August Devotional Journal by Covenant EFC

August

2020 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Mark 8 36-37 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

August

2020

Mark 8 36-37

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?

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

Memory

Verses 20

January

And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” MARK 1:11 (ESV)

February

And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” MARK 1:38 (ESV)

March

And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” MARK 2:17 (ESV)

April

And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach and have authority to cast out demons. MARK 3:14–15 (ESV)

May

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. MARK 6:34 (ESV)

4 // © 2 0 1 9 C O V E N A N T E V A N G E L I C A L F R E E C H U R C H

June

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” MARK 8:34 (ESV)

July

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel’s will save it. MARK 8:35 (ESV)

August

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? MARK 8:36–37 (ESV)

Septmber

And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” MARK 9:35 (ESV)

October

Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the Gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.” MARK 10:29–30 (ESV)

November

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” MARK 10:45 (ESV)

December

And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” MARK 14:36 (ESV)

Foreword

by Senior Pastors

20 20 WE WILL NEVER graduate from our personal discipleship. We must always return to the basics and fundamentals! But we must also ask God to take us to new heights.

YEAR OF GREATER DISCIPLESHIP

o as Senior Pastors, we will lead Covenant EFC in 2020 into a Year of Greater Discipleship to: • take our Personal Discipleship deeper (keep digging into God’s Word and obey Him); • take our Family Discipleship higher (keep modelling Jesus and grow together); and • take our Disciplemaking further (keep sharing our faith and disciple others). We believe that the Gospel of Mark ia an appropriate book to study together as a church to grow towards Greater Discipleship. Uniquely, Mark was the first Gospel written and the shortest one. It was written for a

Roman audience and moves very quickly with various snapshots of the Servant King’s ministry. What is intriguing is that it was written by John Mark. We first see John Mark in Acts 12. Thereafter, he went on a missionary trip with Paul and Barnabas in Acts 12:25; 13:5,13, but for whatever reasons, John dropped out halfway. When we come to Acts 15:36-39, we witness the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas over taking John Mark on the second missionary trip. Because of him, the two spiritual giants parted company. This is the John Mark whom scholars believed wrote the Gospel of Mark through his close relationship with Peter. How amazing it is that John Mark who was regarded by Paul as a dropout and failure was used by God to write the very first Gospel! This only goes to demonstrate that it is not about us, but about the grace and

power of God. That sealed our decision to preach through the Gospel of Mark for 2020. May God greatly bless you as you use this Devotional Journal to spend time daily in worship, prayer, Bible reading, reflection and application. Our prayer for you is reflected in this very old song, “Day by day, O dear Lord, three things I pray — to see You more clearly, love You more dearly and follow You more closely, day by day!” St. Francis of Assisi wrote: “Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” Whether it’s about our personal life, family, work or church discipleship, the wisdom of this quote applies. Let us grow in Greater Discipleship together! In Christ, Rev Tan Kay Kiong and Rev Tony Yeo

St Francis of Assisi

“Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

Guide To Using

THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Step One

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

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

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

Step Two

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 2020

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.

T H E

C H U R C H

B E Y O N D

Pray for Missions Matthew 4:19 (BSB)

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

AM stands for Business As Missions. It is about doing business with a mission. The mission is to be fishers of men. BAM seeks to multiply disciples through using God-given businesses as vehicles for missions. It rediscovers the sacred mission entrusted to businesspeople, which was long lost in the singular pursuit of money as the sole reason for business. For followers of Jesus, the Lord has a much bigger plan for business than merely the pursuit of profits. It is to be a platform for the Gospel to bring the lost to repentance of sins and to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. BAM is doing business God’s way. The marketplace is where the lost are located most days of the week and await rescue from eternal condemnation. The love of Christ compels the Christian business community to be the bearers of Good News as well as the salt and light in the dark world of business.

Covenant BAM regularly conducts seminars and conferences targeting pastors, and church and business leaders to catch the divine mandate of BAM to equip, affirm, empower and mobilise businesspeople within our local churches to win the lost for Christ in the marketplace. In poorer countries and communities, BAM provides risk capital and business advisory services to help grow and expand businesses in order to create jobs, livelihoods and wealth. It seeks to restore the dignity of work and strengthen families and churches to be fishers of men.

Pray For wisdom and discernment to minister to and encourage BAM business partners abroad during Covid-19 pandemic, when businesses come to an abrupt halt with little or no income and yet are burdened with fixed expenses. For the Lord’s protection and provision to sustain businesses and protect jobs and livelihoods. For partner anchor churches in Asia. An “anchor” church is one which empowers its businesspeople for the Gospel in the marketplace. It is also a church that provides spiritual oversight and accountability in areas where Covenant BAM has investments. For open doors for advocacy and mobilisation of Asian churches in engaging pastors, leaders and businesspeople in establishing a missional community through BAM. That the Lord will raise up more Covenanters to serve with the BAM Thrust. “…The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest” (Lk 10:2 BSB).

Worship Songs

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER

LET THERE BE LIGHT

July-August

GOD OF AGES Verse 1 God of ages bringing glory here You are good, You are good Son of righteousness You are all I seek with all my heart Pre-Chorus Giver of life Hope for the lost is in You All of the earth shines with Your light Your glory Chorus 1 You are the God who lives You are the God who heals You are my hope my everything Verse 2 In Your promise and Your faithfulness I will trust all my days King forever Reign in majesty be glorified Chorus 2 You brought salvation to us Offered Your peace to the world You are my Lord my everything

Bridge I’ll trust in You, I’ll trust in You I’ll trust in You With all my heart Ben Fielding © 2007 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4869933 CCLI License # 324618

HOSANNA (PRAISE IS RISING) Verse 1 Praise is rising Eyes are turning to You We turn to You Hope is stirring Hearts are yearning for You We long for You ‘Cause when we see You We find strength to face the day In Your presence All our fears are washed away (Washed away) Chorus Hosanna, hosanna You are the God who saves us Worthy of all our praises Hosanna, hosanna Come have Your way among us We welcome You here, Lord Jesus Verse 2 Hear the sound of Hearts returning to You We turn to You In Your Kingdom Broken lives are made new You make us new ‘Cause when we see You We find strength to face the day In Your presence All our fears are washed away Ending Hosanna, hosanna Brenton Brown | Paul Baloche © 2005, 2006 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4662491 CCLI License # 324618

THROUGH IT ALL Verse You are forever in my life You see me through the seasons Cover me with Your hand And lead me in Your righteousness And I look to You And I wait on You Chorus I’ll sing to You, Lord, a hymn of love For Your faithfulness to me I’m carried in everlasting arms You’ll never let me go Through it all Bridge Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Reuben Morgan © 2001 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 3452774 CCLI License # 324618

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 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 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 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 License # 324618

TRUST HIS HEART Verse 1 All things work for our good Though sometimes we can’t see how they could Struggles that break our hearts in two Sometimes blind us to the truth Our Father knows what’s best for us His ways are not our own So when your pathway grows dim And you just can’t see Him Remember you’re never alone Chorus God is too wise to be mistaken God is too good to be unkind So when you don’t understand When you don’t see His plan When you can’t trace His hand Trust His heart Trust His heart Verse 2 He sees the master plan He holds the future in His hands So don’t live as those who have no hope All our hope is found in Him We see the present clearly But He sees the first and the last And like a tapestry He’s weaving you and me To someday be just like Him Bridge He alone is faithful and true He alone knows what is best for you

Ending When you don’t understand When You don’t see His plan When you can’t trace His hand Trust His heart Trust His heart Babbie Mason | Eddie Carswell © 1989 Causing Change Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Dayspring Music, LLC (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) May Sun Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Word Music, LLC (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 178072 CCLI License # 324618

HOPE OF ALL HEARTS Verse 1 The world may fade, You will remain In the midst of the trial You will always be the same Our God never fails Our God never fails Verse 2 With hope and light, You reign over all Though my heart may fail You will always be, I’ll sing Our God never fails, Our God never fails Pre-Chorus Praise in the morning Praise in the evening Praise when I’m laughing Praise when I’m grieving There will be dancing There will be singing Upon injustice we will tell of our God Chorus The hope of all hearts The hope of all hearts is You Your love never fails Your love never fails Bridge In darkness, in trial, my soul shall sing Of His mercy, and kindness, our offering of praise Our God never fails Our God never fails BJ Pridham © 2010 Planetshakers Ministries Int. Inc. (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 5604829 CCLI License # 324618

THIS IS AMAZING GRACE Verse 1 Who breaks the power of sin and darkness Whose love is mighty and so much stronger The King of Glory, the King above all kings Verse 2 Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder Who leaves us breathless in awe and wonder The King of Glory, the King above all kings Chorus This is amazing grace This is unfailing love That You would take my place That You would bear my cross You laid down Your life That I would be set free Oh, Jesus, I sing for All that You’ve done for me Verse 3 Who brings our chaos back into order Who makes the orphan a son and daughter The King of Glory, the King of Glory Verse 4 Who rules the nations with truth and justice Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance The King of Glory, the King above all kings Bridge Worthy is the Lamb who was slain Worthy is the King who conquered the grave Worthy is the Lamb who was slain Worthy is the King who conquered the grave Jeremy Riddle | Josh Farro | Phil Wickham © 2012 Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Seems Like Music (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Sing My Songs (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) WB Music Corp. (Admin. by Word Music Group, Inc.) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 6333821 CCLI License # 324618

BUILD MY LIFE Verse 1 Worthy of every song we could ever sing Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe We live for You Verse 2 Jesus, the name above every other name Jesus, the only one who could ever save Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe We live for You Oh, we live for You Chorus Holy, there is no one like You There is none besides You Open up my eyes in wonder And show me who You are And fill me with Your heart And lead me in Your love to those around me Bridge I will build my life upon Your love It is a firm foundation I will put my trust in You alone And I will not be shaken Brett Younker | Karl Martin | Kirby Elizabeth Kaple | Matt Redman | Pat Barrett © 2016 Martin, Karl Andrew (Admin. by Arkyard Music Services Limited) Capitol CMG Genesis (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Housefires Sounds (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Said And Done Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) sixsteps Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) Kaple Music (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7070345 CCLI License # 324618

THE BLESSING Verse The Lord bless you And keep you Make his face shine upon you And be gracious to you The Lord turn his Face toward you And give you peace Chorus Amen Amen Amen Bridge 1 May his favor Be upon you And a thousand generations And your family And your children And their children And their children Bridge 2 May his presence Go before you And behind you And beside you All around you And within you He is with you He is with you Bridge 3 In the morning In the evening In your coming And your going

In your weeping And rejoicing He is for you He is for you Tag He is for you He is for you Chris Brown | Cody Carnes | Kari Jobe | Steven Furtick © 2020 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Kari Jobe Carnes Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Worship Together Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Writer’s Roof Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Music by Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7147007 CCLI Licence # 324618

Notes

20 20

Be Faithful Until the End

SATURDAY 1 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

O B S E RVAT I O N What does being ashamed of Jesus and His words “in this adulterous and sinful generation” mean (v.38)?

Deeper Reflection

N HIS CALL to discipleship of sacrifice and suffering (vv.34-37), Jesus warns against being “ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation” (v.38a). In the first century, being ashamed of Jesus and His words refers particularly to “denying Him in time of persecution”1. The Christocentric “Me and My words” means: To follow “Me” is to live by “My words”. Jesus is calling us to follow Him faithfully until the end with two discipleship postures. By seeing the future glory of Christ’s return: “when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (v.38b). When we are ashamed of Jesus in the present, He will be ashamed of us in the future. By standing in the present power of Christ’s reign: In relation to His coming in glory (v.38), Jesus points to “the kingdom of God…has come with power” (Mk 9:1 – parallels Matt 16:28). The latter refers to “the manifestation of Christ’s kingly reign exhibited after the resurrection in a host of ways, not least of which being the rapid multiplication of disciples and the mission to the Gentiles [as in Acts]”, which some of Jesus’ disciples would see before they die.2 Jesus’ warning indicates that falling into the covenant unfaithfulness, hardness of heart and spiritual adultery (cf. Jas 4:4) of “this adulterous and sinful generation”3 is very real in discipleship, especially in times of severe trials (cf. Mk 4:16-19).

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What give(s) me the impetus to follow Jesus faithfully until the end?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks and praise:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To be strengthened to be faithful to God until the end Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James A. Brooks, Mark, The New American Commentary (Broadman, 1991), 138 D. A. Carson, Matthew, The Expositorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bible Commentary, Revised Edition, Vol. 9 (Zondervan, 2010), 434 3 James R. Edwards, The Gospel According to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Eerdmans, Apollos, 2002), 2

20 20 SUNDAY 2 August

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

AUGUST 2020

I WILL LISTEN*

I will listen to God so I know His plan. Scripture: Genesis 37:1-11, John 10:27-28

ACTIVITY BITE Have your family members play a game where someone starts by saying a word, for example “ear”. After listening carefully, the second person has to come up with another word that starts with the last letter of the word used by the first person (e.g. eaR…RabbiT…TelevisioN…NeT). Continue until everyone has had a turn. After the activity, get them to share their thoughts about listening.

CHAT TIME Q1: How do you listen to God? Q2: How does listening to God help us? Q3: What is God’s promise to us when we choose to listen to Him?

LEARNING POINT Joseph had two dreams about his father and brothers bowing to him. When the brothers knew about it, they were upset with Joseph and planned to kill him. The dreams only showed the ending of Joseph’s story. It didn’t show the hardships Joseph was about to go through because of his brothers’ jealousy. In John 10:27-28, God promises us that no matter how hard our journey is, He will direct and guide us when we listen to Him. The end result is living in God’s will.

ACTION POINT Ask your family members to write down on a family “notice board” what they will do to listen to God. Then commit these actions to God in prayer.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for listening to our prayers. Pray that He will teach us to listen to His voice and follow His ways. *Adapted from “Coats and Shackles” https://open.life.church/partners/river-valley-network/ categories/303-elementary

20 20

The Glory and the Cross

MONDAY 3 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:1-8

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the meaning of the transfiguration of Jesus (vv.2-4)?

Deeper Reflection

N A “HIGH MOUNTAIN,” Jesus was “transfigured” before Peter, James and John (v.2). It was a “radical” and “complete transformation” where Jesus’ appearance was “temporarily changed from that of an ordinary human being to a divine being in all of His glory”4. The brightness of His “radiant and exceedingly white” garments (v.3) recalls the glory of God in the Old Testament. Jesus’ transfiguration served as “a preview of the full establishment of the kingdom of God at Jesus’ return”5 – a theological continuity from “when He comes in the glory of the Father” in the immediate context (Mk 8:38). And sandwiched between the promise (Mk 8:38) and the preview (vv.2-3) of the glory of Jesus at His return is “the kingdom of God…has come with power” (v.1 – parallels Matt 16:28) – “the manifestation of Christ’s kingly reign exhibited after the resurrection”6. But this post-resurrection manifestation of Christ’s kingly reign presupposed the cross: “the Son of Man must suffer…be rejected… be killed” and then “rise again” (Mk 8:31). What is the theological significance of this sandwich structure? For Jesus, the way to glory is the way of the cross. This is also the way of God for those who follow His Son, who will be “transformed7 into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory” (2 Cor 3:18). As we bear His cross, behold His glory!

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to behold the glory of Christ as I bear His cross in following Him?

2020

Him; if God is glorified in Him, God

glorified and God is glorified in

You said, “Now is the Son of Man

nee

cross. But on this night, Lord Jesus,

se in

night.8 A night that would lead to the

Tho

Leaders

The betrayer had just left…and it was

Significant people

P R AY E R

an Giv d et pr ha ais n e ks

will also glorify Him in Himself and will glorify Him immediately.”9 What a paradox! A dark night full of divine glory!

James A. Brooks, 142 James A. Brooks, 141 D. A. Carson, 434 7 Jesus being “transfigured” (Matt 17:2; Mk 9:2) and Christians being “transformed” (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 3:18) are from the same word, metamorphoō. 8 John 13:30 9 John 13:31-32 5 6

20 20

“Listen to My Beloved Son”

TUESDAY 4 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:1-10

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of the divine words to Jesus’ disciples, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” (v.7)?

Deeper Reflection

OSES AND ELIJAH APPEARED at the transfiguration of Jesus and were “talking with Jesus” (v.4). Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets respectively – the Scriptures. Luke tells us, which Mark does not, that Moses and Elijah were talking with Jesus about “His exodus” (Lk 9:31) – His coming death. Peter proposed to make for each of the three great persons a tabernacle (v.5). In so doing, he wrongly put Jesus on the same level as Moses and Elijah. His seeking to erect the tabernacles was in line with Judaism’s hope that God would once again tabernacle with His people in His glory, as in the Exodus (Exo 25:8; 40:34-38).10 And he saw this phenomenal transfiguration as the moment. But Peter failed to see and understand that right before his eyes, God’s dwelling with humanity was present: Jesus is the new tabernacle of God dwelling with humanity11 (Jn 1:14). Then came the divine response to Peter: “This is My beloved Son” – the Son of God has revealed Himself − and “Listen to Him!” (v.7) – receive and understand His revelation, especially that the Son must suffer (Mk 8:31). Peter was still in the process of grasping the divine revelation rightly and adequately. So are we in our discipleship journey. With diligence and patience, we keep “listen[ing] to Him” in the Scriptures where He has revealed Himself (cf. Lk 24:27, 44; Rom 1:1-4).

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N In what ways is grasping the revelation of Christ in the Scriptures important to me?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks and praise:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To hear Christ in the Scriptures with diligence and patience Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

10 11

James R. Edwards, 266 James R. Edwards, 266

20 20

“Why Then Is It Written…?”

WEDNESDAY 5 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:2-13

O B S E RVAT I O N Why did Jesus respond to His disciples’ question about Elijah (v.11) in the way He did in verses 12 and 13?

Deeper Reflection

HE DISCIPLES’ QUESTION about Elijah (v.11) and Jesus’ response (vv.12-13) underscore an important discipleship perspective: The transfiguration that anticipated the glory that the Son of Man would enter after His resurrection (vv.2-9) and the coming of Elijah in the Day of the Lord “to restore all things” (vv.11-12a) – “to restore righteousness and harmony in human relationships”12 (Mal 4:5-6; Lk 1:17) − “must not be either the first or the only thing in the disciples’ thinking”13. Against the promise in the Scriptures of God’s final restoration of all things heralded by Elijah, Jesus asked a critical question: “Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?” (v.12, NIV). The point is: suffering must precede glory and the final restoration of all things. It is a divine necessity and divine design: “It is written” (v.12). This is a recurring theme in Mark 8:27-9:13 since Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah (Mk 8:29). Why did Jesus keep coming to this? Because His disciples had not grasped it and they were resistant to such an idea. Perhaps the Lord also keeps coming to us on this, not just through His teaching in the Scriptures, but more importantly, in the hard reality of life. Is this your discipleship motto: “I determined to know nothing, except Jesus Christ, even Him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2)?

A P P L I C AT I O N Where is the place of suffering in discipleship in my Christian life?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks and praise:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. Pray for leaders:

For married couples: To embrace suffering as a discipleship lot together Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

12 13

James R. Edwards, 272 James R. Edwards, 272

20 20

Renewal of Faith and Power

THURSDAY 6 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:14-19, 28-29

O B S E RVAT I O N What do the disciples’ ministry experience (vv.17-18) and what Jesus said (vv.19, 28-29) tell us about Christian ministry?

Deeper Reflection

HEN JESUS DESCENDED from the mountain with Peter, James and John, He encountered His other disciples’ inability to cast out a demon (vv.14-18). Jesus would soon be gone and His disciples would take His place and do what He had been doing. Not long ago, they had a successful ministry experience with Jesus’ authority given to them: “they were casting out many demons” (Mk 6:7, 13). But now they failed during a temporary absence of Jesus. Having been previously successful in exorcism, these disciples assumed that they could so whenever they wished.14 They were taken aback by their failure. They did not know the cause of their failure – lack of faith − until Jesus revealed it to them in His rebuke, “O unbelieving generation!” Note Jesus’ exasperation with them: “How long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you?” (v.19). We are not better than them, are we? But the Lord graciously and patiently continues to be with us and put up with us. The demon that the disciples faced “cannot come out by anything but prayer” (vv.28-29). And “spiritual power is not something which once possessed will always be available. It must be maintained and renewed”15. No one ministry situation is alike. There must be the humble and utter dependence on the Lord at all times.

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A P P L I C AT I O N What changes in perspective on faith and power do I need to make in my life and ministry?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks and praise:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To have daily renewal of faith and power from God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

14 15

James A. Brooks, 147 James A. Brooks, 147

20 20

The Belief and Unbelief Tension

FRIDAY 7 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:20-27

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about faith in the conversation between Jesus and the father of the demon-possessed boy (vv.21-24)?

Deeper Reflection

HE FATHER of the demon-possessed boy came to Jesus with the hard facts of his son suffering from a demonic affliction “since childhood” with near fatal effect (vv.21-22a) and human hopes: “If You can do anything” (v.22b). Jesus called for faith in God (v.23), whereupon the father responded with an affirmation of faith, “I do believe”, as well as a confession of “my unbelief ” (v.24). This is no contradiction, but a realistic tension in faith. Both are the experience of Jesus’ disciples of all times. It is as American writer Madeleine L’Engle puts it: “The minute we begin to think we know all the answers, we forget the questions and we become smug like the Pharisee who listed all his considerable virtues and thanked God that he was not like other men…Those who believe they believe in God, but without passion in the heart, without anguish of mind, without uncertainty, without doubt and even at times without despair, believe only in the idea of God and not in God Himself.” Jesus’ deliverance of the boy (vv.25-27) shows that He understands and accepts this faith tension. The father appealed to Jesus’ compassion (v.22b) and asked for Jesus’ “help” twice. First, in “help us” with regard to his son’s condition (v.22b) and then in “help my unbelief ” (v.24). Jesus compassionately responded to them all.

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I live with tension in my faith in God in my discipleship journey?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI Leaders: To grow strong and steadfast in faith in God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

An Understanding of Divine Possibility

SATURDAY 8 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:20-27; 14:32-36

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about Jesus’ words, “All things are possible”, in verse 23 and Mark 14:36 in their respective contexts?

Deeper Reflection

HE WORDS OF JESUS to the father of the demon-possessed boy, “All things are possible to him who believes” (v.23), does not refer to a power inherent in faith itself that makes anything happen at human will: That when I believe that it will happen, it will happen. That is, that faith makes things happen. This would mean that the faith is faith in faith itself. It is a theological given in Jesus’ words that “all things are possible” refers to “all things are possible” with God and that this God is the object of faith. We ought to be careful that our faith does not become demanding and dictate God to do what we ask of Him. This can lead to an idolatrous domestication of God, or self-inflicted delusion, disappointment and disillusionment. Then, of course, God being God, He cannot be demanded or dictated. Are the “all things” in “all things are possible to him who believes” absolute and unqualified? The “all things are possible” here (v.23) must be counterbalanced by the similar “All things are possible for You” in Jesus’ prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane (Mk 14:36a). To Jesus, on the one hand, it was “possible” for God to “remove this cup from Me”; and on the other hand, it was “yet not what I will, but what You will” (Mk 14:36b). True faith in God is centred on and directed by the will of God, to whom “all things are possible”.

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A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to have my faith in God centred on and directed by His will?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To believe in God as directed by His will Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20 SUNDAY 9 August

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

AUGUST 2020

I WILL TRUST*

I will trust God even when I don’t know His plan. Scripture: Genesis 37:19-35

ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members to pair up. Decide who among the pair will be blindfolded and who won’t be. Place a bottle of water and a cup in front of each of the pairs. Get the unblindfolded partner to give instructions to his or her partner to pick up the bottle and pour its contents into the cup, spilling as little as possible. Ask everyone to share their thoughts after the game.

CHAT TIME Q1: What does God want us to learn when He puts us in difficult situations? Q2: Why are our prayers not answered at times? Q3: Where do you think God is when our prayers are not answered?

LEARNING POINT Joseph’s brothers threw him into a pit and later sold him to a merchant who was passing by. How could his brothers do this to him? We may think that God doesn’t care, but He does. We may not understand why God allows horrible things to happen, but we can be assured that God is always there for us. He is doing something greater behind-the-scenes, so that we will enjoy greater joy at the end of this experience. We just have to trust Him.

ACTION POINT Get your family members to write down a list of their answered prayers for the past three months. Ask them to share what they learnt about God from this. Give praise to God together as a family after the activity.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for being there for us all the time even if we do not see or feel Him. Ask God to guide us in our walk with Him wholeheartedly. *Adapted from “Coats and Shackles” https://open.life.church/partners/river-valley-network/ categories/303-elementary

20 20

Learning in a Discipleship Journey

MONDAY 10 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:30-34

O B S E RVAT I O N What are the terms Mark used in verses 30 to 34 to describe learning in a discipleship journey?

Deeper Reflection

ATHETĒS, the Greek word for “disciple”, is from the verb manthanō, which means “learn” and thus a mathetēs is a learner. Verses 30 to 34 give a picture of learning in a discipleship journey. Observe the terms of learning: Jesus “was teaching His disciples” (v.31), the disciples “did not understand” (v.32), they were “discussing” (vv.33, 34) and Jesus “questioned” them (v.33). Note particularly Mark’s distinctive expressions: “on the way” (vv.33, 34) and “in the house” (v.33). In Mark, “the way” is the way of the Lord (Mk 1:2-3), which is particularly the way to the cross (Mk 8:27, 31; 10:17, 32). So, “on the way” is the journey to the cross for Jesus and the journey of the cross for Jesus’ disciples. Mark keeps coming to this theme until it is ingrained in his readers’ mind, provided that we follow it carefully. When the disciples “did not understand” Jesus’ teaching of the suffering Messiah, they were “afraid to ask Him” (vv.31-32). This could be the fear of facing the reality of suffering in Jesus and in following Jesus (cf. Mk 8:31-38; 10:32-34). In Mark, “in the house” refers to “private settings for special revelation and instruction”16 for Jesus’ disciples (Mk 7:17; 9:28-29). This would mean our personal devotions: to be “with Him” (Mk 3:14) who is “teaching His disciples” (v.31). In Mark, “on the way” and “in the house” characterise following Jesus.

A P P L I C AT I O N How is my discipleship characterised by “on the way” and “in the house”?

2020

P R AY E R My Lord and my Master, as I sit at Your feet to learn in

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Your house of revelation and instruction, open my mind, my eyes and my heart to know and grasp

Pray for leaders:

the Way, the Truth and the Life. Hold my hand as I walk the way of discipleship; and empower, establish, encourage and restore me

Pray for significant people:

if I stumble and stray away from You along the way. Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, 74

20 20

Last and Servant of All

TUESDAY 11 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:30-35

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Mark juxtapositioning verse 31 and verse 35 in verses 30 to 35?

Deeper Reflection

HE QUESTION in the disciples’ discussion, “Which one of us is the greatest among us?” (v.34), appears very jarring. The discussion might have resulted from Jesus’ selection of Peter, James and John to witness His transfiguration (Mk 9:2).17 What inappropriateness and incongruency when their Master was “on the way” to the cross! But the reality is pride and ambition are temptations in every age, which was at the heart of the disciples’ discussion. Jesus’ response to them was: “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (v.35). In the kingdom of God, ordinary human values are reversed. Jesus has shown in Himself what it means to be “last of all and servant of all”: His total self-giving service in suffering on the cross (v.31). The juxtaposition of verses 31 and 35 shows a jarring contrast between Jesus’ humility and the disciples’ desire for recognition and distinction. We cannot truly live out verse 35 until we have grasped and are griped by verse 31 – the centrality of the cross. Do we seek to be “last of all and servant of all” because we want to be “first”? Is pride and ambition the motivation, so that in reality, being “last of all and servant of all” is unreal and hollow? Or, do we seek to be “last of all and servant of all” without thinking about the “first”, leaving that to God?

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to be “last of all and servant of all”?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To have a true servant heart Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James A. Brooks, 150

20 20

Humble Leaders Serving Lowly Disciples

WEDNESDAY 12 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:33-37

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the connection between what Jesus said in verses 33 to 35 and in verses 36 to 37?

Deeper Reflection

IKE THE ANCIENT PROPHETS, what Jesus taught in words (v.35) He did so by symbolic action. His use of a “child” (vv.36-37) was “an acted parable, a dramatised illustration”18. In ancient societies with high infant mortality rates and great demand for human labour, there was no place for sentimentalism over infants and youth; and hence, children occupied a lowly place.19 And in the Bible, a child is a symbol of innocence, helplessness and vulnerability.20 Only as “last of all and servant of all” (v.35) can a disciple truly know how to “receive one such child in My name” (v.37). “To receive…in My name” is “to be concerned about, to care for and to show kindness to” people “as Jesus would do, to do so for His sake and to do so as a Christian”21. A humble act of kindness “sets off a chain reaction that shakes heaven itself, for whatever is done to the little and the least is done to Jesus and whatever is done to Jesus is done to God!” (v.37). Here, Jesus is also teaching servant leadership (vv.33-37). True servant leadership means humbly welcoming and receiving Jesus’ followers “who are deemed irrelevant and unworthy” in society, and “flips social hierarchy on its head, lifting up and serving those of lower status in the eyes of the world”22. And Scripture warns Christian leaders against going in the opposite direction − lording it over the flock of God (1 Pet 5:3).

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A P P L I C AT I O N What changes do I need to make in my perspective and posture with regards to leadership and service?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. Pray for leaders:

For married couples: To be servants to each other in their marriage Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James A. Brooks, 150 James R. Edwards, 288 James A. Brooks, 150 21 James A. Brooks, 150 22 Mark L. Strauss, Mark, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan, 2014), 410 19 20

20 20

Humility and Simplicity in Discipleship

THURSDAY 13 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:36-41

O B S E RVAT I O N How is what John said in verse 38 related to what Jesus said in verse 37?

Deeper Reflection

HE DISCIPLES OF JESUS “tried to prevent” someone who “was casting out demons in Your name” from doing so (v.38a). Why? “Because he was not following us” (v.38b). There was an aloofness, an exclusiveness and a sense of elitism in them. John’s words, “because he was not following us”, are “depressingly ironic”23. We should expect him to say, “because he was not following You”. The disciples had a false self-understanding that they were “worthy of being followed”24. It is ironically strange but real and subtle that in Christian discipleship and ministry, it is rather easy to shift the centre of our lives from Christ to the self. When that happens, do we still think that we are in “discipleship”? What the disciples did shows how they had immediately forgotten and how their act contradicted what Jesus had just taught them: Humility – that a true disciple of Jesus is “last of all and servant of all” (v.35) and who “receives a child” – who occupies a lowly place in society – “in My name” (v.37). In this context, Jesus teaches simplicity in service: A disciple of Christ giving a fellow disciple “a cup of water to drink” (v.41a; Matt 10:42). Who pays attention to, calls to attention to or applauds one who serves just “a cup of water”? But it is significant to the Lord: “Truly I say to you (emphatic!), he will not lose his reward” (v.41b).

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A P P L I C AT I O N How can I keep the centre of my life from subtly shifting from Christ to the self?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To be consciously Christ-centred in life and service Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

23 24

James R. Edwards, 289 James R. Edwards, 289

20 20

Jeopardising Others and Endangering Oneself

FRIDAY 14 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:42-48

O B S E RVAT I O N What is Jesus teaching with the repeated expression “cause to stumble” (repeated four times) in verses 42 to 48?

Deeper Reflection

N HIS TEACHING on discipleship (Mk 9:30-50), Jesus warns against jeopardising others and endangering oneself.25 Jeopardising others: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble…” (v.42a). These words underline the supreme value of the “little ones who believe” – the common and ordinary disciples who are “the poor in spirit” (Matt 5:3)26 and the immature, the weak and new believers.27 It is a sober warning against “inhibiting, injuring or destroying the faith”28 of “these little ones” by our words, deeds, teaching and conduct. Jeopardising others has grave consequences, as Jesus graphically conveys by the metaphor of one being cast into the sea with a heavy millstone hung around the neck (v.42b). Endangering oneself: “If your hand…your foot…your eye causes you to stumble…” (vv.43-37). The metaphors of hand, foot and eye are “all-inclusive of what we view, what we do and where we go”29. The removal of the bodily parts that cause us to sin is a hyperbole that underscores the seriousness of sin and the severity of sin’s consequences. No sin is too “small” to be serious. To God, sin is sin. Let us not relativise sin. Jesus’ point in the hyperbole is: The possession of spiritual life – “to enter life”, is worth the most costly sacrifice – to remove the bodily parts that cause us to sin.30

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A P P L I C AT I O N In what ways am I endangering myself in my spiritual life and how will I deal with them?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To be careful not to stumble others as leaders Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, 293 James R. Edwards, 292 James A. Brooks, 152 28 James R. Edwards, 293 29 James R. Edwards, 294 30 James A. Brooks, 152 26 27

20 20

Discipleship of Fire and Salt

SATURDAY 15 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:49-50

O B S E RVAT I O N What is Jesus talking about in verses 49 to 50 in the conclusion of His teaching on discipleship (Mk 9:30-50)?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS CONCLUDES His teaching on discipleship (Mk 9:30-50) with the themes of adversity and authenticity. Adversity (v.49): “Everyone” – no exception, “will be” – no escape, “salted with fire.” Salt was a purifying agent in the temple sacrifices (Lev 2:13).31 The combination of “salt” and “fire” indicates the purification of believers through the fire of adversity as they offer themselves as living sacrifices to God (Rom 12:1-2) in self-sacrificial discipleship (Mk 9:31, 35, 42-47).32 Testing by fire “is not simply a painful necessity of discipleship, but an offering itself pleasing to God”33. Authenticity (v.50): A disciple must “have salt in yourselves”. In the ancient world, salt was used for flavouring, preservation, fertiliser and cleansing.34 The salt used then contained many impurities, whereupon if the true salt were removed, what remained might still look like salt but could not perform the life-giving and life-saving function of salt.35 So likewise, the “salt” in a disciple can also “become unsalty”, in that “the person may have the external appearance of a disciple, but not the internal properties”36. That is, appearance only, no authenticity. How is authenticity developed and deepened? “Salted with fire” (v.49), through adversity. Biblical discipleship is a discipleship of fire and salt.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How does adversity develop and deepen authenticity in my discipleship journey?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To grow increasingly in authentic discipleship Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Mark L. Strauss, 414 Mark L. Strauss, 414 James R. Edwards, 296 34 Mark L. Strauss, 414 35 James A. Brooks, 154 36 James A. Brooks, 154 32 33

20 20 SUNDAY 16 August

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

AUGUST 2020

I WILL HONOUR*

I will honour God and stay faithful to His plan. Scripture: Genesis 37:36, 39:1-6a

ACTIVITY BITE Give each family member a sheet of drawing board paper. Then, get some art paint and paint brushes. Ask everyone to drip different coloured paint on the right half of their paper — these represent life’s challenges. Next, while the paint is wet, fold the pieces of paper in half and lightly press on them. Then unfold them and ask everyone to describe what they see — this represents God’s beautiful plan for us.

CHAT TIME Q1: Share an incident where you overcame a challenge with God’s help. Q2: Why do you think it is often so hard to honour God when things go bad? Q3: What will you do to honour God every day?

LEARNING POINT In Genesis 37, Joseph was sold to a merchant who eventually sold him to an Egyptian master. This master liked Joseph very much and put him in charge of his household. God was with Joseph all the time. The Egyptian household experienced God’s blessings too! During difficult times, God protects and looks out for us even when we don’t see or feel Him. When we stay faithful to honour God and follow Him, He will turn our lives into something beautiful. God has an incredible plan for your life. May we learn to wait patiently for Him to fulfil His plans for us.

ACTION POINT Discuss as a family about the vision that God has for your household. Think of what you can do to accomplish it and submit the plan to God.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for choosing us to be His followers. Ask Him to strengthen our hearts and minds to honour Him in every thing we do. *Adapted from “Coats and Shackles” https://open.life.church/partners/river-valley-network/ categories/303-elementary

20 20

Why Does God Permit Divorce?

MONDAY 17 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:1-5; Deuteronomy 24:1

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about the issue of divorce in Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees’ question?

Deeper Reflection

ITH THE HOSTILE INTENTION of “testing Him” to entrap Him, the Pharisees asked Jesus, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce a wife?” (v.2). In his parallel account, Matthew adds to the question “…for any reason at all?” (Matt 19:3). There were Jews in those days who divorced their wives for “any reason”, “including burning the dinner”37. In their debate over Deuteronomy 24:1, Jesus underscores an important theological perspective: “Moses permitted” divorce (v.4) “because of your hardness of heart” (v.5). Prior to Moses’ time, a man apparently could divorce his wife by a mere word.38 For this reason, to protect the helpless wife, God instituted a troublesome process of getting “a certificate of divorce” (v.4).39 We must understand that the divine permission for divorce was due to human rebellion, “hardness of heart” against the divine ideal. The provision was “an attempt to limit the effects of human sinfulness”40. In this divine provision, we must distinguish between God’s ultimate intention for humanity and more particularly for the people of God, and His temporary accommodation to human inability and unwillingness to accept and live up to His high standards.41 But God forbids us to have this divine permission in mind as a standby backdoor escape when we enter a marriage or make our sinfulness as a convenient theological way out of marriage.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How do I respond to God in my discipleship journey with regard to His ultimate intention for us â&#x20AC;&#x201C; His people and His temporary accommodation to our weaknesses?

2020

P R AY E R Lord, we ask that You grant to those who are married Your

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

grace and strength, that they will keep close to You and to one another under Your lordship and in Your love.

Pray for leaders:

Grant them to grow in the love that never gives up, that never loses faith, that is always hopeful and that endures

Pray for significant people:

through every circumstance.42

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

R. T. France, Matthew, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1985), 122 James A. Brooks, 157 James A. Brooks, 157 40 James A. Brooks, 157 41 James A. Brooks, 157 42 1 Corinthians 13:7 38 39

20 20

The “One Flesh” Is Fundamental

TUESDAY 18 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:1-9

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Jesus pointing back to “the beginning of creation” in answering the Pharisees’ question on divorce (vv.6-9)?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS MOVED the discussion on divorce with the Pharisees to a higher plane, going beyond God’s provision for divorce in the Mosaic legislation (vv.2-5) to God’s original intention for marriage at “the beginning of creation” (v.6). We cannot miss Jesus’ emphasis on the “one flesh” in marriage: “the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh” (v.8; Gen 2:24). The “one flesh” union of man and woman in marriage is formed by sexual union (1 Cor 6:16). “One flesh” means husband and wife are part of each other “in a profound and indissoluble union”43. This “one flesh” is a God-made reality: “God had joined together” (v.9a). Central in the “one flesh” is God. “One flesh” is not something a married couple feel, but the God-made reality to hold on to and live by in mutual commitment. Feelings are not constant, but commitment can be, regardless of feelings. But more fundamentally, at the heart of the “one flesh” union is the covenant – the marriage vow. The covenant is not just purely a human affair. God is “a witness” of the “covenant” (Mal 2:14), which makes it more binding than being legally married under civil law. Marital oneness is lived out by “we” and “our” in everything, for better and for worse. It is no longer “my business” and “your problem”, but “our business and our problem”.

A P P L I C AT I O N What changes do I need to make in my life and marriage with regard to the “one flesh” principle?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To have enduring oneness in their marriages Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

John R. W. Stott, The Message of Ephesians, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 1979), 230

20 20

What Is a “Christian” Marriage?

WEDNESDAY 19 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:1-12

O B S E RVAT I O N How do you understand Jesus’ teaching in verses 11 to 12 in relation to verses 6 to 9?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS TEACHES that when a person “divorces” one’s spouse and “marries another” man or woman, he or she “commits adultery” (vv.11-12). This is in line with “What God has joined together, let no man separate” (v.9). Jesus’ teaching is plain: Divorce is contrary to God’s will – “I hate divorce” (Mal 2:16). We keep the “one flesh” covenant and commitment in marriage (vv.6-9) because we recognise the unique call of Christ to discipleship in marriage and the highest standards of marriage in discipleship. We cannot separate marriage and discipleship. What is a “Christian” marriage? More than just a Christian man marrying a Christian woman, it is having Christ at the centre of the marriage as Lord (Eph 5:22, 25). Christian marriage is discipleship, which calls for high commitment and hard work. It is not simplistic romanticism. We live in today’s world of impermanent commitments and casual divorce, which sadly, have crept into Christian marriages. Will we fall away in times of difficulty and trouble (Mk 4:17), or follow Jesus in the costly journey of discipleship, even in marriage? There is a discipleship cost to pay in marriage. It is called “deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Me” (Mk 8:34). The result of this is growing in spiritual maturity and Christ-like character, which will give increasing strength and stability to a marriage. In marriage, the couple follow Jesus together.

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to follow Jesus together with my spouse in our marriage?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. Pray for leaders:

For married couples: To keep following Jesus together in “one flesh” Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Not Just Adultery in Bed

THURSDAY 20 August

S CRIPTURE Matthew 19:3-9

O B S E RVAT I O N Why does Jesus teach that divorce is permitted only on the grounds of adultery (v.9)?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS TEACHES that divorce is contrary to the will of God (Mk 10:11-12), but God permits divorce on one ground: when the spouse commits adultery (v.9). In the dispute over divorce, Jesus’ central point of reference is the fundamental “one flesh” principle in a marriage established by God in creation (vv.4-6; Mk 10:6-9). Adultery is “willful and radical violation of the marriage covenant”44, the violation of “the ‘one flesh’ principle which is foundational to marriage”45. But it is not just the act of adultery that violates the one flesh covenant. It can be in other forms, such as spousal violence and deliberate neglect – “the moral equal of adultery”46. Yet, in such very hurting marriages, which only the severely abused knows what it is like, working towards reconciliation by every possible means is still God’s will before resorting to the divine divorce permission as the last straw. The affirmative side of “You shall not commit adultery” (Exo 20:14) is love in marriage (Eph 5:25; Tit 2:4). Not committing adultery does not necessarily equate to loving one’s spouse. “Staying out of a neighbour’s bed is simple; creative fidelity to one’s spouse in the boredom and the agony of a bad marriage is complicated.”47 Faithfulness in the one flesh covenant is much more than not committing adultery. It is to be a servant to the spouse with self-giving love like Christ.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to be a servant with self-giving love like Christ to my spouse?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To be constant in self-giving love in marriage Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

David Clyde Jones, Biblical Christian Ethics (Baker, 1994), 202 David Clyde Jones, 202 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; citing John R. W. Stott David Clyde Jones, 203 47 Lewis B. Smedes, Mere Morality: What God Expects from Ordinary People (Eerdmans, 1983), 62-63 45 46

20 20

A Believer with an Unbelieving Spouse

FRIDAY 21 August

S CRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 7:12-16; 1 Peter 3:1-2

O B S E RVAT I O N What do Paul and Peter teach concerning believers who were married before they became believers and whose spouses are still unbelievers?

Deeper Reflection

AUL ADDRESSED the issue of divorce to believers in the church in Corinth who were married before they became believers and whose spouses were still unbelievers. Unless an unbelieving spouse wants to divorce the believing spouse because of his or her conversion to the Christian faith (v.15), the believer must continue in the marriage (vv.12-13). In this provision, the believer can be freed from a religiously incompatible marital relationship, but the believer may not take the initiative. And this does not apply to believers who chose to marry an unbeliever against the clear command of God (Exo 34:12-16; Deut 7:1-3). A believing wife is to be “submissive” to her unbelieving husband who is “disobedient to the Word”, so that “they may be won over without words by the behaviour of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives” (1 Pet 3:1-2, NIV). Correspondingly, a believing husband should love his unbelieving wife as Christ loved the church (Eph 5:25). When the new believer remains with the unbelieving spouse, the spouse and their children are “sanctified through” the believer (v.14). There is a powerful spiritual reality here: “The consecration, lifestyle, values and influence of the Christian spouse and parent has a wholesome and salutary effect on the unbeliever and on the child also.”48

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A P P L I C AT I O N How can I minister to fellow disciples of Jesus who have a challenging marital relationship with their unbelieving spouse?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To journey wisely with people who have challenging marriages Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Anthony C. Thiselton, 1 Corinthians: A Shorter Exegetical & Pastoral Commentary (Eerdmans, 2006), 108

20 20

Divine Model for Marital Love

SATURDAY 22 August

S CRIPTURE Hosea 1:1-5; 3:1

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about God’s love for His people in verses 1 to 5 and Hosea 3:1?

Deeper Reflection

HEN GOD MADE A COVENANT with Israel at Mount Sinai, He did so as “a husband to them” (Jer 31:31-32). Centuries later, God called Hosea to marry “a promiscuous woman” to present to Israel a prophetic picture of a faithful husband: God Himself, having married an adulterous wife – unfaithful Israel (vv.2-3). God would judge His people for their infidelity (vv.4-5) and seek to “allure her, lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her” (Hos 2:14). Then, God commanded Hosea to “love” his wife “again” while she was still sleeping with other men, just as God Himself loved Israel while she was still committing adultery with other gods (Hos 3:1). Can this be divine love? The incongruence is outrageous! But capture the divine emotions. Revealed here is the tension within God’s love for His unfaithful people. God “refuses to ease the pain of the relationship either by compromising or quitting. He loves these people despite their blatant unfaithfulness, which He cannot for a moment condone”49. For God and Hosea, loving an unfaithful spouse is double pain. Marital unfaithfulness brings great pain and to love despite the unfaithfulness is rubbing salt on the wound. God still loves us, however painful that love can be to Him. Love can be painful. This is the divine model for love in marriage.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How does the divine model for love in marriage challenge me in my marriage?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To be exemplary in realistic discipleship in marriage Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Derek Kidner, The Message of Hosea, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 1976), 41

20 20 SUNDAY 23 August

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

AUGUST 2020

I WILL OBEY*

I will obey God even when I can’t see His plan. Scripture: Genesis 39:17-40:23

ACTIVITY BITE Give each family member a piece of paper. Ask them to think of a Bible story about trusting and obeying God, and write a description of it without revealing the character’s name or the book in the Bible. Then, share it with everyone and let them guess what story it is.

CHAT TIME Q1: Who do you turn to when you feel upset? Q2: What does it mean to trust God? Q3: How can we demonstrate our trust in God?

LEARNING POINT Joseph was put in prison for a crime he did not commit. During his time there, he helped to interpret dreams for a cupbearer and a baker. But the cupbearer forgot how Joseph had helped him when he was released from prison. So Joseph remained in prison. He could have been very disappointed with God, but he was not. Joseph continued to obey and trust God. God has a plan for everyone. God wants us to obey and trust Him completely for His plans to work. We can do that because God has something far better for us. We just have to let go and obey Him even when we can’t see what He has in store.

ACTION POINT Draw three columns on a piece of paper. Label the columns “Prayer request”, “What do I trust God for in this prayer?” and “What area does God want me to obey Him?” respectively. Fill in the columns together as a family.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Give thanks to God for His goodness and faithfulness. Ask God to fill us with His peace and strength and help us to stand firm until His purpose is fulfilled. *Adapted from “Coats and Shackles” https://open.life.church/partners/river-valley-network/ categories/303-elementary

20 20

When Will They Ever Learn?

MONDAY 24 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 9:33-37; 10:13-14a

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about Jesus’ disciples in Mark 10:13 in the light of verses 36 to 37?

Deeper Reflection

T THIS POINT IN MARK, we must bear in mind that Jesus and His disciples were “on the way” to Jerusalem (vv.33-34; Mk 10:32). For Jesus, it was His journey to the cross (Mk 9:31; 10:33), whereas for His disciples it was their journey to discipleship. Let us pause and evaluate the discipleship progress status of Jesus’ disciples. As some parents were bringing their children to Jesus so that He might touch them, His disciples “rebuked” them (Mk 10:13). Their rebuke was aggressive and frightening. But, had they forgotten so quickly what Jesus had taught them just recently, “Whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me…” (vv.36-37)? Were they aware of the implication of their rebuke? To rebuke the children was to reject them and to reject them was to reject Jesus and God who sent Jesus. No wonder that “when Jesus saw this, He was indignant” (Mk 10:14a). Why did the disciples rebuke the children? In their thinking, Jesus was too busy and too important to be bothered by such insignificant persons to give them His time and attention.50 They were prideful, wanting an exclusive right to Jesus’ authority and spiritually insensitive.51 Their desire for greatness had yet to leave them (vv.33-35). When will they ever learn? And we also ask ourselves, “When will we ever learn?” We are still “on the way” and the gracious and patient Jesus is still “on the way” with us.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How have I been progressing or regressing in my discipleship over the past three months?

2020

P R AY E R Oh, that my footsteps were steadfast in obeying Your

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Word! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider Your commands. I seek You, O Lord, with

Pray for leaders:

all my heart; do not let me wander from Your commands. Yet, when I have gone astray like a lost sheep, be gracious to me

Pray for significant people:

and seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commands.52

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James A. Brooks, 159; Mark L. Strauss, 432 Mark L. Strauss, 432 52 Psalm 119:5-6, 10, 176 51

20 20

Coming to Jesus with Childlikeness

TUESDAY 25 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:13-16 (1)

O B S E RVAT I O N What does it mean to “receive the kingdom of God like a child” (v.15)?

Deeper Reflection

ARK’S FOCUS in his account of Jesus’ teaching and action in response to His disciples’ rebuke of the children being brought to Him is twofold: “Permit the children to come to Me” (v.14) and “receive the kingdom of God like a child” (v.15). Coming to Jesus: To “receive” and “enter” “the kingdom of God”, one must come to Jesus. To come to Jesus is to enter into a relationship with Him as Lord and King and to continue in that relationship by following Him at all times and at all costs (Mk 1:14-20; 8:34-35). “Receive” and “enter” the kingdom of God stand side by side. The blessings of the kingdom are received as a gift, yet we enter the kingdom through responsive faith and obedience.53 Coming with childlikeness: What characterised this childlikeness is not innocence, humility, gentleness, lack of self-consciousness, eagerness and trustfulness, as it is often assumed. Mark has in mind the smallness, insignificance, weakness, powerlessness, helplessness, vulnerability and dependency of children in ancient society who were overlooked and dispossessed that should characterise those who come to Jesus at any time.54 A little child has absolutely nothing to bring and whatever a child receives is by grace on the basis of sheer neediness and not by any merit inherent in him- or herself.55 They are “the poor in spirit” to whom belong the kingdom of God (Matt 5:3).

A P P L I C AT I O N In what ways do I need to grow in childlikeness in my discipleship journey?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To not forget to be childlike before God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James A. Brooks, 160 James A. Brooks, 160; James R. Edwards, 307 55 James R. Edwards, 307 54

20 20

Jesus’ Personal Touch on Children

WEDNESDAY 26 August

S CRIPTURE Mark 10:13-16 (2)

O B S E RVAT I O N How do the words and actions of Jesus show His passionate heart for children?

Deeper Reflection

HILDREN WERE BROUGHT TO JESUS “that He might touch them” (v.13). Parents seeking a blessing from a great teacher for their children was “a common practice in Judaism”56. Note the double emphasis on Jesus’ “indignant” response to His disciples’ rebuke of the children coming to Him: “Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them” (v.14). It shows the passionate heart of Jesus and God for children. It is interesting that “one will search Jewish and early Christian literature in vain for sympathy toward the young comparable to that shown by Jesus”57. Children were brought to Jesus that He might “touch” them (v.13). But Jesus did more than what was asked: He “took them in His arms” (v.16a). Jesus “took them in His arms”: What an intimate contact! And holding them in His arms, Jesus “laid His hands on them and blessed them” (v.16b). It is significant that in His healing the sick and helping the needy, Jesus laid hands on more common people and did so more frequently than Jewish society did in general.58 Jesus is present in our homes and His invitation, “come to Me” (v.14), is always there. Let us bring our children to Jesus daily through prayer, that He may take them into His arms, and touch them and bless them. But don’t forget about ourselves. We adults also need to come to Jesus daily and let Him do the same to us.

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I respond to Jesus’ ever-present invitation, “come to Me”?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks and praise:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. Pray for leaders:

For married couples: To receive Jesus’ personal touch of strengthening and healing of marriages Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

56 57 58

Mark L. Strauss, 432 James R. Edwards, 306 James R. Edwards, 308

20 20

Children as a Metaphor for Immaturity

THURSDAY 27 August

S CRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

O B S E RVAT I O N What characterised the Corinthians as “infants in Christ” (v.1)?

Deeper Reflection

E SEE IN MARK how Jesus presents children in a positive light (Mk 9:36-37; 10:13-16). But in other parts of the Scriptures, children are presented negatively as a metaphor for spiritual immaturity. Paul said to the Corinthians: “I could not speak to you as people who live by the Spirit, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ” (v.1). The Corinthians were “in Christ”, but just that they were “infants” – spiritually immature. The immature state is a phase in the process of spiritual growth toward maturity that every Christian will go through. The question is: Are we making progress or are we still in the spiritually immature phase? When we do not live by the Spirit, we walk according to the flesh and we remain as “infants in Christ” (v.1; cf. Gal 5:16-17). We are walking in the flesh when we centre on ourselves and are being moved by entirely human drives.59 The Corinthians were filled with competitive concerns for power and status that manifested itself in “jealousy and strife” (v.3). Christian character is the indicator of spiritual maturity. There are things and “wisdom” of God for “those who are mature” (1 Cor 2:6) – “God’s wisdom in discourse too profound for merely human discovery”60 – that we are “not yet able” to receive when we are still immature, walking in the flesh and not by the Spirit (vv.1-3 see Heb 5:12-14).

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What are some concrete indicators in my life that show that I am spiritually mature or immature?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To be diligent to press on to spiritual maturity Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

59 60

Anthony C. Thiselton, 1 Corinthians, 59-60 Anthony C. Thiselton, 1 Corinthians, 54

20 20

No Longer Unstable Spiritual Infants

FRIDAY 28 August

S CRIPTURE Ephesians 4:11-16

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the theological connection between verse 13 and verse 14?

Deeper Reflection

HE MINISTRY of the Word of God (v.11) and the intake of the Word (Psa 1:1-3) are foundational and fundamental to maturing “to the fullness of Christ” (vv.12-13). Spiritual maturity is marked by doctrinal stability: “no longer infants, tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of teaching” (v.14, NIV). What characterised immature Christians (“infants”)? They seem to never know their own mind or come to settled convictions. They let their ideas be shaped by the last preacher or teacher they heard from or the last book they read, and fall prey to each new theological fad. Susceptible to deception, they gullibly follow a variety of teachings and lack any clear direction. Their vulnerability to false teaching makes them easily taken advantage of and totally at the mercy of the waves and the wind which can carry them far off course from the truth. Do you see yourself in this picture in some ways? Spiritual maturity brings with it the capability to evaluate various forms of teaching, to accept what is true and reject what is false. The spiritually mature “have their senses trained to discern good and evil” (Heb 5:14). We need to grow to a point where what we believe is not just because somebody teaches it, but because “I believe in this as I know from the Word of God that this is true”.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N In what ways is doctrinal stability critical to me in my Christian life?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To have doctrinal stability and the ability to discern falsehoods Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Stop Thinking Like Little Children

SATURDAY 29 August

S CRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 3:1-4; 14:20

O B S E RVAT I O N Why did Paul exhort the Corinthians to be mature in their thinking (1 Cor 14:20)?

Deeper Reflection

HE PROBLEM OF DIVISION in the church in Corinth was caused by the pursuit of power and status (1 Cor 1:10-12) and the sense of spiritual elitism through the gift of speaking in tongues. These “gifted” believers paraded their ability to speak in tongues in the church gathering to impress others of their superior spirituality.61 This led to Paul’s correctives as to how the gift was to be exercised in the church as a “body” – countering individualism (1 Cor 12 – see 1 Cor 12:11-14), with “love” (1 Cor 13) and for the “edification” of fellow church members (1 Cor 14 – see 1 Cor 14:1-5). At the heart of the Corinthian problem is spiritual immaturity (vv.1-4). It was in this context that Paul exhorted the church: “In your thinking be mature” (1 Cor 14:20). Why “thinking”? The behaviour of a person shows the thinking of that person, because our behaviour is shaped by what and how we think. Paul recognises this. So, for the immature Corinthians to change their behaviour, they must first change their thinking. For Paul, transformation comes through “renewal of the mind” (Rom 12:2), which is the same as renewal of the inner being (2 Cor 4:16). So often, we falsely dichotomise the spiritual and the intellectual. Have we not heard of “the mind of the Spirit” (Rom 8:27) and “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16; Phil 2:5)? Paul calls for twofold action: “Stop thinking like little children…but begin to think like grown adults.”62

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to be spiritually mature in my thinking?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To grow in Word-centred thinking and mature reflection Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

61 62

Anthony C. Thiselton, 1 Corinthians, 244 Anthony C. Thiselton, 1 Corinthians, 243

20 20 SUNDAY 30 August

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

The Past Week REVIEW What was my high point and my low point for the week?

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

AUGUST 2020

I WILL SERVE*

I will serve God even when I don’t understand His plan yet. Scripture: Genesis 41:14-56

ACTIVITY BITE Present a spoon to your family. Ask them to list down the things that they can serve God with by using this spoon. The person with the longest, most valid list wins.

CHAT TIME Q1: Is there a good or bad time to serve God? Let’s talk about it. Q2: What does it mean to serve God? Q3: Why should we serve God?

LEARNING POINT During Joseph’s time in prison, his trust in God did not waver. Joseph continued to serve God by using his talent to interpret the pharaoh’s dream. The pharaoh was pleased and appointed Joseph to be in charge of the land of Egypt. There are times when God puts us in difficult situations for His purpose. We may not understand why God does it. But we can be certain that God loves and cares for us no matter what happens. We can still serve Him joyfully because our God is worthy.

ACTION POINT Discuss as a family and come to an agreement on one thing that each person can do to serve God. Commit to fulfil it this week.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray for a peaceful and humble heart to serve God despite the challenges that we face every day, so that we may bring glory to Him. *Adapted from “Coats and Shackles” https://open.life.church/partners/river-valley-network/categories/303-elementary

20 20

The Coming Storm and Our Speaking God

MONDAY 31 August

S CRIPTURE Psalm 29

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the picture given to us in this psalm and what are the repeated words?

Deeper Reflection

HIS PSALM BEGINS with a call to worship and give all glory to the LORD (vv.1-2). It ends with a declaration of God’s sovereign control (“the LORD sits enthroned”, v.10) and a cry to Him for strength and peace (vv.10-11). The core of the psalm describes a massive thunderstorm (“thunders”, “many waters”, flooding and lightning, vv.3-9) that seems to be occurring as the people were worshipping. The scale of this storm is huge as it covers the whole of Palestine from the north (“Lebanon”, v.5b) all the way to the south (“the wilderness of Kadesh”, v.8b). Surprisingly, the Psalmist David hears not only the loud sounds of the rain, thunder and flood, but also “the voice of the LORD” (seven occurrences) speaking through the storm! This word, among others, was given to the Senior Pastors’ Office members while we were at Kinabalu Park for our annual listening retreat last July. At that time, we thought that God was highlighting the looming storm from the massive trade war between the United States and China for our preparation. Unbeknownst to us, a far greater storm awaited us as we entered 2020! We are now truly in “the crisis of a generation” – the COVID-19 global pandemic! What is Covenant EFC to do as we enter our 43rd year? God has already spoken to prepare us for the storm. He will continue to speak to us in the midst of it. God is sovereign, in total control! On our part, we must continue to listen to and follow Him. That is what it means to be disciples of Christ in the year of greater discipleship!

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What was one thing I have learnt about myself since the pandemic started and how can I hear better from the Lord?

2020

P R AY E R Dear Heavenly Father, we are deeply grateful that You

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

are our Father who speaks to us. Please help me to hear You speak in the midst of the storm. Help me not

Pray for leaders:

just to hear, but to follow You. Please would You bless me, my family, church and nation with strength and peace in the midst

Pray for significant people:

of the storm. Thank You, dear Father, that You are in sovereign control. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name, I pray. Amen.

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self: