change from the inside out. What then makes us think that we can change the other person? Our prayers and efforts should instead be directed at “Lord, change me! Change my perspective, so that instead of seeing how much others need to change, I see how much I need to change and grow!”

ÂŠ 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

What will I do to grow in my capacity to patiently love my family member or spouse 2020 despite his or her faults?

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 patiently love their family members, especially their spouses Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

17 18

The Oxford Dictionary online: https://www.lexico.com/definition/patience The Discovery Bible.

SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Matthew 8:5-13

WEDNESDAY 10 February

Only a Few Steps OBSERVATION How was the centurion a kind and loving master to his servant (Matt 8:5-13)?

Deeper Reflection

LOVE IS KIND (v.4). To be “kind” means to be “generous, helpful and thinking about other people’s feelings”.19 In Matthew 8:5-13, although the centurion20 could have sent a representative, he went personally to seek Jesus’ help for his servant who lay “paralysed at home, suffering terribly” (Matt 8:6). The centurion strongly believed in Jesus’ authority and the power of His mere word to heal his servant (Matt 8:7-10).21 He made a personal and sincere appeal to Jesus (Matt 8:5). We see the centurion’s kindness and love for his hired servant. Last year, my wife caught dengue fever. During that period, she was very weak and confined to bed. I was the sole caregiver for her – to get food and drink, feed her, help her to the toilet and back to bed, etc. Initially I thought it would be easy to care for her. After all, she is the woman I promised to take care of “in sickness and in health”. The greatest test came when over a prolonged period she needed help to go to the toilet in the middle of the night. Being woken up every night was an unpleasant experience. I murmured to myself, “It is only a few steps away from the bed to the toilet, could she not manage it herself?” I maintained this unkind attitude for many nights until the Lord confronted me: “Son, you are right – ‘It is only a few steps’. Will you not take these few steps to help her, the one whom you love?” Ouch! I prayed, “Lord, forgive me for forgetting that love is kind even when it is inconvenient.”

APPLICATION

How can I love my family member or spouse with kindness even when it is tiring or 2020 inconvenient to do so?

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 married couples: To show kindness to each other even when it is inconvenient Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Cambridge Dictionary online: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/kind A centurion was “the principal professional officer in the armies of ancient Rome and its empire...the commander of a centuria, which was the smallest unit of the Roman legion…nominally commanded about 100 men”: https://www.britannica.com/topic/ centurion-Roman-military-officer 21 Jesus was widely known as the miracle worker who healed every kind of disease and sickness (Matt 4:23-25). But in all those instances the sick were in the presence of Jesus when He healed them. 19

SCRIPTURE

Titus 3:1-3; Galatians 5:25-26; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

THURSDAY

11 February

Love Does Not Envy OBSERVATION What is your understanding of envy?

Deeper Reflection

OFTEN WE COME ACROSS people who are envious and unhappy at the success of others. For example, when a sibling upgrades his home. A neighbour buys a new car. A friend’s child excels in the national exams. A peer in the office gets a promotion. A friend announces her engagement. A church ministry team mate receives praise from the pastor. A CG member becomes popular in the CG. A discipleship group mate evidences much growth in God’s Word and prayer. Envy produces unhappiness and displeasure when we see others prosper (worse if they boast!). But if we love others and desire their good, we will be joyful and celebrate their successes with them. The Apostle Paul described the Christians’ pre-conversion attitudes and practices: “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” (v.3, emphasis added). But after we have experienced the grace of God in Christ, are saved to eternal life and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, things start to change. The Holy Spirit points out our malice, envy and hatred, reminds us that Christ died to save us from such sins, and directs us to God’s righteousness and godly conduct. The more we “walk by the Spirit” – that is, conduct our lives in accordance with the leading and instruction of the Holy Spirit – the more we will “not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (Gal 5:25-26). Instead, we will “walk in love” (Eph 5:2). Indeed, as Paul taught, “love does not envy or boast” (1 Cor 13:4).

APPLICATION

How can I avoid envying the successes of 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 Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To love others and desire their good at all times Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

Proverbs 31:10; 20:5; 1 Peter 3:7

FRIDAY

12 February

Listen Well, Give Honour OBSERVATION How can a husband treasure and honour his wife?

Deeper Reflection

“NOT NOW, HONEY,…” “Can we talk about this some other time?” In my years of marriage, I have used these statements so many times to delay or even avoid listening to my wife when she was keen to share with me something upon her heart. I regret missing many opportunities to connect emotionally, as well as spiritually, with her. With my colleagues and coworkers, I could readily spend much time conversing (sometimes listening to them share about challenges) in the name of network building and enhancing teamwork. However, when it came to being fully present to my wife, sometimes I would simply assume that it could wait and avoid engaging because it took just too much energy to connect emotionally with her after a long day at the office. Husbands, remember that your wives are very precious, therefore highly treasure them (v.10). A major way for a husband to treasure his wife is to make time to listen attentively to her when she wants to share her heart with him. If he is a man of understanding and wisdom, he will listen really well and thereafter ask discerning questions to draw out her deeper feelings and thoughts, and reveal her heart’s purpose and motivations (Prov 20:5). These are matters the couple can then bring before the Lord in prayer for their hearts to be sanctified by God’s Spirit and their paths to be guided by His Word. In this way, the husband treats his wife with understanding and gives honour to her (1 Pet 3:7). Practised consistently, this will certainly refill the couple’s love tank and grow their marital unity.22

ÂŠ 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How will I apply these Scriptural insights to my marriage (for married couples) or close 2020 friendship with a fellow Christian (for singles)?

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 learn to listen attentively, with understanding and wisdom, to the people dearest to them Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

For a recommended article on how to grow your marital unity, check out: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/ a-marital-unity-myth-111/

SCRIPTURE

Genesis 2:18-25

SATURDAY

13 February

Seeking God as the Matchmaker OBSERVATION Why and how did God provide the first man with a wife?

Deeper Reflection

IN OUR WEEKLY FAMILY DEVOTIONS (a practice since our two children were in kindergarten), my wife and I will end in prayer for each child. One regular prayer item would be for God to provide a spouse for each of them in the future. After a few months, our two children were so welldrilled that it would usually be included as a “standard” reply when we asked them for their prayer requests for the week. We soon taught them that their prayer request should not be for merely a spouse, but for a godly spouse! In this regard, our chief parental concern for our children is that their marriage partners (if God provides) serve to enhance their lives, complement their strengths and ultimately help them to faithfully complete their Christian discipleship journeys. Therefore we nurture their young, impressionable hearts to aim for and seek God’s highest blessings for their respective marriages. A Christian marriage, like all of life, must be premised on God’s will and His ways (Matt 6:33). There are at least three fundamentals. First, each spouse must have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Second, each spouse must personally walk in godliness as a disciple of Christ through the practice of spiritual disciplines like Bible reading and prayer. Third, each spouse must commit to build the marriage based on God’s truths. The habit of praying to God for the blessing of a life partner points to a dependence on Him to provide someone suitable. This is right and fitting since marriage was God’s idea and He was the first matchmaker in human history (v.22)!

ÂŠ 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How can I or my children nurture a sense of seeking and trusting God for the provision 2020 of a life partner?

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 seek and trust God for all things in life and ministry Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SUNDAY

14 February

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 / FEBRUARY 2021

BE FIRST

Scripture: Ruth 1-2 Be first in showing kindness to family and friends.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Gather your family members to look at some old family photos. Talk about the good and challenging memories that the family shared together. Discuss what makes a family special and the ways to keep a family together.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: What kind of family members were Ruth and Boaz? Q2: What acts of kindness have your friends and family done for you? Q3: What does it mean to show kindness first?

* LEARNING POINT

We don’t have to wait for others to show us kindness first. Naomi was left alone when her sons passed away. One of Naomi’s daughters-in-law, Ruth, followed her back to her hometown in Bethlehem. Here, Ruth met Boaz, Naomi’s relative. Boaz was a kind man. He showed kindness by providing work and food for Ruth. When we are kind to our friends and family, we are showing obedience to God’s command to love another (Jn 15:12). We want others to be kind to us, but first we should be kind to others.

* ACTION POINT

Discuss how you want to be treated in your family. Then, brainstorm as a family how you can treat others first in the way that you want to be treated.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for our family and friends who are there for us when we need help. Ask God to help us be aware of the needs of others first, so that we can be quick to show kindness to them.

SCRIPTURE

Judges 17:1-6; 21:25; 1 Samuel 7:15-17

MONDAY

15 February

God Is King: No Ruler, No Rules OBSERVATION What characterised Israel during the times of Judges before the institution of the monarchy?

Deeper Reflection

KINGSHIP LIES at the heart of the book of Samuel as it tells the story of Israel’s first two kings – Saul and David. But the story of these two kings is placed within the context of God’s larger reign. In other words, we see God the King through these two kings. God is King is the theological foundation and assumption, and therefore, vision, in the narrative. 1 Samuel 1 to 8 continues from the book of Judges. Eli the priest “judged” Israel for 40 years (1 Sam 4:18). Samuel, as priest and prophet, “judged Israel all the days of his life” (1 Sam 7:15-17). Much of Canaan, the promised land, was not possessed by Israel (Josh 13:1). The result was the Canaanisation of Israel: “the Canaanites persisted in living” in the land (Judg 1:27-35). A picture of the world is in the Church. The 400-year long period of Judges was marked by no ruler, no rules: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judg 17:6; 21:25). Was there really no king in Israel? No human king, yes. But God was King of Israel “forever and ever” since He redeemed Israel from the Egyptian bondage (Exo 15:17-18). With God’s Word given to them (Josh 1:8), Israel had no right to do “what was right in his own eyes”. God’s reign and God’s Word go together. Both have to do with divine authority. And God reigns in our lives through His Word.

APPLICATION

How will I deal with any of my tendencies to do what is right in my own eyes? 2020

PRAYER O Lord, I am vulnerable to straying away like a lost sheep and walking in my own ways. Keep me from straying away from You. If I do, please restore me to Yourself in Your grace and mercy. Enlighten my eyes and unfold Your Word to me that I may see the light of Your Word.23 And establish my footsteps in Your Word and do not let sin have dominion over me.24

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

23 24

Psalm 119:130 Psalm 119:133

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 2:1-10, 27-36

TUESDAY

16 February

God Is King: Working Out Divine Purpose OBSERVATION How do the song of Hannah (v.10) and the judgment prophecy against Eli (v.35) show that God was working out His purpose of establishing the monarchy in Israel?

Deeper Reflection

ISRAEL WAS in a big spiritual mess. Eli the judge of Israel was weak in his leadership. His two sons were “priests to the LORD” (1 Sam 1:3) at the tabernacle, the spiritual centre of Israel. But they were “worthless men” who “did know the LORD and the custom of the priests with the people” (1 Sam 2:12-13). Corruption was right in the spiritual centre of Israel. Then, Israel went to war with the Philistines. Israel was greatly defeated, even with the ark of the covenant – the “presence of God” – accompanying them (1 Sam 4:1-11). Was God present with Israel in the battle? Israel’s defeat was marked by “The glory has departed from Israel” as the ark was captured by the Philistines (1 Sam 4:21-22). Some 20 years later, Israel repented from their idolatry and returned to God to worship Him alone (1 Sam 7:2-4), and God delivered and protected Israel from the Philistine hostility (1 Sam 7:7-14). Then sometime later, Israel rejected God from being their King by demanding for a human king (1 Sam 8:4-8). Yet, right in the midst of this big spiritual mess of Israel, God in His sovereignty was working out His purpose of establishing the monarchy in Israel (see Deut 17:14-20). The mention of “His king” and “His anointed” in Hannah’s song (v.10) and “My anointed” in the judgment prophecy against Eli (v.35) points to this divine purpose, to be unfolded in the rest of 1 Samuel.

APPLICATION

How do I hope in God when my spiritual condition is in a big mess? 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 discern the working out of God’s purposes in their lives Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 13:1-14

WEDNESDAY 17 February

God Is King: God’s Ideal Theocratic King OBSERVATION What is most important to God for the monarchy that He instituted in Israel?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN GOD MADE A COVENANT with Israel as a nation at Mount Sinai (Exo 19-20), Israel was to be a theocratic “holy nation” (Exo 19:6) with God as their King. But God had in mind to institute the monarchy after Israel had possessed the promised land (Deut 17:14-20). 1 Samuel is marked by the transition from judgeship to monarchy, which was not a replacement of theocracy. “The people of God are always and essentially a theocracy. The Lord did not define ‘theocracy’ as ‘direct rule by God without human intermediary.’ The theocracy has always been mediated through an appointed human agent.”25 Kingship is central in 1 Samuel, and thus, its key emphasis is on God’s ideal theocratic king. God’s ideal theocratic king is defined as: “The LORD has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has appointed him as ruler over His people” (v.14). God’s theocratic king is to live by the Word of God, and then to rule and lead God’s people by it (Deut 17:18-20). David would be such a king (1 Sam 16). And Saul is the antithesis of God’s ideal theocratic king as shown in 1 Samuel 13 to 15. Saul had “not kept the commandment of the LORD” (v.13) and “rejected the word of the LORD”, and for this God “rejected” him “from being king over Israel” (1 Sam 15:26). To be a person after God’s own heart applies to everyone, whether we are leaders or not.

APPLICATION

What does it mean for me 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 married couples: To continually seek to become a couple after God’s own heart Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

J. A. Motyer, Old Testament History, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Introductory Articles – General, Old Testament, New Testament, Volume 1 (Zondervan, 1979), 267

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 15:26-29; 20:30-34

THURSDAY

18 February

God Is King: Resisting the Divine Will OBSERVATION What truths can you glean from comparing what Samuel said to Saul (vv.28-29) with what Saul said to Jonathan (1 Sam 20:31)?

Deeper Reflection

1 SAMUEL 19 TO 31 is a narrative of the political power struggle between Saul and David, much like a certain incumbent president who was not re-elected and fought desperately and ferociously to keep his position of power. Biblically, politics in any nation at any point of time in history is always theological: God as the God over the nations is in it — albeit, not as specifically clear as for Saul and David. In the politics between Saul and David, God had clearly spoken that He had rejected Saul from being king over Israel (v.26) and had anointed David to be the king-elect (1 Sam 16:1, 12-13). How did Saul respond to that? He sought to eliminate David (1 Sam 18:10-11; 19:9-11). And he did it relentlessly when David was running away as a fugitive: “Saul sought him every day” (1 Sam 23:14). Saul’s selfish ambition in this was clear in his words to Jonathan who stood on David’s side: “As long as the son of Jesse lives on the earth, neither you nor your kingdom will be established. Therefore … he must surely die” (1 Sam 20:31). In rejecting Saul and replacing him with David, “the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind” (vv.28-29). It is absolutely futile to resist the will of God. How then should Saul have responded instead? Be as the humble submissive David when Absalom usurped his throne: “Behold, here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him” (2 Sam 15:26).

APPLICATION

In2020 what ways do I find myself resisting the will of God and what will I do about that?

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 resisting God’s will Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 24:1-15

FRIDAY

19 February

God Is King: Resting in God’s Will OBSERVATION How did David show that he was resting in the will of God for him to be anointed as the next king over Israel?

Deeper Reflection

SAMUEL’S ANOINTING of Saul as king over Israel (1 Sam 10) was followed by Saul’s defeat of Nahash and the Ammonites (1 Sam 11). Similarly, what followed after David being anointed as king (1 Sam 16) — to replace Saul whom God had rejected (1 Sam 15:26) — was his defeat of Goliath (1 Sam 17). In both cases, it was to demonstrate the “courage, determination and military expertise of the newly anointed leader”26. When David returned from killing Goliath, women gathered “to meet King Saul” with celebration and sang, “Saul slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1 Sam 18:6-7). Their song was not intended to elevate David’s accomplishment over Saul’s and depreciate their king.27 Nevertheless, that did not go down well with Saul. He “became very angry” and felt insecure: “Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” (1 Sam 18:8-9). Since then, Saul sought to eliminate David. While running away from Saul as a fugitive, David had two opportunities to kill Saul and take over the throne as the king-elect (1 Sam 24 and 26). But David refrained from killing Saul. For he recognised that Saul was still “the LORD’s anointed” king (vv.4-7). Instead, David rested in the will of God: “The LORD be judge between you and me, and He will see and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand, but my hand shall not be against you” (vv.12-15).

APPLICATION

What are the areas in my life that I need to rest in the will of God? 2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To learn to rest in God’s will Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

26 27

Ronald F. Youngblood, 1, 2 Samuel, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 3 (Zondervan, 1992), 693 Victor P. Hamilton, Handbook of the Historical Books (Baker 2001), 264

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 2:1-10; 9:15-21; 16:6-11

SATURDAY

20 February

God Is King: The Divine Countercultural Reversal OBSERVATION How is divine countercultural reversal demonstrated in 1 Samuel (2:4-5; 9:21; 16:11)?

Deeper Reflection

KINGSHIP IS a supreme power of greatness. A king is the most powerful human being in a nation. The antithesis of power and greatness is weakness and lowliness respectively. Kingship lies at the heart of the book of Samuel, but with God is King as its theological centre. The reign of God in 1 Samuel is underscored by a key element – one that runs against the grain of human and worldly culture and its value system: the divine countercultural reversal. This theme begins in the song of Hannah (vv.1-10), which climaxes with a prophetic revelation of the divine purpose of instituting the monarchy in Israel – “His king…His anointed” (v.10). The divine countercultural reversal is demonstrated in “The bows of the mighty are shattered, but the feeble gird on strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for bread, but those who were hungry cease to hunger” (vv.4-5a). And most remarkably, “the barren gives birth to seven, but she who has many children languishes” (v.5b). Observe how God chose His king. As for Saul, he belonged to Benjamin, “the smallest of the tribes of Israel” and “the least” of all the Benjamite families (1 Sam 9:21). As for David, he was “the youngest” of all the sons of Jesse (1 Sam 16:11). God’s reign is marked by “He brings low, He also exalts” (1 Sam 2:7). What matters most then is, whatever status that we are in, God reigns in our lives.

APPLICATION

How does the divine principle of divine countercultural reversal form my perspective 2020 in life?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for church board: To know the God of countercultural reversal Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SUNDAY

21 February

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 / FEBRUARY 2021

GO THE EXTRA MILE Scripture: Matthew 5:41

Be kinder than you have to be.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Use masking tape to mark out two lines on the floor, one metre apart. Get your family members to line up behind the first line and try to jump as far as they can beyond the second line. After the activity, ask everyone to discuss the challenges that they faced in jumping the “extra mile” and how they felt when they achieved it.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: What does it mean to go the extra mile? Q2: What do we gain when we show kindness to others? Q3: How does God go the extra mile to show us kindness?

* LEARNING POINT

God encourages us to go the extra mile to show kindness and forgive the people who hurt us even if it is hard. Matthew 5:41 teaches us to be kinder than what we ought to be. It is hard to treat someone with kindness when he or she hurts us with their words or actions. But that’s what God’s love is about – loving others even though it’s hard. When we feel upset because someone is unkind to us, we can tell God about it. We can trust God to help us.

* ACTION POINT

Get a big piece of paper and create two columns on it. Label the first column “An act of kindness” and the second column “How do I go the extra mile”. Ask your family members to fill up the two columns and discuss how everyone can accomplish it together.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for His love for us. Ask God to give us kind thoughts and a heart that is willing to “go the extra mile” for others.

SCRIPTURE

MONDAY

1 Samuel 1:1-8

22 February

Lordship of God in Barrenness OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about God in Hannah’s experience?

Deeper Reflection

“PENINNAH HAD CHILDREN, but Hannah had no children” (vv.1-2) sets the stage of the story of a godly woman who deeply desired to be a mother. Four interrelated ideas are each repeated twice in verses 3 to 8: worship to God (vv.3, 7), God closed Hannah’s womb (vv.5, 6), Peninnah taunting Hannah (vv.6, 7) and Hannah weeping (vv.7, 8). Hannah’s devotion to God was in tension with what the Word of God says, “You shall be blessed above all peoples; there will be no male or female barren among you” (Deut 7:14). Hannah’s barrenness pained her: “Barrenness in ancient times was the ultimate tragedy for a married woman, since her husband’s hopes and dreams depended on her providing him with a son to perpetuate his name and inherit his estate.”28 That it was God Himself who had closed her womb, without explaining why, only increased her pain. It is significant that God was in the picture when Hannah’s “rival”, Peninnah, taunted her. Why she did it: “because the LORD had closed her womb” (v.6). When she did it: “year after year, as often as she went up to the house of the LORD” (v.7). This certainly made it harder for Hannah to bear her pain. Discipleship in perplexing pains is: Without denying the reality of the pain, we acknowledge the lordship of God – “the LORD had closed her womb”, which is the theological centre in this episode of Hannah’s discipleship journey.

APPLICATION

How will I respond to God when He withholds from me the desires of my heart? 2020

PRAYER Lord, I do not know why my prayers have gone unanswered for a long time, even though by Your grace, I seek to walk with You faithfully; and You have promised that when I delight in You, You will give me my heart’s desires.29 But You are my Lord and my King, who does whatever You please according to Your purpose and to Your glory.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

28 29

Ronald F. Youngblood, 571 Psalm 37:4

SCRIPTURE

TUESDAY

1 Samuel 1:9-11

23 February

The Gift Back to the Giver OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Hannah in her prayer to God in verses 9 to 11?

Deeper Reflection

CENTRAL AT THIS POINT of Hannah’s life is “the LORD had closed her womb” (I Sam 1:5, 6). We can say that this was the will of God for Hannah. But Hannah, apparently, did not consider her barrenness as such, nor she did not want to accept it, because she “prayed to the LORD” to change her situation (v.10). She had been suffering this pain for years, as implied by the “year after year” of her going to Shiloh to worship God (1 Sam 1:7). So, it could be that this was the first time she prayed to God concerning this. Or it could be that she had been praying for years, but this was the first time she made a vow to God (v.11). Whatever the case may be, what drove Hannah to pray was her unbearable pain. She was “greatly distressed” and “wept bitterly” (v.10) when she asked God to “look on” her “affliction” (v.11). The double emphasis of “remember me and not forget Your maidservant” (v.11) marks the intensity of her appeal to God. Hannah did not ask God for a son because she first wanted to give a son to God all his life, but rather, she would fully dedicate her son to God “if You will give me a son” (v.11). Oftentimes, we walk with God with mixed motives, but still, deep inside us, we do want to genuinely say with Hannah, “I will give him to the LORD” (v.11). And God knows that. For Hannah, ultimately, the Giver is above the gift — by her giving the gift back to the Giver.

APPLICATION

How will I deal with my mixed motives (those I am aware of or suspect) in what I have 2020 been asking God?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To be watchful over their motives before God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 1:9-18

WEDNESDAY 24 February

Intense Praying in Intense Pain OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Hannah’s pain and her praying?

Deeper Reflection

WHAT STANDS OUT in Hannah is her intense pain and her intense praying, with the former building up to the latter. Hannah’s intense pain is described as “greatly distressed…wept bitterly” (v.10), “deeply troubled” (v.15, NIV) and “great anguish and grief” (v.16, NIV). Her emotional state of being “greatly distressed” and “deep anguish” (v.16, NIV) means “severe depression and emotional torment”30. There were four causes of her intense suffering. Her barrenness, for which her “rival” Peninnah “provoked her severely, to make her miserable” (1 Sam 1:6, NKJV – and repeated in 1 Sam 1:7 for emphasis). Surely, Elkanah was aware of this, but he either did nothing or could do nothing to stop Peninnah’s provocation. And fourthly, the apparent divine indifference and silence. But God was at the centre of Hannah’s intense pain: “the LORD had closed her womb” (1 Sam 1:5, 6), which was also what started off her suffering. And under this divine sovereignty and mystery we see the intense praying of Hannah. A literal translation of “she continued praying before31 the LORD” (v.12) is “she multiplied [in] praying in the presence of the LORD”. And she “poured out” her “soul in the presence of the LORD” (v.15) – “a vivid idiom for praying earnestly”32. The twice repeated “in the presence of the LORD” (vv.12, 15) underscores Hannah’s “conscious, intimate relationship with God”33. Intense praying in intense pain is drawing closer to God into a deeper knowledge of God Himself.

APPLICATION

How do I relate to God when I suffer intense pain 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 married couples: To know God deeper in suffering pain 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), 10 The Hebrew word paneh in verse 12 and verse 15 is literally, face – and translated as “before the LORD,” or “in the presence of the LORD.” 32 Ronald F. Youngblood, 573 33 Ronald F. Youngblood, 573 30 31

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 1:17-28; 3:19-20

THURSDAY

25 February

God Is in the Process OBSERVATION What observations can you make about God working in Hannah’s life (vv.17-28) in the light of 1 Samuel 3:19-20?

Deeper Reflection

GOD HAD A PURPOSE in mind for closing Hannah’s womb, but Hannah did not know it, because God did not tell her. Her “affliction” drove her to plead with God with a vow to give her a son (1 Sam 1:11). Hannah’s “motives may have been mixed, but her request was in line with the overarching will of God, who was preparing to bring into the world a man who would be his faithful representative and mouthpiece”34 — Samuel. But God’s purpose became clear only years later when Samuel “was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD” (1 Sam 3:19-20). Even when “the LORD remembered” Hannah and answered her prayer (vv.19-20), and when she “dedicated him to the LORD” (v.28), God’s purpose for her son was not apparent to her. We do not know if Hannah lived to see God’s purpose fulfilled for her son. Until then, God was in the process of working towards that purpose, which included the “affliction” that Hannah suffered for years. God assured Hannah through Eli that her prayer would be answered — not just a son she asked for, but a son to be fully dedicated to God (vv.17-18). When God “closed our womb” with a purpose in mind, He may or may not answer our prayer to change the situation. Nevertheless, God will answer us according to His purpose. And we can trust in God that He is in the process of working out His purpose as we keep walking with Him faithfully.

APPLICATION

What area(s) of my life do I sense that God is in the process of working towards His 2020 purpose, and how do I move on from here?

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 trust in God as He works in their lives Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Joyce Baldwin, 1 and 2 Samuel, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1988), 50

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 1:7-8, 21-23

FRIDAY

26 February

Husbands, Please, Understand Your Wives! OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Elkanah as a husband?

Deeper Reflection

IN 1 SAMUEL CHAPTER 1, Elkanah spoke only twice and both times to his wife. There are lessons husbands can learn in relating with their wives here. Elkanah asked his wife three “Why” questions: “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted?” (v.8, NIV). The questions imply that Hannah should not be weeping, should be eating and not be downhearted. At the heart of the “Why” is “I just don’t understand you”. But that’s exactly the problem: “we guys are clueless about understanding women”35. And it doesn’t help to say, “Am I not better to you than ten sons?” No, Elkanah. “Don’t apply a Band-Aid to the wound. Get her to talk about it some more.”36 What the wife was going through was emotional in nature, but the husband’s response to her was logical in orientation. It missed the target altogether. What a wife needs is appreciation of what she is going through. But acceptance precedes appreciation. Scripture tells husbands: “Live with your wives in an understanding way…since she is a woman” (1 Pet 3:7). Don’t miss Peter’s theological emphasis: “She is a woman” – as God the wise Creator has created her. When Hannah told Elkanah that she would go the temple only after her son is weaned (vv.21-22), his reply was, “Do what seems best to you (not “to me”!)” (v.23). This husband was giving his wife affirmation.

ÂŠ 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How can I relate with my wife or husband better in light of Scripture telling husbands to 2020 live with their wives in an understanding way?

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 grow in mutual loving understanding in marriage Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

35 36

John Goldingay, 1 and 2 Samuel for Everyone (SPCK, 2011), 6 John Goldingay, 6

SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 1:1-28

SATURDAY

27 February

The Dominant Theme of Worship OBSERVATION How is worship presented as the dominant theme in the life of Elkanah and Hannah in verses 3 to 28?

Deeper Reflection

THE DOMINANT THEME of the life of Elkanah and Hannah is worship. The story of Hannah’s perplexing pain of having her womb closed by God (vv.4-6), Peninnah’s regular provocation of her (vv.6-8) and her petition to God for a son (vv. 9-18), begins and ends with the theme of worship to God: they went “yearly to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts” (v.3) and “he worshipped the LORD there” (v.28). Here is a picture of a life enveloped by worship to God, no matter what. Despite her pains, Hannah was persistent in her worship to God: she continued to go up “to the house of the LORD” “year after year” (v.7). Even what Hannah asked from God was itself worship: “I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life” (v.11). It was worship in the state of being “greatly distressed” and as she “wept bitterly” (v.10). When Samuel was born (v.20), the story continues by beginning with offering of sacrifice to God (v.21) and ending with dedication and worship (v.28). Worship will be the dominant theme of our lives when what undergirds, overarches and encompasses our lives is God: the God who closes our womb (vv.5, 6), who remembers us (v.19), who grants us our petitions (v.27) and who fulfils His purposes “in due time” (v.20). And worship is character and God-centred character at that.

APPLICATION

How can I grow in making worship to God the dominant theme of 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 grow in worship as God-centred character Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SUNDAY

28 February

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.

ÂŠ 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

WEEK FOUR / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / FEBRUARY 2021

NO DIFFERENCE Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Be kind to people who are different from you.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Provide each family member with a piece of origami paper and a pair of scissors. Then, ask everyone to create their own papercut pattern. After that, compare and admire each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creative work.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: How you ever felt different from your friends? Q2: What stops us from being kind to others who are different from us? Q3: What does God want us to do when we are with people who are different from us?

* LEARNING POINT

We can show kindness to others even though they may look different from us. A man was attacked by robbers while on his way to Jerusalem. The robbers beat him up and left. A priest and a Levite saw the man. They did not stop to rescue him. But a Samaritan passed by and took care of him. In those days, Jews and Samaritans did not like each other. But that did not stop the Samaritan from helping the injured man who was different. He went the extra mile to take care of him. Our differences should not stop us from caring and helping one another. Remember, we love others because God loves us first.

* ACTION POINT

Get your family members to think about a person whom they do not like. Then get everyone to share why they feel that way. Ask everyone to think about what God would want them to do and how they can behave differently towards that person.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Ask God to forgive us for our negative thoughts and behaviour towards others who are different from us. Pray that He will guide us to be like the Samaritan among our friends and family.

Notes