November Devotional Journal 2017

NOVEMBER D EVOT I O NA L JOU R NA L 2 0 1 7

And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this...

EZRA 9:13 (ESV)

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NOVEMBER D EVOT I O NA L JOU R NA L 2 0 1 7

And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this...

EZRA 9:13 (ESV)

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

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MEMORY FOCUS E Z R A

&

H A G G A I

( E S V )

2017 JA N UA RY In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing...

EZRA 1:1

F E B R UA RY And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

EZRA 3:11

MARCH But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the report should reach Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it.

EZRA 5:5

APRIL And this was their reply to us: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.”

EZRA 5:11

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M AY

Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?

HAGGAI 1:4

JUNE You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.

HAGGAI 1:6

J U LY Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts...

HAGGAI 2:4

AUGUST For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

EZRA 7:10

SEPTEMBER I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.

EZRA 7:28B

OCTOBER The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way.

EZRA 8:31B

N OV E M B E R And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this...

EZRA 9:13

DECEMBER Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.

EZRA 10:4

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FOREWORD

BY SENIOR PASTORS Vision 2028 is spurring Covenant EFC to fulfil her Intentional Disciple Making Church (IDMC) mission within the Church, in our nation and among the nations. local church with a national and global influence.

A people with devotion, depth and destiny.

God has given Acts 20:28 as a spiritual anchor for our journey towards Vision 2028.

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” – Acts 20:28 (ESV) At last year’s Listening Retreat, God continued to urge us to possess the following:

A

A Firm FOUNDATION in God “For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations …”

– Hebrews 11:10a (ESV) Jesus Christ is the firm foundation of Covenant EFC. Laying a firm foundation for a healthy church means seeking, knowing, loving and proclaiming Christ (Phil 3). How are you building your foundation in Christ today? Your daily devotion is the best place to start!

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A Bold FAITH in God’s Faithfulness “And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) A bold faith opposes doubt which slows us, opposes fear which paralyses us and opposes apathy which derails us. Bold faith in God’s faithfulness means our allegiance is unto God. Luke 6:46 says, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I tell you?” There is a holy dissatisfaction with our lukewarmness, fear and apathy. Our bold faith in God will see Him restore our spiritual zeal and do far greater things beyond Vision 2028 (Psa 80).

How can you be bold in your faith in Christ today? How about B.L.E.S.S.-ing those around you who have yet to know Him? A Burning Focus Towards FRUITFULNESS for God “…whose designer and builder is God …” – Hebrews 11:10b (ESV) God is the Designer and has a destiny for us! God is the Builder and has the resources! He showed us a promise in Isaiah 37:30-31, “And this shall be a sign for you: this year you shall eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs from that. Then in the third year sow and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.”Authentic discipleship is about people, not just programmes. Intentional Disciplemaking is about reproducing people of A Certain Kind, not just attending an event.

In the process of making disciples, we must not lose sight of the end result of fruitfulness. Will you pray for God to make you fruitful as you abide in Him daily? Are you ready for the harvest of fruitfulness that He has promised?

This year as we “Return to Our Foundation”, Covenant EFC’s pulpit and Devotional Journal will be mostly based on the books of Ezra and Haggai.

May you have a blessed year of studying, practising and teaching God’s Word (Ezr 7:10)!

In Christ, Rev Tony Yeo and Rev Tan Kay Kiong

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GUIDE TO USING THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

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Prepare your heart in God’s presence ■ Select a fixed time (preferably in the morning before you begin your day) and a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed.

■ Observe a moment of silence as you acknowledge God’s presence. Centre down.

■ Begin with a song of worship. Meditate on the lyrics even if you are unfamiliar with the tune.

(Refer to the list of worship songs provided.)

■ Ask God to open your heart to hear Him. The English Standard Version (ESV) is the default Bible version translation unless otherwise specified.

SOMETHING TO PONDER...

Examining your life is essential in your faith journey. Your redeemed life as a disciple of Christ deserves careful examining. May you take root and bear fruit in Him!

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W H AT ’ S N E W I N 2 0 1 7 ?

Prayer pointers for Pastors and Staff are included every Tuesday. On each Friday, there is a prayer pointer for Lay Leaders (e.g. Board Members, Zone Mentors, CG Leaders, Assistant CG Leaders, and Ministry Leaders), to facilitate your prayer for whoever God brings to your mind at that time.

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Allow God to S.O.A.P. you with His Word and Spirit ■ Scripture – Take your time to meditate on the Scripture passage for the day. Pause and mull over words and phrases that stand out to you.

■ Observation – Jot down significant insights and reflections from the passage you have read. You may use the guiding questions provided. The “Deeper Reflection” section is to aid your contemplation of the Scripture. It is not to replace your own observation, for the Holy Spirit illuminates the Scripture to you as you seek Him earnestly.

■ Application – Note down a specific and practical commitment to God’s Word for you. Is there a command to obey, a sin to avoid, an example to follow, or a principle to live out? Where appropriate, share your devotional entry with someone.

■ Prayer – Bring your heartfelt response to God in prayer.

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WORSHIP SONGS N O V E M B E R – D E C E M B E R

HOW GREAT THOU ART Verse 1 O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the works Thy hand hath made I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder Thy pow’r throughout the universe displayed Chorus Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee How great Thou art! How great Thou art!

Verse 2 When through the woods, and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze Verse 3 And when I think, that God His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing He bled and died to take away my sin Verse 4 When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart Then shall I bow, in humble adoration And there proclaim, “My God how great Thou art!”

Stuart Wesley Keene Hine © 1949 and 1953 Stuart K. Hine Trust - Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch) CCLI Song # 14181

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

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HEAR OUR PRAISES Verse 1 May our homes be filled with dancing May our streets be filled with joy May injustice bow to Jesus As the people turn and pray Chorus From the mountains to the valleys Hear our praises rise to You From the heavens to the nations Hear our singing fill the air Verse 2 May our light shine in the darkness As we walk before the cross May Your glory fill the whole earth As the water o’er the seas Bridge Hallelujah, hallelujah Hallelujah, hallelujah Ending From the mountains to the valleys Hear our praises rise to You Reuben Morgan Š 1998 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 2543402

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COME AND SING PRAISES Verse Ascribe to the Lord, O mighty ones Ascribe to the Lord, glory and strength Ascribe to the Lord, the glory due His name Worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness Chorus Come and sing praises to the Rock of all ages Come and sing praises to Jesus my Lord Come and adore Him, bow down before Him Come and sing praises to Jesus our Lord Greg Massanari | Morris Chapman © 1982 CCCM Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Word Music, LLC (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 38277 CCLI Licence No. 324618

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EVERYTHING THAT HAS BREATH Verse 1 Praise Him in the sanctuary Praise Him in the mighty heavens Praise Him, all the earth praise Him Verse 2 Praise Him in His awesome power Praise His great and holy name Praise Him, the whole world praise Him Pre-Chorus From the rising of the sun Let His praise be heard From the east to the west And the north to south Chorus Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord forever Let everything in my soul Praise the Lord!

Bridge Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

Reuben Morgan Š 2000 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Number # 3220205

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HOW GREAT YOU ARE Verse You are deserving Of all the praises Lord My heart is yearning to be In Your presence once more Deep inside my heart is burning I want to give You more For You’re the only one That I adore Chorus How great You are How great You are You are the mighty King And You’ve come to reign in me How great You are How great You are I give You all the praises of my heart Shannon Wexelberg © 1993 Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)); Christ For The Nations Music (Admin. by Maranatha! Music (Capitol CMG)) CCLI Song # 1185909

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HEART OF A SERVANT Verse 1 Standing in awe of your grace Setting my feet in your ways Entering into your presence To behold you face to face Verse 2 God of all heaven and earth Holding me in your embrace Unfailing love that surrounds me Oh...God I stand amazed Chorus My Jesus, my lord You’re the love of my life Wherever you go Wanna be by your side No longer I But Christ living in me Serving you for all eternity My eyes set on you In this race that I run No longer my ways Let your will be done Make me a servant My heart’s ever true Clinging to the cross I’ll follow you I’ll follow you City Harvest Church

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THE SERVANT KING Verse 1 From heav’n You came, helpless babe Entered our world, Your glory veiled Not to be served but to serve And give Your life that we might live Chorus This is our God the Servant King He calls us now to follow Him To bring our lives as a daily offering Of worship to the Servant King Verse 2 There in the garden of tears My heavy load He chose to bear His heart with sorrow was torn “Yet not my will but Yours,” He said Verse 3 Come see His hands and His feet The scars that speak of sacrifice Hands that flung stars into space To cruel nails surrendered Verse 4 So let us learn how to serve And in our lives enthrone Him Each other’s needs to prefer For it is Christ we’re serving Graham Kendrick © 1983 Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 78897 CCLI Licence # 324618

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PSALM 23 Verse 1 The Lord’s my Shepherd I’ll not want He makes me lie in pastures green He leads me by the still still waters His goodness restores my soul Chorus And I will trust in You alone And I will trust in You alone For Your endless mercy follows me Your goodness will lead me home Descant I will trust I will trust in You I will trust I will trust in You Endless mercy follows me Goodness will lead me home Verse 2 He guides my ways in righteousness And He anoints my head with oil And my cup it overflows with joy I feast on His pure delights Verse 3 And though I walk the darkest path I will not fear the evil one For You are with me And Your rod and staff Are the comfort I need to know Stuart Townend © 1996 Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 1585970 CCLI License # 324618

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EVERLASTING GOD Verse 1 Strength will rise As we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord Strength will rise As we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord Pre-Chorus Our God, You reign forever Our Hope, our strong delive’rer Chorus You are the everlasting God The everlasting God You do not faint You won’t grow weary You’re the defender of the weak You comfort those in need You lift us up on wings like eagles Brenton Brown | Ken Riley © 2005 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 4556538

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THE CHURCH BEYOND P R AY F O R V I E T N A M “For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.”

– ISAIAH 61:11 (ESV)

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing economies. Nevertheless, believers in this country still face considerable persecution. Pastors and leaders have been imprisoned, meetings disrupted by the police and believers forced to renounce their faith, especially among certain minorities and unregistered churches.

Praise God: ■ That rapid growth is seen among evangelical Christians. In 1975 there were 150,000 Christians; today there are more than 1.5 million. Growth is particularly significant among some ethnic minorities.

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Pray: ■ For the believers to stand strong in their faith amid persecution.

■ For the seed of the Gospel to be sown among the Vietnamese, as there are greater opportunities for them to interact with new ideas due to their country’s development.

■ For more leaders to be trained, as current leaders are ageing and the Church needs a new generation of leaders with depth.

■ For Scriptures to be translated to minority languages, and for more theological, commentary and children’s materials to be written and translated.

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WEDNESDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 2017

Marrying Unbelievers: How God Sees Scripture

Ezra 9:1-4; Nehemiah 13:23-29; Malachi 2:10-12

Observation How does God view His people marrying those who are not His people (Ezr 9:1-4; Neh 13:23-29; Mal 2:10-12)?

Deeper Reflection

he Bible verse that is most commonly used against believers marrying unbelievers is 2 Corinthians 6:14: “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.” This biblical text does not specifically talk about marrying unbelievers, but the principle is applicable to such situation. You may not see or acknowledge it, but the Word of God views marrying an unbeliever as akin to forming an alliance between righteousness and wickedness, light and darkness, Christ and the devil and the temple of God and idols (2 Cor 6:14b-16), all of which are impossible. The reality is you are changing sides and crossing over to the other side. You may not see or feel it externally, but it is happening internally within your heart. Make no mistake about it. God speaks against marrying unbelievers in the strongest terms. In the Old Testament, God views them as “abominations” and “detestable practices” (v.1), “unfaithfulness” to God (vv.2, 4), “great evil by acting unfaithfully against our God” and spiritual defilement (Neh 13:27-29) that “desecrated the sanctuary the Lord loves” (Mal 2:11-12). It is not just a matter of a relationship. Fundamentally, it is God Himself that you are dealing with, whether you like it or not. God cannot and will not be out of the picture.

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Application How will I respond to what God says in Scripture about believers who want to marry unbelievers?

Prayer God, You understand, as our Creator, the emotional difficulty Your children face when they have a liking for an unbeliever. The liking is not wrong but natural, as You have created us as male and female. But we pray that they seek to follow Your Word and please You in the area of marriage. Give them Your strength and grace to overcome the attraction and emotion. Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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THURSDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2017

Marrying Unbelievers: How We Feel Scripture Ezra 9:1-5

Observation How did Ezra show how he felt about the people of God marrying those who were not His people (vv.1-5)?

Deeper Reflection

hen Ezra heard about the mixed marriages among God’s people (vv.1-2), his immediate and instinctive reaction was to tear his garments and pull the hair on his head and beard (v.3) to express his “extreme grief ”1. And he “sat down appalled” (vv.3-4), lamenting in shock silence.2 His lamentation was intensified further as “foremost in this unfaithfulness” were the people who were least expected to do this – the priests, the Levites and the leaders (vv.1-2). Here’s a sobering note: church leaders are capable of committing greater unfaithfulness (of any kind) than their followers. Identification: Ezra did not confront the offenders. What he was doing was identifying with the community of God’s people in their sinfulness, and later confessing the communal guilt.3 It was not simply that certain individuals had sinned against God, but that “the community has sinned in being the kind of community where such actions could occur and be tolerated”4. Powerlessness: “I fell on my knees and stretched out my hands” to God (v.5). A posture of powerlessness before God. No one is able to fix the problem of the heart. Only God alone can touch and turn hearts around. We pray because we are powerless.

W

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Application What changes do I need to make concerning how I feel about believers who want to marry unbelievers?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

1

David J. Clines, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, The New Century Bible Commentary (Eerdmans, Marshall Morgan & Scott, 1984), 121 David J. Clines, 121 3 David J. Clines, 120 4 David J. Clines, 120 2

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FRIDAY, 3 NOVEMBER 2017

What Is a Christian Marriage?

Scripture

Ephesians 5:22-33

Observation What makes a Christian marriage distinctively Christian in verses 22 to 33, and how does Paul show it?

Deeper Reflection

ears ago, I visited a campus cell group as a pastor. The group was discussing the topic of boy-girl relationships. An unbeliever who was at the meeting asked, “Why is it that a Christian cannot marry a non-Christian?” I answered her question by explaining what a Christian marriage is. A Christian marriage is more than just a relationship between a man and a woman as husband and wife; it involves a third person, Jesus Christ. The most important person in a Christian marriage is Christ, not the husband or the wife.

It is Christ who makes the difference in the marriage, and gives it its distinctiveness. Everything that Paul talks about marriage in verses 22 to 33 has Christ as the reference point. Christ is referred to in 10 of the 12 verses (vv.22-27, 29-32). It is when Christ is Lord of the personal lives of the couple, and at the foundation and centre of their marriage, that they can build a strong and stable marriage. A marriage is Christian not because it is a Christian marrying a Christian, but rather Christ is pre-eminent in the marriage. When a Christian chooses a life partner, Christ must be the deciding factor. A Christian can marry “whom she (or he) wishes”, but “only in the Lord” (1 Cor 7:39).

Y

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Application How can I discern God’s distinctive ways in my life, in Him working in my life and me following Him?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

That Christ will always be the Lord of their marriages

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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SATURDAY, 4 NOVEMBER 2017

The Danger Is Always There Scripture

Ezra 9:1-2; Nehemiah 13:23-29; Malachi 2:10-12

Observation What is the significance of the mixed marriages that occurred during the times of Ezra, Nehemiah and Malachi (vv.1-2; Neh 13:23-29; Mal 2:10-12)?

Deeper Reflection

srael had a long history of the problem of mixed marriages. At Mount Sinai, God warned Israel against intermarriage with the Canaanites (Exo 34:11-16). When Israel was poised to enter Canaan, God commanded them: “You shall not intermarry with them” (Deut 7:1-4). Then Israel entered Canaan, but not all the nations were dispossessed. Before Joshua died, he warned Israel against intermarrying with the Canaanites that remained (Josh 23:12-13). In the days of Judges, Israel did what Joshua had warned against, and “worshipped their gods” (Judg 3:5-6). Violating God’s command, Solomon had many “foreign wives” who “turned his heart away after their gods” (1 Kin 11:1-8), resulting in a divided kingdom (1 Kin 11:9-13). After Israel’s return from exile, there were mixed marriages in the days of Ezra (vv.1-2), Nehemiah (Neh 13:23-29) and Malachi (Mal 2:10-12). Israel was “the holy race” – literally, “the holy seed5”, that had “intermingled with the peoples of the lands” (v.2). We must look at this whole spiritual history in the light of the “enmity” between “the seed6 of the serpent” and “the seed7 of the woman” (Gen 3:15), which are “the descendants8” of Abraham (Gen 12:7) – Israel and the Church (Gal 3:7-9), and understand why the spiritual danger of mixed marriage is always there.

I

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Application How do I respond to the ever-present spiritual danger of mixed marriage among God’s people as warned against by Scripture?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

5

zera in Hebrew zera zera 8 zera 6 7

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SUNDAY, 5 NOVEMBER 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

Review What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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Reflect What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 1 • NOVEMBER 2017

WHY SHOULD I RESPECT OTHERS? We respect others to show them that they are important in God’s eyes.

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:17; Philippians 2:3-4

ACTIVITY BITE

Play some of your favourite worship songs, and clap to the rhythm of the drums as you sing along. Next, clap randomly without following the rhythm and see if you can still sing properly.

CHAT TIME

Q1: How do you feel when you don’t follow the rhythm of the songs?

Q2: Why do singers and musicians need to respect the drummer’s pace. What will happen if they don’t?

Q3: In Philippians 2:3-4, what does it mean to show respect to others?

LEARNING POINT

The drummer in a musical band plays a very important role. He sets the pace for the whole team. If he beats the drums faster, the singers and musicians will sing or play the musical instruments at a faster pace. Likewise, if the drummer sets a slower pace, the band members need to follow it and show respect for the drummer. But of course, every band member needs to respect one another too, so that they can play their songs beautifully in harmony. Respect is showing others that they are important in what they say or do. Lying to someone or disobeying your parents is not showing respect. Just as God treats everyone equally in terms of importance, we should also do the same to everyone around us.

ACTION POINT

Name three persons whom you wish to show respect to. List down some things you can do as a sign of respect for them, such as saying words of encouragement or doing some kind acts. Plan to do them within the week.

PRAYER POWER

Pray that your church members will help one another or say kind words all the time. Pray also that the children will learn to respect their elders always.

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MONDAY, 6 NOVEMBER 2017

Self-Deception in Worship Scripture Isaiah 58:1-5

Observation What religious rituals did the Israelites perform in the hope of gaining a favourable response from God?

Deeper Reflection

n the surface, it all looked so good. Picture this: The people sought God … daily. They eagerly attended religious meetings to know God’s Word. They memorised chunks of Scripture … and recited them perfectly every time. They earnestly prayed to know God’s will. They raised their hands in praise. They raised their voices in prayer.

They cried: “God, You are great! You are awesome! We love You!” and “God, do justice for us! Draw near to us! We seek Your presence!” But in the first three verses God brought a piercing accusation against His people. He tells the prophet Isaiah to cry loudly and declare to the house of Jacob their sins. Verse 2 states: “Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God.” (emphasis added) In other words, the people of Israel worshipped as if they were a righteous and obedient nation. They persuaded themselves that they really wanted to follow God and His ways, when in fact they did not. It was selfdeception. God saw through their hypocrisy of empty religious rituals, including fasting. God desires from His people – whether under the Old Covenant or the New Covenant – more than an outward life of religious piety; He desires for us to live an inward life of true righteousness.

O

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Application In what way is there self-deception in my worship of God, and what must I do about it?

Those in need Se l

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Leaders

My Lord God, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise. You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and Givi my lying down. You are familiar ng t han ks with all my ways. Please teach me Your ways, so I may know You and please You in all I do. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Significant people

Prayer

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TUESDAY, 7 NOVEMBER 2017

Fasting That Fails Scripture Isaiah 58:1-5

Observation What was wrong with the Israelites’ fasting?

Deeper Reflection

e saw that the Israelites fasted to win God’s favourable response.

But why was their fasting unacceptable to God? What was wrong with it? Their fasting left the sins in their lives untouched. In God’s eyes, their fasting failed. The only authentic fasting is fasting that includes repentance of our sins. Whatever else we fast for, we must first fast for our own holiness as a people set apart by God. We cannot fast with authenticity for anything while still living in sin, for example, sexual immorality, dishonesty, pride, anger, bitterness and unforgiveness. If there are unrepented sins in your life and you are fasting about something else, your fasting will fail. What God wants in your fasting is for you to deal decisively with your sin. Acknowledge, confess and repent. Verse 5 tells us that the people fasted and “humbled” themselves. The word “humbled” means “to be bowed down or afflicted”. Externally, the people bowed down and were mournful, but internally they were proud and unrepentant. They were afflicted with physical hunger and thirst, but had no spiritual hunger and thirst for God. They did not seek God’s reign over their lives and His righteousness in their lives and relationships.

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Application How will I respond to the revelation from these verses?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for pastors and staff:

To hunger and thirst for God

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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WEDNESDAY, 8 NOVEMBER 2017

Fasting That Frees Scripture Isaiah 58:6-7

Observation What kind of fasting is God pleased with?

Deeper Reflection

rue fasting is not just about giving up food and drink, but also about giving our hearts over to God in the service of others.

True fasting goes hand in hand with showing mercy and compassion towards the oppressed, weak and poor. That is acceptable worship to God. It cannot be separated from godly living that gives away our time, energy and resources to do good by serving the poor and vulnerable in our community. For example, teaching young children to read, mentoring at-risk youths, helping the sick or disabled, decluttering and cleaning up homes and donating clothing and household appliances.

It pleases the Lord our God when we respond obediently as His hands and feet to humbly serve those in need to free them from enslavement to circumstances, falsehoods and self-destruction. Note also that in verse 7b, the words “not to hide yourself from your own flesh” can be understood to mean “not to hide yourself from your own kin or relatives” (see the translations in NRSV and NLT). As such, we are reminded to also help and care for our immediate family members as well as relatives when they are in need. If we do not heed this, we may end up giving generously of ourselves to attend to the needs of other people, but neglecting the very family that God has placed us within to love and support. May people around us see God’s love in and through us, and thus respond in thanksgiving and praise to God!

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Application What are some practical ways in which I can care for the poor and vulnerable in my community?

Prayer Dear Lord, please help me to serve others out of a pure heart. Give me a compassionate and willing heart, so that I can see the needs of those around me and take action to be a blessing to them. Help me to love and care for my family members in ways that they understand and that reveal Your heart to them. In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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THURSDAY, 9 NOVEMBER 2017

Receive God’s Blessings Scripture Isaiah 58:8-10

Observation What blessings come from the kind of fasting that pleases God?

Deeper Reflection

The Voice translation paraphrased verses 8 to 9 as follows: 8 Then, oh then, your light will break out like the warm, golden rays of a rising sun; in an instant, you will be healed.

Your rightness will precede and protect you; the glory of the Eternal will follow and defend you.

9 Then when you do call out, “My God, Where are You?” The Eternal One will answer, “I am here, I am here.”

From above, God’s light will shine on us! He will heal us. He will go before us and protect us! He will follow behind us to defend us! God will be with us, right there next to us! When we do things God’s way and please Him, how marvellously will He bless us! Verses 9b and 10 tell us that if we walk in God’s righteous ways, He will cause our light to shine intensely into every situation of deep darkness: “then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” (v.10, emphasis added) Then truly our light will shine before others and they will see our good works and give glory to God our Heavenly Father (Matt 5:16). Will you seek God’s righteousness so as to receive God’s blessings?

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Application How will you seek God’s righteousness in the dark situations known to you in the remaining weeks of this year and in the new year ahead?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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FRIDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2017

Rebuild the Ruins Scripture

Isaiah 58:11-12; 61:1-4

Observation What are the “ancient ruins” and “foundations of many generations” (v.12)?

Deeper Reflection

hy are there ruins and broken foundations? Ruins occur when there has been destruction, together with a lack of repair, maintenance and upkeep. In short, there is damage and neglect.

When we pursue worldly success regardless of damage to our spiritual lives, and continue to neglect our worship of God and devotion to Him, our spiritual lives will become ruins and our foundations will become broken. This sad state will continue unless we repair our spiritual lives by first returning to God. Practising the spiritual disciplines of daily time in God’s Word and in prayer will bring about the needed restoration of the foundation and building. Over time and through the work of Holy Spirit, our fellowship with God becomes close again and deepened. On the family front, the relational breakdown between parents and children can also happen. They need to spend time together to communicate, relate and grow in mutual understanding. The truth of God’s Word will build us up, provided we know the truth, internalise it and live it out. Our foundations will become strong. This will happen when we constantly communicate and steadfastly uphold biblical principles in our families and in our church.

If we neglect the basics of the Word and prayer, we are making new ruins across the future landscape of our families and church. On the other hand, if we emphasise and personally practise the basics now, we are doing our part to rebuild the existing ruins and raise up broken foundations, and to prevent future damage and destruction. The Next Generations are our future. Let us rebuild the ruins and raise up the foundations!

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Application What will I do to rebuild the ruins and raise up the foundations in myself and in The Next Generation?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To be a godly and powerful influence on The Next Generation

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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SATURDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2017

Delight in God Scripture

Isaiah 58:1-14; Proverbs 4:23

Observation How can we “take delight in the LORD� (v.14a)?

Deeper Reflection

his week we have been looking at chapter 58 of the book of Isaiah. It discusses true and false fasting. Throughout the chapter, it is clear that: (1) God sees our hearts rather than our actions; (2) God sees our intent rather than the outcome; and (3) God sees the substance rather than the form (also, 1 Sam 16:7).

Does your heart delight in the Lord and the things of God? Your heart directs what you look at, think about, listen to and actively do. What is the condition of your heart? Do you seek God daily and delight to know His ways (v.2a), or do you seek your own ways and the ways of the world? May the Lord tutor your heart to take delight in Him always. May you commit to watch over your heart and guard it, so that your heart will pursue God and God alone. May God give you the strength and courage to put into action the things that you need to do.

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Application What are the things I must do or stop doing in order to take delight in the Lord?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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SUNDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

Review What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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Reflect What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 2 • NOVEMBER 2017

WHY CAN’T I MAKE FUN OF SOMEONE? Making fun of someone is very disrespectful.

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:17; Ephesians 5:4

ACTIVITY BITE

Take photos or selfies of yourself making funny faces. Share these photos with your parents or siblings and have a good laugh.

CHAT TIME

Q1: How would you feel if your friends made fun of your funny photos?

Q2: Do you think bad jokes can hurt people? Why or why not?

Q3: According to Ephesians 5:4, how can giving thanks make someone feel respected?

LEARNING POINT

Doing things like laughing at Kevin for failing his exams is very hurtful, and commenting that Susan is getting fatter will make her feel lousy about herself. While these things may be funny to you, they may not be so for the people you are making fun of. How did you feel when you were laughed at in the past? God doesn’t want anyone to be hurt by jokes made about them. He considers everyone to be important. Since God made every person in His image, we are really laughing at God’s work when we make fun of others. Giving thanks is a good way to show respect to others. Tell Kevin that he is very diligent in his schoolwork − this can encourage him not to give up studying. Or tell Susan that she is a very kind person – it will make her feel loved.

ACTION POINT

Practice completing this sentence with some encouraging words: “I thank God for you because _____.” Then go to at least three friends and share these words of encouragement with them.

PRAYER POWER

Pray that everyone will learn to show respect instead of making fun of people, and learn to say nice things that will encourage others.

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MONDAY, 13 NOVEMBER 2017

How Do We Look at Our Sins? (1) Scripture Ezra 9:3-15

Observation How did Ezra view the extent of Israel’s sinfulness before God (vv.6-7)?

Deeper Reflection

hen we sin, it is against God Himself whom we have sinned; and hence, we must look at God in our sin. Ezra did just that (vv.3-4). But he did not rush into prayer immediately. He did not speak to God until “the evening offering” (v.5). Meanwhile, he was pondering reflectively on the extent of Israel’s sinfulness and what to say to God. Ezra’s prayer contained no explicit petition, not even an appeal for forgiveness; it was a pure confession of sin. Ezra saw the length, breadth, height and depth of Israel’s sinfulness. Length: “Since the days of our fathers to this day” (v.7). Breadth: From “our kings and our priests” to the people – “we” (v.7). Height: Israel’s sinfulness has “risen above our heads…has grown even to the heavens” (v.6). Depth: Israel was “in great guilt” before God, resulting in the severe divine judgment of “sword”, “captivity”, “plunder” and “open shame” (v.7). Have we come to see sin and our own sins before God as Ezra did? And to feel as Ezra felt? Or do we, when we sin, ignore it, rationalise it away, make excuses for it, redefine it as something not that bad, sweep it under the carpet, blame it on others, circumstances and society and say, “We can’t help it”?

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Application What changes do I need to make with regard to my attitude towards sin?

Prayer O God, forgive me for taking sin lightly. Forgive me that when I sin, I ignore it, rationalise it away, make excuses for it, redefine it as something not that bad, sweep it under the carpet and blame it on others, circumstances and society.

O God, be merciful to me! Do not let my heart be hardened.

Deliver me, and help me to see sin as You see it. Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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TUESDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 2017

How Do We Look at Our Sins? (2) Scripture Ezra 9:3-15

Observation What is the significance of Ezra shifting from the personal phase where he felt “ashamed” to the corporate phase where he raised “our iniquities … our guilt” in his confession of sin before God (vv.6-7)?

Deeper Reflection

he nature of sin is such that it is not whether it is individual or corporate, but rather, that it is individual and corporate.

Identification with fellow sinners: Ezra’s confession of sin moved from the personal “I am ashamed and embarrassed” to the corporate “our iniquities … our guilt” (v.6). Ezra did not commit the sin of mixed marriage, but he considered himself as part of it. More than that, he saw himself also in the persistent bent to sin and chronic rebelliousness of all the preceding generations of Israel (v.7). And it is in this community spirit that we confront individual fellow believers who sin, but without thinking or showing that we are more righteous (Gal 6:1). Contamination of fellow saints: The unfaithfulness of some becomes “our iniquities” and “our guilt” (v.6) because the essence of sin is that it can affect and harm even those who are not responsible for it. Joshua and Caleb suffered 40 years of wandering in the wilderness even though they had no part in Israel’s rebellion against God (Num 14:28-38). “Sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough” (1 Cor 5:6, NLT). Our personal sins affect the spiritual lives of others and the church as a whole.

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Application What does it mean for me to know that “sin is like a little yeast that spreads through the whole batch of dough”?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for pastors and staff:

To see God’s holiness and walk with Him with godly fear

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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WEDNESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2017

The Gracious God Looking at Our Sins Scripture Ezra 9:5-8

Observation How do you understand the “grace” of God according to verses 7 to 8?

Deeper Reflection

t is imperative that in our sin we humbly look at God’s justice, mercy and grace. God is just to punish us for what we deserve, like Israel’s exile to Babylon. God is merciful when He holds back His full judgment, like not destroying Israel completely. God is gracious when He gives us what we don’t deserve, like Israel’s return from exile as “an escaped remnant” (v.8). God’s gracious presence: God’s grace “give us a secure hold in His holy place” (v.8, ESV).

The rebuilt temple, the sign of God’s presence among His people, guaranteed their security9, as they lived in a vulnerable small province.

The Spirit of the Triune God dwells in us (Rom 8:9). His Holy Presence is in us. But the Holy Spirit who is indwelling us risks being grieved by our sins (Eph 4:30-32). He remains in us nonetheless. This is God’s gracious presence. God’s gracious reviving: God’s grace grants “us a little reviving” (v.8). Israel in exile was like the “very many” and “very dry” bones in Ezekiel’s vision where God asked, “Can these bones live?”

(Eze 37:1-3). But God promised to revive a spiritually dead Israel by His Spirit. Are you feeling spiritually dry and dead? God can “put His breath in you that you may come alive” (Eze 37:5-6).

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Application In what areas of my life do I need God’s gracious reviving?

Prayer Have mercy on me, O God, because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. I recognise my rebellion. It is against You, and You alone, that I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a loyal spirit within me.10 Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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David J. Clines, 123 Psalm 51:1-4, 10

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THURSDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 2017

Yet God Has Not Forsaken Us Scripture Ezra 9:5-9

Observation What do verses 7 to 9 tell us about God in the context of Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness “since the days of our fathers to this day”?

Deeper Reflection

nything other than God taking first place in our lives is idolatry.

Modern idolatry takes on many forms and in very subtle ways.

Idolatry is breaking God’s covenant and forsaking Him, and the divine response is: “My anger will be kindled against them, and I will forsake them and hide My face from them” (Deut 31:16-17). Almost the whole of Israel’s history was marked by Israel forsaking God in covenant unfaithfulness (see Neh 9). God’s promised judgment on Israel in this sad history before the climactic judgment of exile to Babylon was marked by moments where “the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning” (Judg 2:18), “He could bear the misery of Israel no longer” (Judg 10:16) and “the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, which was very bitter” (2 Kin 14:26). Then came the exile and the departure of God’s presence from His people (2 Kin 24:20). But Ezra said, “yet in our bondage our God has not forsaken us” (v.9), implying that by right God should have forsaken them. God has not forsaken us when He forsakes us. What grace of God! But God’s greatest love and grace is manifested in “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mk 15:33-34). “God forsaken of God!” as Reformer Martin Luther put it.

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Application In what ways do I feel that God has forsaken me and how will I respond to that before Him?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2017

What Shall We Say After This?

Scripture Ezra 9:5-14

Observation What do Ezra’s words “Now, our God, what shall we say after this?” (v.10) mean in the context of verses 7 to 10?

Deeper Reflection

he sins of God’s people “since the days of our fathers to this day” (v.7) had reached a point where Ezra could only say to God, “What shall we say?” (v.10), as he faced the forgiveness, commandments and anger of God. Facing God’s forgiveness: Israel’s rebellion against God had reached a point where God “would not forgive” until after the judgment of exile (2 Kin 24:3-4, 20). Israel’s return from exile indicated that “her iniquity has been removed” (Isa 40:2). In exile, Israel was punished “twice over for her sins” (Isa 40:2), but still God had “punished us less than our sins deserved” (v.13, NIV). Facing God’s commandments: Through the sin of mixed marriage Israel had “forsaken Your commandments” (v.10). And Israel had “forsaken” God’s commandments even when “in our bondage God has not forsaken us” (v.9). No wonder Ezra was “ashamed and embarrassed” to lift up his face to God (v.6). Facing God’s anger: “Would You not be angry with us to the point of destruction?” (v.14). Recognising that Israel now deserved nothing from God, except His fullest wrath, Ezra left the question to God to answer, with this posture: “He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes” (1 Sam 3:18).

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Application How will I guard against taking God’s grace for granted, and what does it mean to me if I do take His grace for granted?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To see and know the righteous and gracious God

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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SATURDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 2017

You Are Righteous, O Lord!

Scripture Ezra 9:5-15

Observation What is the significance of Ezra concluding his confession of sin before God with the statement, “You are righteous” (v.15)?

Deeper Reflection

he theological centre of Ezra’s confession is “You are righteous” (v.15). It is a doxological statement. God’s righteousness in punishment: Standing “before You in our guilt” (v.15) with the possibility of facing God’s fullest wrath (v.14), Ezra worshipped God: “You are righteous.” God is righteous means “only punishment for sin can be expected; He has been merciful, but His mercy cannot be presumed upon a second time”11; and should He destroy His people utterly, He would be fully justified. “You are righteous” “constitutes the highest form of worship.”12 It is an acknowledgement of God even when “the worshipper has forfeited his or her right to live before God. God is thus praised solely for who He is, and not merely for what the worshipper hopes to gain from Him”13. God’s righteousness in preservation: Because God is righteous, Israel was “left an escaped remnant” (v.15). Ezra mentioned “escaped remnant” – a token of God’s mercy – four times (vv.8, 13, 14, 15). He might be quietly hoping that at this eleventh hour Israel might still survive as an “escaped remnant”14; for “in keeping with all Your righteous acts”, God might turn His wrath away from His people (Dan 9:16).

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Application What does “God is righteous” mean to me personally?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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David J. Clines, 125 H. G. M. Williamson, Ezra, Nehemiah, Word Biblical Commentary, Vol. 16 (Word Press, 1985), 138 H. G. M. Williamson, 138 14 H. G. M. Williamson, 137 12 13

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SUNDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

Review What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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Reflect What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 3 • NOVEMBER 2017

WHY MUST WE RESPECT OUR PARENTS? Respecting our parents is the right thing to do as it honours God. Scripture: 1 Peter 2:17; Ephesians 6:1

ACTIVITY BITE

Get a piece of paper and draw a straight line down the middle. Write the word “parents” on one side and “kids” on the other side. Distribute some beans to everyone in your family. Name some daily household tasks such as paying the bills, doing the dishes or tidying up the room, among others. For each of these tasks, place a bean on one side of the paper to show whose responsibility it is.

CHAT TIME

Q1: Ask your parents how they feel about taking on so many responsibilities at home. Do you think you should respect them for what they do? Why or why not?

Q2: Why do you think your parents set so many rules at home? What do you think will happen if your parents didn’t care about your bedtime, schoolwork and dinnertime?

Q3: In Ephesians 6:1, why does the Bible say it is right to obey your parents?

LEARNING POINT

The home is a place where you can rest, play, eat, do fun things and sleep. But your parents do lots of things to make sure the house is a safe and comfortable place. When you were a baby, they changed your diapers. Now, they buy groceries, prepare meals every day so that no one goes hungry and get you ready for school. On top of this, they take care of you when you fall sick. These are just some of the many responsibilities that you do not have now. Thus, is it right for you to respect them by loving and obeying them according to what the Bible says in Ephesians 6:1. It will make them feel appreciated and make the tasks more enjoyable for them.

ACTION POINT

Show your appreciation to your parents by telling them how much you love them. Ask them for one thing you can do to make them happy, then do it.

PRAYER POWER

Pray that God will continue to bless and protect your parents. Pray for their good health and that God will provide all their needs so that they can continue to care for your family.

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MONDAY, 20 NOVEMBER 2017

While Ezra Was Praying and Confessing …

Scripture Ezra 10:1-4

Observation What observations can we make about the things that happened (vv.1b-4) “while Ezra was praying and confessing” (v.1a)?

Deeper Reflection

srael’s sin of mixed marriage was so grave before God that Ezra could only say: “Now, our God, what shall we say after this?” (Ezr 9:10) and “Would You not be angry with us to the point of destruction?” (Ezr 9:14). But it was “while Ezra was praying and confessing” (v.1a, NKJV) – he had not finished yet – that there was a sudden and sharp turn of events. “A very large assembly”, weeping bitterly, gathered before Ezra (v.1b), and Shecaniah initiated the call for corporate repentance (vv.2-4). God was responding to Ezra’s confession.

It was divine response to a broken heart, for Ezra was “weeping and prostrating himself ” before God (v.1a). God is near to such a person (Isa 57:15; 66:1-2). The divine response was sovereign grace. Sovereign grace on God’s side means, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion” (Rom 9:15), and on our side, it means we don’t deserve anything from God on our own merit or effort. God does not answer our prayers because of any particular steps that we take for effective prayer, or any particular amount of time that we clock for prayer. We cannot make God answer our prayers. God is God. He cannot be manipulated.

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Application What does it mean for me to live under the sovereign grace of God?

Prayer O Sovereign God, You are God in the heavens, who does whatever You please in heaven and on earth.15 You are the Potter and I am the clay. The Potter has the sovereign right over the clay to make vessels as You want them to be. I thank You that all that I am, I have and I do, except my sins, are gifts of Your sovereign grace, for the glory of Your name. Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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Psalm 135:6

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TUESDAY, 21 NOVEMBER 2017

The Throne of Our Gracious God Scripture

Hebrews 4:14-16

Observation What significant observations can you make concerning “the throne of grace” from verses 14 to 16?

Deeper Reflection

he people of God are a people beset with “weaknesses” (v.15).

The “weaknesses” refer to “weaknesses inherent in human frailty”16, including weaknesses that lead to temptation and sin. How does God view us in light of our many weaknesses? God draws near to us with compassion: Jesus the “merciful and faithful high priest” (Heb 2:17) “understands our weaknesses” (v.15, NLT) – not in a psychological but experiential sense. Jesus can feel what we feel.

“When the lash is falling on you, He rushes in so that it falls upon Him as well. When you are treated with contempt, He experiences the humiliation you feel. When you are bruised, He feels the pain.”17 We draw near to God with confidence: “Therefore” – because God draws near to us with compassion (v.15), “let us draw near to the throne of grace with confidence” (v.16). “Draw near” even when we, in our weakness, fall into temptation and sin, and feel unworthy to look at God. Draw near “with confidence”, not withdraw with guilt and shame.

It is to “the throne of grace”, the place of God’s gracious presence, that we draw near to receive grace and mercy. Who needs God’s grace and mercy, but the weak and the fallen.

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Application What does it mean for me to draw near to “the throne of grace” with confidence, in light of the weaknesses that I frequently struggle with?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for pastors and staff:

To be sustained by God’s all-sufficient grace in life and ministry

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

16 17

William L. Lane, Hebrews: A Call to Commitment (Hendrickson, 1985), 76 William L. Lane, 75

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WEDNESDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2017

Yet Now There Is Hope for Israel Scripture

Ezra 9:13-15; 10:1-2

Observation What observations can you make when comparing Shecaniah’s statement “yet now there is hope for Israel in spite of this” (Ezr 10:2) with Ezra’s statement “Would You not be angry with us to the point of destruction?” (v.14)?

Deeper Reflection

n admitting Israel’s unfaithfulness to God, Shecaniah, probably a leader among the people18, saw that “there is hope for Israel in spite of this” (Ezr 10:2). Shecaniah’s “there is hope for Israel” seems to be out of sync with Ezra’s “Would You not be angry with us to the point of destruction?” (v.14). Ezra’s conviction seems to rule out Shecaniah’s statement, and Shecaniah’s conviction seems to be presumptuous in the light of Ezra’s. But Scripture has shown that there is hope from God even in the midst of God’s anger. It has to do with who God is. When David fell into the judgment of God for his pride, his hope was “His mercies are great” (2 Sam 24:13-14). The God who says “The end has come for My people Israel” (Am 8:2) is also the God who says, “Nevertheless, I will not totally destroy the house of Jacob” (Am 9:8). However, Shecaniah’s hope would be a false one if the unfaithfulness continued. Shecaniah saw that the people “wept bitterly” (Ezr 10:1), and knew there was repentance, and thus the hope that the “little reviving” they had would survive (Ezr 9:8-9). Repentance comes by both human choice and divine conviction. We repent at the personal level and pray for God’s people for divine conviction.

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Application In what ways is the Bible verse “Yet now, there is hope for Israel” relevant to me?

Prayer Righteous God, I humbly submit to Your loving discipline, because I have sinned against You. But I can look to You for help. I wait patiently and confidently for You to save me, for graciously You will. Though I fall, You will help me to rise again.

Though I sit in darkness, Gracious God, You will be my light. You will bring me into the light, and I will see Your righteousness.19 Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

18 19

Gary V. Smith, Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary (Tyndale, 2010), 95 Adapted from Micah 7:7-9

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THURSDAY, 23 NOVEMBER 2017

Renewal of the Covenant with God Scripture

Ezra 10:1-3; 2 Chronicles 34:30-33

Observation Why did Shecaniah call to “make a covenant with God” (vv.2-3)?

Deeper Reflection

ixed marriage is described as “unfaithfulness” (Ezr 9:2, 4): “We have been unfaithful to our God and have married foreign women” (v.2). It is breaking the covenant with God, which necessitates the renewal of the covenant with God: “So now let us make a covenant with our God” (v.3). The renewal begins by seeing that God is so gracious. God’s gracious gift of “a little reviving in our bondage” (Ezr 9:8) was near to being burned up by divine anger for the “abominations” of the “escaped remnant” (Ezr 9:13-14). But even then, “there is hope” (v.2). God was doubly gracious! We must be serious with such a gracious God: “to put away all the wives and their children” (v.3) – that is, making a clean break, a complete separation, no partial measure and no compromise. The measure taken was “extreme by standards of both Testaments”20. But as a small minority living among a large population of influential people who were followers of various polytheistic religions, Israel faced the great danger of falling back to idolatry and under God’s wrath again. Ezra took no chances. Drastic times call for drastic measures.

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Application In what areas of my life do I need to renew my commitment to follow the Lord?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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Mark A. Throntveit, Ezra-Nehemiah, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (John Knox, 1992), 56

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FRIDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 2017

The Word of God Bearing Fruit Scripture

Ezra 7:10, 25-26; 9:1-2; 10:3

Observation What observations can you make concerning the Word of God when you compare verses 10 and 25 to 26 with Ezra 9:1-2 and 10:3?

Deeper Reflection

od called Ezra to “teach” His people in Judah the Scriptures (vv.10, 25) and lead them to “observe” the Word of God (v.26).

During the five months after his arrival (Ezr 7:9 with 10:9), Ezra’s teaching “spread the knowledge of Scripture”21, resulting in three powerful effects that were critical for one major spiritual crisis. Firstly, in the leaders’ report to Ezra on mixed marriages (Ezr 9:1-2), which has “a strong flavour of the books of Moses”22 and bears pointed resemblance to Exodus 34:11-16 and Deuteronomy 7:1-4. These leaders, “who hitherto accepted the anomalies”23, now saw the gravity of the problem as specifically warned in the Scripture. Secondly, joining Ezra in mournful response to the mixed marriages was a group of people described as those “who trembled at the words of the God of Israel” (Ezr 9:4). Thirdly, in the renewal of the covenant initiated by Shecaniah. It was a Word-driven call – “according to the law” (Ezr 10:3) and under “the counsel” of Ezra and “those who tremble at the commandment of our God” (Ezr 10:3).

When we teach God’s Word prayerfully, in whatever setting, we may not see the fruits immediately. But God’s Word gone forth “shall not return to Me empty” (Isa 55:10-11).

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Application How does the power of the Word of God affect my discipleship and ministry?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To be Word-centred in life and ministry

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

21 22 23

Derek Kidner, Ezra and Nehemiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1979), 76 Derek Kidner, 76 Derek Kidner, 76

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SATURDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2017

“This Matter Is Your Responsibility” Scripture Ezra 10:1-4

Observation What observations can you make about Ezra and Shecaniah with regard to the concept of “responsibility” (vv.1-4)?

Deeper Reflection

zra was the leader of the second return from exile to rebuild the people of God in Judah. But in the spiritual crisis of mixed marriages, it was Shecaniah, not Ezra the leader, who initiated the call to renew the covenant with God (vv.3-4). It wasn’t that Ezra was not taking leadership responsibility and initiative. But somehow it was deemed then that making that call fell on Shecaniah. But after Shecaniah had done his part, he and the people turned to Ezra and said, “Arise! For this matter is your responsibility” (v.4). Shecaniah had made the call, now it was Ezra’s turn as the leader to lead in renewing the covenant with God. Humanly speaking, we may have felt insecure if we were in Ezra’s shoes, or we may have beaten ourselves up for failing as a leader to take the initiative in such an important matter. The principle is that we must recognise our own responsibilities and the responsibilities of others in what we share together, be it in church, in the family or at our workplace. But it is of great importance that we encourage one another: “Arise! We will be with you; be courageous and act!” (v.4).

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Application Whom do I want to encourage with “Arise! I am with you; be courageous and act”?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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SUNDAY, 26 NOVEMBER 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

Review What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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Reflect What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

Respond What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying?

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 4 • NOVEMBER 2017

HOW SHOULD I RESPECT MY LEADERS? God has placed leaders as authorities in charge of us.

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:17; Romans 13:1-3

ACTIVITY BITE

Ask your parents what teachers, police officers, judges and politicians do and how their work protects the country. Out of these four professions, choose one which you may want to join when you grow up and share your reasons.

CHAT TIME

Q1: Why do the teachers, police officers, judges and politicians feel they have a responsibility to protect the country from crimes?

Q2: What will happen to the country if no one obeys their authority or follows their leaders?

Q3: In Romans 13:1-3, why does God say that the authority of the people in charge comes from Him?

LEARNING POINT

A person who is in charge of something is given authority to lead and make decisions. The duties of teachers, police officers, judges and politicians are mainly to ensure that the country is prospering and protected from crime and danger. They have been given the authority to do their duty. If no one respects or obeys their authority, there will be chaos. Imagine if all school students refuse to listen to their teachers or refuse to obey any school rules. Or imagine if drivers refuse to obey the traffic lights, and robbers could steal all they want without fear of getting caught by police officers. God appoints leaders and authorities so that we can live safely. When we respect the authority of our leaders, we are actually respecting God.

ACTION POINT

Write a card to thank your class teacher for his or her commitment in teaching your class. Include a small bookmark with a Bible verse if you can.

PRAYER POWER

Pray that God protects and blesses all teachers, police officers, judges and politicians. Pray that these people will continue to do what is right to protect the country.

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MONDAY, 27 NOVEMBER 2017

Ensuring Commitment Scripture Ezra 10:2-6

Observation What observations can you make about the twice-mentioned phrase “Ezra rose” in verses 5 to 6?

Deeper Reflection

zra rose” (vv.5-6) to lead the people to make a covenant with God to put away their foreign wives (vv.3-4) by taking two actions. He “made the leading priests, the Levites and all Israel” “take oath” to do what Shecaniah had proposed. The oath was “a promissory statement about future action that was ensured by a curse for non-compliance”24. Why make an oath? The problem and the proposal were weighty in nature. Ezra did not want “half-hearted support or uninformed, fuzzy thinking floating around”25 when they took the covenant action. Following Jesus is not optional, but we must first count the cost (Lk 14:28) of not only following Jesus, but also for not following Him. The people’s oath was not enough for Ezra. “Ezra rose” and withdrew to seek God earnestly with total fasting, interceding for the people26, as he mourned over their unfaithfulness (v.6), praying that the oath will be carried out in action. Our decision to follow Jesus must be accompanied by dependence on God to live out the commitment. “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt 26:41).

Our commitment to God is always by His grace and mercy. However deep our commitment to God is, we still say, “Lord, I am weak.”

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Application In what ways do I lack seriousness and earnestness in my relationship with God, and what changes do I need to make?

Prayer Lord Jesus, You ask me, “Do you love Me?” I hesitate to answer You. I pause and check my heart, “Can I honestly say that I love my Lord?” Lord, You know all things. You know my heart.

You know that I do want to love You. But my love for You is weak. Lord, I am a bruised reed, but You will not break it; I am a faintly burning wick, but You will not snuff it out.27

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

24

Gary V. Smith, 99 Gary V. Smith, 99 26 C. Charles Fensham, The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Eerdmans, 1982), 136; Gary V. Smith, 99 27 Isaiah 42:3 25

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TUESDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 2017

Corporate Solidarity Scripture Ezra 10:7-9

Observation What does the demand on “all the exiles” and their response tell us about them even though only a hundred or so among them had committed the sin of mixed marriage (vv.7-9)?

Deeper Reflection

proclamation was made “throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the exiles, that they should assemble at Jerusalem” (v.7), so that the people of God as a whole could confess their sins together and consider what to do with the problem of mixed marriages. Noncompliance would result in two severe punishments. Offenders would “forfeit all their property” (v.8, NLT) – that is, it would be devoted to God to be destroyed, or given to the temple treasury.28 They would be “excluded from the assembly of the exiles” (v.8) – that is, excluded from owning property, worshipping at the temple and having influence among friends and neighbours.29 Only one hundred or so among them had committed the sin (Ezr 10:18-44), but the demand was made on some tens of thousands of people. It seemed quite out of proportion, especially from the view of individualism. Individualism will protest, “Why include the innocent me?” The people had the sense of corporate solidarity, which is a divine design. The seriousness of the sin caused the whole community to “tremble” before God under the heavy winter rain (v.9).

In this corporate solidarity, “the gravity of the situation outweighed the inconvenience of travel in bad winter weather.”30

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Application What does it mean for me to live according to the principle of corporate solidarity in sin at the community level?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for pastors and staff:

To have sensitive and strong corporate solidarity with their sheep

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

28

Gary V. Smith, 99 Gary V. Smith, 99 30 David J. Clines, 129 29

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WEDNESDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2017

Confronting Sin Scripture Ezra 10:10-11

Observation When confronting the people about the sin of mixed marriage, why did Ezra call them to “make confession” (literally, “give praise”) to God (vv.10-11)?

Deeper Reflection

n confronting Israel of their sin of mixed marriage, Ezra related it to God in two ways. Unfaithfulness to God: “You have been unfaithful” (v.10). Unfaithfulness is a “serious sin against God, often associated with idolatry, and carrying with it extreme penalties (e.g., Eze 14:13)”31. The antidote to unfaithfulness to God is: “separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives” (v.11b). It was a call to choose sides: “God or your foreign wife?” In New Testament terms, it is: “Do not love the world” (1 Jn 2:15). Worldliness is spiritual adultery, and “friendship with the world is hostility towards God” (Jas 4:4). Behind unfaithfulness is the fickleness of the human heart.32 A divided heart, a heart “not wholly devoted to the Lord” is unfaithfulness (1 Kin 11:4). At the centre of confronting and confessing sin is the glory of God: “make confession to the LORD” (v.11a).

“Make confession” literally means “give praise”. In confronting Achan’s sin, Joshua asked him to “give glory”33 to God (Josh 7:19). In Moses’ confrontation of the Korah rebellion, “the glory of the Lord appeared” (Num 16:19). Acknowledging our sinfulness and God’s judgement glorifies God as the righteous judge34 (cf. Ezr 9:15).

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Application How can I keep myself from having a divided heart or making compromises in my discipleship journey?

Prayer Shepherd of all my life, I have gone astray like a lost sheep, going my own way rather than the good way of the good God. Be gracious and merciful to me, and seek Your poor servant, for I do not forget Your Word. Forgive me and restore my soul. Guard me and guide me in right paths for Your name’s sake.

Be my strength and help me to follow You fully. Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

31

J. G. McConville, I & II Chronicles, The Daily Study Bible Series (WJK, 1984), 17 Robert Fyall, The Message of Ezra & Haggai, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 2010), 133 It is the same phrase in Hebrew in Ezra 10:11 and Joshua 7:19.

34 H. G. H. Williamson, 155 32 33

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THURSDAY, 30 NOVEMBER 2017

Community Responsibility Scripture

Ezra 9:1-5; 10:1-6, 10-11

Observation What are the various posturings of Ezra in his response to the crisis of mixed marriage (vv.1-5; Ezr 10:1-6, 10-11)?

Deeper Reflection

e can observe in Ezra 9:1 to 10:11 six posturings of Ezra in his response to the crisis of mixed marriage. Following the report (vv.1-2), Ezra “sat down appalled” (vv.3-4). Then at the evening offering, he “arose” and “fell” on his knees and “stretched out” his hands to God in public mourning (v.5). Then “while Ezra was praying and making confession, weeping and prostrating himself ” (Ezr 10:1a), the community gathered, weeping bitterly, and Shecaniah made his confession and called for action (Ezr 10:1b-3).

Then Ezra “rose” again, and exhorted the people to make their oath of compliance (Ezr 10:5). After that, he “rose” and withdrew into private mourning as the people were gathered (Ezr 10:6). Finally, he reappeared and “stood up” to address the assembled community (Ezr 10:10). Ezra was the leader, but yet he only communicated twice with the people (Ezr 10:5, 10-11). Otherwise, his activity was confined only to mourning, confession and prayer. The more direct actions were taken by the community: bringing the problem to Ezra’s attention (vv.1-2), calling for covenant renewal (Ezr 10:2-3) and demanding that “all the exiles” gather at Jerusalem (Ezr 10:7-9). The people saw that owning the crisis and resolving it was a community responsibility.

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Application What are some of the problems that the church faces which I want to share in and be a part of the solution?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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NOTES

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© 2017 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH T: (65) 6892 6811 • E: mail@cefc.org.sg • W: www.cefc.org.sg

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