2013 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL
1 - 31 october
Redeemed
forglory
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Redeemed
forglory
Meet an irresistible God Live an irresistible life Be an irresistible church
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contents Foreword By Senior Pastors
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Guide To Using This Devotional Journal
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Morning Prayer
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Calendar (September-October 2013)
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October Devotion
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October 1, Tuesday: Sacred Wilderness
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October 2, Wednesday: “You Have Seen”
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October 3, Thursday: Grace, Growth, and Godliness
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October 4, Friday: How We See God’s Presence
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October 5, Saturday: How God Seeks Our Presence
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October 6, Sunday: Review, Reflect and Response
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October 7, Monday: The God Who Bears Us
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October 8, Tuesday: The God Who Seeks Us
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October 9, Wednesday: The God Who Feels for Us
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October 10, Thursday: The God Who Waits for Us
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October 11, Friday: Meeting God—Be Ready
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October 12, Saturday: Meeting God—Set Bounds
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October 13, Sunday: Review, Reflect and Response
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October 14, Monday: How God Relates with Us (1)
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October 15, Tuesday: How God Relates with Us (2)
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October 16, Wednesday: A Man after God’s Heart
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October 17, Thursday: Undivided Allegiance
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October 18, Friday: Right Theology
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October 19, Saturday: Using God
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October 20, Sunday: Review, Reflect and Response
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October 21, Monday: Theocentric Rest
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October 22, Tuesday: Fortified Family
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October 23, Wednesday: Be Human
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October 24, Thursday: One Flesh
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October 25, Friday: Marriage and Mission
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October 26, Saturday: Subtle Stealing
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October 27, Sunday: Review, Reflect and Response
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October 28, Monday: Untruthfulness Snares
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October 29, Tuesday: Lie Lovingly
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October 30, Wednesday: Covert Covetousness
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October 31, Thursday: Checking Covetousness
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Worship Songs
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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).
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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 God’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)
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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.
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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.
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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 life—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 learning—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
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CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2013
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30
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8
3
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5 IDMC/ACK Conf
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6 IDMC/ACK Conf Teacher’s Day
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7 IDMC/ACK Conf
35th Anniversary Service
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15
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CG Women’s Summit 2
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20 CG Bible Guide Series 13
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27 Prayer & Praise
Ownership Events (The Non-Negotiables)
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29 Children’s Sunday
OCTOBER 2013
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CG Men’s Summit 2 Children’s Day
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8
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Alpha 1
14 21
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Hari Raya Haji
Alpha 2
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30
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CG Bible Guide Series 14
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25 Prayer & Praise
13 Baptism 4
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CG Bible Guide Series 14
Alpha 3
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20 Membership Acceptance 2
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27 Baby Dedication 2
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Alpha 4
Ownership Events (The Non-Negotiables)
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er 1, Octob ay Tuesd
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Sacred Wilderness
SCRIPTURE Exodus 19:1–3a; Isaiah 41:17–20 A wilderness journey is sacred, for God leads us through with His presence. God is at the heart of the wilderness journey. Israel progresses from the adversity wilderness (Ex 15:22–18:27) to the intimacy wilderness—“the wilderness of Sinai” (19:1, 2), to meet God (v 17). The adversity wilderness is marked by moments of divine quietness and apparent inactivity. But God is watching, waiting and working. The intimacy wilderness is marked by progressive movements toward God. Come to God—Israel “came to the wilderness of Sinai” (v 2). Take a disciplined and deliberate step to come to God. Camp before God—“Israel camped in front of the mountain” (v 2). Stop, be still and silent, and stay in God’s presence (cf. Ps 46:10). In the heart, climb toward God—“Moses went up to God” (v 3). Seek to draw near to God through Christ, and enter into communion with Him, letting Him call us and communicate with us—“the LORD called him… saying” (v 3a).
OBSERVATION How is the God of the wilderness described in Isaiah 41:17–20?
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APPLICATION What are the principles and/or promises in the sacred wilderness journey that are needful for me?
PRAYER Lord, where am I now in this wilderness journey? I don’t know; but You do. Help me to know in my spirit that You are with me. Where am I going to through this wilderness journey? I don’t know; but You do. Help me to see that You are still holding my hand, leading and guiding me, lifting me up when I fall. You are Lord of the wilderness; I trust in You. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self:
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er 2, Octob sday Wedne
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“You Have Seen”
SCRIPTURE Exodus 19:4; Psalm 85:1–7 Israel has seen what God has done to them and for them—“You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, how I carried you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself” (Ex 19:4). Israel has seen because God has shown—revelation. It is possible that we have not seen or do not see what God has done to us and for us—His acts of love, grace, and purpose. We need to recall, recapture, and reflect in order to see. What do I understand of what I have seen? What effects do what I have seen have on me? What am I to do with what I have seen? Such reflection reinforces our beliefs about God, rebuilds our trust in God, reassures our hope in God, rekindles our love for God, and realigns our heart to God. We may repeat our reflective recollection. It brings about an inner renewal that strengthens and deepens our conviction about God and our confidence in Him.
OBSERVATION Why does the psalmist recall and reflect on the past in Psalm 85:1–7?
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APPLICATION What do I need to recall, recapture, and reflect upon that will be helpful to me now, and in what way is it helpful?
PRAYER Eternal God, You are good yesterday, today, and forever; Your steadfast love and great faithfulness are unchanging and unceasing.1 I enthrone and exalt You as Lord of my past, my present, and my future; of good times and bad times. When my heart faints and fails, be my strength and my salvation, that I may remain in You, seek You, and follow You. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 1 Hebrews 13:8; Psalm 100:5
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er 3, Octobsday Thur
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Grace, Growth, and Godliness
SCRIPTURE Exodus 19:3–6; 2 Peter 1:2–9 Exodus 19:3–6 paints a picture of total redemption, marked by three components. Grace: What God has done for us—“what I did to the Egyptians, how I carried you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself” (v 4). Respond to the God of grace and mercy with appreciation (“Thank You, Lord”) and adoration (“Blessed be the Lord”). Growth: What God has made of us—“you shall be My own possession among all the peoples… to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (v 5b–6; cf. 1 Pet 2:9). We need to place a high premium on our being (what we are in Christ) and our becoming (what we should be in Christ); which will in turn naturally lead to serving. Priests are servants of God who serve people. Godliness: What God wants from us—“obey My voice and keep My covenant” (v 5a). Godliness is marked by commitment to God and growing in character to be like God and can be developed only through a deepening commitment to God.
OBSERVATION How does 2 Peter 1:2–9 show grace, growth and godliness?
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APPLICATION What do I lack in my spiritual life in light of 2 Peter 1:2–9 and what do I need to do about it?
PRAYER God, by Your divine power, You have given me everything I need to live a godly life. And I receive all of this by coming to know You. Give me more and more of Your grace and peace that I may grow in my knowledge of You, my God and Jesus my Lord.2 Empower me through the Holy Spirit to make every effort on my part to grow through grace to godliness. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 2 2 Peter 1:2-3
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er 4, Octob y Frida
2013
How We See God’s Presence
SCRIPTURE Exodus 19:16–20; Revelation 1:12–17 Scripture presents two theological visions of the presence of God. The presence of the God who transcends, and the presence of the God who condescends. By and large, we are more familiar with the presence of the God who condescends; so much so that in prayer and worship, we tend to be easy in the presence of God. When we just freely walk in and walk out of God’s presence in the midst of prayer and worship, we may have become presumptuously over-familiar with God. We assume God’s presence and take it for granted. Here, we greatly lack the consciousness of the presence of the God who transcends—in “thunder and lightning flashes,” in fire and smoke, “the whole mountain quaked violently,” and God speaking “with thunder” (Ex 19:16, 18–19). We need to know the divine presence that causes us to be “full of fear and trembling” (v 16; Heb 12:21) and we urgently need the spiritual vision of our God as a consuming fire (Heb 12:29).
OBSERVATION What does Revelation 1:12–17 tell us about the presence of the exalted Christ?
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APPLICATION How do I see the presence of God?
PRAYER Most High God, open the eyes of my heart to see and know You as the lofty and exalted God, to whom is ascribed, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.”3 Fill my heart with reverence and awe, as I stand in Your presence in Christ, and commune with You and worship You through Christ. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 3 Rev 4:8
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er 5, Octob day Satur
2013
How God Seeks Our Presence
SCRIPTURE Revelation 3:14–20; Hebrews 10:19–25 Presence is both relational and mutual. When I am present with someone, that someone is also present with me. God’s presence with me is also my presence with God. In Rev 3, Jesus speaks to the arrogant and self-sufficient church at Laodicea, who is ignorant and indifferent to her appalling spiritual condition (v 17). Yet, Jesus reaches out to His sinful and self-centred church in love. Jesus takes the initiative—“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock” (v 20). The church has locked Jesus out of her heart; yet the exalted Christ knocks on the door and seeks to enter the church again. What majestic humility! What incredible grace! Jesus gives an invitation— “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door.” Jesus seeks intimacy with us— “I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.” Have you locked Jesus out of your heart? He is still graciously knocking on your door, patiently waiting for you to open your heart to Him so He can lovingly enter once more.
OBSERVATION What does Hebrews 10:19–25 show about how God seeks our presence, and the way in which He wants us to respond?
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APPLICATION What does it mean to me to know that God seeks my presence with Him?
PRAYER Most gracious Lord, I am in speechless wonder at how You earnestly seek communion with me. Forgive me of my spiritual negligence and indifference. Deliver me from my spiritual slumber and numbness. I open my heart to You again that You may come in. Help me not to keep You out of my heart. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self:
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er 6, Octob y Sunda
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1. Review — 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?
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2. REFLECT — 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
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er 7, Octobay Mond
2013
The God Who Bears Us
SCRIPTURE Exodus 19:4; Deuteronomy 1:29–33 God reminds Israel and us today as well, of His caring interest in us. God bears us on Himself, carrying us “as a mother eagle carries her young on her wings” (Ex 19:4). God is compared to an eagle for its attributes of “loving compassion, protection, strength, and watchfulness”4 (cf. Dt 32:11). This eagle is a “mother eagle”.5 Carrying her young on her wings is the maternal act of a tender, caring and nurturing mother. In doing so, she provides security to her vulnerable young. Scripture presents a picture of a God who carries His people all the way, all the time. God carries us “from the womb”, “from birth,” to our “old age” and “graying years” (Isa 46:3–4). God carries us in our helplessness and weakness. Babies in the womb and at birth are in a state of total helplessness; a person in “old age” and “graying years” is characterised by physical weakness.
OBSERVATION What has God done to His people according to Deuteronomy 1:29–33?
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APPLICATION How does the God who carries me affect my relationship with Him?
PRAYER God my Father, so often when I go through dark and difficult times, I feel and think You have abandoned me, leaving me alone. O how I fail to know in faith that You are carrying me in Your love and care, all the way, all the time! You are as a mother, even much more, who cannot forget or feel compassion for her nursing child, the child of her womb.6 Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 4 Walter C. Kaiser, Exodus, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Zondervan, 1990), Vol. 2, 415 5 Victor P. Hamilton, Exodus: An exegetical Commentary (Baker, 2011), 301 6 Isaiah 49:15
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er 8, Octob ay Tuesd
2013
The God Who Seeks Us
SCRIPTURE Genesis 28:10–17 Jacob is running away from his angry brother who wants to kill him for stealing the blessing Isaac intended for him (Ge 27:41–45). The escape is an unplanned act Jacob is forced into and from the time Jacob left home until “he came to a certain place” (Ge 28:11), it is all about his own human efforts. The “a certain place” is an unknown place. It is an ordinary, desolate and an unplanned destination. Jacob had to stop here because the sun had set. It is an uncomfortable place for he had to use a stone as a pillow. However, it is also a place of surprise and significance. God is present in this “certain place,” and Jacob “did not know it” (v 16). It is here that God speaks to Jacob – probably the first time in his life – about his destiny (v 12–15). God seeks Jacob without Jacob seeking Him at an unexpected time and place. Get to know this God of “a certain place.”
OBSERVATION What else can you observe about the God who seeks us in Genesis 28:10–17?
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APPLICATION How does knowing that God seeks me affect my relationship with Him?
PRAYER Lord, it is always You who seeks me first; because of my own, I am one amongst the “there is none who seek God; all have turned aside.�7 You know that for me to seek You, You have to first seek me. Thank you, Lord for such grace and kindness! Help me to respond to You with deep gratitude, seeking You first, and Your kingdom and Your righteousness.8 Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 7 Romans 3:11-12 8 Matthew 6:33
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er 9, Octob sday Wedne
2013
The God Who Feels for Us
SCRIPTURE Mark 8:1–8; Isaiah 54:4–10 A large crowd had been with Jesus for three days, listening to His teaching; and by the third day, had “nothing to eat” (Mk 8:1, 2). The reason for their condition is not economic, but circumstantial. They didn’t expect to spend three days with Jesus; and by then their provisions were exhausted.9 Jesus saw that they were “weakened through hunger,”10 and that if He sent them away “hungry to their homes [to eat] they will faint on the way” (v 3). Jesus did not say, “Hey, guys, it’s only three days! I’ve gone without food for 40 days and 40 nights. You have still a long way to go. If I can do it, so can you!” Jesus is not an insensitive and inconsiderate leader. Rather, He felt compassion for the people (v 2) and He fed them. It seems reasonable to feel compassion over an economic plight; but over a situational need of just three days without food? Not so with Jesus! Such is the depth of Jesus’ compassion. Follow Jesus.
OBSERVATION What can you learn about the God of compassion in Isaiah 54:4–10?
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APPLICATION In what ways do I need to learn and grow to be compassionate like Jesus?
PRAYER God of everlasting steadfast love, You are a God who has compassion on me. Even when You judge in Your righteousness and justice, Your last word is not judgment, but restoration with great compassion.11 You are a God to whom mercy triumphs over judgment.12 Help me to truly know the depth of Jesus’ compassion, that I may be compassionate like Him. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 9 William L. Lane, The Gospel of Mark, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Eerdmans, 1974), 273 10 William L. Lane, 273 11 Isaiah 54:7-8 12 James 2:13
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er 10, Octobsday Thur
2013
The God Who Waits for Us
SCRIPTURE Luke 15:11–20; Ezekiel 20:36–40 In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus reveals the kind of Father God is. The younger son demands from his father his share of the inheritance, to live a life of his own, with no intention of returning home (Lk 15:11–13). Having squandered away all he has through loose living, the son comes to his senses, and decides to return to his father (v 14–19). “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him” (v 20). Did it just so happen that as the father came out of his house on that particular day, he saw his son returning home? Or, was this one out of the many days since his son had left, that he waited with hope for his son’s return? We can certainly assume theologically that the latter is the case. This is how God our Father waits for us when we have strayed from Him. Our Father waits for us with compassion and love, all ready to run to us, embrace us and kiss us (v 20).
OBSERVATION How is God waiting for His unfaithful people to return to Him as portrayed in Ezekiel 20:36–40?
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APPLICATION How does knowing that God waits for me affect my relationship with Him?
PRAYER Father, there are times for reasons that You alone know, that You let Your people leave You and go their own ways. Certainly, it pains Your fatherly heart. Yet Your love goes with them; and You wait for them to return to You. Forgive me for straying from You in my heart. I find it hard to recognise that You’ve been waiting for me. But I need You to restore me to Your embrace. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self:
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er 1 1 Octob y Frida
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2013
Meeting God– Be Ready
SCRIPTURE Exodus 19:10–15; Amos 5:21–24 In Exodus 19–20, God is making His covenant with Israel as a nation. Our Covenant relationship with God consists of the coming of God—“the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai” (Ex 19:11), the presence of God (v 16–19), and the meeting with God—“to meet God” (v 17). The first thing we must do in waiting for God’s coming, entering His presence, and meeting His very person is to “be ready” (v 11, 15). We meet God in worship and prayer. “Be ready” is an act of the heart. Be ready with a cleansed heart—“let them wash their garments” (v 10, 14). Be ready with a consecrated heart—“consecrate them” (v 10, 14). God required Israel to take two days to be ready (v 10, 11, 15). There is a tale told of a disciple who asked his rabbi, “Tell me, Rabbi. What do you do before you pray?” The rabbi replied, “I pray that when I pray, it should be with all my heart.” Is preparing your heart to meet God in worship and prayer a regular practice you adopt?
OBSERVATION What does Amos 5:21–24 show us about God in regards to meeting Him in worship?
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APPLICATION How can I make preparing my heart to meet God in worship or prayer a regular practice?
PRAYER God, I pause slowly and ponder silently. What kind of God are You? You are the high and exalted One who lives forever, whose name is holy, who dwells in a high and holy place.13 What kind of heart do I have? It’s a heart that is almost always unprepared to meet God, and fails to be ready to meet God! Change my heart, O God! Change my heart! Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 13 Isaiah 57:15
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er 12, Octob day Satur
2013
Meeting God– Set Bounds
SCRIPTURE Exodus 19:12–13, 21–24; Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 The awesome holy God, “a consuming fire” (Heb 12:29), demands that Israel “set bounds” in meeting Him at the foot of the mountain (v 12, 23). Under the new covenant, we are not subject to the divine requirement of setting bounds when we approach God. In a sense, we can now approach God freely, quickly, and easily. But it is needful and helpful for us to constantly remember the God who once demanded that we set bounds so as to guard us against the danger of familiarity breeding contempt. Who God is has never changed; what has changed radically is our access to God. This must always be in our dominant consciousness when we approach God: It is only in and through Jesus Christ, on the basis of the cross, that we have access to God (Eph 2:18; 3:12). The wisdom of Qoheleth is still relevant today—“Guard your steps as you go to the house of God” (Ecc 5:1)—and with “reverence and awe” “offer up Spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (Heb 12:28; 1 Pe 2:5).
OBSERVATION What can you learn from Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 about approaching God?
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APPLICATION How can I guard myself from worshipping God with “the sacrifice of fools� (Ecc 5:1)?
PRAYER Holy Father, teach me each time I approach You in communion or worship, to consciously do so in and through the Lord Jesus Christ. For it is only in Him and through Him that I can draw near to You with freedom and confidence. For such consciousness keeps me and delivers me from taking You for granted. Please remind me for I forget so easily. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self:
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er 13, Octob y Sunda
2013
1. Review — 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?
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2. REFLECT — 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
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er 14, Octobay Mond
2013
How God Relates with Us (1)
SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:1–17; 2 Corinthians 5:15 When God gives to Israel His stipulations in His covenant with them—“the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments” (Ex 34:28), He does not begin with His commandments; not even the most vital—“You shall have no other gods before Me” (20:3). God begins with “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (v 2). Then, it is followed by the Ten Commandments (v 3–17). When God relates to us, He does not begin with our behaviour. If God begins with His commandments, our relationship with God will become a legalistic one, characterised by dos and don’ts. God begins with the basis—the basis for the behaviour. It is on the basis of Ex 20:2 that God requires the behaviour of Ex 20:3–17. The basis provides the motivation and impetus for the behaviour. It stirs up delight in and devotion to God—to not just “keep My commandments,” but to “love Me and keep My commandments” (v 6).
OBSERVATION How does 2 Corinthians 5:15 show the “basis, then behaviour” theological paradigm for God’s relationship with us?
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APPLICATION Is my relationship with Christ characterised by what Paul teaches in 2 Corinthians 5:15? What changes do I need to make in my walk with the Lord?
PRAYER O Lord, You are my God. Let all that I am praise the Lord. With my whole heart, I will praise Your holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord. May I never forget the good things You do for me. You forgive all my sins, and heal all my diseases. You redeem me from death and crown me with love and tender mercies. You fill my life with good things.14 Amen Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 14 Psalm 103:1-5 (NLT)
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er 15, Octob ay Tuesd
2013
How God Relates with Us (2)
SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:1–17; Philippians 2:1–11 Exodus 20:1–17 is the “basis, then behaviour” theological paradigm of how God relates to us. It is a portrait of total spirituality. The basis consists of three components. Firstly, revelation of God: Who God is—“I am the LORD.” Secondly, relationship with God: What God is to us—“I am the LORD your God.” Thirdly, redemption of God: What God has done for us—“who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” All three components are about divine activity and accomplishment. Our part as human beings is simply to respond and receive. We are to grow in theological and experiential knowledge, understanding, thinking, and conviction concerning God in these three components. The call here is: know the Lord. The behaviour is the requirement of God: What God wants from us - the Ten Commandments (vv 3-17). The call here is: keep the Word. True spirituality is knowing the Lord and keeping the Word (1 John 2:3).
OBSERVATION How does Philippians 2:1–11 show the “basis, then behaviour” theological paradigm for God’s relationship with us?
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APPLICATION Is my relationship with Christ characterised by what Paul teaches in Philippians 2:1–11? What changes do I need to make in my walk with the Lord?
PRAYER Lord, I am no longer my own, but Yours; for You have bought me with a price— Your precious blood.15 Put me to what You will, rank me with whom You will. Put me to doing, put me to enduring; let me be employed for You, or laid aside for You; exalted for You or brought low for You. Let me be full, let me be empty; let me have all things, let me have nothing.16 Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 15 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 16 Adapted from a prayer of John Wesley
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er 16, Octob sday Wedne
2013
A Man after God’s Heart
SCRIPTURE Psalm 15 Psalm 15 is a wisdom psalm, which presents another perspective of the Ten Commandments. Derek Kidner entitled the psalm, “A Man after God’s Heart.”17 The psalm begins with a question concerning intimacy with God—Who qualifies to dwell in God’s holy presence (v 1—parallel “to meet God” in Ex 19:17)? The question is of utmost importance in the psalmist’s mind. It is the most important question in his life. Is this also true of me? Do I consider nothing in life greater than intimacy with God? Another psalmist views it as the “one thing” he seeks in life (Ps 27:4). Integrity before God is the response to the question of who qualifies to dwell in His presence (v 2–5a)—the description here reflects certain aspects of the Ten Commandments. Intimacy with God and integrity before God are assured with the promise of impregnability in God—“He who does these things will not be shaken” (v 5b), and “will stand firm forever” (NLT). These are lessons we truly learn only when the rain, floods, and winds of life come hard against us (Mt 7:24–27).
OBSERVATION How does the psalmist of Psalm 15 describe integrity before God (v 2–5a)?
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APPLICATION Which is relevant to me now—intimacy with God, integrity before God, or impregnability in God? Why is this so?
PRAYER Lord Jesus, give me Your grace that I may be broken in spirit and mourn in contriteness, be humble and gentle, hunger and thirst for righteousness, be merciful and compassionate, be pure in heart that I may see God, be at peace with people and a peacemaker with God’s peace, be willing to suffer for the sake of righteousness and for Your sake. Amen.18 Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 17 Derek Kidner, Psalms 1–72, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1973), 81 18 Matthew 5:3-11
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er 17, Octobsday Thur
2013
Undivided Allegiance
SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:3; Hosea 2:5–13 “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Ex 20:3). No other ancient law code has been found that prohibits worship of other gods.19 This commandment shapes the monotheistic faith of Israel and the Church of Jesus Christ. It is the greatest commandment in that it “gives the motivating power for all the rest. The rest of the commandments mean little or nothing unless commitment to God gives an impelling desire to obey Him.”20 It is a call for “undivided allegiance, total commitment”21 to God. God demands the highest place in our life and He wants no competition. Let not our monotheistic faith make us think that few of us will break this commandment. Martin Luther says, “Whatever thy heart clings to and relies upon, that is properly thy God.” Security, position, power, social prestige, love of family, profession and career—it is not uncommon for any of these to replace God as our first commitment.22
OBSERVATION Hosea 2:5–13 is about how Israel breaks the first commandment, and how God looks at it and deals with it. How can God’s people in the world of today become like Israel in Hosea 2:5–13?
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APPLICATION How can I keep myself from breaking the first commandment?
PRAYER Almighty God, You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in You. Grant us purity of heart and strength of purpose, that no selfish passion may hinder us from knowing Your will, and no weakness hinder us from doing it; but that in Your light we may see light, and in Your service find our perfect freedom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (St Augustine of Hippo) Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 19 Maxie D. Dunnam, Exodus, The Preacher’s Commentary (Nelson, 1987), 236 20 Maxie D. Dunnam, 237 21 Maxie D. Dunnam, 236 22 Maxie D. Dunnam, 237
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er 18 Octob y Frida
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2013
Right Theology
SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:4–6; Romans 1:18–32 “You shall not make for yourself an idol” is a prohibition of making images of other deities as well as of the true God, the creator, ruler and possessor of the universe. Making an idol is is essentially a result of humans forming their own ideas of God (theology). The source of true ideas of God (right theology) must be God Himself; and God is He who reveals Himself in Scripture. Peter Craigie wisely warns, “We are not to make images of God, and there is no simpler way of making an image than constructing a set of theological propositions.”23 As God’s people, anything that we think, say, and do with God in the picture – at home, in workplace, in society, in church – are our representation of God. Do we consciously represent God rightly? We need to ask ourselves, and outsiders may ask, “Is this God?” “Is God like this?” “Is this from God?” A more serious issue in making idols is that If God is simply what we think He is or should be, then who really is God?
OBSERVATION What does Paul teach about idolatry in Romans 1:18–32?
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APPLICATION How can I consciously represent God rightly in what I think, what I say, and what I do?
PRAYER Infinite and eternal God, grant me not only a heart that seeks to know You, but also a mind that seeks to know You rightly, as You have revealed Yourself in Scripture and in the Saviour. I dare not claim to know You so rightly that I have no wrong ideas of who You are. Keep me, correct me, deliver me from having wrong thoughts and saying wrong things about You. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 23 Peter C. Craigie, Ezekiel, The Daily Study Bible Series (WJK, 1983), 12
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er 19, Octob day Satur
2013
Using God
SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:7; Colossians 3:17 For the Hebrew, “the name has to do with the very being, the essence of the one whom it identifies. To know the name is to know the identity and nature of the one named.”24 God’s name is God’s very person. God commands us not to take His name in vain. “In vain” means “empty, groundless, without basis, frivolous, insincere, unjustified use, profanity.”25 We may “invoke the name of God to support selfish interpretation” of our deeds or “propositions we seek to make.”26 We may use words like, “It is God’s will,” “God has spoken to me”, which are hard to dispute. When we use God’s name in this way, we are essentially using God. We may use God’s name “to fortify a lie,”27 when “we say we believe in God, and that we accept the ideals of His kingdom, but don’t take Him seriously. This is a form of atheism. We may become atheists in practice, though Christians by profession.”28
OBSERVATION What is the opposite of taking God’s name in vain according to Colossians 3:17?
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APPLICATION How can I be careful not to take God’s name in vain?
PRAYER How majestic and holy is Your name, O God! Keep me and deliver me from taking Your name lightly, and using Your name loosely. Help me to be slow and careful, to think well before I utter Your name, that I may utter it purposefully, meaningfully and worshipfully. Build in my consciousness that when I utter Your name, I stand on holy ground. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 24 Maxie D. Dunnam, 241 25 Maxie D. Dunnam, 241 26 Maxie D. Dunnam, 241 27 Maxie D. Dunnam, 241 28 Maxie D. Dunnam, 241–42
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er 20, Octob y Sunda
2013
1. Review — 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?
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2. REFLECT — 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
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er 21, Octobay Mond
2013
Theocentric Rest
SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:8–11; Mark 2:23–28 The theological starting point of the Sabbath is the divine rest (Ex 20:11b). The Sabbath is God’s Sabbath (v 10a). God blesses that day as a holy day of the holy God (v 11). The Sabbath is highly theocentric. We are to rest like God; in the same vein, its corollary is that we are to work like God, following His principles and pattern, not His power (we can’t), in His creation work (Ge 1:1–2:3). What did God do on the first day of creation? He switched on the light, that’s all; and called it a day (Ge 1:3–5). Biblical rest is bi-focal: personal rest and other people’s rest (“your male or female servant,” v 10). The latter is for people with employees or subordinates. God even commands that your “cattle rest”. How much more for human beings! We need to guard against three pitfalls. Personally, I don’t rest. I don’t rest; so others should not rest. I rest; but I do not let others rest. When we are guilty of the last two pitfalls, we fail to be concerned for human beings created in God’s image.
OBSERVATION What does Jesus teach about the Sabbath in Mark 2:23–28?
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APPLICATION How am I doing in keeping the Sabbath for myself, my employee(s) and subordinate(s)?
PRAYER Merciful, gracious, and holy God, help me to keep a good Sabbath this week: getting out of the way to realise Your way, stopping the frenzy of my activity so that I can see and appreciate Your great work, quiet long enough to hear Your still, small voice. Amen.29 (Eugene H. Peterson) Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 29 Eugene H. Peterson, Praying with Moses: A Year of Daily Prayers and Reflections on the Words and Actions of Moses (Harper San Francisco, 1994), August 24 entry
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er 22, Octob ay Tuesd
2013
Fortified Family
SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 23:22–25 The first four commandments deal with man’s relationship with God; the other six with human relationships. The first of the latter deals with relationships within the family (Ex 20:12). Two sets of relationship, intimately intertwined together, form a family—husband and wife, who are parents of children. “Unless people learn to live together in the family, they are not likely to learn to get along with anybody anywhere.”30 One primary reason Judaism has survived the Holocaust and thousands of years of anti-Semitism is that the Jewish family has a sense of identity and order that gives them roots and strength, perspective and discipline. At the heart of the family structure is reverence for parents, a high regard, respect, and esteem for the older members of the family. The elderly are honoured and cared for.31 In a family, relating with parents, as husband and wife, and as parents to children, in God–honouring ways fortifies the family.
OBSERVATION What can you learn about you relating to your parents, and to your children as parents in Proverbs 23:22–25?
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APPLICATION What area(s) do I need to work on in relating to my parents and/or to my children as a parent?
PRAYER Father in heaven, as I receive the life and love that You give me, help me to practise this life and love with my parents.32 Help me to remember the debt of love and gratitude, of obedience and respect, which I owe to my parents.33 Help me to honour, love, care for, and serve my parents, such that I will be a model for my children. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 30 Maxie D. Dunnam, 244 31 Maxie D. Dunnam, 244 32 Eugene H. Peterson, August 25 entry 33 William Barclay, A Barclay Prayer Book (SCM Press, 1990, 2003), 330
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er 23, Octob sday Wedne
2013
Be Human
SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:13; Ephesians 4:19 “You shall not kill” (Ex 20:13) is “not a prohibition against all killing, only unauthorised killing.”34 The foundation of this commandment is, humankind is created in the image of God (cf. Ge 9:5–7). A human being is of infinite value to the Creator. In God’s sight, we kill a fellow human being by failing to treat another human being as a human being. In so doing, we fail to be human. Do not use people, treating them as tools to get the job done. Ensure that what we say or do to people will not hurt, pain, or tear them down; unless it is truth that inevitably hurts. Be careful of thinking that if people are hurt, the problem is with them and not us. Words can destroy lives. Speech can be more deadly than a sword. Be sensitive to each other’s humanness; for “the Word was God” and “the Word became human and made His home among us” (John 1:1, 14, NLT). Even after His ascension to exaltation, Jesus is still “I am Jesus the Nazarene” (Acts 22:8).
OBSERVATION More often than not, we kill others by our words (cf. Mt 5:21–22). What should characterise our speech according to Eph 4:19?
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APPLICATION What area(s) do I need to pay attention to in regards to treating people as human beings created in God’s image?
PRAYER By Your command, O God, I want to meet each person today, not as an interruption in my plans or an obstruction to my will, but as a never-to-berepeated life, made in Your image, in whom I can meet the very person of Christ (Mt 25:40).35 Keep me and save me from anger, bitterness, and hatred, which would make me wish to hurt or injure any human being. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 34 Maxie D. Dunnam, 246 35 Eugene H. Peterson, August 26 entry
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er 24, Octobsday Thur
2013
One Flesh
SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:14; Romans 15:5–7 The positive side of “You shall not commit adultery” (Ex 20:14) is to be faithful in keeping the one flesh covenant. Adultery is breaking the one flesh covenant. When the Pharisees ask Jesus if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason, He points them back to the creation order of marriage, underscoring the one flesh covenant (Mt 19:3–6). The one flesh in marriage is an act of God, albeit through consummation at a human level—“God has joined–together” (v 6). Marriage is spelled “WE.” In marriage, overarching “I” and “you” is “WE;” “I” and “you” are both subsumed under and converged into “WE.” That’s the essence of one flesh. The one flesh “WE” covenant commitment can be so strong, that no conflict or differences cannot be resolved regardless of the amount of time or effort that needs to be put in. Hence, what is most important and significant in a wedding is the marriage vow. A grand wedding lasts only a day while the lifelong journey of marriage hangs upon the marriage vow.
OBSERVATION What does Romans 15:5–7 teach concerning Christian oneness, which is also applicable to oneness in marriage?
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APPLICATION How much of my marriage is characterised by “WE,” rather than “I-You”? How can I, together with my spouse, build or strengthen the “WE” spirit in our marriage?
PRAYER Holy God, keep us in purity of thought, and word, and action; that we may keep our bodies, and our minds, and our hearts clean and chaste. I pray for our marriage that You will give us the grace of a long and faithful love, growing and keeping an undivided attention and uninterrupted commitment to each other in the Lord of love. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self:
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er 25 Octob y Frida
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2013
Marriage and Mission
SCRIPTURE Genesis 24:1–9; 18:17–21 Abraham sends his most senior servant to “take a wife for my son Isaac” (Ge 24:4). He instructs his servant “not to take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites” (v 3), but one “from my homeland [Mesopotamia]” (v 4). Then, the servant asks, “What if the woman is unwilling to come back with me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to your homeland?” (v 5). Abraham’s reply is clear and emphatic. He repeats it twice—“Beware that you do not take my son back there” (v 6, 8). The point Abraham is making is—the mate must not be from Canaan, but the marriage must be in Canaan. His reason? God’s covenant promise to him, “To your descendants I will give this land [Canaan]” (v 7) for the purpose that “in your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed” (Ge 22:18). Marriage is for a mission from God; and the mission determines the mate.
OBSERVATION What does God intend for Abraham to do, and why, in Genesis 18:17–21?
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APPLICATION What is God’s mission for my marriage?
PRAYER Father, thank You for the gift of marriage and family. Strengthen our marriage in the Lord that we may build a strong family, filled with Your presence of love and light, and Your redemptive grace and mercy through which we forgive each other’s faults and failures; that we may be an encouragement to others and a witness for You. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self:
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er 26, Octob day Satur
2013
Subtle Stealing
SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28 “You shall not steal” (Ex 20:15). Theft is taking or keeping what is not ours;36 it is also denying and not giving to others what is due them. In a word, Scripture respects private property and demands integrity over the whole range of personal, economic and commercial relationships.37 There are “the more subtle ways” in breaking the commandment than the more obvious ways.38 We do not give our employers a full day for the pay we receive. We steal the good name of another with malicious gossip. We steal from another the word that might preserve reputation and/or undergird character by remaining silent. We fail to give to others the support, praise, and credit due to them.39 We take for ourselves the credit that belongs to others. Withholding tithes and offerings to God is a form of stealing. It is a matter of robbing God (Mal 3:8–10).
OBSERVATION What does Ephesians 4:28 say about stealing?
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APPLICATION How can I keep myself from stealing in subtle ways?
PRAYER Creator of all things, the visible and tangible world is not stuff that we can plunder at will to gratify our fleshly appetites.40 Keep me from taking that which I have no right to take, and make me so honest that I will never stoop to dishonesty, however slight.41 Help me to respect persons and things for when I steal, I steal things from people. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 36 Maxie D. Dunnam, 248 37 Alec Motyer, The Message of Exodus, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 2005), 229 38 Maxie D. Dunnam, 248 39 Maxie D. Dunnam, 248 40 Adapted from Eugene H. Peterson, August 28 reading 41 Adapted from William Barclay, 331
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er 27, Octob y Sunda
2013
1. Review — 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?
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2. REFLECT — 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
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, er 28 Octobay Mond
2013
Untruthfulness Snares
SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:16; Romans 12:3 The commandment in Ex 20:16 “originated in the setting of the court where witnesses were under oath to tell the truth.”42 It’s “broad application” is “a prohibition against untruthfulness of any kind.”43 “Indeed, lying in some shape or form (including ‘white lies,’ which are rarely as white as we make out) is so universal an activity as to constitute compelling proof of our fallenness”44 We can be saying untrue things against others, with a malicious intent. We can be saying untrue things about others; the cause of which may be wrong perception, presumptuousness, taking secondhand information as it is without clarifying and confirming, jumping to conclusions without having a total picture of things. We can be saying untrue things about ourselves out of pride to impress others, for personal gain or out of fear to cover up our shortcomings. “There is no godliness without truthfulness. Lord, have mercy!”45
OBSERVATION What does Romans 12:3 teach about being truthful about ourselves?
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APPLICATION Do I view myself and others more truthfully or more untruthfully? How do I respond to that?
PRAYER God of truth, guard my lips from speaking untrue and unwholesome words that diminish others or misrepresent You. Make all my words an accurate witness of the world that You created and the people You love.46 Help me to speak only what is good for edification, according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.47 Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 42 Maxie D. Dunnam, 249 43 Maxie D. Dunnam, 249 44 J. I. Packer, Keeping the 10 Commandments (Crossway, 2007), 96–97 45 J. I. Packer, 97 46 Adapted from Eugene H. Peterson, August 29 reading 47 Ephesians 4:29
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er 29, Octob ay Tuesd
2013
Lie Lovingly
SCRIPTURE Joshua 2:1–7; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:24–25 Did Rahab sin when she lied to save lives (Jos 2:1–7)? “When one sets out to be truthful, new problems appear. There are people to whom it is clearly not right to tell the whole truth—invalids not yet strong enough to take bad news; enemies in wartime to whom one should not give information, and from whom one may have fugitives to hide, people who use what you tell them to harm others.”48 At times, we have to live in the tension between truth and love; because we live in a fallen world. Do I speak the truth that will result in lives being destroyed and let evil increase; or, do I, out of love, tell a lie to protect lives and prevent one more evil deed from being done? “When love that seeks another’s good prompts us to withhold truth that if spoken, would bring harm; the spirit of the ninth commandment is being observed. In such exceptional cases, all courses of action have something evil in them, and an outright lie may actually be the best way, the least evil, and the truest expression of love to all parties involved.”49 God does not put us in a double bind.
OBSERVATION Rahab lied to the king of Jericho to protect the lives of the two spies (Joshua 2:1–7). How does God view Rahab’s act according to Hebrews 11:31; James 2:24–25?
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APPLICATION What do I think and/or how do I feel about lying out of love?
PRAYER God who is sovereign over good and evil, You are aware and understand moments when we are in situations where we must make the difficult decision to speak the truth, withhold the truth, or be silent. In such times, give us wisdom and strength to do what is acceptable to You. You know our hearts; and You never leave us at a loss. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 48 J. I. Packer, 98 49 J. I. Packer, 98
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er 30, Octob sday Wedne
2013
Covert Covetousness
SCRIPTURE Exodus 20:17; 1 Timothy 6:6–10, 17–19 The last commandment “You shall not covet” “has probably received the least attention of all the commandments;” and “most of us are more guilty of coveting than any other sins condemned in the Ten Commandments.”50 Covetousness is very subtle. “Most of us are guilty of looking at others, comparing ourselves with them, and seeing ourselves come out on the short end. We torture ourselves in this fashion, drive ourselves to depression by self-pity, thinking we deserve more. We look at our peers, see where they are in life, and are plagued with the notion that they enjoyed far more opportunities than we did. When we find ourselves jealous of someone else’s life and dreaming of how happy we would be if we were in someone else’s situation, it is a dead giveaway that we are falling into the subtle, seductive hands of covetousness.”51 Covetousness is difficult to detect, because it is in the heart.
OBSERVATION How does Paul’s teaching in 1 Timothy 6:6–10 and 17–19 help us to fight against covetousness?
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APPLICATION What area(s) in my life I sense are expressions of covetousness? What will I do about it/them?
PRAYER From You and through You and to You are all things, O God!52 I have brought nothing into the world, so I cannot take anything out of it either.53 Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. It is Your sovereign right to give and to take away.54 Help me to be content and celebrate Your distinctive call and grace for me as to what I should be and have. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 50 Maxie D. Dunnam, 249 51 Maxie D. Dunnam, 249 52 Romans 11:36 53 1 Timothy 6:7 54 Job 1:21
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er 31, Octobsday Thur
2013
Checking Covetousness
SCRIPTURE Matthew 19:16–26; 2 Corinthians 9:6–15 A rich young man asks Jesus, “What good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (Mt 19:16). Jesus’ answer is “keep the commandments;” whereupon He lists out the commandments to be kept on a human level, and sums them up in “love your neighbour” (v 17–19). Jesus deliberately leaves out the tenth commandment, “You shall not covet” (cf. Ex 20:17). Just as the list of commandments Jesus gives him is incomplete, the young man feels he is still lacking something, even though he claims he has kept “all” the commandments (v 20). The very commandment that Jesus leaves out points to the very thing the young man feels he still lacks. What is lacking is his willingness to “sell your possessions and give to the poor” and follow Jesus (v 21). What has “You shall not covet” to do with selling one’s possessions to give to the needy? If we are not prepared to give up all we have to follow Jesus, there is covetousness in us. But giving helps us to check and counter the covetousness within us.
OBSERVATION What can you learn about giving in 2 Corinthians 9:6–15?
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APPLICATION How does giving help to check and counter the covetousness in me?
PRAYER Help me to know Your grace, Lord Jesus, that though You were rich, yet for our sake You became poor, so that we through Your poverty might become rich.55 Fill me with this grace of Yours, and teach me to give in the Spirit of Jesus. Help me to remember that all that I have belongs to You and come from You as gifts, and to hold them with open hands before You. Amen. Prayer Pointers Give thanks: Pray for leaders: Pray for significant people: Pray for those in need: Pray for self: 55 2 Corinthians 8:9
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WORSHIP SONGS 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
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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
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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
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Crown Him with many crowns Crown Him with many crowns The Lamb upon His throne Hark how the heavenly anthem drowns All music but it’s own Awake my my soul and sing Of Him who died for me And hail Him as thy matchless King Through all eternity Chorus Majesty, Lord of all Let every throne before Him fall The King of kings, O come adore Our God who reigns forevermore Crown Him Lord of life Who triumphed o’er the grave And rose victorious in the strife For those He came to save His glories now we sing Who died and rose on high Who died eternal life to bring And lives that death may die Bridge All hail Redeemer hail For He has died for me His praise and glory shall not fail Throughout eternity
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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
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God of this city You’re the God of this City You’re the King of these people You’re the Lord of this nation You are You’re the Light in this darkness You’re the Hope to the hopeless You’re the Peace to the restless You are There is no one like our God There is no one like our God Chorus For greater things have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this City Greater thing have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this City
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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 I’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
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God Is Able God is able He will never fail He is Almighty God Greater than all we seek Greater than all we ask He has done great things Chorus Lifted up, He defeated the grave Raised to life, our God is able In His name, He overcome For the Lord our God is able God is with us God is on our side He will make a way Far above all we know Far above all we hope He has done great things Bridge God is with us He will go before us He will never leave us He will never leave us God is for us He has open arms He will never fail us He will never fail us
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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 Sin’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 life’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
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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 85
mighty to save Everyone needs compassion Love that’s never failing Let mercy fall on me Everyone needs forgiveness The kindness of a saviour The hope of nations Chorus Saviour He can move the mountains My God is mighty to save He is mighty to save Forever Author of salvation He rose and conquered the grave Jesus conquered the grave So take me as you find me All my fears and failures Fill my life again I give my life to follow
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Everything I believe in Now I surrender Shine your light and Let the whole world see We’re singing for the glory Of the risen King Jesus, shine your light and Let the whole world see We’re singing for the glory Of the risen King Outro Shine your light and Let the whole world see We’re singing for the glory Of the risen King Jesus, shine your light and Let the whole world see We’re singing for the glory Of the risen King
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 87
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 88
SHOW US THE ANCIENT PATHS Lord we confess that we have wandered Far from Your purpose and plan And willingly walked in the wrong direction We’ve disobeyed Your commands Father forgive us, Spirit come lead us Back to the way, back to the truth Back to the foot of the Cross Chorus Show us the ancient paths Lead us along eternal highways We want to walk in the ways of Jesus We want to enter Your rest Show us the ancient paths Lead us along eternal high ways We want to follow the footsteps of Jesus We want to enter Your rest Lord, it’s Your mercy and good intention that constantly call us to You Your infinite patience and kind correction Your covenant love coming through You are our hope and our salvation You promise joy, You give us grace And courage to carry the cross We want to leave a clear set of footprints For those who will follow behind Signposts in our lives that point to Jesus A pathway they’ll easily find We want to fill up the sufferings of Jesus As we obey our lives display The glorious way of the cross
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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 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 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
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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
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