April Devotional Journal by Covenant EFC

APRIL 2021 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 1 SAMUEL 7:3 (ESV)

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APRIL 2021

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 1 SAMUEL 7:3 (ESV)

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

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Memory Verses January

2021

And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.” 1 Samuel 2:1 (ESV)

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

March Then the men of Beth-shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us?” 1 Samuel 6:20 (ESV)

April And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 7:3 (ESV)

May Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the LORD has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12 (ESV)

June Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 1 Samuel 12:23 (ESV)

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July But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)

August Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:13 (ESV)

September Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 1 Samuel 17:45 (ESV)

October And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him. 1 Samuel 18:14 (ESV)

November The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness, for the LORD gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed. 1 Samuel 26:23 (ESV)

December And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV)

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Foreword BY SENIOR PASTORS

DISCIPLING

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

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“Then the remnant of Jacob

shall be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass which delay not for a man, nor wait for the children of man. And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep, which, when it goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is none to deliver.” – Micah 5:7-8 The remnant people do not consist only of today’s strong and successful Christians. It also includes weak and downtrodden believers who are experiencing much brokenness and need for purification. Their lives may currently be in a mess, but they are willing to let God

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discipline, mould, shape and restore them for a future that will see them glorify God in all kinds of ways. By God’s grace, they will come through the testing and training process shining as God’s people who trust and obey Him more and more. “In that day, declares the Lord. I will assemble the lame and gather those who have been driven away and those whom I have afflicted; and the lame I will make the remnant...” – Micah 4:6-7a

who will do His bidding and carry out His work whatever the cost in these last days. Let us be committed to be disciples who make disciples! To be a church that is growing deep in God’s Word and Spirit, members must grow spiritually through self-feeding on God’s Word and not depend only on Sunday feeding. Every day from Monday to Saturday, let us

Every day from Monday to Saturday, let us individually seek the Lord by opening up the Scriptures and drinking from Him who is the fountain of living water." “Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love.”– Micah 7:18 God’s call for His people remains certain and unchanged. We are not just to be disciples but to make disciples of all nations! In 1 Samuel, God called a simple shepherd boy named David who had faith in Him. And just as God raised up His servant David, God will also raise up a faithful remnant — people

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individually seek the Lord by opening up the Scriptures and drinking from Him who is the fountain of living water. This Devotional Journal is designed to help you do just that. In 2021, may we all from the young to the old, the single to the married, the struggling to the successful, and the fearful to the faith-filled, be discipled as the remnant for the future and for God’s glory! In Christ, Rev Tan Kay Kiong and Rev Tony Yeo

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Guide to Using THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Step 1 PREPARE YOUR HEART IN GOD’S PRESENCE • Select a fixed time (preferably in the morning before you begin your day) and a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed. • Observe a moment of silence as you acknowledge God’s presence. Centre down. • Begin with a song of worship. Meditate on the lyrics even if you are unfamiliar with the tune. (Refer to the list of worship songs provided.) • Ask God to open your heart to hear Him.

+ SOMETHING TO PONDER The English Standard Version (ESV) is the default Bible version translation unless otherwise specified.

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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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Step 2 ALLOW GOD TO S.O.A.P. YOU WITH HIS WORD AND SPIRIT • Scripture – Take your time to meditate on the Scripture passage for the day. Pause and mull over words and phrases that stand out to you. • Observation – Jot down significant insights and reflections from the passage you have read. You may use the guiding questions provided. The “Deeper Reflection” section is to aid your contemplation of the Scripture. It is not to replace your own observation, for the Holy Spirit illuminates the Scripture to you as you seek Him earnestly. • Application – Note down a specific and practical commitment to God’s Word for you. Is there a command to obey, a sin to avoid, an example to follow, or a principle to live out? Where appropriate, share your devotional entry with someone. • Prayer – Bring your heartfelt response to God in prayer.

+ PRAYER POINTERS FOR 2021

We have provided prayer pointers for Pastors and Staff every Tuesday and for the Generations every Wednesday. Every Thursday, a prayer pointer is included for Outreach/ Missions/New Life Leaders. On each Friday, there is a prayer pointer for SGI Leaders (e.g. Zone Mentors, CG Leaders and Assistant CG Leaders). A prayer pointer for Church Board Members is included every Saturday. Please pray for each group as well as any specific individuals whom God may bring to your mind.

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Prayer for

Malaysia & Indonesia Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. PHILIPPIANS 2:3-4 (ESV)

IN RECENT MONTHS, there have been record numbers of COVID-19 cases in our neighbouring countries, Malaysia and Indonesia. Their healthcare sectors are overwhelmed. Malaysia has experienced their third wave of coronavirus infections since last September. In January and February this year, there was an average of more than 2,000 daily new

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cases of COVID-19.1 At the end of February, the total number of cumulative cases exceeded 300,000 and the total number of deaths exceeded 1,000.2 In January, the government acted to slow down the transmission rate by imposing a second Movement Control Order (MCO), which resulted in much economic hardship for the people. In Indonesia, new cases of COVID-19 averaged more than 8,000 per day in January and February this year.3 At the end of February, the total number of cumulative cases exceeded 1.3 million and the total number of deaths exceeded 35,000.4

In recent months, there have been record numbers of COVID-19 cases in our neighbouring countries, Malaysia and Indonesia. Their healthcare sectors are overwhelmed. In the first three weeks of January alone, while battling the coronavirus, Indonesia was also hit on multiple other fronts with 185 natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and landslides.5 The series of disasters left at least 166 people dead, more than 1,200 injured and more than 1.3 million people displaced.6

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/malaysia/ Ibid. https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/indonesia/ 4 Ibid. 5 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-22/indonesia-hit-by-series-of-disasters-in-the-first-weeks-of-2021/ 13075930 6 Ibid. 1

2 3

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Pray • For God’s mercy on these two nations, healing of the people’s spiritual condition and healing of their lands. Removal of spiritual blindness, so that people can see the truth (2 Cor 4:4; Jn 14:6) and trust in the Lord alone for salvation and eternal life. • For God’s peace and comfort for the people who have lost family members to COVID-19. For the Lord’s provision for those who have suffered the loss of jobs and stable income and are struggling to make ends meet for themselves and their families. • For the healthcare system to hold up – hospital wards, vital equipment, doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers to be able to cope with the high number of COVID-19 cases. For God’s protection over the healthcare workers and a smooth and equitable roll out of the vaccination programmes in these nations. • For God’s protection over our missionaries, our missions partners and their families (Psa 91:5-10). For His healing upon some of our missions partners who have been infected by COVID-19. For God’s peace to guard the hearts and minds of these missions partners and their family members.

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• Praise God for new partnership opportunities amidst the pandemic. That there will be good development of relationships and future plans. Thank God for the resources and our ability to connect with and encourage Christian leaders through online means. • That the Lord will strengthen individual Christians and the local churches, and that they will not be fearful, but be united in prayer and put their trust in Him (Psa 91:1-4). For a mighty awakening in these nations, for the Church to be a powerful testimony of God’s love, compassion, truth and grace, and for many people to find true security and hope in the Lord.

Notes

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MARCH-APRIL DOXOLOGY (GOD BE PRAISED) Verse 1 Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost Chorus Praise the Father Praise the Son Praise the Spirit now with us Every moment All our days God be praised God be praised Verse 2 Praise God with morning’s breaking light Praise Him through darkness of the night Praise Him with every breath of life Praise Him my soul with all your might Verse 3 Praise God when face to face we see The One who died to set us free The One who rose in victory Praise now forever Christ our King Thomas Ken | Todd Fields © SIXFIELDSMUSIC (Admin. by Robinson Lane Music) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7134391 CCLI Licence # 324618

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GOODNESS OF GOD Verse 1 I love You, Lord Oh Your mercy never fails me All my days I've been held in Your hands From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head I will sing of the goodness of God Chorus All my life You have been faithful All my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God Verse 2 I love Your voice You have led me through the fire In darkest night You are close like no other I've known You as a father I've known You as a friend I have lived in the goodness of God Bridge Your goodness is running after It’s running after me Your goodness is running after It’s running after me With my life laid down I’m surrendered now I give You everything Your goodness is running after It's running after me Ben Fielding | Brian Johnson | Ed Cash | Jason Ingram | Jenn Johnson © 2018 Alletrop Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7117726 CCLI Licence # 324618

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PRAISE IS THE OFFERING Verse 1 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 1 Great is Your love for us And great are the things You've done And praise is the offering We bring to You Verse 2 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 Now we can't stay silent We will sing how Chorus 2 All of our heart and soul And all that You are and more And praise is the offering We bring to You

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Verse 3 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 Glenn Packiam | Shannon Alford | Sion Alford © 2010 GWC Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Integrity Worship 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 # 5783647 CCLI License # 324618

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THE COMPASSION HYMN Verse 1 There is an everlasting kindness You lavished on us When the radiance of heaven Came to rescue the lost You called the sheep without a shepherd To leave their distress For Your streams of forgiveness And the shade of Your rest Verse 2 And with compassion for the hurting You reached out Your hand As the lame ran to meet You And the dead breathed again You saw behind the eyes of sorrow And shared in our tears Heard the sigh of the weary Let the children draw near Chorus What boundless love, what fathomless grace You have shown us, O God of compassion Each day we live an offering of praise As we show to the world Your compassion Verse 3 We stood beneath the cross of Calvary And gazed on Your face At the thorns of oppression And the wounds of disgrace For surely You have borne our suffering And carried our grief As You pardoned the scoffer And showed grace to the thief

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Verse 4 How beautiful the feet That carry this Gospel of peace To the fields of injustice And the valleys of need To be a voice of hope and healing To answer the cries Of the hungry and helpless With the mercy of Christ Keith Getty | Kristyn Getty | Stuart Townend © 2008 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 # 5468807 CCLI License # 324618

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WHOM SHALL I FEAR (GOD OF ANGEL ARMIES) Verse 1 You hear me when I call You are my morning song Though darkness fills the night It cannot hide the light Whom shall I fear? You crush the enemy underneath my feet You are my sword and shield Though troubles linger still Whom shall I fear? Chorus I know who goes before me I know who stands behind The God of angel armies is always by my side The One who reigns forever He is a friend of mine The God of angel armies is always by my side Verse 2 My strength is in Your name For You alone can save You will deliver me Yours is the victory Whom shall I fear Whom shall I fear (Whom shall I fear)

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Bridge (And) nothing formed against me shall stand You hold the whole world in Your hands I'm holding on to Your promises You are faithful You are faithful Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Scott Cash © 2012 Alletrop Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) McTyeire Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) S. D. G. Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Sixsteps Songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Worship Together 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 # 6440288 CCLI Licence # 324618

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'TIL I SEE YOU Verse 1 The greatest love That anyone could ever know That overcame the cross And grave to find my soul And 'til I see You face to face And grace amazing takes me home I'll trust in You Verse 2 With all I am I live to see Your kingdom come And in my heart I pray You'd let Your will be done And 'til I see You face to face And grace amazing takes me home I'll trust in You Chorus I will live to love You I will live to bring You praise I will live a child in awe of You Verse 3 You are the voice That called the universe to be You are the whisper In my heart that speaks to me And 'til I see You face to face And grace amazing takes me home I'll trust in You Bridge You alone are God of all You alone are worthy, Lord And with all I am my soul will bless Your name Jadwin Gillies | Joel Houston © 2004 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4455189 CCLI Licence # 324618

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE Verse 1 Won't You Lord Take a look at our hands Everything we have Use it for Your plan Verse 2 Won't You Lord Take a look at our hearts Mould it, refine it As You set us apart Chorus We want to run to the altar And catch the fire To stand in the gap Between the living and the dead Give us a heart of compassion For a world without vision We will make a difference Bringing hope to our land Song & Lyrics: City Harvest Church

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SOVEREIGN OVER US Verse 1 There is strength within the sorrow There is beauty in our tears And You meet us in our mourning With a love that casts out fear Verse 2 You are working in our waiting You’re sanctifying us When beyond our understanding You're teaching us to trust Chorus Your plans are still to prosper You've not forgotten us You're with us in the fire and the flood You’re faithful forever perfect in love You are sovereign over us Verse 3 You are wisdom unimagined Who could understand Your ways Reigning high above the heavens Reaching down in endless grace Verse 4 You're the lifter of the lowly Compassionate and kind You surround and You uphold me And Your promises are my delight

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Bridge Even what the enemy means for evil You turn it for our good You turn it for our good And for Your glory Even in the valley, You are faithful You're working for our good You're working for our good And for Your glory (Repeat) Ending You’re faithful forever perfect in love You are sovereign over us Aaron Keyes | Bryan Brown | Jack Mooring © 2011 Jack Mooring Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Meaux Jeaux Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 6011370 CCLI Licence No. 324618

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LIVING HOPE Verse 1 How great the chasm that lay between us How high the mountain I could not climb In desperation, I turned to heaven And spoke Your name into the night Then through the darkness Your loving kindness Tore through the shadows of my soul The work is finished, the end is written Jesus Christ, my living hope Verse 2 Who could imagine so great a mercy? What heart could fathom such boundless grace? The God of ages stepped down from glory To wear my sin and bear my shame The cross has spoken, I am forgiven The King of kings calls me His own Beautiful Saviour, I’m Yours forever Jesus Christ, my living hope Chorus Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me You have broken every chain There’s salvation in Your name Jesus Christ, my living hope Verse 3 Then came the morning that sealed the promise Your buried body began to breathe Out of the silence, the roaring Lion Declared the grave has no claim on me Jesus Yours is the victory

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Ending Jesus Christ, my living hope Oh God, You are my living hope Brian Johnson | Phil Wickham © 2017 Phil Wickham Music (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Simply Global Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Sing My Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect®Terms of use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7106807 CCLI Licence # 324618

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WE PRAISE YOU Verse 1 Let praise be a weapon that silences the enemy Let praise be a weapon that conquers all anxiety Let it rise, let praise arise Verse 2 We sing Your name in the dark And it changes everything We sing with all we are and we claim Your victory Let it rise, let praise arise Chorus We’ll see you break down every wall We’ll watch the giants fall For fear cannot survive when we praise You The God of breakthrough's on our side Forever lift (Him) (You) high With all creation cry, God, we praise You Interlude Oh, we praise You Oh Verse 3 Let faith be the song That overcomes the raging sea Let faith be the song That calms the storm inside of me Let it rise, let faith arise Interlude Oh, we praise You Oh, we praise You Oh, we praise You Oh, we praise You

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Bridge This is what living looks like This is what freedom feels like This is what Heaven sounds like We praise You We praise You (Repeat) Ending Oh, we praise You Oh, we praise You Oh, we praise You Oh, give Him all Your praise Brandon Lake | Brian Johnson | Matt Redman | Phil Wickham © 2019 Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook)) Said And Done Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook)) Phil Wickham Music (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Simply Global Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Sing My Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) Maverick City Publishing Worldwide (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7130961 CCLI Licence # 324618

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SCRIPTURE

THURSDAY

Matthew 26:17-46

1 April

Alone in Gethsemane OBSERVATION Why do you think Jesus struggled so intensely in Gethsemane?

Deeper Reflection

IT WAS A LATE NIGHT. A long night. Jesus and His disciples had just celebrated the Passover meal and the room was filled with tension. Jesus said three things that shocked His disciples: (1) He was going away and they could not follow Him, at least not yet (cf. Jn 13:33, 36); (2) One from among them was going to betray Him (v.21); and (3) They would all scatter in the face of danger and Peter would deny Him thrice (vv.31-35). These were deeply troubling words. The disciples all quickly asked defensively concerning the existence of a traitor in their midst: “Is it I, Lord?” (v.22). Even the eventual betrayer, Judas, asked (v.25). Unsettled, they made their way from the upper room to the Garden of Gethsemane. There, Jesus experienced a deeply sorrowful time and needed His disciples close to Him. Yes, it appears that even Jesus, in His humanity, needed emotional support. Yet Jesus’ three closest disciples could not keep awake. Jesus tried without success to rouse them to keep watch with Him and pray so that they would not fall into temptation. Was Jesus vacillating in going to the cross? Why the deep sorrow? Why the prayer for the Father to take the cup from Him? Was it not for this reason that Jesus came? The deep sorrow was linked to the cup – used metaphorically to refer to God’s wrath.1 In other words, Jesus struggled knowing that He would soon face God’s wrath for carrying the sins of the world.2 But this struggle was pivotal! Its outcome swung the destiny of believers from hopelessness to undeserved salvation and eternal hope.

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APPLICATION

In2020 what practical ways can my CG-mates and I better support one another during our “Gethsemane moments”?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To persevere in proclaiming the Gospel through our church’s community outreach and missions endeavours Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

1 2

For example, see Isaiah 51:17 and Jeremiah 25:15. John 1:29; 1 John 2:2.

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SCRIPTURE

Matthew 26:47-68; Luke 23:9; John 19:9

FRIDAY

2 April

A Dignified Silence OBSERVATION What stood out for you concerning Jesus’ response when questioned by Caiaphas, then Herod and Pilate?

Deeper Reflection

AS WE READ the about the (kangaroo) trials of Jesus, one aspect stands out: His dignified silence (v.63; Mk 14:61; Lk 23:9; Jn 19:9). Jesus refused to respond to the false charges brought against Him by inconsistent, incoherent witnesses placed there by the religious leaders to incriminate Him. After all, they had already made up their minds to dispose of Jesus. This silence was a fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy: “He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; ...and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth” (Isa 53:7). The Jewish leaders were “clutching at straws” to find some fault in Jesus to destroy Him. They finally managed to incriminate Jesus when He affirmed the claim that He was “the Christ, the Son of God” and indeed “the Son of Man” (vv.63-64; cf. Dan 7:13-14).3 Jesus’ self-composure under duress when questioned by His accusers can surely be attributed to His union with the Father and to the time of prayer spent with the Father in Gethsemane. There Jesus was “greatly distressed and troubled” and His soul was “very sorrowful, even to death” (Mk 14:33-34). He prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass. Yet upon rising from His prayer, when accosted by the party led by the Jewish leaders, Jesus responded, “... shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given Me?” (Jn 18:11). Jesus’ composure and resilience throughout His ordeal was truly amazing. It is instructive and inspirational all at once. The Apostle Peter cited Jesus’ example to encourage persecuted Christians (1 Pet 2:21-23).

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APPLICATION

How should I respond in the face of opposition, especially when suffering ridicule or 2020 rejection for my faith?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To keep close to God and thereby have Christlike composure and resilience when they face opposition in life and ministry Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Jesus only broke His silence to affirm His divine identity (v.64; Mk 14:62; Lk 22:67-70).

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SCRIPTURE

SATURDAY

John 19:17-42

3 April

Unsung Heroes of the Faith OBSERVATION How were Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus depicted in verses 38 to 42?

Deeper Reflection

VERSES 38 TO 42 is an often overlooked text. Two hitherto secret disciples of Jesus came “out of the closet” to claim the body of Jesus for embalming and burial. Some hours earlier, the scene and mood were starkly different. Jesus, after suffering a harsh scourging by Roman soldiers, staggered under the weight of the cross He bore towards Golgotha. There His body reacted to the excruciating pain as the soldiers hammered the nails through His hands and feet, and then hoisted Him up on the cross. Jesus’ followers and sympathisers felt a deep sense of disbelief, indignation and sadness. His tormentors and enemies carried cruel, smug and satisfied looks on their faces. After Jesus’ breathed His last, the curious bystanders scurried home as darkness ominously covered the land and the Passover hastened. Now, in the haunting silence, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus courageously took and reverently embalmed and laid Jesus’ body in an empty private tomb nearby. Like the unknown owner who released the colt to transport Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, or the mysterious owner of the house who allowed Jesus and His disciples to use the upper room for their last Passover meal together, Joseph and Nicodemus are part of a silent army of unsung Kingdom heroes integral to the drama of redemptive history. Even today there are many secret followers and obscure servants of Christ in the world. If sometimes you feel overwhelmed by the work for our Lord Jesus or outnumbered by those who oppose His Kingdom’s cause, remember the Josephs and Nicodemuses out there and that you are not alone.

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APPLICATION

How do I stay faithful to God’s calling and persevere in the work of His Kingdom, even in 2020 seemingly small things and insignificant tasks, in order to fulfil my part in God’s story of redemptive history?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for church board: To be united, far-sighted and wise in decision-making concerning present challenges and the future direction of the church Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SUNDAY

4 April

Sunday Journal 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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The Past Week REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? Commit in prayer.

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WEEK ONE / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / APRIL 2021

PEACE WITH US* Scripture: John 20:1-18

Jesus died for our peace with God.

* ACTIVITY BITE

As you read John 20:1-18, ask your family members to draw emojis (for e.g. , and so on) next to parts of the story to match the likely emotions of the disciples and Mary.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: What is the true meaning of Easter? Q2: What does peace with one another mean? Q3: How does God show His peace with mankind?

* LEARNING POINT

When Jesus died on the cross and took away our sins, we can have peace with God. Jesus’ friends likely had a lot of conflicting thoughts and feelings on that weekend when they saw Him crucified, buried and then risen again. But through it all, Jesus showed that He is more powerful than sin and death. It means that we are no longer separated from God. He made peace with us even when we didn’t deserve it. His love will be with us forever.

* ACTION POINT

Ask each of your family members to choose an object that represents peace. For example, it can be a leaf branch, rainbow or wooden cross, and so on. Share with everyone why you chose that object.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for sending His Son, Jesus to die for us. Pray for your friends to have God’s peace too by believing in Jesus. *Adapted from 252 Kids, Apr2021 www.ThinkOrange.com

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SCRIPTURE

MONDAY

James 1:27

5 April

God’s Heartbeat OBSERVATION What is the real religion that God expects?

Deeper Reflection

GOD’S HEART beats for the needy. As ancient society did not provide for orphans and widows, they were “typical examples of those who needed help”4. Unless a family member provided help, they tended to be “reduced to begging, selling themselves as slaves or starving”. Caring for the “powerless people” was a way for the church to put God’s Word into practice. Giving with no hope of receiving in return demonstrated the true meaning of serving others. 5 Whereas fake religion is marked by “impurity and uncharitableness”, the religion that God wants is marked by “unfeigned love and charity”.6 God’s heartbeat for the needy stretches throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. John Stott noted that God’s Law in the Old Testament required God’s people to “not harden their hearts or close their hands against their poor brother or sister, but to be generous in maintaining those who could not maintain themselves, by taking them into their home and feeding them”. Stott further noted that Jesus himself “inherited this Old Testament legacy of care for the poor”, making friends with the needy and feeding the hungry, and telling His disciples to “sell their possessions and give alms to the poor”, and to invite to their gatherings “the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind, who would probably be in no position to invite them back”7.

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APPLICATION

How should I live such that my heart beats as God’s for the needy around me? 2020

PRAYER Those lf

in nee

Significant people

Leaders

Lord Jesus, cause my heart to beat with Yours. Let it not be hardened or apathetic. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear those around me who are in need. Guide my feet to walk to where they are, guide my hands to serve them Giv e th ank without any desire to be thanked or sa nd pra repaid, but simply to please You and ise glorify Your name. Amen.

Walter W. Wessel, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary (Moody Press, 1991), 1433. Life Application Bible (Tyndale, 1991), 2246. Matthew Henry, Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (Moody Press, 1990), 971. 7 John Stott, Issues Facing Christians Today, 4th Edition (Zondervan, 2006), 302-303 4 5

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SCRIPTURE

TUESDAY

Matthew 14:13-21

6 April

God’s Expectation OBSERVATION Why did Jesus say to the disciples, “… you give them something to eat.” (v.16)?

Deeper Reflection

AS IT WAS GETTING LATE, the disciples went to Jesus and proposed to Him that He send the crowd away to get their own food. But Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Whereas the disciples had apparently wanted to be rid of the problem, Jesus, by giving them this responsibility, intended to “awaken in them an awareness that association with Him included provision for every need”8. Or as Matthew Henry wrote, “In seeking the welfare of men’s souls, we should have compassion on their bodies likewise.”9 Timothy Keller puts it thus: “And as soon as you get involved in the lives of people – in evangelism as well as spiritual nurture – you will come upon people with practical needs. You can’t love people in word only and therefore you can’t love people as you are doing evangelism and discipleship without meeting practical and material needs through deeds.”10 Keller also notes that in undertaking this “holistic ministry”, there are practical questions that need to be answered: How much to help? Whom to help? Under what conditions does the help proceed or end? What method of help should be used (for e.g., relief, development and reform represent different forms of help, requiring increasingly complex work11)?

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APPLICATION

What would it mean for me to meet the needs of my neighbours (literal neighbours or 2020 “neighbours” at school, work or other spheres of influence)?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To see and meet the needs of their neighbours in the love of God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Homer A. Kent, Jr., The Wycliffe Bible Commentary (Moody Press, 1991), 955. Matthew Henry, Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (Moody Press, 1990), 697. Timothy Keller, Generous Justice: How God’s Grace Makes Us Just (Hodder & Stoughton, 2010), 135. 11 Timothy Keller, Generous Justice: How God’s Grace Makes Us Just (Hodder & Stoughton, 2010), 136-137. 8

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SCRIPTURE

WEDNESDAY

Matthew 14:13-21

7 April

God’s Means OBSERVATION What was the significance of Jesus’ words to His disciples, “Bring them here to Me.” (v.18)?

Deeper Reflection

ONE CAN EMPATHISE with Jesus’ disciples. They saw that the crowd was large. The total number of people could have been “10 to 15 thousand”, and not just the 5,000, considering that Jewish men sat apart from women and children.12 The disciples made a recommendation to Jesus which they likely thought was very sensible. They probably thought, “There are too many people, it’s late, send them away to get their own food.” Jesus essentially replied that He wanted the disciples themselves to feed the people. The disciples could only come up with five loaves and two fish. Jesus then showed the disciples that while He gave them a task, He would also enable them to fulfil it. Jesus also wanted this divine enabling to be clear to all who were there. Matthew records that Jesus told the crowd to sit down on the grass. He then took the five loaves and two fish, and very publicly “looked up toward heaven”, blessed the food and broke the loaves. How would you have felt if you were one of the disciples who received the food from Jesus and then distributed it to the crowd? All the people ate and “were satisfied”, and there were 12 basketfuls of broken pieces left over. The five loaves and two fish seemed insufficient for the crowd, but in Jesus’ hands “it became more than enough”.13 Our contribution may seem meagre but Jesus can use and multiply what we give Him, “whether it is talent, time or treasure”.14

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APPLICATION

In2020 what God-given task do I need to remember that it is God who enables?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for The Silver Generation: To be loved and honoured by Christians and to trust the Lord to provide for their needs Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Life Application Bible (Tyndale, 1991), 1680. Life Application Bible (Tyndale, 1991), 1680. 14 Life Application Bible (Tyndale, 1991), 1680. 12 13

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SCRIPTURE

THURSDAY

Luke 5:1-11

8 April

God’s Ways OBSERVATION What do you find remarkable about Simon Peter’s words to Jesus, “… But at Your word I will let down the nets.” (v.5)?

Deeper Reflection

ONE CAN IMAGINE Simon Peter thinking to himself, “Are you sure, Lord? You know, I’m the real subject matter expert on fishing. Wasn’t Your background in carpentry?” Fishermen on the Sea of Galilee had a specific fishing technique using bell-shaped nets with lead weights around the edges. The Galilean fishermen threw the net flat onto the water, let the lead weights sink the net around the fish, and then pulled on a cord, drawing the net around the fish.15 Simon was an experienced fisherman, so he had probably assessed that there was little likelihood of a catch. Nevertheless, “he was already sufficiently impressed by Jesus to obey His command.”16 Simon’s response reflected faith in Jesus. He was ready to believe in Jesus’ word even in a matter in which Jesus was not, humanly speaking, an expert.17 The Bible is replete with examples of God’s people being tasked to do things, but in ways in which it is clear that God is sovereign and in control. Gideon fighting with just 300 men, Israel marching around the walls of Jericho, Jesus’ disciples feeding thousands with limited loaves and fish. Matthew Henry wrote that, “We are likely to speed well, when we follow the guidance of Christ’s word – The draught of fishes was by a miracle.”18 Perhaps it is the reminder we disciples need constantly: God’s work in God’s ways.

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APPLICATION

What act of obedience do I need to carry out simply because God said so? 2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To have good sensitivity and awareness regarding the best ways to reach out in Christ’s love to people in the community Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

15 16 17 18

Life Application Bible (Tyndale, 1991), 1802. New Bible Commentary, 3rd Edition (Inter-Varsity Press, 1989), 897. Merrill C. Tenney, The Wycliffe Bible Commentary (Moody Press, 1991), 1037. Matthew Henry, Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (Moody Press, 1990), 747.

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SCRIPTURE

1 Kings 19:1-19

FRIDAY

9 April

God Meets Us in Our Discouragement OBSERVATION What was the significance of the LORD asking Elijah, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (vv.9, 13)?

Deeper Reflection

WE CAN SOMETIMES become discouraged when we obey God and carry out His tasks. Our efforts may seem fruitless. The problems may seem endless and insurmountable. Elijah was discouraged to the extent of wanting to die. But God met Elijah in his discouragement. He began the revival process by first meeting Elijah’s physical needs by giving him food and water. Then God asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” After Elijah lamented the situation he was in, God did not reply directly but told Elijah to stand before Him. After a powerful wind, an earthquake and a fire, God came again to Elijah in a gentle way. The NASB version of the Bible describes it as “a sound of a gentle blowing”, or in Hebrew, “the sound of gentle quietness” or even “gentle silence”.19 This “sound of gentle stillness summoned Elijah from the cave of his hiding to stand face to face with God”20. God asked him again, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Once more, Elijah gave the same answer. He had been zealous for God, the sons of Israel had abandoned God’s covenant and he was left all alone. This time, God instructed Elijah to “go” and “anoint” three people whom God would use. God’s response in effect told Elijah that He was in sovereign control, and furthermore, that Elijah was not alone. God had led Elijah out of his discouragement and confronted him with the need to “return to his mission”.21

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APPLICATION

In2020 what areas of ministry do I need to be still and listen for the “sound of a gentle blowing” from God?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To learn to enter God’s presence, bringing their discouragements before the Lord, being still and listening for His voice with the intention of obeying Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

19 20 21

New Bible Commentary, 3rd Edition (Inter-Varsity Press, 1989), 345. John T. Gates., The Wycliffe Bible Commentary (Moody Press, 1991), 334. Life Application Bible (Tyndale, 1991), 585.

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SCRIPTURE

Psalm 113:5-9; Psalm 146:5-9; Proverbs 14:31

SATURDAY

10 April

God’s Love for the Needy OBSERVATION What strikes you about this description of God: “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap.” (v.7)?

Deeper Reflection

REFERRING TO PSALM 113, John Stott wrote that characteristic of God is “to champion the poor, to rescue them from their misery and to transform paupers into princes”22. Put another way, God “draws near to the needy to deliver them” and “to transform their state”.23 Proverbs 14:31 makes clear that if we mistreat the needy, we are in effect standing in opposition to God. But if we are gracious to the needy, we honour God. Similarly, the call of Leviticus 23:22 to the Israelites was to care for the needy during harvesting, for “I am the LORD Your God”. In Deuteronomy 15:7-8, the Israelites were instructed not to harden their hearts to the poor, but to help them generously. Isaiah 58:7 makes clear God’s expectation for us to help the hungry and the homeless. God’s position is clear. Is our position clear? Are we on God’s side when it comes to the plight of the needy in our community? It is easy and, indeed, understandable, to want to avert our eyes and not see the needy. Many of us are busy, occupied with challenges at home, school or the office. Many of us struggle with our own limitations in time, money and energy. But God has made clear that caring for the needy is not an “optional extra” in discipleship. It may not always be easy, but we can and should think hard and clearly about how to provide concrete help to the needy and to follow through with actions.

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APPLICATION

In2020 what ways should I practise graciousness to the needy in order to honour God?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for church board: To steward their time, money and energy in a way that reflects God’s love for the needy, and likewise for the church resources entrusted to the board Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

22 23

John Stott, Issues Facing Christians Today, 4th Edition (Zondervan, 2006), 300 New Bible Commentary, 3rd Edition (Inter-Varsity Press, 1989), 523.

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SUNDAY

11 April

Sunday Journal 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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The Past Week REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? Commit in prayer.

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WEEK TWO / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / APRIL 2021

PEACE TO OFFER* Scripture: Colossians 3:15 Making peace with others.

* ACTIVITY BITE

As you read Colossians 3:15, ask your family members to come up with actions for the verse to help you memorise it. For example, the peace sign for “peace”, placing an imaginary crown on your head for “rules”, your hand over your heart for “heart”, and so on. Get everyone to practise it in front of the mirror.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: How do you feel when you do not see eye to eye with someone? Q2: Why is peace with others so important? Q3: How does God’s love help us make peace with others?

* LEARNING POINT

Making peace with others reflects God’s kind of love that we can give to them. Whether it is a sibling, friend, teammate or classmate that you do not see eye to eye with, it may feel impossible to make peace with them. As Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:15, the peace that we can offer to others is given to us by Jesus. All we need to do is ask Him for help and we can make peace with others. Sometimes, making peace with others involves apologising or giving up something. Sometimes, it involves reaching out to be encouraging or kind.

* ACTION POINT

Find a friend whom you trust and talk to him or her about the ways that you can make peace with the person you do not see eye to eye with. Brainstorm together how you can reach out and offer peace to him or her.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for giving us His love so that we can love others. Pray that He will help us take the first step to make peace with others. *Adapted from 252 Kids, Apr2021 www.ThinkOrange.com

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 5:1-2

MONDAY

12 April

We Can Misperceive God’s Presence OBSERVATION How did the Philistines view the ark of God and Dagon their god?

Deeper Reflection

THE PHILISTINES HAD DEFEATED ISRAEL and captured the ark of God (1 Sam 4:10-11). Then they “took the ark of God and brought it to the temple of Dagon and set it beside Dagon” (v.2). By placing the ark of God “beside” their god, the Philistines made God equal to their god. Dagon was an idol. In ancient Near East, “the deity’s presence was marked by the image of the deity”24. The deity “takes up residence in the image” and mediates the divine presence and “reveals himself to his worshippers and gives them a tangible object to worship”25. The ark of God was not like that. It was only a symbol of God’s presence. God did not reside in the ark, and unlike the pagan deities, God’s actual presence was not bound up in the ark. Hence, when the ark of God was captured it does not mean the person and the presence of God was captured, even though God’s presence was there with the ark that symbolised His presence. But Israel “identified God too closely with the ark, thereby reducing Him to the level of the pagan gods”26. Consequently, they were horrified when the ark was captured. Israel viewed the ark of God as the Philistines did. We, too, may have a flawed theology that God and His presence is bound by certain prayers that we pray, certain declarations that we make and certain songs that we sing. And what we believe and practise may turn out to be paganistic superstitions.

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APPLICATION

In2020 what ways may I have viewed God in a paganistic way, rather than as He truly is?

PRAYER God, teach me about Your presence as You have revealed in Your Word, lest I misperceive it in other ways. Heaven is Your dwelling place27 and yet the highest heaven cannot contain You.28 I cannot run away from Your presence29 and yet You are a God who hides Himself30 and dwells in thick darkness.31 But assuredly I can draw near to You because it is through Christ.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 1 & 2 Samuel, Teach the Text Commentary Series (Baker, 2013), 33 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 33 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 35 1 Kings 8:30 1 Kings 8:17 Psalm 139:7-8 Isaiah 45:15 2 Chronicles 6:1

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 5:1-2; 4:3-11, 19-22

TUESDAY

13 April

The Passive Transcendent Sovereign God OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make in the progression from 1 Samuel 4:3-11, 19-22 to verses 1 to 2 in the story of the ark of God?

Deeper Reflection

THE “ARK NARRATIVE” (1 Sam 4:1-7:2) is highly theological and rich in theology, because of what God revealed about Himself in the narrative. The word for “take”, laqah, with the ark of God as its object is repeated nine times in the “Ark Narrative” (1 Sam 4:3, 11, 17, 19, 21-22; 5:1-2; 6:8). The theological ironic uses of laqah with the ark of God reveal the passive transcendent sovereign God. This God is “holy, holy, holy” in His exaltedness and loftiness (Isa 6:1-3). However, this God is always in a passive position whenever the ark-laqah is mentioned. “Let us take to ourselves the ark of the covenant of the LORD”, said Israel, believing that the ark will “deliver us from the power of our enemies” (1 Sam 4:3). And this brought great fear to the Philistines (1 Sam 4:6-9). But the irony is, “the ark of God was taken” by the Philistines (1 Sam 4:10-11), reversing what Israel and the Philistines believed about the ark. It was unbelievable to both sides. Then the Philistines “took the ark of God and brought it to the temple of Dagon” and placed it “beside” Dagon (vv.1-2). God appeared to be conquered – much like His crucified Son. Actually, God undertook a “self-imposed exile”32 – much like Jesus laying down His own life by Himself (Jn 10:17-18). The theological irony is: God in His passiveness was quietly but powerfully active. The theological irony tells us: Don’t stereotype God.

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APPLICATION

How might I have stereotyped God and what will I do about it? 2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To represent God truly and rightly in ministry Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 35

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SCRIPTURE

WEDNESDAY

1 Samuel 5:1-5

14 April

Glory of the Inglorious God OBSERVATION What do you learn about God in the encounter between Dagon and God?

Deeper Reflection

FROM THE MOMENT the ark of God was captured to being made to stand “beside” Dagon ─ the chief god of the Philistines, in his temple ─ on the external God appeared to be weak, defeated and humiliated. A picture of an inglorious God. The glory had departed from Israel (1 Sam 4:21-22), but the glory did not depart from God Himself. God manifested His glory in the temple of Dagon itself: “Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the LORD” (v.3a). Having been made to stand “beside” Dagon, God now made Dagon to be below Him. The inglorious God in His glory made the glorious Dagon inglorious. Then, the Philistines “took Dagon and set him in his place again” (v.3b). Don’t miss the irony of laqah (“take”) here! The Philistines “took the ark of God” with a sense of triumph (vv.1-2). But now, in humiliation they “took Dagon” and “set him in his place again” from which he “had fallen” before the ark of God (v.3). What followed was the greatest humiliation of Dagon and the Philistines. Dagon was decapitated and dismembered, and left only with his trunk, bowing before the ark of God (v.4). All the while God had been quietly passive, but now He was manifestly mightily active. God in His sovereign wisdom knows when to act, what to do and how to act, to His own glory. And we see a God who lowers Himself and exalts Himself – just like Jesus, who emptied Himself and then became exalted (Phil 2:5-11).

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APPLICATION

What does it mean to me to know a God who lowers Himself and exalts Himself? 2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for The Silver Generation: To know the majesty and humility of God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

THURSDAY

1 Samuel 5:1-12

15 April

God Upholds His Own Glory OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about “the hand of the LORD” (vv.6-11)?

Deeper Reflection

WE MAY HAVE DONE things that bear a bad testimony to God before the world – like Israel (1 Sam 4), resulting in “The glory had departed from Israel” (1 Sam 4:21-22). But God Himself upholds His own glory – apart from us. To His unfaithful people in exile, God said: “I will vindicate the holiness of My great name which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD” (Eze 36:23). God was upholding His own glory among the Philistines. He had just glorified Himself in humiliating Dagon in his temple (vv.1-5). And God further glorified Himself in ravaging His enemies by smiting them with “tumors” (v.6). The “tumors” or “swellings” were “inflamed lymph glands in the armpit and groin” – “one of the chief symptoms” of “a disease, perhaps bubonic plague”33. “The hand of the LORD” (repeated four times) was “very heavy” (vv.6, 11) and “severe” (v.7) against the Philistines “with very great” and “deadly confusion” (vv.9, 11). This mighty “hand of the LORD” stands in stark contrast to the “hands” of Dagon which God had chopped off (v.4). Indeed, the Philistines saw this destructive deadly ravaging of “the God of Israel” as “on us and on Dagon our god” (v.7). At this point, the ark of God was still inside Dagon’s temple – the Holy inside the unholy. God’s presence is not bound to the ark. He moves freely to do whatever He pleases to His own glory (Psa 135:6).

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APPLICATION

What does it mean to me to walk with a God who upholds His own glory Himself? 2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To know the glory of the God of glory Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 34

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SCRIPTURE

FRIDAY

1 Samuel 6:1-12

16 April

God Glorified by His Enemies OBSERVATION How was God glorified by His enemies, the Philistines?

Deeper Reflection

SENSING THAT THE SOURCE of the disasters that were devastating them might be the God of Israel, the Philistines desperately wanted to send the ark of God back to Israel. They sought advice from their priests and diviners on how to send the ark back (v.2). The Philistines must return the ark of God with a “guilt offering” or reparation offering (v.3) in the form of gold images of their tumors and mice, five of each, representing the five lords of the Philistines (vv.4-5a). Apparently, the Philistines understood that the disease that infected their bodies with tumors was caused by mice. They placed the ark of God on a “new cart” to be pulled by “two milk cows” that had never been yoked (vv.7-8). The “two milk cows” would be a test if God was the troublemaker (v.9). The milk cows would naturally go back to their suckling calves penned up at home (v.7b). But “the cows took the straight way in the direction of Beth-shemesh” without turning to the left or right (v.12). This was “Yahweh’s cow-revelation to the Philistines”, speaking to them through cows instead of prophets. 34 There is a laqah (“take”) irony. The Philistines “take the ark of the LORD” now (v.8) was unlike when they “took” it triumphantly seven months ago (1 Sam 4:11, 17, 19; 5:1-2). Now they did it to “give glory to the God of Israel” (v.5). “The glory has departed from Israel” (1 Sam 4:21-22) ends with God’s enemies giving Him glory. What a glory of God!

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APPLICATION

How does the fact that with God even His enemies may give Him glory challenge me in 2020 my discipleship journey?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To see God’s glory when God’s enemies “triumph” over Him Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dale Ralph Davis, 1 Samuel, Focus on the Bible (Christian Focus, 2000), 64.

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 6:13-7:2

SATURDAY

17 April

God’s Presence: Delight and Danger OBSERVATION What can you learn about God in the Beth-shemites’ encounter with the ark of God (vv.13-15, 19-21)?

Deeper Reflection

THE RETURN of the ark of God to Israel was the return of the presence of God. When the Beth-shemites “saw the ark” they were “glad to see it” (v.13). Their joy was followed by offering of sacrifices to God (vv.14-15). But soon the delight in the presence of God turned into realising that the presence of God was dangerous. Some of the Beth-shemites “looked at the ark of the LORD” and God “struck down the people with a great slaughter” – “seventy” of them (v.19). The divine “struck down” is emphatic, being repeated three times in the verse. When Israel decamped to journey towards the Promised Land and the tabernacle was taken down, the Kohathites were responsible for transporting the holy furniture after the priests had covered them (Num 4:15). And the Kohathites were warned: “they shall not go in to see the holy objects even for a moment, or they will die” (Num 4:20). The Beth-shemites saw the terrifying holiness of God, such that they wanted to get rid of the ark of God: “No one is safe in the presence of the LORD, this holy God. To whom can we send the Ark, to be rid of Him?” (v.20a, REB35). We can be intimate with God through Christ, but we cannot be presumptuously familiar and casual with Him. The God of grace and mercy to whom we can draw near with confidence (Heb 4:16) is also “a consuming fire” (Heb 12:29).

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APPLICATION

How do I relate with a gracious and merciful God who is also a God of terrifying holiness? 2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for church board: To walk with God with confidence and reverence Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Revised English Bible

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SUNDAY

18 April

Sunday Journal 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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The Past Week REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? Commit in prayer.

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WEEK THREE / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / APRIL 2021

TRUE PEACE*

Scripture: Genesis 26:1-6, 12-22, 26-31 Walking away from a fight.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Ask your family members to sit and read the passages together. When they get to the part where Isaac packed up and moved, ask everyone to take their Bible and anything else in their immediate surroundings and move somewhere else to sit. Repeat this every time Isaac has to move and dig new wells.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: How did you feel when you had to keep moving from one place to another? Q2: What can we learn from Isaac about not fighting back for what he wants? Q3: How does God show us that He is in control of everything?

* LEARNING POINT

By walking away from a fight, we show true strength and trust in God. It must have been humbling for Isaac to give up what was actually his. But by walking away from a fight, he trusted God; and God blessed him with peace. There are times when someone is not treating you well and you need to stand up for what is right. Being a peacemaker doesn’t mean being a doormat for someone to step on. But that might mean you need some help. It might be talking to someone older about it, because there will come a day when you will need to know what the wise choice is. God is our great help and He will have ways to help us.

* ACTION POINT

Role play different scenarios with your family members – situations where you might need to walk away from conflict and some where you might need to stand up for yourself or someone else. Discuss together the best way to deal with these situations.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for being our help whenever we need it. Pray for His wisdom to decide when we should walk away from a fight. *Adapted from 252 Kids, Apr2021 www.ThinkOrange.com

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 7:1-2

MONDAY

19 April

Lament Over the Divine Absence OBSERVATION What is the significance of Israel’s lament after the LORD?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN THE ARK OF GOD returned to Israel from the land of the Philistines, it did not return to the temple in Shiloh (cf. 1 Sam 4:3-4), but stayed in Kiriath-jearim for “twenty years” (v.2a). And “all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD” (v.2b). Concerning the Hebrew word for “lament”, “most [biblical scholars] agree that the meaning of ‘lament’ is uncertain”36. By combining the various English translations, we may construct the verse in this way: “Then there was a movement throughout Israel to follow the LORD (REB). During that time all Israel mourned because it seemed that the LORD had abandoned them (NLT), and they longed for the LORD (CSB, NET), and turned back to the LORD (NIV), and cried to the LORD for help (GNB), and began to follow the LORD again (NCV).” The narrator describes the 20 years as “the time was long” (v.2a) for emphasis. It was “twenty silent years”37. God was silent and absent from Israel’s centre of worship, the temple in Shiloh, because God was not at the centre of Israel’s heart. Israel self-servingly and superstitiously mistook, misplaced and manipulated the ark of God (1 Sam 4:3-11). Divine silence and absence point to divine displeasure and judgment on His people. But there is also a redemptive effect. Long divine silence and absence can create a spiritual crisis in our hearts that drives us to turn back to God and seek Him again.

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APPLICATION

How do I perceive the times of divine silence and absence in my discipleship journey? 2020

PRAYER My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my help are the words of my groaning. I cry out by day, but You do not answer; and by night, but I have no rest.38 How long, Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?39 But in hope I wait for You, My strength and my salvation, to answer me in Your faithfulness and righteousness.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

David H. Jensen, 1 & 2 Samuel, Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible (WJK, 2015), 52 Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel, The New American Commentary (B & H, 1996), 106 Psalm 22:1-2 39 Psalm 13:1 36 37

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SCRIPTURE

TUESDAY

1 Samuel 7:1-4

20 April

The Pursuit of Divine Grace OBSERVATION What did God require of Israel when they lamented after Him?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN WE SEEK GOD after we have strayed far away from Him, it is not us taking the initiative towards God, but rather, it is the divine initiative of grace. The 20 years of divine silence and absence did something to Israel: They “lamented after the LORD” and sought Him (v.2). This was a pursuit of divine grace. And when we seek God, He will speak His word to us: “Then Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel” (v.3). How should we respond to the pursuit of divine grace? Return wholeheartedly in our relationship with God: “return to the LORD with all your heart” (v.3). What is a half-hearted relationship with God? When Solomon “did not follow the LORD fully” (1 Kin 11:6) and “his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD” (1 Kin 11:4), God viewed it as synonymous to “his heart was turned away from the LORD” (1 Kin 11:9). Remove completely the idols in our lives: “remove the foreign gods among you” (v.3). Israel lived with this incongruence: having both the ark of God and foreign gods in their midst. This dangerous reality can also be true of us. Resolve single-mindedly in devotion to God: “Direct your hearts to the LORD and serve Him alone” (v.3). Mark the word “alone”, which reminds us of “You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matt 6:24). The result of these three responses is: “He will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines” (v.3). We can rest assuredly in the security in God.

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APPLICATION

In2020 what ways do I sense the pursuit of divine grace in my life and how will I respond to it?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To know the God who pursues us in grace Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 7:2-8

WEDNESDAY 21 April

God’s Word: Obedience and Confidence OBSERVATION What is the significance of the Philistines launching an attack on Israel when Israel “had gathered to Mizpah”?

Deeper Reflection

AFTER ISRAEL had removed the foreign gods from among them and returned to God to worship Him alone (vv.3-4), Samuel made a “Gather all Israel to Mizpah” call (v.5a). And Israel “gathered to Mizpah” (v.6). Then, when the Philistines “heard that the sons of Israel had gathered to Mizpah”, they launched an attack on Israel (v.7). Israel’s assemblies at Mizpah in Benjamin was common in the days of the judges (Judg 20:1; 21:8), but this particular gathering was particularly significant, for it is repeated three times. At Mizpah, Israel confessed, “We have sinned against the LORD” with a “repentant spirit”, symbolised (probably) by the pouring out of water before God40 (v.6). Now at Mizpah, Israel faced a crisis in obedience to God’s Word. It was while they were obeying God’s Word in humble repentance and realigning their allegiance to God that the Philistines attacked. Walking in obedience to God does not mean life will be smooth sailing. Crisis shows our commitment and our commitment is strengthened through crisis. Confidence in God’s Word in crisis was the divine agenda for the Philistines’ attack which made Israel “afraid” (v.7). Israel was to remember and anchor in God’s promise for their return to Him: “He will deliver you from the hands of the Philistines” (v.3). God demonstrates His faithfulness to His Word through crises to deepen our faith in His Word.

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APPLICATION

What is like for me to respond to crises with obedience to God’s Word or confidence in 2020 God’s Word?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for The Silver Generation: To align to and anchor in God’s Word always Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 46

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 7:7-11

THURSDAY

22 April

Whole Burnt Offering and Prayer OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about the chain of events described in verses 7 to 11?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN THE PHILISTINES attacked Israel as they were gathered at Mizpah, Israel was “afraid” and called on Samuel to “cry” to God for them that He may “save” them (vv.7-8). What did Samuel do? The most natural and logical thing to do was to immediately mobilise Israel’s army to make a defence. Israel was not in battle ready for the surprise attack. The situation was critical and urgent. And time was not on Israel’s side to mobilise the troops. What Samuel did was he “took a nursing lamb and offered it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD” (v.9a). That was the first thing that Samuel did. The “whole burnt offering to the LORD” symbolises total dedication to God (cf. Rom 12:1). It was the only offering to be completely given to God without any priestly portion. The whole burnt offering was “to remain on the altar hearth throughout the night, till morning, and the fire must be kept burning on the altar” (Lev 6:9, 12-13). And it was when Samuel “was offering up the burnt offering” that “the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel” (v.10a). Samuel’s act defies logic and pragmatism. This is total dedication amidst dangerous threat. The “whole burnt offering” was followed by “Samuel cried to the LORD” (v.9b). Total dedication to God is followed by total dependence on God. And “the LORD answered” the prayer (vv.9-11), fulfilling His promise of deliverance (v.3).

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APPLICATION

What changes do I need to make in my life with regard to total dedication to God or total 2020 dependence on God?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To be dedicated to and dependent on God completely Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 7:7-11

FRIDAY

23 April

Why the Divine Great Thunder? OBSERVATION What is the significance of God answering Samuel’s prayer by thundering with a great thunder against the Philistines (v.10)?

Deeper Reflection

GOD ANSWERED Samuel’s prayer for Israel in this way: “the LORD thundered with a great thunder…against the Philistines” (v.10). The divine great thunder threw the Philistines “into such a confusion that the Israelites defeated them” (v.10, NLT). Israel “pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the way to a point below Beth Kar” (v.11, NIV). Notably, it was only after God’s first act that Israel engaged in battle. The battle belongs to God and it is God who leads in battle. Why did God answer by thundering with a great thunder? God was saying something to Israel. Israel had been worshipping the Baals, which they had just removed, and renewed their commitment to God (1 Sam 7:3-4). Baal was a storm god that gave fertility, on which Israel relied for productivity and security. The great thunder was God’s self-revelation that “contains a strong anti-Baal polemic”41. God “reveals Himself in a Baal-like manner, proving that He, not the Canaanite storm-god, controls nature and possesses the capacity to bless Israel with fertility”42. The COVID-19 pandemic shattered suddenly and quickly the world’s economy, which is the world’s security god. But when everything in life falls apart (Hab 3:17), with the true security in God we can say: “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to tread on the heights” (Hab 3:18-19, NIV).

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APPLICATION

What are the security gods in my life that I need to remove? 2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To be kept from worshipping security gods Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

41 42

Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., 45 Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., 45

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 7:12-17; 4:1-11; 5:1

SATURDAY

24 April

A Tale of Two Ebenezers OBSERVATION What is the significance of “Ebenezer” being mentioned in two different stories in 1 Samuel 4 to 7 (1 Sam 4:1-11 and 5:1, and vv.12-14)?

Deeper Reflection

“EBENEZER” IS MENTIONED THRICE in 1 Samuel 4 to 7 (1 Sam 4:1; 5:1; v.12), two of which refer to the same place (1 Sam 4:1; 5:1). It is uncertain if the two Ebenezers were two different geographic locations.43 However, it is quite certain that the narrator is deliberately drawing contrasts between the “Ebenezer” in the narrative of 1 Samuel 4 to 6 and the one in 1 Samuel 7:2-14. In the first Ebenezer, Israel took the ark of God with them to battle against the Philistines, but they were defeated despite “God’s presence” with them (1 Sam 4:1, 10-11; 5:1). Ironically, in the second Ebenezer, without taking the ark of God with them, God was present with Israel and gave them a great victory over their enemies. The first Ebenezer under Eli’s leadership was marked by defeat and humiliation, while the second under Samuel’s leadership became a reminder of God’s saving intervention.44 After Israel’s resounding triumph over the Philistines, Samuel set up a memorial stone and named it “Ebenezer”, which means “stone of help”, to remember that “Thus far the LORD has helped us” (v.12). It was “a confession of faith and trust in the Lord”45. This Ebenezer was followed by protection by “the hand of the LORD” (v.13) and restoration of the cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel (v.14). All that was lost because of sin in the first Ebenezer was restored through repentance and renewal of commitment to God in the second.46 With God there is the hope of the second Ebenezer.

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APPLICATION

In2020 what areas of my life do I need the second Ebenezer?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

For church board: To trust and rest in God’s track record of faithfulness Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert D. Bergen, 108 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 47 Robert D. Bergen, 108 46 Robert D. Bergen, 108 43

44 45

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SUNDAY

25 April

Sunday Journal 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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The Past Week REFLECT What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?

RESPOND What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? Commit in prayer.

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WEEK FOUR / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / APRIL 2021

BE A PEACEMAKER* Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:1-35 Be part of the solution.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Ask your family members to get a wooden spoon or something solid. Pair up and ask your partner to hit your leg gently just below your kneecap. Your leg will kick out involuntarily. This is called a reflex action and we cannot control it. Try it again and see if anyone in your family can prevent his or her leg from kicking out.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: Were there occasions in the past when you reacted emotionally without thinking? Q2: What harm can come to a friendship from such quick emotional reactions? Q3: How does God bless us when we choose peace?

* LEARNING POINT

When it comes to your physical reflexes, you do not have a choice in the matter. But when it comes to peace, we can choose to ignore our reflexes and choose peace instead. If you are in a verbal or physical fight with someone, it is natural to want to defend yourself or those you love. But using hurtful words or our bodies to hurt each other is not the way to bring peace to a situation. Instead, when our reflex is to choose wise words and wise actions, we can end a fight before someone gets hurt badly. By choosing God’s way of peace, you are being part of the solution to bring about His love to the situation.

* ACTION POINT

Share with your family members some of the ways that you can be a peacemaker instead of reacting in hurtful ways.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank Jesus for giving us a will to choose what is wise. Pray that He will help us to be a peacemaker to bring about God’s love to problematic situations. *Adapted from 252 Kids, Apr2021 www.ThinkOrange.com

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 8:1-3; 2:12-17, 22-32

MONDAY

26 April

Parenting of Eli and Samuel OBSERVATION What observations can you make about parenting as reflected in the conduct of the sons of both Eli (1 Sam 2:12-17, 22-32) and Samuel (vv.1-3)?

Deeper Reflection

ELI’S SONS committed “very great” sins before God (1 Sam 2:12-17), and God took Eli to task with severe judgment for failing to parent his sons rightly (1 Sam 2:29-32). Samuel’s sons “turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice” (v.3), but there was no divine rebuke for Samuel. It might be that Samuel had done his level best in parenting his sons “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4; Deut 6:6-9), or he had failed in some ways, but not to the extent like Eli. Anyway, God is the judge. The father of the great Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission (the present OMF47), conducted family devotions daily after breakfast and dinner, expecting all family members to be present. “He was very particular about giving them the whole Word of God, omitting nothing.”48 But in spite of that, between the age of 11 and 17, Hudson Taylor came into “contact with the world … beyond the shelter of a Christian home”49 and his “joyous faith of childhood passed away”50. “His mother’s concern was deep and prayerful, but do what she would, nothing seemed to restore that lost God-consciousness.”51 There is nothing parents can do to guarantee that their children will always walk rightly with God. However, should they stray away from God, we need not lose hope as we pray for them. And it is possible that they may return to God, but not in our lifetime.

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APPLICATION

What are the particular challenges that I face in parenting and how will I keep myself 2020 from losing hope?

PRAYER Heavenly Father, from whom all fatherhood and family derives its name,52 despite our hopes and efforts, we fail and things go wrong in parenting our children. We bring to You the mistakes that we have made, ourselves and our children, and everything that has gone wrong; and hold them before You, asking for Your healing love, grace and mercy.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Overseas Missionary Fellowship Dr & Mrs Howard Taylor, Hudson Taylor in Early Years: The Growth of a Soul (OMF, 1911, 1988, 1989), 48 Dr & Mrs Howard Taylor, 58 50 Dr & Mrs Howard Taylor, 59 51 Dr & Mrs Howard Taylor, 59 52 Ephesians 3:15 47

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 8:1-6, 20; 7:10-14

TUESDAY

27 April

The Problem of Spiritual Amnesia OBSERVATION What was wrong with Israel’s demand for a king when you compare verses 1 to 6 and 20 with 1 Samuel 7:12-14?

Deeper Reflection

THE FUNCTION of 1 Samuel 8 is God’s analysis of His people, Israel and us. 53 Samuel was old, and he appointed his sons to succeed him to judge Israel (v.1). But Samuel’s sons were not walking like their father (v.3). Israel did not want to be judged by these corrupt leaders. For them, the rule of judges was not working for them anymore; and so, they wanted a new form of government: monarchy (v.5). The threat of the Philistine hostility was still existing, as indicated by their reason for wanting a king: “that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles” (v.20). Israel felt insecure under the threat of their enemies. There was a need, a problem and perhaps, a “current emergency”54. And Israel responded with a human solution: a human king. But Israel had a far bigger problem: spiritual amnesia. They had forgotten how God had delivered them from the Philistines with a thundering direct intervention (1 Sam 7:10), and how “the hand of the LORD was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel” (1 Sam 7:13). “Ebenezer” was set up to remind Israel that “Thus far the LORD has helped us” (1 Sam 7:12), that God was Israel’s help in past ages and He will continue to help them when they rely on Him as they had done before. But Israel had forgotten “Ebenezer”. When you are hard pressed by troubles and difficulties, do not forget “Ebenezer”.

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APPLICATION

How do I guard against spiritual amnesia with regard to God? 2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To remember “Ebenezer” in times of difficulties Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

53 54

Dale Ralph Davis, 84 Dale Ralph Davis, 85

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 8:1-8; Deuteronomy 17:14-20

WEDNESDAY 28 April

The Problem of Substituting God OBSERVATION What was wrong with Israel’s wanting to have a king “like all the nations” when it does not seem to contradict with God’s anticipation in Moses’ time that Israel would someday have a king “like all the nations” (Deut 17:14)?

Deeper Reflection

ISRAEL’S WANTING TO HAVE A HUMAN KING “like all the nations” was not wrong in itself, because God did anticipate in Moses’ time that Israel would someday have a king “like all the nations”; thus He gave Israel instructions concerning the monarchy (Deut 17:14-20). But God saw something deeper and ultimately true behind Israel’s desire that became a demand. Indeed, “All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the LORD weighs the motives” (Prov 16:2). What God saw in Israel’s desire was: “they have rejected Me from being king over them” (v.7). And God surfaced Israel’s longstanding problem: “since the day” He delivered them from the Egyptian bondage “to this day”, they “have forsaken Me and served other gods” (v.8). To God, Israel wanted to substitute Him with a human king. It was a “subtle substitution”55. And it was idolatrous. It was “simply the old idolatry with a new twist”56 as God saw the issue as “they have forsaken Me and served other gods” (v.8). It is idolatrous when we find security and significance in human and worldly ways instead of God. Idolatry can take on a certain subtle form. We look to God for help, but we are “more interested in prescribing what form God’s help must take…. We are not content with seeking a saving God, but desire to direct how and when He will save”57. Here’s an ironic subtlety. It is a self-centred seeking of God’s help.

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APPLICATION

What are the things in my life that I may have substituted God with and what will I do 2020 about it?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for The Silver Generation: To seek God’s help with a God-centred spirit Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dale Ralph Davis, 85 Dale Ralph Davis, 84 57 Dale Ralph Davis, 86 55

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 8:7-18; Deuteronomy 17:18-20

THURSDAY

29 April

The King Who Takes from People OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about kings in Israel when you compare verses 10 to 17 with Deuteronomy 17:18-20?

Deeper Reflection

GOD CONFRONTED ISRAEL that in their wanting of a king, they were actually rejecting Him as king (vv.7-8). But Israel insisted on having what they wanted, instead of repenting from their wrongdoing. So, God asked Samuel to “solemnly warn” Israel about “what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights” (v.9, NIV). “Solemnly warn” is literally “towarn, you-warn” — an intensifying repetition for emphasis. Samuel warned Israel of “royal excesses”58 by painting a picture for them “what the typical king will be like”59 (vv.11-17). The word “take”60 with the king as the subject of the verb occurs six times in the warning (vv.11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17). Kings were takers. And they would take the “best” of things and people from his subjects (vv.14, 16). There is a social reality in kingship and government in a fallen world: “There is a downside to kingship. A royal bureaucratic institution inevitably grows and needs to be subsidised by those whom it protects. As it gains more and more power, this royal bureaucracy can easily become oppressive …. Eventually they [the subjects] will view their king as a tyrant, not a protector.”61 This is contrary to God’s ideal for the king: he will “read” the Word of God “all the days of his life … learn and fear the LORD” by carefully obeying His Word, and “that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen” (Deut 17:18-20).

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APPLICATION

What are some solemn warnings in the Word of God that I need to pay particular 2020 attention to?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To be peopleserving and not self-serving leaders Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Paul S. Evans, 1-2 Samuel, The Story of God Bible Commentary (Zondervan, 2018), 117 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 51 Translated from two different Hebrew words 61 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 51 58

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SCRIPTURE

John 12:12-15; 19:13-20

FRIDAY

30 April

The King Who Gave His Life OBSERVATION What do you observe about the context of “Behold, your King” in verses 12 to 15 and in John 19:13-15?

Deeper Reflection

THE KING IN 1 SAMUEL 8 takes the best things and people from his subjects (1 Sam 8:11-17). But the only true king gave His life to serve and save His people. The word for “king” — basileus, occurs 16 times in John, which are all used in relation to Jesus, with 12 occurrences in John 18 to 19 — the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus entered Jerusalem as “the King of Israel” (vv.12-13). But little did anyone know that this King would be a crucified King. The glorious “Behold, your King” which is from God (vv.14-15) became the inglorious “Behold, your King!” declared by Pontius Pilate, who asked the people, “Shall I crucify your King?” (Jn 19:14-15). We must not miss God revealing Himself in Jesus as King on the cross that John is pointing us to. What kind of king is Jesus? Jesus is a Humble King. The King on the cross is “Jesus the Nazarene” (Jn 19:19; see Jn 1:45-46). While the inscription on the cross was evil in nature, we must not miss the irony in John’s theological twist. “Jesus the Nazarene” is in reality the only true King. Jesus is a Humiliated King. The cross is a humiliation from the world. Suffering the humiliation is the Hidden King. The King remains hidden until He returns, even though He is now reigning as “the ruler of kings on earth” (Rev 1:5). Till His return we follow this King loyally in His humility, His humiliation and His hiddenness, in a world that says, “We have no king but Caesar” (Jn 19:15).

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APPLICATION

How will I follow the King loyally in His humility, His humiliation and His hiddenness? 2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To follow Jesus loyally in His humility, His humiliation and His hiddenness Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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Notes

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