January Devotional Journal by Covenant EFC

JANUARY 2021 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

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 SAM 2:1 (ESV)

JANUARY 2021

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL 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 SAM 2:1 (ESV) Also available at www.cefc.org.sg and “Covenant EFC” mobile app.

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 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 12:23 (ESV)

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 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 17:45 (ESV)

October And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him. 1 Sam 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 Sam 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 Sam 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.

2021

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. (Mic 5:7-8) The remnant people do not consist only of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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... (Mic 4:6-7a)

– people 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. (Mic 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

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

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.

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 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.

All Called to a Prayer Ministry “On your walls, Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen; all day and all night they will never keep silent. You who profess the LORD, take no rest for yourselves; and give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem an object of praise on the earth.” ISAIAH 62:6-7 (NASB)

NATIONS ARE IN THE MIDST of a global hiatus and recovery due to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Many people in the nations are afraid and looking for answers. Now more than ever is the time to pray for people, attend to their needs and share the Gospel. This pandemic has created the perfect spiritual atmosphere for great revivals and great uprisings for the harvest of souls for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ and the expansion of His Kingdom. We are living in such important prophetic times.

God has called us all to a ministry — a prayer ministry. God has not called us to the picnic ground but the battle ground. Prayer is doing warfare — hardly a picnic. Christians before us have laboured loyally, engaged in this warfare that would not end until after they left this life. They never envisaged retiring. Success is not the key. Faithfulness is. May we be faithful to the Lord until we hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Gal 6:9 NASB). No Christian is without a ministry. God has called us all to a ministry — a prayer ministry. God has not called us to the picnic ground but the battle ground. Let us be watchmen for the nations. Let our perfume be poured forth upon the different nations across the globe. We want to see every nation, people, tribe and tongue getting ready for her Bridegroom. What will you do in 2021?

Worship Songs JANUARY-FEBRUARY

A THOUSAND AMENS Verse 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 Unfailing love comes with the morning It’s Your faithfulness we sing at night It’s Your kindness, Lord, that leads to our healing All glory to our Maker and a thousand amens Ending Amen (4x) Amen (4x) Amen (3x), all glory to our Maker Tim Timmons © 2009 Fair Trade Music Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Singapore) CLCI Song # 5682346 CCLI License # 324618

10,000 REASONS (BLESS THE LORD) Chorus Bless the Lord O my soul O my soul Worship His holy name Sing like never before O my soul I'll worship Your holy name Verse 1 The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning It's time to sing Your song again Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me Let me be singing when the evening comes Verse 2 You're rich in love and You're slow to anger Your name is great and Your heart is kind For all Your goodness I will keep on singing Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find Verse 3 And on that day when my strength is failing The end draws near and my time has come Still my soul will sing Your praise unending Ten thousand years and then forevermore Ending I’ll worship Your holy name Worship Your holy name Worship Your holy name Jonas Myrin | Matt Redman © 2011 Atlas Mountain Songs (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)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 6016351 CCLI License # 324618

GREAT GOD Verse Great are Your ways Great are Your works Great are You, Lord, in all the earth Great is Your power Great is Your strength Great are You, Lord, and greatly to be praised! Pre-Chorus Your greatness Your famous name is exalted in all the earth! Chorus Glory, glory, hallelujah Glory to the God of Israel Glory, glory, hallelujah All the earth will sing that You're a great God! Bridge We won't stop till the whole world knows We won't stop till the whole world knows We won't stop till the whole world knows That You're a great God, great God! Ending Great God, great God! Israel Houghton | Ricardo Sanchez © 2007 Integrity's Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Integrity's Praise! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); New Breed Extended (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Ricardo Music Dot Com (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Sound Of The New Breed (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 4989590 CCLI License # 324618

GREAT IN POWER Verse 1 Praise Him, you heavens and all that's above Praise Him, you angels and heavenly hosts Let the whole earth praise Him Verse 2 Praise Him, the sun, moon and bright shining stars Praise Him, you heavens and waters and skies Let the whole earth praise Him Chorus Great in power Great in glory Great in mercy King of heaven Great in battle Great in wonder Great in Zion King over all the earth Russell Fragar © 1998 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 2582339 CCLI License # 324618

FOR YOU ARE GLORIOUS Verse We see Jesus, for His suffering Crowned with glory and with praise Tasting death for all men by God's grace Given power to put all things in place And we see Jesus Seated at the right hand of the throne Making intercession for His own Upholding all things by His Word alone Chorus For You are glorious Shining victorious O'er powers and principalities For You are glorious Shining victorious Disarming all Your enemies The rulers of this world Beneath Your feet are hurled As You reign, our conquering King David Morris | Michael Massa © 1988 Integrity's Hosanna! 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 # 19320 CCLI License # 324618

WORTHY IS THE LAMB Verse 1 Thank You for the cross, Lord Thank You for the price You paid Bearing all my sin and shame In love You came And gave amazing grace Verse 2 Thank You for this love, Lord Thank You for the nail pierced hands Wash me in Your cleansing flow, now all I know Your forgiveness and embrace Chorus Worthy is the Lamb, seated on the throne Crown You now with many crowns You reign victorious! High and lifted up, Jesus Son of God The Darling of heaven crucified Worthy is the Lamb! Worthy is the Lamb! Darlene Zschech © 2000 Wondrous Worship (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 3217555 CCLI License # 324618

FOREVER Verse 1 Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King His love endures forever For He is good, He is above all things His love endures forever Sing praise, sing praise Verse 2 With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm His love endures forever For a life that’s been reborn His love endures forever Pre-Chorus Sing praise, sing praise Sing praise, sing praise Chorus Forever God is faithful, Forever God is strong Forever God is with us, Forever and ever Verse 3 From the rising to the setting sun His love endures forever And by the grace of God, we will carry on His love endures forever Sing praise, sing praise Sing praise, sing praise Refrain His love endures forever His love endures forever His love endures forever Forever and ever Chris Tomlin © 2001 sixsteps 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 # 3148428 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, 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

WAY MAKER Verse 1 You are here, moving in our midst I worship You I worship You You are here, working in this place I worship You I worship You Chorus (You are) Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper Light in the darkness, my God That is who You are Verse 2 You are here, touching every heart I worship You I worship You You are here, healing every heart I worship You I worship You Verse 3 You are here, turning lives around I worship You I worship You You are here, mending every heart I worship You I worship You Lord Tag That is who You are That is who You are That is who You are That is who You are

Bridge Even when I don't see it, You're working Even when I don't feel it, You're working You never stop, You never stop working You never stop, You never stop working Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu © 2016 Integrity Music Europe (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music, David C Cook)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7115744 CCLI Licence # 324618

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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 Amen Amen, amen Bridge 1 May His favour be upon you And a thousand generations And your family and your children And their children and their children May His favour 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 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 He is for you, He is for you He is for you, He is for you He is for you, He is for you Bridge 3 May His favour be upon you And a thousand generations And your family and your children And their children and their children 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 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 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

SCRIPTURE

Luke 1:26-33; Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 7:13-14

FRIDAY

1 January

Glorify Christ Every Way OBSERVATION Why is the Lord Jesus Christ worthy of all glory?

Deeper Reflection

THE LATE J. I. PACKER was called home to the Lord on 17 July 2020 at the age of 93. His bestselling book, Knowing God, was especially well-loved by many Christians over the decades.1 In a 2016 interview, the 89-year-old Packer’s final words to the global Church were: “Glorify Christ every way.” The Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of all the glory that God’s people can give Him and more. There are at least three reasons for this. First, Jesus is the Son of God. The angel Gabriel announced to the virgin Mary the coming birth of a son who was to be named Jesus: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (v.32). Second, Jesus is the ultimate Davidic king of an everlasting kingdom (vv.32-33; Isa 9:7; Dan 7:14). Third, all peoples, nations and languages are to serve Jesus (Dan 7:14). Indeed, all creatures will give glory to Him (Rev 5:11-14; 7:9-12)! “Glorify Christ every way” – Packer’s life exemplified that message. Despite his fame as an author and speaker, Packer remained humble and gave his best effort to each ministry task – whether small or big. “Packer himself ascribed the fame and success that he achieved to divine providence, and it is obvious that this is the case. He did not set out to be famous. He simply did the task that was placed before him and left the outcome to God. Speaking to teenagers in a living room was as likely an assignment for him as addressing a packed auditorium. J. I. Packer was above all serviceable to the kingdom and its King.”2

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APPLICATION

How can I best glorify the Lord Jesus with my life in 2021? 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 glorify the Lord Jesus by loving Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word, living godly lives and leading His people Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

1 2

Since its publication in 1973, Knowing God has sold more than 1.5 million copies. According to a Christianity Today survey, Knowing God was fifth among the top 50 most influential books that have shaped evangelicals. https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/july/j-i-packer-died-evangelical-theologian-knowing-god.html

SCRIPTURE

Luke 1:34-38; John 3:22-30

SATURDAY

2 January

Use Me in Any Way OBSERVATION What do you observe about the perspectives and attitudes of Mary and John the Baptist in serving God?

Deeper Reflection

"BEHOLD, I AM THE SERVANT OF THE LORD; let it be to me according to your word” (v.38). That was Mary’s remarkable response to the angel Gabriel’s shocking announcement. Mary would have been fearful about the implications and uncertain about her future. But she had the heart of a servant to do the Lord’s will even when she did not know the final outcome, understand the required process nor think that she had the necessary resources. Do we have great fear when God gives us a big assignment and therefore reject it? On the other hand, we might feel upset or disappointed that God is using other Christians in big and prominent ways, but only asking us to do small and menial tasks. We might churn within because of envy, even resentment, towards others who are in the limelight. Consider John’s perspective when he heard that all the people were now going to Jesus to be baptised by Him whereas in the past, people went to John: “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven” (Jn 3:27), and “He must increase, but I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). John recognised that any ministry assignment and success that one receives has been graciously given by God. John was totally focused on exalting the Lord. It did not matter to John that his ministry was fading away. He was completely joyful when the Lord Jesus received the focus of people’s attention and the glory due to His name. In serving God, would we be willing to be in the background, without prominence and recognition?

APPLICATION

What are some specific ways in which I need to change my perspective and attitudes 2020 in serving 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 be willing and prepared for God to use them in any way for His Kingdom’s purposes Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SUNDAY

3 January

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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 ONE / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / JANUARY 2021

LOVE: THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT Scripture: Matthew 22:36-38 Love God first.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Ask your family members to name an object that they love very much. Then get everyone to discuss who and what God loves and how God will feel if what we love is not Him.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: How does God show that He loves you? Q2: Why is loving God called the greatest commandment? Q3: Why is it hard to let go of the things that we love?

* LEARNING POINT

In Matthew 22:36-38, Jesus declared that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all our hearts. There is only one true God who gives us His love unconditionally. Our response is to love Him back with all our hearts – it means to love Him more than anything else. The test is whether we can let go of the things we love in exchange for obedience to God, if we are placed in a position to make a choice.

* ACTION POINT

Put all the objects from the activity in a box to declare your willingness to let go of them because you love God first. Say a prayer together as a family to God.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for loving us so much. Pray that He will continue to help us let go of the things that we love, so that we can love Him first more than anything else.

SCRIPTURE

MONDAY

Nehemiah 1:1-11

4 January

It Starts with Repentance OBSERVATION Why is it so important to confess and repent of our personal sins, as well as the sins of God’s people, like what Nehemiah did (vv.4-10)?

Deeper Reflection

THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH is part of the post-exilic biblical literature,3 which refers to the exiled Jews who have returned from the Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem and Judah as the remnant, together with those Jews who had been allowed to remain in Judah during the exile. God used the Babylonians to punish His people for their persistent idolatry and wilful disobedience of His commandments despite repeated warnings. As we go through the 13 chapters of Nehemiah over the next four weeks, we will see Nehemiah the governor and other Jewish leaders making great efforts, not just to lead the remnant to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, but to disciple the remnant in God’s Word and His ways. There was a great need to teach God’s remnant people the law of Moses and to lead them to obey God’s commandments; to purify their hearts from idolatry and to reform their worship of the Lord. But all the work of rebuilding the city and of reforming the people starts with their repentance. And in verses 4 to 11, Nehemiah’s sincere confession and heartfelt repentance of sins before God were representative of the broken spirit and contrite heart that God wanted to see in His remnant people. God is merciful and gracious, steadfast in His love and great in His faithfulness towards His people. God deeply desired to bring about their restoration to Himself and to the land that He gave them. But it starts with repentance: God’s people need to respond rightly to God’s redemptive initiative.

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APPLICATION

What personal sins as well as corporate sins of the Church do I need to confess and 2020 repent before God?

PRAYER

in nee

Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

Those

Significant people

Leaders

Lord God, I acknowledge that I am a sinner before You and that together with Your people we have failed to obey You time and again. We do the things we ought not to do. And we do not do the things Giv that we ought to do. Your name is e th ank dishonoured among unbelievers sa nd pra because of our moral conduct. Please ise forgive us. Cleanse and empower us to live righteously for Your glory. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 2:1-8; Psalm 37:4-6

TUESDAY

5 January

Your Heart’s Desires Be Mine OBSERVATION How can we know that the desires of Nehemiah’s heart were aligned with God’s desires for His people?

Deeper Reflection

NEHEMIAH HAD FOUND great favour and was appointed as a cupbearer – a highly trusted role – to King Artaxerxes of Persia (Neh 1:11).4 However, Nehemiah’s ultimate allegiance was to the God of Israel. Nehemiah longed for the restoration of the people of Israel to worship and serve God in the land that He had given to them. Nehemiah’s heart belonged to God and desired the things that were upon God’s heart. This is seen in Nehemiah’s prayer to God just before making his request of King Artaxerxes. Although Nehemiah’s prayer was not recorded for us, the contents of his prayer are clearly implied in verses 4 to 8. He requested of God the following: (1) to be sent by King Artaxerxes to Judah to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, (2) to be sent by the king for a particular duration of time, (3) to be given safe passage through Persian territory in his journey to Judah and (4) to be given authorisation to take royal timber from the king’s forest as building materials. God was pleased to answer Nehemiah’s prayer: Because the good hand of God was upon Nehemiah, the Persian king granted him everything that he asked for (v.8). When we delight ourselves in the Lord, we will desire what He desires, and He will give us the desires of our hearts (Psa 37:4). Let us learn to seek God’s heart and align our desires to what He wants, so that our prayers will be for God’s will to be done and His purposes to be accomplished.

APPLICATION

How will I learn to seek the things that are upon God’s heart and align my desires to 2020 them?

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 always seek God’s heart in their lives and ministries Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

King Artaxerxes reigned from 465 to 425 BC: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Artaxerxes-I

SCRIPTURE

WEDNESDAY

Nehemiah 2:9-20

6 January

God Is My Enabler OBSERVATION How did God enable Nehemiah to overcome the initial obstacles in his path?

Deeper Reflection

OPPOSITION TO GOD’S WORK will certainly arise, but He will enable His people to overcome their adversaries and adversities. The adversaries whom Nehemiah and the returned exiles faced were Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab (vv.10, 19) – enemies of Israel. These adversaries were happy with the downfall of the people of Israel and wanted Jerusalem to remain in a ruined state. In fact, the original Hebrew text emphasises and conveys an intensification of their displeasure – meaning it was no small displeasure, it was really great! – that someone was seeking the welfare of the people of Israel (v.10). They intentionally carried out the actions – intense mocking and sneering, and treating as contemptible – deemed necessary to stop Nehemiah and the returnees from proceeding with their plan to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem (vv.17, 19). They were Nehemiah’s great adversaries throughout the rebuilding works. Nehemiah also faced great adversities in the forms of the extremely bad state of the city and the immense scale of the rebuilding works, as seen in the repeated description of the city’s broken down walls and burnt up gates (vv.13, 17). Yet we see that our good and faithful God provided Nehemiah with solid protection en route to Jerusalem (v.9), wisdom in the initial survey plan (vv.11-16), a people willing to work (vv.17-18) and the faith to believe and the courage to act (v.20). Brothers and sisters, there may currently be huge obstacles in our path of doing God’s will, but we can take heart that God is truly our Enabler, just as He was for Nehemiah in his mission.

APPLICATION

What are the resources that I need from God to do His will? 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 singles: To trust God to enable them to overcome obstacles in doing His will Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 3:1-32

THURSDAY

7 January

Do God’s Work in God’s Way OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about God’s people and their work in this passage?

Deeper Reflection

THE VERB “REPAIRED” OCCURS 38 TIMES throughout this passage. In Hebrew it means “to repair” and “to make strong or firm”. The returnees were convinced of the necessity of their respective portion of the works to repair the city wall and were committed to carry it out to completion. We see a clear picture of a huge team effort. The work was too large for any one person or small group. The returnees had to do the work together – as many families and groups, and indeed as a whole community – with tremendous coordination, cooperation and unity. 5 It is clearly implied that they had to make great efforts to work expeditiously with excellence to repair the wall speedily and make it strong. In working hard to repair the city wall and restore Jerusalem, the returnees considered themselves as serving the Lord. They did it for God, believing that it was His will. They submitted themselves to the leadership of Nehemiah and other leaders in their families and community. As a result, there was order, movement and momentum in the works. As God’s people today, we need to learn to work together in unity and with teamwork to do God’s will of repairing our church communities and reaching the unreached with the Gospel. Within local churches, there are many aspects of individual and community life that have broken down and require strengthening and restoration. Christians must return from their waywardness to worship God with a whole heart. They must return to God’s Word and live under its authority. They must commune with and depend on God in prayer.

APPLICATION

What do I take away from this passage for personal application in doing God’s work? 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 keep up their efforts to help unbelievers be reconciled to God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Note the repeated descriptive phrases, “Next to him/them” and “After him/them”, throughout the passage.

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 4:1-5

FRIDAY

8 January

Responding to God’s Enemies OBSERVATION Why did Nehemiah respond the way he did to the enemies’ taunts and ridicule?

Deeper Reflection

SANBALLAT WAS PROBABLY the governor of Samaria in Nehemiah’s time.6 Upon hearing news that the Jews’ rebuilding works for Jerusalem’s walls were underway, Sanballat reacted in an extremely intense manner. Note the threefold emphasis in the descriptions – he was “angry”, “greatly enraged” and “jeered” at the Jews (v.1). It was as though Sanballat’s fuse was lit and red-hot indignation was ignited within him. The news provoked him to a strong rage, which in turn produced overwhelming scorn towards the Jews. He contemptuously referred to them as “these feeble Jews” (v.2) and mocked them openly in front of his brothers and the army of Samaria. In Sanballat’s mind, it was ridiculous for the Jews to think that with their own limited resources they could complete such a massive and demanding project (v.2). Tobiah7 added his own scornful remarks about the quality of the Jews’ works (v.3). When Nehemiah learnt of their mocking taunts and scornful insults, he responded by praying to God. The enemies’ taunts and ridicule were not directed at the Jews only; they were ultimately mocking God (“they have provoked You to anger in the presence of the builders”, v.5). God was the One who led and directed the Jews to rebuild the city walls. Nehemiah therefore prayed an imprecatory prayer for God to mete out just punishment to Sanballat and Tobiah. When our enemies oppose the work that we do for God, they are opposing God and not just us. We need not fret about how to respond in kind. Instead, let us pray to God and depend on Him to punish them and vindicate us.

APPLICATION

What enemies do I currently face when doing God’s work and how will I respond 2020 to them?

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 pray to God when facing enemy opposition to His work Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

6 7

https://www.internationalstandardbible.com/S/sanballat.html For more information on Tobiah, see: https://www.internationalstandardbible.com/T/tobiah.html

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 4:6-14; Ephesians 6:10-18

SATURDAY

9 January

Both Prayer and Action OBSERVATION When God’s enemies move beyond verbal attacks to mount physical attacks, how should God’s people respond?

Deeper Reflection

THE JEWS’ REBUILDING WORKS progressed steadily to the halfway mark. Their adversaries decided to step up their game plan. Verbal taunts and intimidation did not work. It was time to physically injure and kill the Jews in order to stop them in their tracks. Already the workers were feeling the stress, strain and fatigue from the magnitude of the project. Strength and morale were decreasing. Fear of the enemies was increasing. Nehemiah decisively did three things. First, he led the Jews to keep praying to God. There was to be no letup in seeking God’s help and depending on His strength. Second, Nehemiah stationed armed guards in vulnerable locations for round-the-clock protection against enemy attacks. Third, he stirred up their courage and reminded them that their God was great and awesome. Therefore they must fight hard for their families and homes. Both prayer and action are needed. As we remain true to God’s purposes, He is with us and will fight for us as we fight our enemies. The enemies of God’s people are not limited to human adversaries. Ultimately, dark powers and spiritual forces of evil – whether acting directly or indirectly through human agents – cause intimidation, spread lies, employ deception and propagate confusion among those who are not alert, fully armoured and standing firm (Eph 6:10-18). Failure on the part of God’s people to pray and take action will result in discouragement and despair, defilement and distractions, and disunity and divisions. We must guard against these enemies and threats day and night, especially in the vulnerable areas of our personal and corporate lives as the people of God.

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APPLICATION

What must I do to constantly guard against the enemies and threats to my spiritual life? 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 be strong in the Lord and stand firm in the whole armour of God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SUNDAY

10 January

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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.

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WEEK TWO / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / JANUARY 2021

LOVE: GIVE IT AWAY Scripture: Luke 12:16-21 Share what you have.

* ACTIVITY BITE

List down the things that your family has in abundance. (This does not have to be money or material things.) Discuss as a family how you can make use of what you have to help others.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: Why was God upset with the rich man? Q2: What treasures has God given to you? Q3: Why does God want you to share your treasures with those who are in need?

* LEARNING POINT

A rich man received an abundant harvest. He intended to build bigger barns to store his harvest for himself for many years to come. God reprimanded him because he kept everything for himself. Everything we have on this earth belongs to God. He has given us so much so that we will have more than enough to enjoy them. But in our enjoyment, we also should remember those who may not have enough. Sharing is an act of love, as God will also will share His love with everyone.

* ACTION POINT

Give to or serve as a family at a charity drive organised by the Church or an external organisation that helps those in need. Get every family member to prepare a gift. Commit the cause to God and allow Him to lead the way.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Give thanks to God for the things that He has given to your family. Pray that God will reveal to us what we can share with others. Pray for a generous heart to share and serve others joyfully.

SCRIPTURE

MONDAY

Nehemiah 4:15-23

11 January

Be Continually Vigilant OBSERVATION What measures taken by the workers show their continual vigilance against potential enemy attacks?

Deeper Reflection

EACH WORKER has his or her own part to contribute to the success of the mission: “we all returned to the wall, each to his work” (v.15). We must know our station and keep our station. Leaders must be set apart to maintain an overall view of the works and the progress: “And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, who were building on the wall” (vv.16-17). If leaders get bogged down in the details, they will lose effectiveness in their leadership functions. When leaders see the big picture, they can provide overall supervision, clear direction and timely interventions. They can also give encouragement, care and protection to the workers. The work must go on despite potential threats. Fear is a normal human emotion. God does not invalidate these feelings, but addresses the root cause. God knows that His people easily lose sight of Him when they face numerous and strong enemies. Therefore, God addresses our fears by reminding us that He is with us, He is all-powerful, the battle belongs to Him and He will fight for us (v.20). Our fears must not paralyse us. We must keep persevering in God’s work, while staying alert at all times: “So we laboured at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out” (v.21). Be constantly on guard against our enemies: “that they may be a guard for us by night and may labour by day” (v.22). Maintain continual vigilance: “each kept his weapon at his right hand” (v.23). Just like the remnant people rebuilding the city walls.

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APPLICATION

How must I maintain continual vigilance in my station as I do my part of the work in the 2020 mission of God?

PRAYER Heavenly Father, thank You for redeeming my life and giving me a part to labour in Your mission in this fallen world. Thank You for graciously giving me ministry abilities to build up the Church. Stir up and deepen my particular passions in seeing lives touched and transformed by the Gospel. Deliver me from my fears and help me to be continually vigilant for the sake of Jesus Christ. In His name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

TUESDAY

Nehemiah 5:1-13

12 January

Fight Social Injustice OBSERVATION Why was Nehemiah so angry at the Jewish nobles and officials?

Deeper Reflection

AMONG THE REMNANT JEWISH COMMUNITY, the nobles and officials were exacting interest8 on loans extended to their fellow Jews who were hard-pressed to obtain food for their families and pay property taxes due to their Persian ruler. Any inability to repay the loans was met with the rigid requirements that the debtors surrender their mortgaged properties or sell their children into slavery to the Jewish elites. Dispossessed of their fields, vineyards and houses – and thus any ability to generate income – the impoverished Jews were completely helpless to avoid the enslavement of their children. Hence, the people made a great outcry which reached Nehemiah’s ears and heart. Nehemiah was incensed at the hard-hearted oppression of the weak by the strong, for it ultimately dishonoured the Lord their God: “The thing that you are doing is not good. Ought you not to walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations our enemies?” (v.9). When we seek to disciple the remnant today, one area that we must not neglect is social justice. Like Nehemiah, church leaders today will need to detect situations in which the rich and powerful members are taking advantage of the poorer and weaker members or treating them unjustly. Examples include situations where leaders expect the members to wait upon them, accord them special privileges, or give and serve while the leaders exempt themselves. Church leaders must decisively address and resolutely fight social injustice within their Christian communities. This is important not just for the sake of righteousness and peace among God’s people, but also for our Christian witness to the world.

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APPLICATION

How can I contribute to the fight against social injustice, whether within the church or 2020 in the wider society?

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 fight for social justice in the church and our nation Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

The Mosaic Law forbade the Jews to take interest for loans among the fellow Jews, but interest was allowed for loans to non-Jews (Exo 22:25; Lev 25:35-37; Deut 23:19-20). As such, what the Mosiac Law condemned was not so much the practice of taking interest per se, but carrying out the practice among brothers.

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 5:14-19; Acts 20:32-35

WEDNESDAY

13 January

Make Personal Sacrifices OBSERVATION From verses 14 to 19 and Acts 20:32-35, what similarities do you observe between Nehemiah and the Apostle Paul in the way they carried out their God-given ministries?

Deeper Reflection

NEHEMIAH WAS AN EXEMPLARY LEADER. In carrying out his God-given ministry, Nehemiah’s moral uprightness and personal sacrifices were a glowing testimony of his God-fearing leadership and humble servanthood. For the 12 years that Nehemiah served as the governor of Judah, he chose not to take the governor’s food allowance from the remnant population even though he was entitled to do so. This was because Nehemiah feared God. The people were poor and it would be morally wrong for Nehemiah to lay heavy financial burdens on them. He stood in stark contrast to the former governors who strictly required the payments from the populace. In addition, out of his own pocket, Nehemiah supported and cared for his co-workers and followers who were in need. He incurred considerable daily personal expenses to feed more than 150 men with good quality food and periodically sponsored wine as well, and did not seek to recover the costs from the rest of the remnant population (vv.17-18). The people fed might have included some Jewish slaves who were redeemed from the surrounding nations and brought to Jerusalem (Neh 5:8, 17b). They had not the means to sustain themselves as they worked on the wall and were kept from going hungry by Nehemiah’s provision of daily meals. Nehemiah and the Apostle Paul were good examples of the Lord’s servants who willingly set aside their own rights and made personal sacrifices for the sake of their co-workers and followers. The greatest example is, of course, Jesus Christ who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Mk 10:45).

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APPLICATION

What personal sacrifices is God leading me to make this year as I carry out the ministry 2020 that He has entrusted to me?

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 singles: To serve the Lord and His people faithfully and selflessly Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 6:1-19; Matthew 10:16

THURSDAY

14 January

Be Shrewd and Steadfast OBSERVATION What can we learn from the manner in which Nehemiah responded to the enemies’ schemes against the completion of the wall?

Deeper Reflection

FAKE NEWS. False allegations. Counterfeit cooperativeness. Nehemiah saw through all the enemies’ fraudulent schemes and was aware of their evil intentions. He did not fall for any of their traps to kill him (v.2), intimidate him (vv.9, 13) or damage his reputation (v.13). Like Nehemiah, when we carry out our God-given mission, we are to be wise and shrewd against the enemies’ schemes of deception and intimidation. When the Lord Jesus sent out His disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God, heal the sick and cast out demons, He instructed them to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matt 10:16). As servants of the Lord, we are to avoid being devoured by the “wolves”, but to refrain from doing evil to others as repayment for evil done against us (1 Pet 3:9-12). While we work to do good, we are to avoid those who plan evil to disrupt our work. While we seek peace with others, we are to stay away from those who seek to do us violence. While we want to trust others, we are mindful that in a hostile environment there can be mercenaries and informants operating against us (vv.12, 17-19). In this way, we as the Lord’s servants can be steadfast despite fierce opposition. We do not lose strength and courage in the face of intimidation. We prayerfully depend on God for wisdom (Jas 1:5), protection (Psa 91:1-2) and deliverance from and repayment to our enemies (Prov 20:22). In God’s strength and with his help, we will finish our assigned work in a manner that reflects God’s character and honours His name.

APPLICATION

How will I respond to enemy schemes against my completion of God-given assignments? 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 be shrewd and steadfast in carrying out God’s mission in Singapore and other nations Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 7:1-4; Titus 1:1-9

FRIDAY

15 January

Select the Right Leaders OBSERVATION When selecting key leaders to oversee God’s people, what important qualities should we look for in potential candidates?

Deeper Reflection

NEHEMIAH’S BROTHER, Hanani, probably returned from Susa with Nehemiah after making his visit and reporting about the situation of the Jews and the city of Jerusalem (Neh 1:1-3). Hanani was one who loved God’s chosen people and city. Perhaps he sought out Nehemiah with the hope that his brother could help given his proximity to the Persian king. Now that the city wall was completed, Nehemiah needed to plan for leadership succession in view of his promised return to King Artaxerxes (Neh 2:6). Therefore Nehemiah put Hanani, whom he trusted, in charge of Jerusalem together with Hananiah,9 “the commander of the fortress” (NASB)10. Hanaiah stood out to Nehemiah because he was “a more faithful and Godfearing man” than other potential candidates (v.2). We may conclude that Hananiah possessed at least three qualities. First, Hananiah had the requisite leadership abilities, since the commander of the fortress was an important official who commanded troops for the purpose of keeping order in the city. Second, Hananiah was a very faithful man, meaning that he was loyal and responsible to discharge all his duties and hated dishonest gain. Third, Hananiah was a very God-fearing man, in that he was careful to obey all that God has commanded and submitted to God’s authority above man’s. The Apostle Paul’s teaching on the selection criteria for church elders or overseers in every town emphasised: (1) being above reproach in one’s personal conduct, family relationships and treatment of others, and (2) holding fast to God’s Word, so that one is able to instruct and rebuke according to sound doctrine (Tit 1:5-9).

APPLICATION

What steps will I take to grow as an existing leader or a potential leader in 2021? 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 faithful and God-fearing men and women who love God and His people Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

9 10

Nehemiah’s appointment of two leaders to take charge of Jerusalem might possibly correspond with the earlier mention of two men who were each “ruler of half the district of Jerusalem” (Neh 3:9, 12). The NASB translation “commander of the fortress” seems preferable over the ESV’s “governor of the castle”. Nehemiah was appointed the governor of Judah. The word “governor” was translated from the Hebrew word, pechah (in Neh 5:14, 18; 12:26) and tirshatha (in Neh 8:9; 10:1). But a different Hebrew word was used in Nehemiah 7:2 to describe Hananiah: sar, which means “chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain or prince”. The Hebrew word, birah, was translated as “fortress” in Nehemiah 2:8 and should take the same translation in Nehemiah 7:2 rather than “castle”; it referred to the fortress that was adjacent to the Temple.

SCRIPTURE

SATURDAY

Nehemiah 7:5-73

16 January

Hear and Obey God OBSERVATION What strikes you about Nehemiah and his discovery of the genealogy of the first group of returned exiles under Zerubbabel?

Deeper Reflection

NEHEMIAH WAS A LEADER who sought the Lord in prayer. While this was not specifically mentioned in this passage, it was clearly implied: “Then my God put it in my heart…” (v.5). Those words remind us of the time when Nehemiah first returned to Jerusalem and went on a secret, night-time survey of the city walls: “…I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem…” (Neh 2:12). Only a prayerful man would know with certainty and conviction the things that his God laid upon his heart and wanted him to do.11 More importantly, Nehemiah in faith and obedience acted decisively upon what God said. This strongly contrasts with many leaders today who may have good intentions but no strong resolve to obey God’s directions. It seems that the genealogy discovered by Nehemiah was helpful for preparing an updated genealogy of the remnant people and formulating a repopulation strategy for Jerusalem.12 At God’s appointed times, He laid upon Nehemiah’s heart to rebuild the wall and to repopulate the city – mammoth tasks to be done with few resources and within a short time. But Nehemiah did not protest, make excuses or complain in any way. He simply got on with the work, trusting that since God had directed, He will provide all that was necessary to get the job done. The Church today needs more leaders who regularly and earnestly seek the Lord for His direction in their leadership, clearly hear from Him, then decisively and actively obey His leading to work for the good of God’s people and the glory of God.

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APPLICATION

How will I grow my personal prayer life as well as pray for my church leaders? 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 seek the Lord, hear from Him and obey His directions for the church Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

That Nehemiah was a prayerful man can be seen throughout this book: Nehemiah 1:4-11; 2:4; 4:4-5; 5:19; 6:9; 6:14; 13:14, 22, 29, 31. Most of the 10 recorded prayers of Nehemiah were short, with the longest one found in chapter 1. What is important is not the length of his prayers, but their content. And what stands out is the personal relationship between Nehemiah and his God. 12 Nehemiah 11:1-3. 11

SUNDAY

17 January

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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 THREE / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / JANUARY 2021

DILIGENCE: ANTS AND THE SLUGGARD Scripture: Proverbs 6:6-8 Work hard.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Get your family members to watch a YouTube video about the story of “The Grasshopper and the Ant”. Then ask everyone to research about ants to find out what they can learn from them.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: What does God want us to learn from the ants? Q2: What will happen if one continues to be a sluggard? Q3: How can we be productive Christians?

* LEARNING POINT

Ants are very hardworking. They do not have a leader to lead or motivate them to work, yet they continue to look for food and store it for winter. God gives most of us an able body and mind to take care of others and ourselves. God reminds us to put them to good use so that we are well-prepared for His future work and our lives.

* ACTION POINT

Get your family members to list down the many ways to not be a sluggard. Commit as a family to doing one or more things to be a productive Christian.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for giving us the ability to work, study and play. Pray that we will be productive Christians who are well-prepared for God’s work.

SCRIPTURE

MONDAY

Nehemiah 8:1-12

18 January

The Word Is Central OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about the ministers and the hearers of God’s Word in this passage?

Deeper Reflection

YOU CANNOT MISS its centrality in this passage. “The book” / “the Law” / “the words” appear nine times.13 God’s Word is to be central in His people’s worship of Him. Their understanding of God’s Word is very important. His people’s hearts are to be fully engaged with His Word. Their minds must not be switched off. Did you notice the emphasis on the word “understand”/“understood”, which occur five times here?14 In Nehemiah’s time, most of the people were uneducated and poor. They neither had access to private scrolls containing God’s Word, nor the ability to read and understand it for themselves. That is why the role of a scribe like Ezra and the teaching ministry of the Levites were so important. They read and explained God’s Word to His people (vv.2-3, 7-8), who revered the words (vv.5-6) and rejoiced in understanding them (v.12).15 What about us today as the new covenant people of God? Most of us are educated and own multiple copies of the Bible. We attend weekly worship services, whether on-site or online. What is the posture of our hearts and bodies in our public and private worship of God? Do we revere God’s Word? Are we attentive to the preacher’s reading and exposition of the Scriptures – the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments? Do we understand the Scriptures and, where we face difficulties, embrace the (easily accessible) means by which to gain a better understanding? Do we submit ourselves totally to the authority of God’s Word? Do we seek to live our lives fully in accordance with the truth?

APPLICATION

In2020 this new year, how can I give my careful attention to God’s Word so as to better understand and live in accordance with the truth?

PRAYER O Lord our God, You are worthy of all our worship. Your Word is to be revered, understood and obeyed by Your people. Help us to keep Your Word central in our public worship of You. Holy Spirit, enable our preachers and teachers to faithfully expound the Bible and the congregation members to faithfully apply Your truth in our daily lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Verses 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 (twice), 9 and 12. Verses 2, 3, 7, 8 and 12. Notice also that children were also included so long as they were old enough to understand the reading: “both men and women and all who could understand what they heard” (v.2, emphasis added. Also, v.3.). 15 The significance of the first day of the seventh month (vv.2, 9-11) was that it was the day of the feast of trumpets – a day holy to the Lord, a memorial day commemorated with a blast of trumpets, a sabbath day on which the people were not to do any ordinary work but to have a holy assembly and present a food offering to the Lord (Lev 23:24-25; Num 29:1-6). 13

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 8:13-18; Leviticus 23:33-36, 39-43

TUESDAY

19 January

Obedience Is Indispensable OBSERVATION What strikes you about the actions of the Jewish leaders and the remnant people?

Deeper Reflection

WE MAY UNDERSTAND God’s Word quite well through conscientious study and research. But if we fail to obey the Word, we miss the target completely! None of our arrows even lands on the outermost concentric circle of the target board! On the second day of the seventh month, the leaders of the Jewish people did not merely study the Law of God under the guidance of Ezra the scribe and discover what it said (vv.13-15). By clear implication, they also strongly led all the remnant people to do what the Law said (vv.16-17). Thus, the people bought materials, made booths (i.e. tents) and lived in them, according to God’s Word concerning the feast of the seventh month (Lev 23:33-36, 39-43; Deut 16:13-15). This celebrative Feast of Booths16 started on the fifteenth day of the seventh month and lasted seven days, during which the people of Israel lived in booths. It was for the purpose that successive generations would remember and know that the Lord their God had made the people of Israel dwell in booths when He brought them out of the land of Egypt (Lev 23:43). This is what a renaissance of the Word of God among God’s people looks like: The leaders diligently study God’s Word and lead the people in accordance with the Word; and the people hear and obey the Word, so that God’s purposes are fulfilled in and through them. Obedience is indispensable. And it must not merely be a one-time obedience, but a continual one in the same direction.

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APPLICATION

What is one thing that tends to hinder my obedience 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 overcome the things that hinder their obedience to God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, Feast of Ingathering or Feast of the LORD. It was one of the three annual pilgrimage feasts of Israel, namely, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Harvest and the Feast of Ingathering (Exo 23:14-17).

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 9:1-31

WEDNESDAY 20 January

Divine Forbearance Towards Rebels OBSERVATION What repeated phrases in verses 9 to 31 describes the attributes of God and the pattern of the Israelites’ behaviour towards Him?

Deeper Reflection

WHAT A POIGNANT PASSAGE about the Israelites’ rebelliousness towards God and His forbearance towards them! The people’s prideful presumptuousness and stubborn disobedience were so deeply entrenched (vv.16-17a, 18, 26, 29, 30). But the Lord’s grace and mercy were so freely extended (vv.17b-19, 27b, 28b, 30, 31). Divine forbearance was sharply contrasted with human rebelliousness. How grievous it must have been for God to experience the pride, disobedience, contempt and unfaithfulness of the Israelites over and over again despite all that He had provided and done for them (vv.9-15, 19-25, 27b, 28b, 30a)? We see here – in high-definition clarity and vividness – a picture of the gracious and merciful, patient, faithful and long-suffering God of Israel! The relationship between the people of Israel and the Lord their God went through repeated cycles of sinpunishment-repentance-restoration in history without any lasting change and permanent transformation in the people’s hearts. The sinful human nature was on full and open display for all people to see…and identify with. Without a true Saviour, no one can have any hope of salvation. Sinners are unable to save themselves from God’s wrath in the coming judgment against sin. People need a Saviour! God, in His amazing grace and great mercies, has given His Son Jesus Christ to take the full punishment for people’s sins and provide redemption for sinners who believe in Christ. God’s offer of forgiveness remains available to sinners until the day (it is coming soon!) when the risen and ascended Christ returns from heaven to earth to judge the world and gather His redeemed people to Himself.

APPLICATION

What does God’s amazing grace and great mercies in Jesus Christ mean for me in my 2020 daily discipleship?

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 singles: To receive and give thanks to God daily for His grace and mercies in Christ Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 9:1-8, 32-37

THURSDAY

21 January

Confess with a Contrite Heart OBSERVATION What evidence is there that the people of Israel were genuinely sorry for their sins against God?

Deeper Reflection

IT WAS NOW the 24th day of the seventh month. Ezra had begun to read from the Book of the Law of God to the people of Israel on the first day and also read from it throughout the seven days of the Feast of Booths while the people lived in booths (Neh 8:1-3, 18). It appears that they kept up these activities even after the feast week and the immersion of the people in God’s Word brought about a deep and sustained conviction of their sins. On the 24th day, they assembled with expressions of sorrow and contrition (vv.1-2). They confessed their own sins and those of their forefathers. The people stood in reverence and listened to God’s Word for three hours, and confessed their sins and worshipped God for another three hours (v.3)! The basis for their worship and confession is that God is the Creator – He made both the universe and the people of Israel (vv.6-8). He is the covenant-making (v.8) and covenant-keeping God (v.32). He is righteous and all His ways are righteous, including the judgment that He made and the punishment that He meted out on the Israelites (vv.8, 33). God dealt faithfully with His chosen people, but they acted wickedly towards Him by their persistent idolatry and disobedience (vv.33-35). The people deeply lamented their state of slavery and great distress under the rule and domination of a foreign king, but openly confessed their guilt and acknowledged that they were deserving of God’s punishment (vv.36-37). “… a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psa 51:17).

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APPLICATION

What sins do I need to confess before God with a broken and contrite heart? 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 be repentant before God and turn from their known sins Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 9:38-10:39

FRIDAY

22 January

Worship with a Whole Heart OBSERVATION What did the people of Israel promise God through this covenant?

Deeper Reflection

IT WAS BECAUSE of the people’s genuine sorrow and remorse for their sins that they made a covenant with God. The agreement was a “firm covenant” made “in writing” and the document was “sealed” (i.e. affixed with a seal) and had on it the names of the Jewish leaders, Levites and priests (vv.1-27) who were chosen as representatives of all the people (v.28). There was a formality and gravity to the covenant document that spoke of the solemnity and permanence of the promises made by the people to God that they would return to Him, walk in His Law and obey all His commandments (v.29), and faithfully do all their duties pertaining to the worship of God at the Temple (vv.32-39). The people promised specifically not to intermarry with unbelievers (v.30) and not to violate the Sabbath (v.31). They also promised to pay the annual Temple tax (vv.32-33), bring their wood offering (v.34), give their firstfruits (vv.35-37a) and tithes (vv.37b-38), and not to neglect Temple worship (v.39). In essence, the people of Israel firmly bound themselves by solemn covenant and oath to obey God’s Word and to worship Him with their whole heart. The Lord Jesus Christ taught that though He is our righteousness, we are to obey the Law (Matt 5:17-20; Rom 3:21-22; 1 Cor 1:30). He also taught that true worshippers of God must worship Him in spirit and truth (Jn 4:21-24). If we forsake the Word of God, we are forsaking the God of the Word. If we forsake the worship of God, we are forsaking the God who alone is worthy of all our worship.

APPLICATION

How have I neglected my worship of God in the areas of prayer and praise over the 2020 course of last year?

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 obey God’s Word and to worship Him with their whole heart Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

SATURDAY

Nehemiah 11:1-36

23 January

Serve with a Willing Heart OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about the community that will repopulate Jerusalem the holy city?

Deeper Reflection

THE LEADERS OF THE PEOPLE lived in Jerusalem. But their numbers were not enough for the defence and redevelopment of the city. Nehemiah’s strategy for repopulating Jerusalem (Neh 7:4) was for a tenth of the remnant population to be chosen by lot to go and live in the city. The people would have preferred to remain in the Judean countryside to tend to their agricultural work and live relatively peaceful lives. Nonetheless, it seems that some men “willingly offered”, that is, passionately volunteered, to live in Jerusalem; they were blessed by the people for their patriotism and sacrificial spirit. Living in Jerusalem at that time meant hard work, danger and inconvenience, because the city was undergoing redevelopment. The defence of the city was a primary concern of Nehemiah at this stage as he envisaged a rebuilt Jerusalem in the future. It appears that there were among the people relocating to the city more than 1,500 “valiant men” (v.6) and “men of valour” (vv.8, 14) – men who were able to bear arms and fight to defend the city. Among various leaders there were overseers (vv.9, 14, 22), the second-in-command over the city (v.9), the leader of the Temple (v.11), heads of families (v.13) and the leader of the praise (v.17). Specific groups included the gatekeepers (v.19), the temple servants (v.21) and the singers (v.23). All of this gives us a picture of a community of God’s people with different gifts and vocations answering God’s call to sacrificial, active service for the purpose of rebuilding Jerusalem the holy city for God’s glory.

APPLICATION

What area(s) of service is God calling me to in 2021 for the purpose of building His 2020 Church for His glory?

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 serve God with a willing heart to build His Church for His glory Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SUNDAY

24 January

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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.

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WEEK FOUR / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / JANUARY 2021

DILIGENCE: BAGS OF GOLD Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

Make the most of what you have been given.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Ask your family members to draw or write down their skills and abilities on a piece of paper. Get everyone to share how this has helped them in school or at work.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: In Matthew 25:26, why was the master upset with the servant? Q2: What skills and abilities has God given you? Q3: How will you use your skills and abilities to serve God at home, in school and at church?

* LEARNING POINT

A master distributed bags containing different amounts of gold to his three servants before going on a trip. His instruction to them was to use the gold to earn more gold. The first two servants doubled the amount of gold that they were given, while the third servant did nothing with his gold. The master was furious when he found out what the last servant did. We have different skills and abilities. They belong to and come from God. He wants us to use our skills and abilities to do His work and expand the Kingdom of God.

* ACTION POINT

Ask each family member to suggest how they will use his or her skills and abilities to serve God this year. Commit the plan to God in prayer.

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for the skills and abilities that He has given us. Pray for guidance to use them wisely in the areas that He leads us to. Pray for wisdom to multiply what we have been given to expand the Kingdom of God.

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 12:1-43

MONDAY

25 January

Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart OBSERVATION Why did the leaders and people of Israel rejoice greatly and give thanks to God?

Deeper Reflection

THROUGHOUT THE PREVIOUS GENERATIONS, since the time of Zerubbabel and the first returnees until Nehemiah’s days, God had been faithful to His people and brought them back from exile in the land of Babylon to the land of Canaan (vv.1-26). Under Nehemiah and the current leaders, much hard work and sacrifices were poured into rebuilding the city wall by the returned exiles. God enabled the remnant people of Israel to complete the project despite their many adversaries and adversities. The people knew that if God had not been with them throughout the project, it would surely have failed. The Lord Himself had given them success and they wanted now to praise and thank God as they joyfully dedicated the wall of Jerusalem to Him: “for God had made them rejoice with great joy” (v.43). So the leaders and people of Jerusalem and Judah organised a big celebration in Jerusalem for thanksgiving and great rejoicing through a grand procession on the city walls with choir singing and musical instruments (vv.27, 31-42, 43). As God’s people today, have we neglected to make special efforts to celebrate God’s faithful works in our church and community life? Have we neglected to give exuberant praise and joyful thanks to God our Provider? If so, is it because we have taken God’s blessings for granted? Perhaps, we have erred in a small-minded attempt to conserve our energy and money in the name of good stewardship. May we not fail to rejoice in God and give Him due and fitting praise and thanks with grateful hearts for His guidance, provision, protection and blessings!

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APPLICATION

What church or CG milestone can my community and I celebrate this year with a special 2020 thanksgiving event to rejoice in God?

PRAYER Heavenly Father, I praise and thank You for my church family. You have wonderfully and faithfully led, provided for, protected and blessed us in so many ways over the past many years. I know that You will continue to show us Your steadfast love and faithfulness in the years to come. Teach us to give thanks to You and rejoice together, so that we acknowledge and praise You as we should. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name. Amen.

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 12:44-47; 1 Corinthians 9:8-14; 1 Timothy 5:17-18

TUESDAY

26 January

Giving Tithes Still a Required Part? OBSERVATION In what ways are verses 44 to 47 relevant to the New Testament Church today?

Deeper Reflection

NEHEMIAH ENSURED that the remnant people’s contributions, firstfruits and tithes were collected and apportioned to the priests and the Levites according to the Law of Moses (v.44a). The people gave not only because of duty, but also because they “rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered” (v.44b).17 While the Old Testament commanded tithing (i.e. giving of the tenth part),18 after Christ’s once-for-all, perfect sacrifice on the cross for sins, there was no longer any need to maintain the system of Temple sacrifices. However, the principle that Christians have a duty to support the work of the Gospel and the church workers who carried out the responsibilities of preaching, leading, teaching and serving the congregation was taught by the Lord Jesus and the Apostle Paul (1 Cor 9:8-14; 1 Tim 5:17-18; Lk 10:7). Paul wrote, “Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.”19 Thus, full-time vocational Christian ministry workers can focus on doing Gospel work and not have to look to other work to earn money to pay for their living expenses and family’s needs. There is no New Testament stipulation of the contribution of a tenth of income from God’s people. The tithe is a guide, not a requirement.20 Each contributor should give regularly and intentionally according to one’s ability, willingly and cheerfully, with trust in and gratitude to God for His surpassing grace.21

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APPLICATION

How is God guiding you to give to the work of the Gospel through the local church and 2020 other Christian ministries this year?

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 always be grateful to God and His people for whatever material support received Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

The priests and the Levites had been set apart for the work of the service of God and His Temple, together with the singers and the gatekeepers (vv.45-47). See Leviticus 27:30-32 and Numbers 18:21-32. 19 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 (emphasis added). 20 10 percent of income is neither the minimum nor the maximum that a Christian should give. 21 According to some broader principles of giving found in 1 Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. 17

SCRIPTURE

WEDNESDAY

Nehemiah 13:1-14

27 January

The Reality of Relapses OBSERVATION What happened to God’s remnant leaders and people some time after the completion of the city wall and the departure of Nehemiah from Jerusalem?

Deeper Reflection

THE CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS in the book of Nehemiah is sometimes confusing. But we can still piece together a fairly good picture. After the dedication of the city wall (Neh 12:27), on the same day or shortly after, Nehemiah appointed men over the storerooms for the people’s contributions, firstfruits and tithes (Neh 12:44). For a period of time there was strong support from the remnant people for the service of the Temple (Neh 12:47) and the purity of their assembly (vv.1-3). Subsequently, Nehemiah left Jerusalem and went back to King Artaxerxes in the Persian court (v.6).22 In Nehemiah’s absence,23 Eliashib the priest acted corruptly and prepared a large chamber in the Temple courts for his relative Tobiah (the Ammonite) to stay there (vv.4-7).24 It was preposterous to allow an enemy of Israel to lodge within the house of God! What an abuse of position and power by Eliashib for personal benefit! Some time later, Nehemiah sought and was granted leave by King Artaxerxes to go again to Jerusalem,25 whereupon he discovered the evil that Eliashib had done (vv.6-7). Nehemiah also discovered that the remnant people had neglected to give their tithes for some time and the Temple workers, thus deprived of their portions, were forced to return to work in the fields for their subsistence (v.10). The people had forsaken the house of God (v.11)! All these glaring relapses after great reforms reflected the grim reality of the fallen, sinful nature of God’s people then…and now. Without God’s grace and power to redeem sinners through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we are all without hope of eternal salvation.

APPLICATION

How does the reality of relapses inform and impact my discipleship to Jesus? 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 singles: To be thankful for so great a salvation we have in Jesus and to walk closely with Him each day Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Nehemiah had been away from the Persian king and was serving in Jerusalem as the governor of Judah for 12 years – from the 20th to 32nd year of King Artaxerxes’ reign (Neh 2:1; 13:6) – from 445 to 433 BC. 23 “Now before this,…” (v.4) probably starts a new section of the narrative and refers to before Nehemiah’s return to Jerusalem (vv.6-7). 24 We are not told in what way Eliashib and Tobiah were related or closely associated. This Eliashib the priest was probably the same person as Eliashib the high priest (Neh 3:1, 20, 21; 12:10, 22, 23; and 13:28). 25 It was not specified when Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem, but it would have been between 433 BC (after he resumed his service to King Artaxerxes) and 425 BC (the year King Artaxerxes died) – i.e. within an eight-year period. 22

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 13:1-14

THURSDAY

28 January

The Response of Resilience OBSERVATION What were Nehemiah’s responses to the relapses that he discovered in the remnant people?

Deeper Reflection

HOW QUICKLY the Israelite leaders and people forgot their covenant solemnly made with God (Neh 9:38-10:39)! While away from Jerusalem, Nehemiah might have heard troubling reports and therefore returned to Jerusalem to personally investigate and rectify the problems (vv.6-7). The provision by Eliashib the priest of a large chamber in the Temple courts for Tobiah the Ammonite’s use as lodging was shocking! Incensed at this defilement of the sacred premises, Nehemiah expelled Tobiah, cleansed the chambers and restored the former use as a storage area for the people’s offerings, tithes and contributions for the Temple workers (vv.8-9).26 Nehemiah confronted the officials regarding the people’s failure to tithe – it was a forsaking of the house of God (v.11). Nehemiah gathered and reinstated the Levites and made all the people bring their tithes into the storehouses (vv.11-12). He appointed reliable men as treasurers to account for all the contributions and ensure their proper distribution to all the Temple workers (v.13). In all these actions (and others in the rest of this chapter), we see Nehemiah’s resilience in responding to the relapses of the cancers of idolatry, covetousness, disobedience and unfaithfulness in the remnant people’s hearts. He did not throw his arms up in despair over the present losses after past gains. Nehemiah did not give up in the face of the people’s backsliding, saying “What is the point?” Nehemiah kept on going despite the challenges. He kept at it. Why? Nehemiah deeply desired the approval of God and that people worship God and ascribe to Him the glory due His holy name (v.14; Psa 29:2).

APPLICATION

How can I respond with resilience when I face setbacks and failures? 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 never give up serving God and declaring His glory among the peoples Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

There was a likely connection between Eliashib’s abuse of the large chamber and the remnant people’s neglect of their tithing duty.

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 13:15-22; Colossians 2:8-17

FRIDAY

29 January

Keep Trusting in God OBSERVATION What did the failure of God’s people to keep the Sabbath reveal about them?

Deeper Reflection

THE REMNANT PEOPLE OF GOD were to keep the Sabbath day holy. God’s Law regarding the Sabbath27 required them to do their work in six days and to rest on the seventh day – they were not to do any work on the Sabbath. Keeping the Sabbath throughout their generations forever was to identify the Israelites as God’s people, distinct from the other nations. The people of Judah were regularly working on the Sabbath and bringing their agricultural produce to Jerusalem to do business (v.15). Tyrian28 merchants brought their fish and other goods to Jerusalem to sell to the Jews (v.16). Nehemiah took four steps to stop the violations. First, Nehemiah warned the Jewish people and nobles against profaning the Sabbath (vv.15, 17-18). Second, Nehemiah commanded his men to shut all the city gates just prior to the start of each Sabbath29 and only open them after the Sabbath (v.19a). Third, Nehemiah stationed guards at the gates to prevent traders from entering the city (vv.19b, 22a). Fourth, Nehemiah warned and threatened the traders not to come on the Sabbath (v.21). The Sabbath was essentially about trusting in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness, and learning to rest in Him as the Sovereign Lord over our lives and as our Provider. God will take care of our life situations and provide for our needs. While the Sabbath law no longer applies to Christians (Col 2:8-14), we should practise the Sabbath principle of setting aside a weekly extended period to stop work and rest in God’s presence: to adore our Creator, appreciate our work, assess our life and align our purposes with God’s.

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APPLICATION

How will I practise the Sabbath principle on a weekly basis this year? 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 practise the Sabbath principle every week and learn to rest in God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Exodus 20:8-11; 31:12-17. Tyrians were the inhabitants of Tyre which was a major Phoenician seaport on the eastern side of the Mediterranean Sea. It is about 167 km north of Jerusalem. 29 Just before sundown on Friday. 27

SCRIPTURE

Nehemiah 13:23-31; Deuteronomy 7:3-4

SATURDAY

30 January

Stay Faithful to God OBSERVATION In what ways are interfaith marriages a problem for God’s people?

Deeper Reflection

AMONG THE PEOPLE’S RELAPSES that Nehemiah witnessed in Jerusalem was interfaith marriages (v.23). The Jews who married pagan women would be drawn away from the worship of God and towards idolatry, just as King Solomon was (v.26). Their children would have a huge language handicap in learning the beliefs and values taught in the Hebrew Scriptures (v.24). Nehemiah confronted and punished the guilty Jewish men (v.25a). He made them promise on oath to stop the practice of interfaith marriages (v.25b), for it was a great evil and treacherous act against God (v.27). It must not be condoned among leaders. Nehemiah punished the grandson of Eliashib the high priest who married the daughter of Sanballat the Horonite (v.28) and cursed Eliashib’s family for desecrating the priesthood and covenant previously made by the priests and Levites (v.29). In marriages between Christians and non-Christians, often the unbelieving partners will over time influence their believing partners to wander away from God and sin against Him. For Christians who are seeking marriage, consider this: when your husband or wife does not share in common with you a set of fundamental Christian beliefs and biblical core values, how will both of you be able to journey on in marriage and family life and grow together in the same direction towards knowing God more, living godly lives and seeking first His Kingdom? At the heart, it is a matter of being faithful to God. Therefore, you must obey God and choose wisely who to enter into courtship with, and then decide whether to go on to marriage as both of you discern the will of God.

APPLICATION

How do the insights from this passage inform and impact my discipleship to Jesus? 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 stay faithful to God in all areas of personal and church leadership decisions Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

SUNDAY

31 January

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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 FIVE / FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / JANUARY 2021

WISDOM: THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK Scripture: Ephesians 4:29 Use your words wisely.

* ACTIVITY BITE

Split your family into two groups. Then get each group to write down as many positive words as possible on a piece of paper. The group with the most number of positive words wins the game. Discuss with everyone how the use of positive words encourages others.

* CHAT TIME

Q1: Share how you felt when someone hurt you with his or her words? Q2: Why do we need to use our words wisely? Q3: What changes will you make to the way you speak to others today?

* LEARNING POINT

If we are not careful, our words can cause hurt and unhappiness to others. In Ephesians 4:29, God reminds us to use our words wisely. God gave us the gift of speech to encourage others to do what is right and great. Therefore, before we say anything to someone, think about how our words will help others and not stumble them.

* ACTION POINT

Get a big piece of paper and draw two columns on it. Then ask your family members to write down five negative sentences on the left column. Discuss with everyone how these sentences can be rephrased in a positive tone and write them on the right column. For example, “What is the problem?” can be rewritten as “What can I do to help you?”

* FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Thank God for giving us the gift of speech. Ask God to guide us in using our words wisely.