November Devotional Journal 2013 by Covenant EFC

2013 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

1 - 30 NOVEMBER

Redeemed

forglory

Redeemed

forglory

Meet an irresistible God Live an irresistible life Be an irresistible church

contents Foreword By Senior Pastors

Guide To Using This Devotional Journal

Morning Prayer

Calendar (November-December 2013)

November Devotion

November 1, Friday: So Close, Yet Still So Far

November 2, Saturday: Invitation of Mercy and Grace

November 3, Sunday: Review, Reflect and Response

November 4, Monday: Comfortable Presence of God

November 5, Tuesday: Uncomfortable Presence of God

November 6, Wednesday: Build Me an Altar

November 7, Thursday: My Heart an Altar

November 8, Friday: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take Now Your Sonâ&#x20AC;?

November 9, Saturday: God Gave His Son

November 10, Sunday: Review, Reflect and Response

November 11, Monday: How We Handle Power

November 12, Tuesday: Servant God

November 13, Wednesday: Servant Lord: He is the Highest

November 14, Thursday: Servant Lord: He Does the Lowest

November 15, Friday: There’s No Last Place

November 16, Saturday: When We Slapped God’s Face

November 17, Sunday: Review, Reflect and Response

November 18, Monday: The Face of Jesus

November 19, Tuesday: How God Values Women

November 20, Wednesday: God’s Attention on Women

November 21, Thursday: Women Who Serve God

November 22, Friday: God and Unnatural Death

November 23, Saturday: Why Death Sentence?

November 24, Sunday: Review, Reflect and Response

November 25, Monday: More Than Just Things

November 26, Tuesday: Giving to God

November 27, Wednesday: Holiness in Everyday Life

November 28, Thursday: Know the Feelings

November 29, Friday: Coming into God’s Presence

November 30, Saturday: Toward the Place God Has Prepared

Worship Songs

FOREWORD BY SENIOR PASTORS MEET THE IRRESISTIBLE GOD! At the annual listening retreat in September last year, we distinctively heard the passionate call of God for His people to walk in intimacy with Him. There is nothing radical about this invitation. Since the Garden of Eden, God has not stopped issuing this call for us to walk closely with Him. It’s the modern man who has often worked God out of the equation and subtracted Him from our daily lives. Hence in 2013, one of the primary expressions of our redeemed life is to meet the irresistible God through our in-house devotional. We will not only walk through the book of Exodus as our devotional but we will also include 35 days of the Lent season to prepare us for Good Friday and Easter. Other important topics will be included to enhance our spiritual intimacy with God. The Book of Exodus is the overarching frame for this daily devotional. Exodus is about meeting with God. Israel reached the foot of Mount Sinai after leaving Egypt. There, God renewed His covenant made with Abraham, with Israel as a nation (Ex 19). The covenant renewal took place when “Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God… at the foot of the mountain” (Ex 19:17). God stated very clearly His purpose for redeeming Israel — “They shall know that I am the LORD their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them” (Ex 29:46).

The God whom we shall meet in Exodus is an irresistible God. Throughout the whole Exodus narrative, the people of God faced various situations and obstacles en-route the Promised Land. But God proves Himself as the great Redeemer! He is the irresistible God — “There is no one like Me in all the earth”. (Ex 9:14) Exodus is all about meeting this irresistible God. What was true of Israel as a covenant people is also true of us today as the New Covenant people of God. May you meet and experience the irresistible God this year, and find Him too irresistible not to follow!

Ps Tony and Ps Kay Kiong

Exodus is all about meeting this irresistible God. What was true of Israel as a covenant people is also true of us today as the New Covenant people of God. 7

GUIDE TO USING this devotional journal Prepare your heart in God s presence Select a fixed time (preferably mornings before you begin the rest of your day) and a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed. Observe a moment of silence as you acknowledge Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence.

Worship God with a song or hymn. (Refer to the list of worship songs provided) Offer a prayer to God as you prepare to listen to His word. (A sample prayer you can use is the morning prayer by John Stott found on the next page)

Allow God to S.O.A.P. you with His Word and Spirit

Each daily devotional entry is divided into four parts: Scripture — take your time to meditate on the Scripture passage for the day. Pause and mull over words and phrases that stand out for you. Observation — jot down significant insights and reflections from the passage you have read. Use the guiding questions provided. 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 response to God in prayer using the suggested prayer for the day.

Morning Prayer by John Stott

good morning heavenly father, good morning lord jesus, good morning holy spirit Heavenly Father, I worship You as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Lord Jesus, I worship You, Saviour and Lord of the world. Holy Spirit, I worship You, Sanctifier of the people of God. Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live this day in Your presence and please You more and more. Lord Jesus, I pray that this day I may take up my cross and follow You. Holy Spirit, I pray that this day, You will fill me with Yourself and cause Your fruit to ripen in my lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Holy, blessed and glorious Trinity, three persons in one God, have mercy upon me. Amen. Prayer Before Opening The Bible Blessed Lord, who has caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learningâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Grant that we may in such wisdom hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Book of Common Prayer

CALENDAR NOVEMBER 2013

CG Bible Guide Series 16

Make-up hol

CG Bible Guide Series 17

Alpha 6

Deepavali

9 Banquet of Honour

CG Bible Guide Series 18/ Alpha Alpha Getaway Getaway

Prayer & Praise

Men’s/ CG Bible Guide Series 19/ Men’s/Marriage BTW Marriage BTW

Ownership Events (The Non-Negotiables)

10 17 GOM

DECEMBER 2013

Watch Night Service

Men’s/ Marriage BTW

6 Women’s BTW

Women’s BTW

Christmas Outreach

Christmas Service/Outreach

Christmas

Ownership Events (The Non-Negotiables)

ber 1 , Novem y Frida

2013

So Close, Yet Still So Far

SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:18-21; Revelation 1:12-17 On four significant occasions, the apostle John describes himself in his Gospel as “the disciple whom Jesus loved”: in the upper room (John 13:23), at the cross (19:26), in the tomb (20:2), and by the Lake of Tiberias, when the risen Lord appeared to seven of His disciples (21:7, 20). During supper in the upper room, John “was reclining on Jesus’ bosom” (13:23); which means John was “in the place of honour to the right of Jesus, the host;”1 and could speak intimately with Jesus (13:25). “On Jesus’ bosom” is an allusion to John 1:18: “As the Son is in the bosom of the Father, so this disciple is in the bosom of Jesus.”2 “In other words, the Disciple is as intimate with Jesus as Jesus is with the Father.”3 But, when the exalted Jesus reveals Himself to John in His indescribable majesty and glory (Rev 1:12-16), John “fell at His feet like a dead man” (v 17). Now at his old age and in his deepest intimacy with Jesus, John realises that he is so close to Jesus, yet still so far from Him. How John longs for the moment when he “will see His face” (Rev 22:4)!

OBSERVATION What do you observe about Israel and God in Israel’s standing at a distance from God in Exodus 20:18-21?

APPLICATION What are my thoughts, perspectives, and attitude towards growing in intimacy with God?

PRAYER Thank you, Lord Jesus, that You are Emmanuel, God with us,4 who seeks to draw near to me and draw me near to Yourself. But, Lord, I can be so close to You, and yet still be so far from You, on this side of eternity. Sustain in me a growing desire and passion to pursue intimacy with You; for often I have let other â&#x20AC;&#x153;attractiveâ&#x20AC;? things to dampen my interest in this life-pursuit. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 1 Herman Ridderbos, The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary (Eerdmans, 1997), 469 2 Herman Ridderbos, 469 3 Raymond E. Brown, The Gospel according to John (Doubleday, 1970), Vol. 2, 577 4 Matthew 1:23

ber 2, Novem day Satur

2013

Invitation of Mercy and Grace

SCRIPTURE Hebrews 4:14-16; 10:11-22 Israel “stood at a distance” before the awesome God (Ex 20:18, 21). But now, under the new covenant is the divine invitation to “draw near” to God in Christ (Heb 4:16). The God we draw near to is “a consuming fire” (Heb 12:29) – the same awesome God that Israel stood at a distance from. But we need not stand “at a distance.” This “consuming fire” meets us at His “throne of grace.” And those invited to draw near are the weak – whose “weakness” is their propensity to yield to temptation and sin against the holy God. But standing with us is “a great high priest” who can “sympathise with our weaknesses,” “One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (4:15). Jesus is “a merciful and faithful high priest” (2:17), who “deals gently with the ignorant and misguided” us (5:2), knowing our weaknesses personally. We are to draw near to God “with confidence,” and to receive from Him mercy and grace. Who needs mercy and grace? Weak sinners like us, who are always in need of help.

OBSERVATION What does Hebrews 10:11-22 say about drawing near to God through Christ?

APPLICATION What are some truths I have discovered and/or rediscovered that can spur me to draw near to God more and more?

PRAYER Thank you, Holy Father, that I can have confidence to enter Your holy presence by the blood of Jesus;5 for by the one offering of Himself as the redeeming sacrifice, He has forever perfected me who is being made holy by You.6 Now as I come near to Your Throne of Grace, let me receive from You Your grace and mercy, which I need so greatly every moment of my life. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 5 Hebrews 10:19 6 Hebrews 10:14

ber 3, Novem y Sunda

2013

1. Review â&#x20AC;&#x201D; look back at your past week using the Examen (modified) a. What was my high point?

b. What was my low point?

c. What gave me life?

d. What drained me?

e. How was the Spirit of God at work?

2. REFLECT â&#x20AC;&#x201D; What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light

of what has happened?

3. RESPONSE a. What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?

b. Journal your prayer

ber 4 , Novemay Mond

2013

Comfortable Presence of God

SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:18-21; John 6:53-63 It was the first time Israel said to Moses, “Let not God speak to us” (Ex 20:19). It was when they met God in His awesomeness (v 18) that Israel “suddenly had no desire to approach God’s holy presence.”7 They felt uncomfortable with God’s presence even though they were once comfortable with His presence: “They were glad to participate in God’s merciful providence, happy for Him to be the sustaining but unseen background of their life. They joyfully sang His praises on the shores of the Red Sea. They had appropriated the bread from heaven in the wilderness. They rejoiced as the shadow of that brooding cloud by day and the light of the pillar of fire by night guided them on their meandering journey through the wilderness.”8 However, “they wanted it to stay that way: God removed – in the background. They didn’t want to expose themselves to the naked beam of His glory, His light unveiled and undiluted. They didn’t want Him to speak directly to them.”9 Israel wanted only a comfortable divine presence.

OBSERVATION What can you learn about Jesus and His disciples in John 6:53-63?

APPLICATION Do I want only a comfortable presence of God that I can enjoy, or, am I prepared for God to meet me in ways that will make me uncomfortable? Why so?

PRAYER God, I confess that I am inclined to having a comfortable life, even in my relationship with You - with things going smooth and easy for me, things going the way I wish, peace within and peace without, free from problems and troubles, or at least, there are immediate solution to the problems or instant deliverance from the troubles. Be gracious to me; deliver me from this folly to living in reality with You. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 7 Walter C. Kaiser, Exodus, The Expositorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bible Commentary (Zondervan, 1990), Vol. 2, 426 8 Maxie D. Dunnam, Exodus, The Preacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commentary (Nelson, 1987), 253 9 Maxie D. Dunnam, 253-54

ber 5 , Novem ay Tuesd

2013

Uncomfortable Presence of God

SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:18-21; John 6:66-69 Like Israel, we, too, prefer the comfortable presence of God. “We do not object to praising and worshipping God in His high heavens, but we shy away from even thinking about each common bush being aflame with divine fire. We relish observing that the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows forth His handiwork, but we get nervous when the earth begins to tremble, when the skies turn dark, when the solid earth shakes beneath our feet. When those things that we thought would last forever, that we thought would never change – our family, our experience, our ordinary human life – when they begin to change, we worry. Our experiences are like the Israelites, so remarkably described in that one verse, ‘The people remained at a distance’ (Ex 20:21). We need to appropriate the meaning of this symbol, because this is precisely a description of Israel’s history, and our own history.”10

OBSERVATION What can you learn about Jesus and His disciples in John 6:66-69 (in continuity from vv 53-63)?

APPLICATION What are the areas of my life or God’s truths in His Word that make me uncomfortable when God speaks to me, and how should I respond to that?

PRAYER Sovereign God, it is foolish to hide anything from You for You see and know all things at all times. You want me to be willing to come before You with an open heart and an open Book. You are waiting. Free me from what is hindering me from opening up my heart to You. Give me Your grace when You do come to me with Your “uncomfortable” presence. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 10 Maxie D. Dunnam, 254

ber 6 , Novem sday Wedne

2013

“Build Me an Altar”

SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:24; 2 Timothy 4:5-8 God commanded Israel to make Him an altar (Ex 20:24; cf. Ge 35:1). In the Old Testament, the altar became the centre of the worship life of God’s people in the tabernacle.11 At the altar of God are four discipleship realities. Redeemed through God’s sacrifice on the altar (cf. Lev 4:4-7; Heb 10:10-12). [Note: ‘Redeemed through God’s sacrifice on the altar’ is the first of the four discipleship realities.] In Exodus 20-24, the instruction for building an altar (20:22-26) is sandwiched by the Law (20:1-21 and chaps. 21-24) – The law and the altar go together. The law reveals that people are sinners needing a Saviour (cf. Ro 3:20). The altar reveals the offer that God makes to us, the offer of sacrifice.12 The ultimate altar of redemptive sacrifice is the cross. Remember God’s name in worship at the altar – expressed in the “burnt offerings” of full commitment to God and “peace offerings” of free communion with God. Remain in God’s presence at the altar where “I will come to you.” Receive God’s blessing at the altar – where “I will come to you and bless you.”

OBSERVATION What can you learn about Paul’s altar of discipleship in 2 Timothy 4:5-8?

APPLICATION How should I come before the altar of God on a daily basis?

PRAYER Help me, Lord, to lay my life on Your altar, even as You have laid Yours on the altar of Your Father. Let my life be a space in which You can work in the world. Clear away my inner rubbish, and fill me with Your Spirit of grace, of truth, and of love, so that everything I do may be the fruit of Your life in me.13 Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 11 Maxie D. Dunnam, 253 12 Maxie D. Dunnam, 253 13 Adapted from Angela Ashwin, The Book of a Thousand Prayers (Zondervan, 1996, 2000), 24

ber 7 , Novemsday Thur

2013

My Heart an Altar

SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:24-26; 2 Samuel 24:10-25 The law for making “an altar of earth” (Ex 20:24) or “of stone” (v 26) “draws attention to any altar any Israelite could quickly put together in a few minutes even as he journeys through a barren, rocky wilderness.”14 This particular law emphasises “the simplicity of worship.”15 “There is a place for adornment and opulence,”16 as seen in Solomon’s temple, or even in the bronze altar for offerings (Ex 27:1-8) and golden altar of incense (30:1-5). “But there is also a place for the simple and unadorned. Both a cathedral and a pile of earth can become a holy place where we meet God. Regardless of which it is, the altar is the place where God shows up (‘I will come to you’) and the place where He blesses (‘and bless you’).”17 “Clean hands are difficult to have when one is making an altar of earth or dirt or rough uncut stone! But a pure heart is indispensable regardless of which altar one is approaching.”18 Let this be your prayer, “My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.”19

OBSERVATION What can you learn about David’s altar of discipleship in 2 Samuel 24:10-25?

APPLICATION What does it mean for me that “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God which cost me nothing” (2 Sa 24:24)?

PRAYER Lord, You take no delight in offering and sacrifice on the altar that do not come from the heart. Let my heart be an altar to You, and the sacrifice offered to You. Cleanse my heart of all uncleanness and unrighteousness. Grant this to be true in me: “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart.”20 Such is the righteous sacrifice that pleases You.21 Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 14 Victor P. Hamilton, Exodus: An Exegetical Commentary (Baker, 2011), 365 15 Victor P. Hamilton, Exodus, 365 16 Victor P. Hamilton, Exodus, 365 17 Victor P. Hamilton, Exodus, 365

18 Victor P. Hamilton, Exodus, 366 19 From a hymn by George Coly 20 Psalm 40:7 21 Psalm 51:19

ber 8 , m e v o N y Frida

2013

“Take Now Your Son”

SCRIPTURE Genesis 22:1-19 What was going through Abraham’s mind, and how was he feeling, when God commanded him to offer Isaac to Him as a sacrifice (Ge 22:2)? Like any human father, there was deep emotional turmoil and struggle. God saw in Abraham his strong emotional attachment to his son, as reflected in His triple emphasis in His command – “your son,” “your only son” and “whom you love” (v 2; also v 12). The narrator adds on to the emphasis with his twice repeated “Isaac his son” (v 3, 6). To Abraham, Isaac was the fruit of his long and challenging journey of faith (Rom 4:18-21) and this divine order might mean the tearing apart of his destiny as he understood it. Our “Isaac” is God’s gift and God’s grace. It is God’s possession. It is God’s prerogative to do as He wishes. God is perfect – He makes no mistake; He alone knows what He is doing. However perplexed we may be over God’s ways, we have only one thing to do: lay our Isaac on the altar (v 9). Let go of our Isaac to God, and let God be God.

OBSERVATION What else do you learn about Abraham’s response to God’s command in Genesis 22:1-14?

APPLICATION What are the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Isaacsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that I need to place on the altar of God?

PRAYER Come, O God, into my heart and fill me. I open the door of my heart to let You in. I surrender my whole life to you. Come and possess me, fill me with light and truth. I offer to You the one thing I really possess: my capacity for being filled by You. By myself, I am an empty vessel. Fill me so that I may live the life of the Spirit of grace and truth.22 Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 22 Adapted from a prayer of Bishop of Bloemfontein, Angela Ashwin, 46

ber 9 , Novem day Satur

2013

God Gave His Son

SCRIPTURE Genesis 22:1-19; John 3:16 As both father and son “walked on together” (Ge 22:6) to the altar of God, Isaac asked Abraham, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (v 7) Abraham’s reply was, “God will provide for Himself the lamb” (v 8). And true enough, God did provide the lamb in place of Isaac (v 13). God kept Abraham from sacrificing “your son, your only son, whom you love” (v 2, 10-12); but God Himself sacrificed His Son, His only Son, whom He loves, for our salvation (Jn 3:16). The lamb for the burnt offering that God provided Abraham points to “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of world” (Jn 1:29). The Lamb of God, who is the Son of God, God gave “in place of his [Abraham] son” (v 13). In response, Abraham named the altar “The LORD Will Provide” (v 14). Very unfortunately, when we think of “the LORD Will Provide,” we often, if not always, have in mind only our physical needs; and in our mancentredness we miss the God-intended significance of that name altogether!

OBSERVATION How is the name of the altar “The LORD Will Provide” linked with God’s covenant purpose for Abraham (Genesis 22:13-18)?

APPLICATION How is God’s provision of “the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world” to fulfill His covenant purpose for Abraham relevant to me?

PRAYER You are God who surrendered for our sake. First, You surrendered Your Son; then Your Son surrender Himself to You – and it is all for the redemption of fallen humankind. Teach me what it means to love and give myself to others. But first, help me to dethrone self in my heart and make Jesus King; so that He may be in me and me in Him, to love and give like Him. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self:

, ber 1 0 m e v o N y Sunda

2013

1. Review â&#x20AC;&#x201D; look back at your past week using the Examen (modified) a. What was my high point?

b. What was my low point?

c. What gave me life?

d. What drained me?

e. How was the Spirit of God at work?

2. REFLECT â&#x20AC;&#x201D; What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light

of what has happened?

3. RESPONSE a. What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?

b. Journal your prayer

, ber 1 1 m e v o N y Monda

2013

How We Handle Power

SCRIPTURE Exodus 21:1-6; Luke 22:24-27 Ex 21:1-6 consists of instruction on how a master should treat his slave – who is vulnerable to being “mistreated or ignored.”23 A master has power over his slave; so do we, in different settings and situations where we can tell people what to do and what they are to do for us. How are we to handle power over people? The starting point is the Lord. God is mentioned in the ritual of sealing a slave’s commitment to serve his master permanently (v 6). God is to be at the centre of power. This will help us to use our power with the fear of God. Handle power with love. A slave would “love” his master so much that he would give up his freedom to serve him permanently (v 5). It is obvious that the slave loves his master because his master first loves him. Love keeps us from misusing or abusing our power. Handle power with limits – the limits of the people we have power over, assuming we know their limits. A slave is to serve his master with a limited duration of six years (v 2).

OBSERVATION What does Jesus teach about authority and power in Luke 22:24-27?

APPLICATION How am I doing in handling power over the people under my charge or leadership (at home, workplace, society, church), and what changes do I need to make?

PRAYER Lord Jesus, You are Lord above us demanding our obedience, Servant below us insisting You must serve us, and our Brother as â&#x20AC;&#x153;equal,â&#x20AC;? having the same Father.24 And this is how You have redeemed us to relate with those we have authority and power over. This is possible only with the Spirit of Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit that I may walk like You. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 23 Alec Motyer, The Message of Exodus, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 2005), 238 24 John 20:17

, ber 1 2 m e v o N ay Tuesd

2013

Servant God

SCRIPTURE Philippians 2:1-11 Jesus is a servant-God – “I am among you as the one who serves” (Luke 22:27). Although Jesus “existed in the form of God, [He] did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped” (Php 2:6). Jesus disregarded His status as God. He disregarded a status that was rightfully His, truly His, and eternally His. It is so unlike the human and earthly status, titles, and positions that we have: they are never rightfully and truly ours, let alone eternally ours. We cannot hold them permanently. Once we die, we lose all of them. We cannot take them along with us. In fact, we may even lose them before we die. If Jesus disregarded the status that was rightfully, truly, and eternally His, how much more should we disregard our human and earthly status, titles, and positions! Jesus disregarded His divine status in order to empty Himself to be a bond-servant (v 7) – “laying aside of glory; a voluntary restraint of power; an acceptance of hardship, isolation, illtreatment, malice, and misunderstanding; finally, an agonising death.”25

OBSERVATION Why does Paul cite the example of Jesus emptying Himself (Philippians 2:1-5)?

APPLICATION How am I to empty myself like Jesus in my life?

PRAYER Eternal Father, whose Son, Jesus, was in the fullness of His power most gentle, and in His greatness most humble; bestow His mind and spirit upon me, who has no cause for pride. That when I am clothed in true humility, I may discern the way of true greatness. Hear my prayer through the same Jesus who is now Lord and Christ.26 Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 25 J. I. Packer, Knowing God (IVP, 1973, 1993), 63 26 Adapted from a prayer of Paul Iles, Angela Ashwin, 55

, ber 1 3 m e v o N sday Wedne

2013

Servant Lord: He is the Highest

SCRIPTURE John 13:1-17 John 13:1-17 is the familiar story of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. When did Jesus wash their feet? It was when “Jesus knowing that the Father has given all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God” (v 3). It was when He was “conscious of the universal sovereignty conferred on Him by His Father, fully aware of His heavenly origin and destiny.”27 Knowing that He is the highest, Jesus does the lowest. Footwashing was normally carried out by a servant, not by those participating in the meal, and certainly not by the one presiding at the meal.28 This “form of a bondservant” (Php 2:7) “manifested the form of God on earth more perfectly than would otherwise have been possible.”29 In washing their feet, the disciples “saw a rare unfolding of the authority and glory of the incarnate Word, and a rare declaration of the character of the Father Himself.” 30

OBSERVATION How does God revealed in Jesus in John 13:1-17 impact you?

APPLICATION How does this “impact” affect the way I live my life?

PRAYER O how amazing! How mind blowing! That being the last and doing the lowest is divine character! This is Your glory, O Servant God! Indeed, to follow Jesus is to share with God this glory of His. Let me know You and Your ways, and help me to be a servant like You; that when I wash the feet of others, I will say, “I wash Your feet, because the Lord has first washed our feet.” Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 27 F. F. Bruce, The Gospel of John (Eerdmans, 1983), 280 28 Colin G. Kruse, John, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (IVP, 2003), 280 29 F. F. Bruce, 280 30 F. F. Bruce, 280

, ber 1 4 m e v o N day Thurs

2013

Servant Lord: He Does the Lowest

SCRIPTURE John 13:1-17 How did Jesus wash the feet of His disciples? John is very deliberate in describing how Jesus condescended Himself to wash His disciples’ feet in six steps (John 13:4-5): He got up from supper. He laid aside His garments. He girded Himself with a towel. He poured water into the basin. He washed their feet. He wiped their feet with the towel. Why did Jesus wash His disciples’ feet? Washing the disciples’ feet was “a parable in action;”31 which led to Jesus saying, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean” (V 10) – “in connection with His death. That death will be like the bath: it will cleanse them wholly. But life is a difficult affair and from time to time, they [the disciples] will pick up defilement from the evil world in which they live in. Then they will need to come back to their Lord for cleansing.”32 In a parabolictheological sense, we need Jesus to wash our feet, whenever we sin; for Jesus insists, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (v 8).

OBSERVATION What does Jesus expect of His disciples according to John 13:12-17?

APPLICATION How am I to make washing the feet of others as a lifestyle in my discipleship?

PRAYER Lord Jesus, pouring Yourself out, love drained to the last drop, I adore You. Kneeling as a servant, washing the disciplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; feet, shocking in Your humility, I adore You. Taking bread and wine, crystal-clear in Your awareness of the work You must complete, I adore You. Entering Gethsemane, falling on Your face to pray, uncontainable in Your broken heart, I adore You.33 Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 31 Leon Morris, Reflections on the Gospel of John (Hendrikson, 2000), 469 32 Leon Morris, 470 33 Adapted from Angela Ashwin, 336

, ber 1 5 m e v o N y Frida

2013

There’s No Last Place

SCRIPTURE Luke 14:7-11; Mark 10:35-45 We seek to be in “places of honour” (Luke 14:7), whether outwardly in action, or quietly in our heart. And so Jesus teaches that “when you are invited to a banquet, go and recline at the last place, so that when the host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’” (v 10). Have you ever wondered that when you reach the last place, you will realise that it is already occupied? Who is occupying the place? Jesus! Jesus never asks us to do anything that He Himself does not do. You and I will never have the chance to sit at the last place. It belongs to the Lord. It is the most gratifying and glorious thing to be at the last place with Jesus – to join Him at the last place. It is not Jesus with you at the last place – meaning that you are there before Him, and He joins you. It is you with Jesus – you join Him at the last place. The last place is Jesus’ place. We may call this fellowship of the last place. Seek to be with Jesus, seek to be last.

OBSERVATION How does God view greatness according to Mark 10:35-45?

APPLICATION What are the areas in my life that I want to be first, and how will I deal with them?

PRAYER Lord Jesus, You invite me to join You to walk the downward path to the last place and to remain there. I admit that it is not easy for me to walk to the last place in life and make that my dwelling place. I know that when I yield to the temptation to leave the last place to walk the upward path to the first place, I will be walking alone. You will not be with me. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self:

, ber 1 6 m e v o N day Satur

2013

When We Slapped God’s Face

SCRIPTURE Exodus 21:23-25; Matthew 5:38-42 The Law teaches “life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise” (Ex 21:23-25); but Jesus teaches, “whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other to him also” (Mt 5:38-39). Being slapped on the right cheek is very humiliating. Jesus says these words with the assumption that in general people are right-handed. When we slap someone’s right cheek with the right hand, we have to slap with the back of our hand. That is humiliating. When we offended God in our sin, we slapped Him on His right cheek. In His justice, He should have slapped us back “cheek for cheek.” But He did not. Instead, He turned His left cheek for us to slap. God let us slap Him on His left cheek by sending His Son to die for our sins. When Jesus was crucified for our sins, God has let us slapped His face twice; so that He can forgive us of our sins! It doesn’t make sense! But that is God!

OBSERVATION What does it mean to let our right cheek slapped as a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 5:38-42)?

APPLICATION How would I live out the principle of “turning my left cheek also after being slapped on my right cheek”?

PRAYER God, as I ponder upon how when Jesus was crucified for my sins, You have let me slapped Your face twice so that You can forgive me of my sins. My heart cries, “How can You love me like this?” This is Your infinite love, Your immeasurable mercy, Your unfathomable grace! I am overwhelmed! O that such divine love, mercy and grace manifest in how I live my life! Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 45

, ber 1 7 m e v o N y Sunda

2013

1. Review â&#x20AC;&#x201D; look back at your past week using the Examen (modified) a. What was my high point?

b. What was my low point?

c. What gave me life?

d. What drained me?

e. How was the Spirit of God at work?

2. REFLECT â&#x20AC;&#x201D; What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light

of what has happened?

3. RESPONSE a. What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?

b. Journal your prayer

, ber 1 8 m e v o N y Monda

2013

The Face of Jesus

SCRIPTURE Matthew 17:2; 26:39, 67 Matthew pays special attention to the face of Jesus in his Gospel. He mentions Jesus’ face thrice, using the same word, prosopon. All the three references to Jesus’s face are to be viewed together in order to grasp the significance. In His transfiguration on a high mountain, “His face shone like the sun” (Mt 17:2). That is the holy face of Jesus. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus’ “soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death,” that He “fell on His face and prayed,” asking His Father if it was possible for the cup of the cross to pass from Him (26:39). That is the humble face of Jesus. But in His intense struggle, He surrendered to His Father, “Yet not as I will, but as You will.” Embracing the cup of the cross, “Jesus kept silent” in the face of malicious accusations from “many false witnesses” (26:60, 63). When the crowd cried, “He deserves death!” (v 66), they “spat in His face… and others slapped Him” (v 67). That is the humiliated face of Jesus. The face of Jesus is the face of God.

OBSERVATION What do the ways that Matthew tells us about the face of Jesus tell you about God?

APPLICATION How do I respond to this God revealing Himself in these ways?

PRAYER Lord, do Your work of transformation in my life, that my face may shine with the brightness of Your face, with ever-increasing glory.34 May my face, by Your grace and through Your Spirit, reflect Your holiness and Your humility, and Your Godglorifying humiliation when I suffer for Your sake. So transform my life that those around me may see Your face on my face. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 34 2 Corinthians 3:18

, ber 1 9 m e v o N ay Tuesd

2013

How God Values Women

SCRIPTURE Exodus 21:7-11; 1 Peter 3:1-7 Exodus 21:7-11 refers to “a minor sold conditionally by the father for the purpose of marriage/concubinage; such a sale would naturally not terminate after six years” (v 2, 7).35 But the master must observe three obligations to “the Hebrew slave-wife.”36 “If she is unpleasing to the prospective husband she is to be returned to her father (v 8). If she becomes her master’s daughter-in-law she is to be treated as a daughter (v 9). If she is married to her husband, a subsequent marriage by the husband to another woman does not diminish the slave’s status in any way (v 10).”37 Violation of any of these three obligations results in she leaving “as a free woman without making any payment” (v 11, NLT). For such women vulnerable to prejudiced abuses in ancient society, God protects them from “unfairness” (v 8) and provides them security.

OBSERVATION How does God look at women in Peter’s teaching in 1 Peter 3:1-7?

APPLICATION How can I grow to be a godly woman whose life can quietly but powerfully testify to God?

PRAYER Creator God, You have created humans both male and female in Your own image,38 of equal theological value, but different and distinct in each their own God-designed ways. We pray that in our flawed male-dominated culture, You highlight and uphold womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uniqueness; and hear the heart cries of those devalued and mistreated, and deliver them. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 35 Victor P. Hamilton, Exodus, 375 36 Alan Cole, Exodus, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1974), 166 37 Victor P. Hamilton, Handbook on the Pentateuch (Baker, 1982), 215 38 Genesis 1:27

, ber 2 0 m e v o N sday Wedne

2013

God’s Attention on Women

SCRIPTURE Job 2:4-10; Luke 7:36-48 When God permitted Satan to afflict Job with losses of his possessions (Job 1:13-17) and precious children (v 18-19), Job worshipped God, without blaming Him (v 20-22). Satan sought God’s permission to afflict Job’s body, challenging God that Job “will curse You to Your face” (2:4-5). When Job’s whole body was smitten with boils (v 7), his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” (v 9). Job’s wife became Satan’s mouthpiece. Job rebuked his wife for speaking as a foolish woman (v 10). The book of Job is about wisdom - “’Who is wise?’ dominates the whole book.”39 Job’s wife speaking as a foolish woman is certainly a contrast. At the end of Job’s trial, God blessed him with ten children (42:13). Who was the woman who bore these children for Job? Did Job divorce his wife and remarry another? Or was it that “foolish” woman and Satan’s mouthpiece, who was never heard again after Job 2:10, but sticking to her husband faithfully, unseen and silent, throughout his ordeal?

OBSERVATION How does Jesus look at the woman in her encounter with Him in Luke 7:36-48?

APPLICATION How does the way Jesus look at the woman Luke 7:36-48 encourage me?

PRAYER Lord, we pray for women who are unseen, but always noticed by You in their quietness, that Your loving presence be with them in special ways. Grant them Your grace to clothe themselves with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God;40 that their lives will radiate Your reality without any words.41 Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 39 Raymond B. Dillard & Tremper Longman III, An Introduction to the Old Testament (Zondervan, 1994), 204 40 1 Peter 3:4 41 1 Peter 3:1

, ber 2 1 m e v o N day Thurs

2013

Women Who Serve God

SCRIPTURE Romans 16:1-6, 12 “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Ro 16:3). Aquila and Priscilla, serving God as a couple, are mentioned six times in the New Testament; and four times as “Priscilla and Aquila” – indicating Priscilla taking the lead. Where Priscilla is mentioned first: the couple accompanied Paul in his ministry (Ac 18:18); they “explained” to Apollos “the way of God more accurately” (v 26). Ac 18:2 and 1 Co 16:19 are the exceptions. In God’s design of ministry, it seems there is a place for a wife taking the lead in a couple’s ministry. We are not told why Priscilla was taking the lead. Perhaps, Priscilla was more mature spiritually, or more experienced in ministry, or more gifted. A wife leading in a couple’s ministry does not necessarily mean she will naturally lead the family. Leading in ministry and leading the family are two separate matters altogether. The key is maturity. The husband is mature enough to let his wife lead in ministry; the wife is mature enough to let her husband lead the family.

OBSERVATION What does Romans 16:1-6, 12 tell us about women?

APPLICATION How do I view my significance in ministry as a woman?

PRAYER Thank you, God, for giving women a special and significant place in service to You â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at home, workplace, community, church, or in missions. Bless the women serving You and enlarge the borders of their life, ministry, and influence.42 Work in and through them that they will be an encouragement and example to those in their spheres of influence. Glorify Yourself in them. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 42 1 Chronicles 4:10

, ber 2 2 m e v o N y Frida

2013

God and Unnatural Death

SCRIPTURE Exodus 21:12-14; Genesis 35:16-19; 2 Kings 13:14 God plainly states in His Law that one who kills someone premeditatedly “shall surely be put to death” (Ex 21:12, 14). But God protects the person who kills someone unintentionally, by providing cities of refuge in the Promised Land that he can run to (v 13; cf. Nu 35:22-25). Such death of a person is “simply an accident permitted by God” (v 13a, NLT; e.g. Dt 19:4-6). This “accident permitted by God” seen from three perspectives: the one who killed accidentally; the one who died “prematurely;” the one who has lost his loved one. It is certainly a painful experience for all parties. We may ask: Why doesn’t God prevent a death instead of permitting it to happen, and then protects the person who caused the death accidentally? Scripture does not ask this kind of question. Scripture just says, it is “simply an accident permitted by God.” This is a reality: accidents, including fatal ones, do happen to God’s people living under God’s blessings in the Promised Land.

OBSERVATION What do Genesis 35:16-19 and 2 Kings 13:14 tell us about God and death?

APPLICATION How would I respond to God over unnatural death of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children?

PRAYER Almighty Sovereign God, You are a God of mystery. The unexpected and unnatural suffering and death of Your children can be very perplexingly painful. This, You know, O loving and compassionate God. I have only to trust in You in worship: Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!43 Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 43 Romans 11:36 (NIV)

, ber 2 3 m e v o N day Satur

2013

Why Death Sentence?

SCRIPTURE Exodus 21:15-17; Revelation 18:9-13 Why is hitting or cursing parents, or kidnapping a person punishable by death? (Ex 21:15-17). It does not seem to square with the “life for life” justice principle (Ex 21:23). “The proper division of the Ten Commandments is five-and-five, not six-and-four, because our parents (commandment 5) are never regarded as equivalent to our equals (husband and wife, neighbours), but as God’s representatives.”44 Thus, parental authority is so highly valued in biblical law that striking – a mere blow (physical abuse), and the cursing (verbal abuse) of parents was a criminal and capital offense45 (cf. Pr 20:20; 28:24). Kidnapping “for slavery was common in the ancient world.”46 Humans as objects of theft was “the most lucrative and the most possible, in a poor society.”47 Kidnapping is the theft of a human being and not material property. Undergirding the law of kidnapping is the theological value of human beings: they are created in the image of God. The fundamental application is: to respect and value humanity.

OBSERVATION How does the list of merchandise in Revelation 18:11-13 begin and end, and what does this tell us?

APPLICATION What are my principles, perspectives, posture and practices in how I relate with and treat people?

PRAYER Righteous God, how the world devalues human beings, treating them as disposal things to be used for selfish profits and pleasure never escapes Your notice. I look forward to the new heavens and new earth You have promised - a world filled with Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s righteousness.48 Until then I pray, that we will embrace more fully the humanity that we share with others. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 44 W. H. Griffith Thomas, The Pentateuch: Chapter by Chapter (Kregel, 1985), 94 45 Walter C. Kaiser, 432 46 Alan Cole, 168 47 Alan Cole, 168 48 2 Peter 3:13

, ber 2 4 m e v o N y Sunda

2013

1. Review â&#x20AC;&#x201D; look back at your past week using the Examen (modified) a. What was my high point?

b. What was my low point?

c. What gave me life?

d. What drained me?

e. How was the Spirit of God at work?

2. REFLECT â&#x20AC;&#x201D; What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light

of what has happened?

3. RESPONSE a. What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?

b. Journal your prayer

, ber 2 5 m e v o N y Monda

2013

More Than Just Things

SCRIPTURE Exodus 22:9-15; Luke 6:34-36 Exodus 22:9-15 is the law of “breach of trust” over things, including animals (v 9), giving direction to make restitution or no need to. But life ought to be more than just about things. Involved around things are God, people, relationship, and attitude; but the latter four are of far greater importance. At the centre of things must be God – settlement of disputes over things are to be made “before the LORD” (v 11). Between things are people: the dispute is between two persons over things. Be people-oriented when we deal with things. Love people, use things; not love things, use people. Between two persons over things is relationship, however remote. People, created in God’s image, are relational beings. Do not let things destroy relationships. Being God-centred and people and relationship-oriented over things requires attitudes like being responsible, trustworthy, gracious, forgiving – which are “inwardly… of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter” (Rom 2:29).

OBSERVATION How does God want us to look at people and things in Luke 6:34-36?

APPLICATION Where am I now â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and how so? Love people and use things, or love things and use people?

PRAYER Lord Jesus, You are God who shares with us our humanity. Help me, in this highly materialistic and consumeristic world, to be God-centred in dealing with things. Cultivate in me the consciousness to love people, and not to love things and use people. For even in serving You, I can fall into the snare of giving priority to things and tasks over people and relationship. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self:

, ber 2 6 m e v o N ay Tuesd

2013

Giving to God

SCRIPTURE Exodus 22:29-30; Proverbs 3:9-10 Ex 22:29-30 is about what “you shall give to the LORD” (repeated twice). What we give to God should be“the fullness of your harvest and the outflow of your presses.”49 The “primary emphasis” is “on giving to the Lord the first and the best of one’s agricultural and animal products.”50 Let us be careful not to give God the leftovers or the second best of our lives. Why we give to God: because of who God is, and what God has done to us and made of us. We are redeemed by God and thus consecrated to God (Ex 19:4-6). We give out of gratitude to Him for His grace. How we give to God: We “shall not delay” (v 29) or hold back – “the text seems to be aware of a natural reluctance on the part of men.”51 Greed or anxiety can cause us to hold back from giving to God. As far as God is concerned, giving to Him is not just about the external; but from the internal – from the heart to things.

OBSERVATION What does Proverbs 3:9-10 teach about giving to God?

APPLICATION How am I doing in giving myself and what I have to God?

PRAYER Creator God, Possessor and Sustainer of all things. As all things come from You, when I give to You, it is from Your hand that I give to You.52 You do not need my giving, but I do need to give to You. It is good for my soul - for where my treasure is, there my heart will be also.53 I give my life to You; for You have created and redeemed me, and I belong to You.54 Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 49 Literal translation of Exo 22:29; Walter C. Kaiser, 440 50 Victor P. Hamilton, Exodus, 419 51 Walter C. Kaiser, 440 52 1 Chronicles 29:14 53 Matthew 6:21 54 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

, ber 2 7 m e v o N sday Wedne

2013

Holiness in Everyday Life

SCRIPTURE Exodus 22:31; Romans 14:6-9 Holy people are not to eat animals “torn up and killed by wild animals” (Ex 22:31, NLT); as “the blood of such slain animal would remain in its tissues, leaving it unclean.”55 Almost each time the Torah introduces the subject of what foods one may or may not be consumed, it invariably connects it with holiness (Lev 11:44-45; 20:25-26).56 “Who is to prevent a shepherd from barbequing the remains of a dead lamb, or a farmer from cooking up the remains of a dead cow. There was no ‘food patrol’ that policed or monitored their eating patterns. It is one thing to aspire to be holy when people are watching. It is another thing to aspire to be holy when nobody is watching, whether out in the field alone with one’s flock, or around the dinner table with one’s family. Such verses also teach that holiness includes letting the Lord be lord of all parts of one’s life, which includes the patterns of one’s consumption.”57 Ex 22:31 is about holiness in everyday life (cf. 1 Cor 10:31).

OBSERVATION What does Romans 14:6-9 teach about living our everyday life?

APPLICATION What does it mean to me to â&#x20AC;&#x153;live for the Lordâ&#x20AC;? (Ro 14:8) in my everyday life?

PRAYER Lord, forgive me that I so often give my best to the wrong things. Be enthroned in my life as Lord. Help me to see what is important and what is unimportant, so that I may never forget the things that matter, and so that I may never allow the things which do not matter to matter too much.58 I need Your grace and guidance, Your wisdom and strength, to live my everyday life. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 55 Walter C. Kaiser, 441 56 Victor Hamilton, Exodus, 420 57 Victor Hamilton, Exodus, 420-21 58 Adapted from William Barclay, A Barclay Prayer Book (SCM Press, 1990, 2003), 218-19

, ber 2 8 m e v o N day Thurs

2013

Know the Feelings

SCRIPTURE Exodus 23:9; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 God allows us to suffer that we may “know the feelings” of others who are suffering (Ex 23:9). Yet it is not possible for us to fully know the feelings of others in pain; because none of our experiences and journey are ever the same. God works in each of our lives differently. We simply cannot say, “I know exactly how you are feeling.” Parker Palmer had suffered two bouts of clinical depression and he was suicidal in both. He has since recovered. He once met a woman who had wrestled with depression for much of her adult life. She asked Palmer, “Why do some people kill themselves, yet others get well?” We may think that Palmer was in the best position to answer her question. No. Palmer could give her only one response, “I have no idea. I really have no idea.” These words ministered to her, because it gave her an alternative to the cruel standard “Christian explanations” common in the church; that she received from her church members.59 Be real in feeling with others.

OBSERVATION What is the God-designed suffering according to 2 Corinthians 1:3-5?

APPLICATION How can I be a wise and sensitive wounded healer?

PRAYER God of Suffering, in Your love and wisdom, the pains that I suffer mold me to be a wounded healer who can share in the pains of others. Help me to be wise and sensitive, when I minister to people in pain; to be quick to hear and slow to speak.60 Teach me and guide me to know when to speak, what to say, and how to say it; or just be present in loving silence and touch. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 59 Parker J. Palmer, Let Your Life Speaks (Jossey-Bass, 2000), 59 60 James 1:19

, ber 2 9 m e v o N y Frida

2013

Coming into God’s Presence

SCRIPTURE Exodus 23:14-19; Psalm 95:6-11 Coming into God’s presence is central in God’s redemption of His people – “appear before Me” (Ex 23:15), “appear before the Sovereign LORD” (v 17), “into the house of the LORD your God” (v 19). Come into God’s presence with discipline - God commanded Israel to appear before Him three times a year (v 14, 17). We come into God’s presence in our daily devotions, weekly worship and meeting in a small group of God’s people (cf. Mt 18:20). It takes discipline to come into God’s presence through these common graces. Come into God’s presence with delight – “Three times a year you shall celebrate a feast to Me” (v 14). Celebration is an expression of delight in God. Come into God’s presence with devotion – “none shall appear before Me empty-handed” (v 15); bring to God “the very best of the harvest” (v 19, NLT). The “the best of the first fruits” to give to God can only be our hearts.

OBSERVATION What does Psalm 95:6-11 say about coming into God’s presence?

APPLICATION What area(s) do I need to grow in coming into Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence?

PRAYER Lord Jesus, into Your gracious and loving presence I come. Be near at either hand; behind and before me stand. Be with me in my heart and mind, within my soul be enshrined. Control my wayward heart; abide and never depart. You are my life and only Way, my lantern night and day. Be my unchanging friend, Guide and Shepherd to the end.61 Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 61 Adapted from a prayer of St Patrick, The Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mass Book, David Adam,

The Edge of Glory: Prayers in the Celtic Tradition (SPCK, 1985), 91

, ber 3 0 m e v o N day Satur

2013

Toward the Place God Has Prepared

SCRIPTURE Exodus 23:20-23; Psalm 107:1-9 Like Israel, God intends for us as individuals, as a family, and as a church, to be moving toward a certain destination and destiny – “into the place which I have prepared for you” (v 20). There are two fundamentals that are imperative for our journey to where God wills for us to be – a divine and a human part. God’s part is His presence with us – “My angel will go before you” (v 20, 23). The angel is God’s presence because “My name is in him” (v 21). God guides us with His presence – “to bring you into the place” (v 20, 23). God guards us with His presence – “to guard you along the way” (v 20). The human part is obedience to God; and God is very emphatic on this fundamental which is repeated four times – “obey his voice,” “do not be rebellious against him” (v 21), “truly obey his voice,” and “do all that I say” (v 22). But in our imperfections we do stray away from God’s path. When we do, pray, “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandment” (Ps 119:176).

OBSERVATION What does Psalm 107:1-9 say about our journey to the place that God has prepared for us?

APPLICATION What area(s) do I need to pay attention to in following the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading in my life?

PRAYER Lord, my Shepherd, I want to always stay close to You. Hold me by my hand; guide me with Your counsel, and lead me to a glorious destiny. What else have I in heaven but You? Since I have You, what else could I want on earth? My heart and my body may grow weak, but God, You are my strength and salvation; You are all I need.62 Amen Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 62 Psalm 73:23-26 (GNB, NLT)

WORSHIP SONGS God Is Here Open our eyes Lord, we want to see You Open our hearts Lord, we want to know You Open our ears Lord, we need to hear You Jesus be revealed Jesus be revealed Chorus God is here, God is here God is here He is able We draw near to see Jesus face to face God is here, God is here God is here, He is faithful We draw near, to see Jesus Oh Jesus be revealed Open the gates Lord, reveal Your glory Open the nations, establish Your kingdom Open the Heavens, pour out Your Spirit Jesus be revealed Jesus be revealed Bridge Holy.. we cry holy Hallelujah God is here Holy.. we cry holy Hallelujah God is here

in christ alone In Christ alone my hope is found He is my light my strength my song This cornerstone this solid ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love what depths of peace When fears are stilled when striving cease My Comforter my All in All Here in the love of Christ I stand Verse 2 There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain The bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again And as He stands I victory Sinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curse has lost its grip on me For I am His and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ Verse 3 No guilt in life no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I stand

ARMS OPEN WIDE Take my life, I lay it down At the cross where I am found All I have I give to You oh God Take my hands and make them clean Keep my heart in purity That I may walk in all You have for me Chorus Oh here I stand Arms open wide Oh I am Yours And You are mine Jesus Take my moments and my days Let each breath that I take Be ever only for You oh God Bridge My whole life is Yours I give it all Surrendered to Your Name And forever I will pray Have Your way Have Your way

Be Thou my vision Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart Nought be all else to me, save that Thou art Thou my best thought, by day or by night Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise Thou mine inheritance. now and always Thou and Thou only, first in my heart High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art High King of heaven, my victory won May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun Heart of my own heart, whatever befall Still be my vision, O Ruler of all

Praise Is The Offering Come and let us sing for joy Let us praise and shout aloud To the lifter of our heads To the Rock we’re standing on Your salvation is our song Now we can’t stay silent We will sing how Chorus Great is Your love for us And great are the things You’ve done And praise is the offering we bring to You Lord we come to worship You Lord we bow our hearts in awe By Your love we are redeemed We are Yours and You’re our God Your salvation is our song We we can’t stay silent We will sing how Chorus Great is Your love for me And great are the things You’ve done for me And praise is the offering we bring to You All of our heart and soul And all that You are and more And praise is the offering we bring to You Bridge Lord we come to worship You Lord we bow our hearts in awe By Your love we are redeemed We are Yours and You’re our God We are Yours and You’re our God We are Yours and You’re our God 78

how to worship a king You give me joy You give me life You give me strength To stand in the fire Now I can live Live what I sing Showing the world How to worship a King Chorus Lord, I give You thanks God, I give You praise I give You a life that shows Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m living like a child who bears Your name Now with every day Let my life proclaim what I sing I worship my King Bridge With all my heart all my strength All that God has given me This is how I worship my King

CORNERSTONE My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly trust in Jesus’ name Chorus Christ alone, Cornerstone Weak made strong, in the Savior’s love Through the storm He is Lord, Lord of All When darkness seems to hide His face I rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil My anchor holds within the veil Then He shall come with trumpets sound Oh, may I then in Him be found Dressed in His righteousness alone Faultless, stand before the throne

10,000 Reasons 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 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 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 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 forever

In jesus name God is fighting for us God is on our side He has overcome yes He has overcome We will not be shaken we will not be moved Jesus You are here Carrying our burdens covering our shame He has overcome yes He has overcome We will not be shaken we will not be moved Jesus You are here Chorus I will live I will not die I will declare and lift You high Christ revealed and I am healed In Jesus Name Bridge God is fighting for us, pushing back the darkness Lighting up the Kingdom, that cannot be shaken In the Name of Jesus enemyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been defeated And we will shout it out, shout it out

as we pray As we pray, the darkness turns to light As we pray, the will of God and man align With one voice we lift our hands to say We only trust in Jesus name Lord of mercy hear this prayer we raise Let Heaven’s gates be open Let words of life be spoken Not ours but Your will be done Father, as we pray to You

Bring freedom and forgiveness Bring healing and repentance For only You can save us Father, as we pray to You

As we pray, the blind are given sight As we pray, the heart of God and man unite With one voice we lift our hands to say We only trust in Jesus name Lord of mercy hear this prayer we raise

We lift one voice to one God For one cause that all may know You One voice to one God For one cause that all may know You One voice to one God For one cause that all may know Your love

Let Heaven’s gates be open Let words of life be spoken Not ours but Your will be done, Father, as we pray to You

Let Heaven’s gates be open Let words of life be spoken Not ours but Your will be done, Father, as we pray to You Bring freedom and forgiveness Bring healing and repentance For only You can save us Father, as we pray to You

god of ages God of ages bringing glory here You are good, You are good Son of righteousness, You are all I seek With all my heart Pre-Chorus Giver of life, hope for the lost, is in You All of the earth, shines with Your light Your glory Chorus You are the God who lives You are the God who heals You are my hope, my everything You brought salvation to us, Offered Your peace to the world You are my Lord, my everything In Your promise, and Your faithfullness I will trust, all my days King forever, reign in majesty Be glorified Tag I’ll trust in You I’ll trust in You I’ll trust in You, with all my heart

Your Presence Is Heaven Who is like You Lord in all the earth Matchless love and beauty, endless worth Nothing in this world will satisfy Jesus You’re the cup that won’t run dry Pre Chorus Your presence is heaven to me Your presence is heaven to me Verse 2 Treasure of my heart and of my soul In my weakness you are merciful Redeemer of my past and present wrongs Holder of my future days to come Pre Chorus Your presence is heaven to me Your presence is heaven to me Your presence is heaven to me Your presence is heaven to me Chorus Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus Your presence is heaven to me Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus Your presence is heaven to me Verse 3 All my days on earth I will await The moment that I see You face to face Nothing in this world will satisfy ‘Cause Jesus You’re the cup that won’t run dry Nothing in this world will satisfy Jesus You’re the cup that won’t run dry Jesus You’re the cup that won’t run dry 85

Scandal Of Grace Grace, what have You done? Murdered for me on that cross Accused in absence of wrong My sin washed away in Your blood Pre-Chorus 1 Too much to make sense of it all I know that Your love breaks my fall The scandal of grace You died in my place So my soul will live Chorus 1 Oh to be like You Give all I have just to know You Jesus there’s no-one beside You Forever the hope in my heart Verse 2 Death, where is your sting? Your power is as dead as my sin The cross has taught me to live And mercy my heart now to sing Pre-Chorus 2 The day and its troubles shall come I know that Your strength is enough The scandal of grace You died in my place So my soul will live Bridge And it’s all because of You Jesus It’s all because of You Jesus It’s all because of Your love That my soul will live 86

man of sorrows Man of sorrows, Lamb of God By His own betrayed The sin of man and wrath of God Has been on Jesus laid Silent as He stood accused Beaten mocked and scorned Bowing to the Father’s will He took a crown of thorns Chorus Oh that rugged cross my salvation Where Your love poured out over me Now my soul cries out hallelujah Praise and honour unto Thee Sent of heaven God’s own Son To purchase and redeem And reconcile the very ones Who nailed Him to that tree Bridge Now my debt is paid It is paid in full By the precious blood That my Jesus spilled Now the curse of sin Has no hold on me Whom the Son sets free Oh is free indeed See the stone is rolled away Behold the empty tomb Hallelujah God be praised He’s risen from the grave 87

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