July Devotional Journal 2017 by Covenant EFC

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

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

HAGGAI 2:4 (ESV)

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

HAGGAI 2:4 (ESV)

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

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MEMORY FOCUS E Z R A

H A G G A I

( E S V )

2017 JA N UA RY In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing... EZRA 1:1

F E B R UA RY And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. EZRA 3:11

MARCH But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the report should reach Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it. EZRA 5:5

APRIL And this was their reply to us: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.” EZRA 5:11

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M AY

Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? HAGGAI 1:4

JUNE You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. HAGGAI 1:6

J U LY Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts... HAGGAI 2:4

AUGUST For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. EZRA 7:10

SEPTEMBER I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. EZRA 7:28B

OCTOBER The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way. EZRA 8:31B

N OV E M B E R And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this... EZRA 9:13

DECEMBER Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it. EZRA 10:4

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FOREWORD BY SENIOR PASTORS Vision 2028 is spurring Covenant EFC to fulfil her Intentional Disciple Making Church (IDMC) mission within the Church, in our nation and among the nations. local church with a national and global influence. A people with devotion, depth and destiny. God has given Acts 20:28 as a spiritual anchor for our journey towards Vision 2028. “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” – Acts 20:28 (ESV) At last year’s Listening Retreat, God continued to urge us to possess the following:

A Firm FOUNDATION in God “For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations …” – Hebrews 11:10a (ESV) Jesus Christ is the firm foundation of Covenant EFC. Laying a firm foundation for a healthy church means seeking, knowing, loving and proclaiming Christ (Phil 3). How are you building your foundation in Christ today? Your daily devotion is the best place to start!

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A Bold FAITH in God’s Faithfulness “And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) A bold faith opposes doubt which slows us, opposes fear which paralyses us and opposes apathy which derails us. Bold faith in God’s faithfulness means our allegiance is unto God. Luke 6:46 says, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I tell you?” There is a holy dissatisfaction with our lukewarmness, fear and apathy. Our bold faith in God will see Him restore our spiritual zeal and do far greater things beyond Vision 2028 (Psa 80). How can you be bold in your faith in Christ today? How about B.L.E.S.S.-ing those around you who have yet to know Him? A Burning Focus Towards FRUITFULNESS for God “…whose designer and builder is God …” – Hebrews 11:10b (ESV) God is the Designer and has a destiny for us! God is the Builder and has the resources! He showed us a promise in Isaiah 37:30-31, “And this shall be a sign for you: this year you shall eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs from that. Then in the third year sow and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.”Authentic discipleship is about people, not just programmes. Intentional Disciplemaking is about reproducing people of A Certain Kind, not just attending an event. In the process of making disciples, we must not lose sight of the end result of fruitfulness. Will you pray for God to make you fruitful as you abide in Him daily? Are you ready for the harvest of fruitfulness that He has promised? This year as we “Return to Our Foundation”, Covenant EFC’s pulpit and Devotional Journal will be mostly based on the books of Ezra and Haggai. May you have a blessed year of studying, practising and teaching God’s Word (Ezr 7:10)!

In Christ, Rev Tony Yeo and Rev Tan Kay Kiong

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GUIDE TO USING THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Prepare your heart in God’s presence ■ Select a fixed time (preferably in the morning before you begin your day) and a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed. ■ Observe a moment of silence as you acknowledge God’s presence. Centre down. ■ Begin with a song of worship. Meditate on the lyrics even if you are unfamiliar with the tune. (Refer to the list of worship songs provided.) ■ Ask God to open your heart to hear Him. The English Standard Version (ESV) is the default Bible version translation unless otherwise specified.

SOMETHING TO PONDER...

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

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W H AT ’ S N E W I N 2 0 1 7 ? Prayer pointers for Pastors and Staff are included every Tuesday. On each Friday, there is a prayer pointer for Lay Leaders (e.g. Board Members, Zone Mentors, CG Leaders, Assistant CG Leaders, and Ministry Leaders), to facilitate your prayer for whoever God brings to your mind at that time.

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

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WORSHIP SONGS J U L Y – A U G U S T

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, amen, amen Amen, amen, amen Amen, amen, amen All glory to our Maker Tim Timmons © 2009 Fair Trade Music Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Singapore) CCLI Song # 5682346

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YOUR LOVE Verse 1 Where can I go from Your Spirit How can I escape Your love Your love for me is deeper than the sea And higher than the heavens above Where can I flee from Your presence Now that You abide in my heart My heart is Your home Your temple, Your throne So what could ever keep us apart Chorus Your love is higher than the heavens Your love is deeper than the ocean Nothing in creation could take me Away from Your love Your love, there is nothing greater Your love, there is nothing stronger You came to me Gave Your life so I could be free Verse 2 Who can explain Your mercy Who can comprehend Your ways You showed me Your grace By taking my place And washing all my sorrow away I just want to live in Your presence Worship You with all of my heart Show me the way, draw me closer each day Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let anything keep us apart

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YOUR LOVE (CONT’D) Bridge I am persuaded that neither death nor life Can separate us from the love of Christ Nothing in the present And nothing to come could take me away From Your infinite love Ending I can be free in Your love Don Moen | Martin Nystrom © 1990 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 324857

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WONDERFUL GOD Verse 1 There is no other God like You Who made the heavens and the earth And fills my heart with joy unending All I can do is give my life Offer to You a sacrifice Here is my heart for You unending Bridge All of my life, belongs to You alone With every breath, my song will rise to You Chorus You are the joy of every nation The giver of salvation Wonderful God You are God throughout the ages Enthroned upon our praises Wonderful God Verse 2 Every morning when I rise It is Your presence I desire To see Your faithfulness unending Mercy and goodness follow me For in Your presence I am free I put my trust in You unending Denis Campos ÂŠ 2009 CFN 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 # 5427037 CCLI License # 324618

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CALVARY Verse 1 The Saviour alone Carried the cross For all of my debts He paid the cost Salvation complete Now forever I’m free Calvary covers it all Chorus Calvary covers it all My sin and shame Don’t count anymore All praise to the One Who has ransomed my soul Calvary covers it all Verse 2 No power on earth Not even the grave Can separate us From mercy and grace He is faithful to save Oh, His blood never fails Calvary covers it all Bridge No one but Jesus Can make us pure as snow We stand in Your freedom Calvary covers it all Ending All praise to the One Who has ransomed my soul Calvary covers it all (Repeat) Jonas Myrin | Reuben Morgan © (Inspired by “Calvary Covers It All” by Mrs. Walter G. Taylor) 2014 Word Music, LLC (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 324618 CCLI Song # 7018337

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WITH ALL I AM Verse 1 Into Your hands I commit again All I am for You Lord You hold my world in the palm of Your hand And I am Yours forever Chorus Jesus I believe in You Jesus I belong to You You’re the reason that I live The reason that I sing With all I am Verse 2 I’ll walk with You wherever You go Through tears and joy I’ll trust in You And I will live in all of Your ways And Your promises forever Bridge I will worship, I will worship You (5X) Ending With all I am I will worship, I will worship You I will worship, I will worship You Chris Tomlin | John Newton | Louie Giglio | Reuben Morgan © 2003 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4257734

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WORTHY OF IT ALL Verse All the saints and angels They bow before Your throne All the elders cast their crowns Before the Lamb of God and sing Chorus You are worthy of it all You are worthy of it all For from You are all things And to You are all things You deserve the glory Interlude 1 Singing oh oh oh oh oh Bridge Day and night, night and day, let incense arise Day and night, night and day, let incense arise Day and night, night and day, let incense arise Day and night, night and day, let incense arise (Repeat) Interlude 2 Oh oh oh oh (Repeat) David Brymer | Ryan Hall ÂŠ 2012 Forerunner Worship (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelectÂŽ Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 324618 CCLI Song # 6280644

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TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE Verse 1 Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to Thee Take my moments and my days Let them flow in ceaseless praise Let them flow in ceaseless praise Verse 2 Take my hands and let them move At the impulse of Thy love Take my feet and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee Swift and beautiful for Thee Verse 3 Take my voice and let me sing Always, only, for my King Take my lips, and let them be Filled with messages from Thee Filled with messages from Thee Verse 4 Take my silver and my gold Not a mite would I withhold Take my intellect and use Every power as Thou shalt choose Every power as Thou shalt choose Verse 5 Take my will, and make it Thine It shall be no longer mine Take my heart, it is Thine own It shall be Thy royal throne It shall be Thy royal throne Frances Ridley Havergal | Henri Abraham Cesar Malan ÂŠ Words: Public Domain; Music: Public Domain CCLI Song # 1390

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I GIVE YOU MY HEART Verse This is my desire To honour You Lord, with all my heart I worship You All I have within me I give You praise All that I adore Is in You Chorus Lord, I give You my heart I give You my soul I live for you alone Every breath that I take Every moment I’m awake Lord, have Your way in me Reuben Morgan © 1995 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 1866132

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I OFFER MY LIFE Verse 1 All that I am, all that I have I lay them down before You, O Lord All my regrets, all my acclaim The joy and the pain I’m making them Yours Chorus Lord I offer my life to You Everything I’ve been through Use it for Your glory Lord I offer my days to You Lifting my praise to You As a pleasing sacrifice Lord I offer You my life Verse 2 Things in the past things yet unseen Wishes and dreams That are yet to come true All of my hope, all of my plans My heart and my hands Are lifted to You Bridge What can we give That You have not given And what do we have That is not already Yours All we possess are These lives we’re living And that’s what We give to You Lord Claire Cloninger | Don Moen © 1994 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Juniper Landing 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 # 1375252 CCLI License # 324618

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IN CHRIST ALONE Verse 1 In Christ alone will I glory Though I could pride myself in battles won For I’ve been blessed beyond measure And by His strength alone I’ll overcome Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand Chorus In Christ alone, I place my trust And find my glory in the power of the cross In every victory let it be said of me My source of strength my source of hope Is Christ alone Verse 2 In Christ alone do I glory For only by His grace I am redeemed For only His tender mercy Could reach beyond my weakness to my need And now I seek no greater honour in just to know Him more And to count my gains but losses to the glory of my Lord Don Koch | Shawn Craig © 1990 New Spring (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 841440 CCLI License # 324618

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NOTES

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THE CHURCH BEYOND P R AY F O R P H I L I P P I N E S “For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.” – ISAIAH 61:11 (ESV)

The Philippines is a nation with 186 people groups and several religions, of which 76.9% are Catholics. The country has been plagued by corruption, political instability, social unrest and natural disasters which have stunted her economy, and perpetuated widespread poverty and unemployment.

Praise God: ■ That the church has seen continued growth and increased spiritual unity. The Philippines has also emerged as a missionary-sending force.

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Pray: ■ For a just and righteous government with courage to make unpopular decisions on moral, social and economic issues. ■ For adequate discipleship and trained leaders. Many new Christian groups are led by those with minimal training, causing doctrinal distortion and confusion. ■ For Mindanao, where the government forces clash with Muslim rebels. Many of the Muslims and the Manobo tribal people have not heard the Gospel. ■ For Christians to work with the poor and the 75,000 street kids; for churches to be set up in the slums and squatter communities in Manila where 3 million people live. Many living in these areas are receptive to the Gospel. ■ For Covenant EFC’s work with Care Channel to bring the English Steady Readers Programme to children living in Manila slums. ■ For the new Evangelical Free Church of the Philippines (EFCP) churches planted in Cebu after Typhoon Haiyan, that their leaders will develop in discipleship and that new believers and congregations will be grounded in biblical teaching.

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SATURDAY, 1 JULY 2017

Being a Godly Mentor Scripture

1 Timothy 6:10-16

Observation

In what ways was the apostle Paul a godly mentor to young Timothy?

Deeper Reflection

s a mentor, Paul gave Timothy strong encouragement and clear guidance for life and ministry. The fatherly Paul addressed Timothy at the beginning of the letter as “my true child in the faith” (1 Tim 1:2), and now here as “O man of God” (v.11), which communicated his belief in his mentee. In effect, Paul was saying, “Timothy, I esteem you and believe in your ability to be a faithful servant of God.” What an encouragement and boost to Timothy’s confidence that must have been! The experienced Paul also gave Timothy clear instructions on how to proceed and progress in the ministry. Timothy needed to have the right attitude towards money. He had to pursue growth in godly character attributes. He had to be determined to persevere to the end without compromising the faith even when facing trials or adversities. Paul’s guidance was valuable because of his insight and foresight. Finally, Paul gave Timothy hope for future success. Success did not depend on Timothy’s ability, but on God’s power and reign. Paul reminded Timothy to keep his eyes on who God is. Eternal life is in the Lord Jesus Christ who will return one day at the appointed time. God alone is sovereign in history and supreme in power and authority. This is the incomparably majestic and glorious God whom Timothy served and waited for. With God on Timothy’s side, success and victory was assured!

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Application As a godly mentor, what encouragement, guidance and hope can I give to someone in the next generation?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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SUNDAY, 2 JULY 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 1 • JULY 2017

WHY AM I HERE IN THIS CHURCH? God has placed me in this church for a reason. Scripture: Acts 2:41-47

ACTIVITY BITE

Get a big sheet of paper and draw a simple world map with outlines of the continents and seas. Using coloured markers, draw different animals in the places they live. For example, you can draw a whale in the Pacific Ocean or an elephant in Africa.

CHAT TIME

Q1: Can you draw penguins in the African desert or whales in the middle of China? Why or why not? Q2: Why do you think God has placed you in this church? Was it by chance or for a reason? Q3: In Acts 2:41-47, why did the Christians want to do things together instead of keeping to themselves?

LEARNING POINT

It may seem like you have no choice but to follow your parents to this church, but it is actually God who brought you here. He knows exactly what He is doing and whatever He has planned will come to pass. He wants you to be here in a big Christian family because He has a purpose for you. No one knows what it will be, but you will discover it at the right time. For now, continue to be faithful in worshipping God and seeking Him constantly in prayer regarding His plan for you.

ACTION POINT

Tell your churchmates that they are chosen by God to be in this church and are not here by chance, because God has a wonderful plan for everyone.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Pray: • For church members to be thankful that they are in this church for a special purpose. • That God will cause Christians in Singapore to be excited to work together to build His Church, so that His name will be known by all people.

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MONDAY, 3 JULY 2017

It’s Back to Cyrus’ Decree Scripture

Ezra 1:1-4; 4:1-5, 24; 6:1-7

Observation What can you learn about God from the three times that Cyrus is mentioned in Ezra 1 to 6 (vv.1-4; Ezr 4:1-5 – note v.5, 24; 6:1-7)?

Deeper Reflection

here are three pivotal “Cyrus” movements in the work of rebuilding the temple in Ezra 1 to 6. The rebuilding began with Cyrus’ decree (vv.1-4), then stopped in the “days of Cyrus” (Ezr 4:1-5, 24) and then resumed because of Cyrus’ decree (Ezr 6:1-7) – after 18 years. We must look at historical events with theological eyes. We see here the sovereign God who permits interruptions to impede the fulfilment of His purposes for His people, individually and corporately. But such interruptions are always only momentary. The causes of the interruptions in our lives can be ourselves, others or circumstances. But in permitting interruptions, the sovereign God pursues His intentions relentlessly. Tattenai’s letter to King Darius requesting a search for Cyrus’ decree for rebuilding the temple ends with “If it pleases the king … ” (Ezr 5:17). The king could turn down the request. But he didn’t. The search was requested to be made in “the king’s treasure house … in Babylon” (Ezr 5:17). It was not found there. But the search did not end. It continued — even though this meant covering great distances across the vast Persian empire — until the decree was found in “the fortress” in “Ecbatana” (Ezr 6:1-2).

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Application How do I respond to the interruptions in my life in which I sense Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand?

Those in Se l

need f

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Leaders

Eternal God, You are the Creator, Possessor, Ruler and Sustainer of the entire universe. Nothing escapes Your notice. Nothing takes You by Givi ng t surprise. Nothing can stand in Your han ks way. No one can succeed in opposing You or hindering Your purposes, unless You permit it, and yet You do so according to Your own agenda. Blessed are You, O Lord God Almighty. Amen.

Significant people

Prayer

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TUESDAY, 4 JULY 2017

“Stop” Movements Under God’s Hand Scripture

Ezra 4:21-24; 5:5; 6:8

Observation

What is the significance of the word “stop” and “cease” recurring six times in Ezra 4 to 6 (vv.21, 23, 241 ; Ezr 5:5; 6:82)?

Deeper Reflection

zra 4:8 to 6:18 was originally written in Aramaic,3 which contains four letters – the letter from Rehum and company to King Artaxerxes regarding the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Ezr 4:8-16) and the king’s reply (Ezr 4:17-23), Tattenai’s letter to King Darius regarding the rebuilding of the temple (Ezr 5:6-17) and the king’s reply (Ezr 6:1-12). The Aramaic word, betel, translated as “stop”, is repeated six times. The repetition bears theological significance. Ezra 4, which narrates the long and strong opposition against God’s rebuilding work, concludes with the rebuilding of the city and temple being “stopped” (vv.21, 23, 24). When the rebuilding of the temple was resumed according to God’s Word (Ezr 5:1-2) and under God’s watch (Ezr 5:5a), the Persian authorities “did not stop” the work (Ezr 5:5b). Then, King Darius ordered that the expenses for rebuilding the temple be fully paid from the royal treasury “so that the work will not stop”4 (Ezr 6:8, NIV). Notice the contrast between the actions “to stop” and “stopped”, and the actions “did not stop” and “will not stop”. “Will not stop” is a divine reversal of “stop” in Ezra 4. Every “stop” is under the hand of Him, from whom and through whom and to whom are all things (Rom 11:36).

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Application What does it mean for me to know the God from whom and through whom and to whom are all things?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for pastors and staff:

To gain a deeper knowledge of what God’s sovereignty means

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

Ezra 4:24 (NIV): “came to a standstill” Ezra 6:8 (NASB, ESV): “without delay” The Jews learned to speak Aramaic during the Babylonian exile and it was the language of the returned exiles. 4 “Without delay” (NASB, ESV) 2 3

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WEDNESDAY, 5 JULY 2017

A Tidal Wave of Favour Scripture Ezra 6:1-12

Observation How does the narrator describe the specific orders in King Darius’ decree regarding the rebuilding of the temple to underscore their significance (vv.6-9)?

Deeper Reflection

ing Darius’ decree for rebuilding the temple consists of two sets of orders for Tattenai and the provincial officials. They must not interfere: “keep away from there. Leave this work on the house of God alone” (vv.6-7). What they must implement: “the full cost is to be paid … from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces … without delay” (v.8), and “Whatever is needed ... it is to be given to them daily without fail” (v.9). God surprises: It is a tidal wave of favour from the Persian king, which must have surprised the Jews, especially in view of the drought they suffered from God’s hand in recent years (Hag 1:6, 9-11). God supplies: There is no lack in the work of God and when we walk with God (Matt 6:33). But the present temple was less glorious than the previous temple (Hag 2:3). The Jews might have wondered why God didn’t supply them with as much resources as Solomon had to rebuild the temple to be equally glorious. Surely God could easily have done that. After all, He said, “The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine” (Hag 2:8). But God is sovereign. He does whatever He pleases (Psa 135:6). It is His purpose that the present temple is to be less glorious (Hag 2:9).

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Application What do I mean when I say that God is sovereign over my life?

Prayer God, my Heavenly Father, You who know my needs even before I ask You,5 who supply all my needs according to the riches of Your glory,6 do also at times, when necessary, let me suffer needs.7 You are God, and You act in Your sovereign freedom and sovereign wisdom. Help me to trust in You in all things and acknowledge You in all my ways.8 Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

Matthew 6:8 Philippians 4:19 Philippians 4:12 8 Proverbs 3:5-6 6 7

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THURSDAY, 6 JULY 2017

Perspectives on Special Human Favour Scripture

Ezra 6:8-12; Hebrews 10:32-34

Observation What observations can you make when comparing God’s people receiving the Persians’ generous financial support in rebuilding the temple (vv.8-9) with “the plundering of your property” experienced by the early Christians (Heb 10:34)?

Deeper Reflection

he tidal wave of favour upon God’s people in rebuilding the temple — the Persians paying “the full cost” and providing “whatever is needed” (vv.8-9) — seems to be very special. It is not so from a particular perspective. This did not happen only to the Jews in Jerusalem. In those days, there was generous Persian financial support for temple construction and worship elsewhere in the empire.9 The Persian kings did this out of self-interest: “that they may offer acceptable sacrifices to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and his sons” (v.10). This reflects what King Cyrus wrote on the Cyrus Cylinder: “May all the gods whom I have resettled in their scared cities ask daily Bel and Nebo10 for a long life for me.”11 So, it was a common favour. However, it was special to the Jews because that “was probably better than anything” they “could have hoped for”12 and because it was from God for His own purpose. But such human favour under God’s sovereign hand must not be viewed as or expected to be normative. For the exact opposite, “the plundering of your property” (Heb 10:34), is also part of biblical discipleship.

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Application What do I need to change in my understanding of human favour according to God’s way?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

Gary V. Smith, Ezra-Nehemiah, Esther, Cornerstone Biblical Commentary (Tyndale, 2010), 64 Bel and Nebo were Babylonian gods Gary V. Smith, 64 12 Gary V. Smith, 64 10 11

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FRIDAY, 7 JULY 2017

The Wealth of All Nations Scripture

Ezra 6:8-12; Haggai 2:1-9

Observation How do verses 8 to 9 correlate with Haggai 2:6-9?

Deeper Reflection

he glory of the temple the Jews were rebuilding was “like nothing in comparison” to “its former glory” (Hag 2:3). But God promised His people: “I will fill this house with glory” such that “the latter glory of this house will be greater than the former” (Hag 2:7, 9). And God will accomplish that by shaking “all the nations” and “the wealth of all nations” will come to His temple (Hag 2:7). The promise was partially fulfilled in the Persians paying for the rebuilding of the temple and the daily sacrifices (vv.8-9). But this seems to be no big deal, since the Persians did the same for other gods.13 Nonetheless, still it was God partially fulfilling His promise, which awaits its final and full fulfilment at the Second Coming of Christ when “the kings of the earth…will bring the glory and the honour of the nations into it” (Rev 21:24, 26). But pause and ponder how this promise was fulfilled in Jesus at His First Coming. “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor” (2 Cor 8:9). “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Lk 9:58). Doesn’t that sound regressive? What kind of God is this?

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Application How does the way Jesus fulfilled God’s promise in Haggai 2:7 at His First Coming shape my discipleship journey?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To know God as revealed in the Son of Man

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

Gary V. Smith, 64

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SATURDAY, 8 JULY 2017

The Pre-eminence of the Passive Scripture Ezra 6:1-12

Observation How many times is “God” mentioned in verses 1 to 12 and what is the significance of this?

Deeper Reflection

he narrative of verses 1 to 12 is filled with human acts – “King Darius issued a decree” and “search was made” for Cyrus’ decree (vv.1-2) — and human speech as in Darius’ decree (vv.3-12). And they are the acts and words of the Persians, who are rulers over God’s people in their own land. But what is central in the narrative is theological. God is present: the divine name “God” is mentioned 10 times in the 12 verses. God is no minor character here, nor does He function just as a prop. God is not on the sidelines. The phrase “the house of God” is repeated seven times: in the decrees of Cyrus (vv.3, 5) and Darius (vv.7, 8, 12). All the Persians’ acts and words focus on “the house of God”. Its theological significance is: God is fulfilling His purpose. Twice Darius calls the God of Israel “the God of heaven” (vv.9, 10), which points to the providence of God, whatever Darius’ theological perception may be. It is noteworthy that throughout the narrative, God is portrayed as passive. There is no divine speech or act. But it is in this way that the narrative loudly proclaims the subversive pre-eminence of God. Oftentimes, the theological narrative of our discipleship journey is like this.

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Application In what ways do I see God being passive in my discipleship journey and yet pre-eminent?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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SUNDAY, 9 JULY 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 2 • JULY 2017

HOW CAN I HELP BUILD MY CHURCH? (1) I can build my church by keeping in close fellowship with friends and family. Scripture: Ezra 6:3; Acts 2:41-47

ACTIVITY BITE

Get some ice-cream sticks. Imagine that each stick represents someone you know in church, like your Sunday School friends, your small group members or church leaders. Using a pen, draw their faces and write their names on each stick. See how many of these “stick people” you can make and put them in a cup.

CHAT TIME

Q1: Why is it important to have our Christian friends and family gather together as a church? Q2: What can you do to make church a fun and wonderful place to be in? Q3: What can everybody do together to build this church up?

LEARNING POINT

Acts 2:41-47 tells of Christians who constantly gather together to worship, fellowship, encourage and help one another because they know that everyone is part of God’s big family. They feel the need to love others just as God loves them. This is a picture of the church that God wants. No one is supposed to be separated from the rest. You can’t grow to be a mature Christian by being alone. We need to love, serve and watch over one another so that the church can be built up. You can do your part by attending church gatherings regularly and being a friend to everyone.

ACTION POINT

Continue to attend cell group meetings regularly. If you are not in any cell group, contact your church leaders to help you.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Pray: • For church members to meet regularly together in church and cell groups. • For Christians in Singapore to unite and love one another in such a way that people here may know that we are His disciples.

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MONDAY, 10 JULY 2017

Carried Out with All Diligence Scripture

Ezra 5:6-8; 6:11-12, 13

Observation What observations can you make on the thrice-repeated expression “carried out with diligence” in the same context in Ezra 5 and 6 (v.8; Ezr 6:12, 13)?

Deeper Reflection

he expression “carried out with diligence” occurs three times in Ezra 5 and 6 in the same context. The rebuilding of the temple was “carried out with diligence” (v.8). King Darius’ decree regarding the temple rebuilding (Ezr 6:1-12) concludes with the order for the decree to be “carried out with diligence” (Ezr 6:12). And Tattenai and his colleagues “carried out the decree with diligence” (Ezr 6:13). The word “diligence” means “in full measure, thoroughly”14. The subjects of the three “diligence” acts are the builders (v.8) and the Persians (Ezr 6:12, 13). But behind them all is God. The call of God to do His will and His work involves the part we play and the part God plays. The part we play is what God expects: to carry out with diligence. The Jews did that “with great energy” (v.8, NLT), and made “rapid progress” (v.8, NIV) as they stood on God’s Word (Ezr 5:1-2). However, the “diligence” act of the Jews could not have continued, if not for Darius’ decree to be “carried out with diligence”. That’s where the divine part comes in: God ensures that the Persian “diligence” act happens. But God does not always act in that kind of direct correlation. God acts as He wills, while we do our God-expected part faithfully.

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Application In what areas of my life do I have to do my part while God does His part?

Prayer Lord Jesus, it is Your intent that You abide in me, and I abide in You by walking with You and following You continually. You are always ready to abide in me, but I confess that oftentimes I am not. Empower me through the Holy Spirit indwelling me, that Your Word may abide in me and I abide in Your love, and bear fruit to the glory of the Father.15 Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

14 15

Gary V. Smith, 56 John 15:4, 7-9

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TUESDAY, 11 JULY 2017

It Shall Surely Be Completed (1) Scripture Ezra 6:14-15

Observation

How does the narrator emphasise the completion of the rebuilding of the temple in verses 14 to 15?

Deeper Reflection

t last, the temple was completed in 515/16 B.C. The 23-year journey began in 538 B.C. (Ezr 1), but was stopped in 536 B.C. by challenges outside Israel (Ezr 4:1-5, 24) and by complacency inside Israel (Hag 1). It then resumed 16 years later in 520 B.C. (Ezr 5). The completion is emphasised by three key words in two verses: “successful”, “finished” (v.14) and “completed” (v.15). The theological point here is: God’s work of rebuilding shall surely be completed, however great the obstacles may be, however long it may take. There are two keys to this. One is the Word of God: the people of God “were successful in building through the prophesying” of Haggai and Zechariah (v.14a). The 23-year journey of rebuilding began with the Word of God — “in order to fulfil the word of the LORD” (Ezr 1:1). The rebuilding stopped, but it was resumed (Ezr 5:1-2) and completed (v.14a) by how it began — with the Word of God (Ezr 1:1). When God has spoken His Word, “it shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isa 55:10-11). “The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled” (Rom 15:4, NLT).

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Application In what ways do the Scriptures give me hope and encouragement and help me grow in perseverance in my discipleship journey?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for pastors and staff:

To live by asking “What does Scripture say?”

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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WEDNESDAY, 12 JULY 2017

It Shall Surely Be Completed (2) Scripture Ezra 6:14-15

Observation What is the significance of verse 14b which states that the Jews “finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decree of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes”?

Deeper Reflection

he Word of God is one of the two keys to the completion of the temple. The other is the will of God: “they finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decree of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes” (v.14b). The Aramaic word for “decree” occurs 18 times in Ezra 4 to 6. The word is used 13 times to refer predominantly to the “decree” of the Persian kings.16 And only once is it used for God (“the command of the God of Israel”, v.14b). And notice the order in this conclusion and summary verse: “the command of God…and the decree of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes”. God is mentioned first! What is the theological significance here? What appears to be predominant is not, and what appears to be not, is. The subversiveness of God is revealed through the subversiveness of the narrative. On the surface of the narrative, the rebuilding of the temple until its completion is determined and driven by the “decree” of the Persian kings. But the theological reality is: The “decree” of the Persian kings is driven by the “command” of God. And don’t miss the theological irony in verse 14, “of the God of Israel”, given the context of a small and weak Israel dominated by the great and mighty Persians.

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Application Where can I observe the subversiveness of God in my discipleship journey?

Prayer God, keep us from the danger of stereotyping You, of defining You by neat theological categories, of thinking we can touch You through “proven” pragmatic formulas for “effective” prayer and worship, lest our view of You is man-made and idolatrous. Help us to know that You are the holy, holy, holy God, who is transcendently transcendent and wholly other. Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

Ezra 4:19, 21; 5:3, 9, 13, 17; 6:1, 3, 8, 11, 12, 14

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THURSDAY, 13 JULY 2017

Completed and Yet Still Incomplete Scripture

Ezra 6:15 with John 2:18-21 and Revelation 21:10-11, 21

Observation What observations can you make about the biblical theme of the temple of God in comparing verse 15 with John 2:18-21 and Revelation 21:10-11, 21?

Deeper Reflection

his temple was completed” (v.15) is no final completion when viewed at two levels. At the discipleship level: The reconstruction of the temple (Ezr 1-6) does not end the Ezra story, for it is followed by the reformation through the Torah (Ezr 7-10). The completion of the temple signifies the return of the covenant presence of God to His covenant people (cf. Exo 29:45-46). Under the new covenant, “we are the temple of the living God” with God dwelling and walking among us (2 Cor 6:16). And we are to separate and cleanse ourselves from all defilement and walk in holiness before God (2 Cor 6:14-17; 7:1), lest we find ourselves turning God’s temple into “a robbers’ den” (Matt 21:12-13). At the theological level: The temple is ultimately completed in Jesus. Jesus came as Immanuel, “God with us” (Matt 1:23), with His body as the temple of God (Jn 2:18-21). And He will come again as the return of the full presence of God. Then, there will be “no temple” (Rev 21:22). The eschatological “no temple” is the final completion of the temple. We shall see God’s face (Rev 22:4) and shall be like His Son (1 Jn 3:2). Meanwhile, we are “being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Cor 3:18).

“T

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Application How do I relate the biblical theology of the temple of God to my discipleship journey?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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FRIDAY, 14 JULY 2017

The Theology of “King Artaxerxes” Scripture

Ezra 6:14 with 4:17-23 and 7:11-15, 27

Observation What observations can you make about King Artaxerxes in the history of God’s rebuilding of post-exilic Israel (v.14 with Ezr 4:17-23 and 7:11-15, 27)?

Deeper Reflection

he Jews “finished building according to…the decree of Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes” (v.14). The mention of “Artaxerxes” here seems strange historically, because Artaxerxes became king some 50 years after the temple was rebuilt. The intent of the narrator here is not historical but theological. Bear in mind that the Book of Ezra was written after all that had happened as recorded in it. Recorded in Ezra-Nehemiah17 are three significant acts of Artaxerxes in relation to God’s work of rebuilding His people. Artaxerxes for the work of God: Ezra was “sent by the king” to Jerusalem to teach the law of God (Ezr 7:10-14) and “to beautify” the temple (Ezr 7:27). Artaxerxes against the work of God: He issued a decree to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem (Ezr 4:21-23) some years after Ezra 7. Artaxerxes for the work of God again: He granted Nehemiah his request to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city (Neh 2:1-6). Human beings and human powers can be unpredictable, inconsistent and unstable, much like Artaxerxes. But the theology of “King Artaxerxes” is: Be it for God or against God, “The king’s heart is like a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He will” (Prov 21:1, ESV).

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Application What are the “Artaxerxeses” in my life and how do I respond to them?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To anchor their lives in the trustworthy God

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

Ezra and Nehemiah are treated as one unified book, Ezra-Nehemiah, in the Hebrew Bible and the Greek Old Testament, and hence by Bible scholars.

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SATURDAY, 15 JULY 2017

Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Scripture

Ezra 6:15 with 2 Kings 25:8-10; Jeremiah 25:11-13; 29:10

Observation What observations can you make about the temple being destroyed in 586 B.C. (2 Kin 25:8-10) and rebuilt “in the sixth year of the reign of Darius” (v.15) in 515/16 B.C. in the light of Jeremiah 25:11-13 and 29:10?

Deeper Reflection

his temple was completed” in “the sixth year of the reign of Darius” (v.15) in 515/16 B.C., which is “roughly 70 years since the destruction of Solomon’s Temple”18 in 586 B.C. One commentator puts it as “precisely 70 years after its destruction”19. God said that Israel’s exile to Babylon would be 70 years (Jer 25:11-13; 29:10). The timing seems to be divine timing. However, one might argue that this divine timing is not possible, if not for the delay caused by the stopping of the rebuilding, because of Israel yielding to the strong opposition (Ezr 4:1-5, 24) and their complacency and apathy (Hag 1:2-4). Yet, we know that the delay displeased God and for that He judged His people (Hag 2:5-7). Herein lies the mystery of the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, which theologically “is not a problem to be solved; rather, it is a framework to be explored”20. One thing is for sure: When the Jews answered God’s call to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, they never did a “70 years” timetable calculation. Our God-given responsibility is to obey God’s command and call, while God in His sovereignty does whatever He pleases (Psa 135:6) and He answers to no one.

“T

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Application How do I live in the theological tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

Derek Kidner, Ezra and Nehemiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1979), 67 Mark A. Throntveit, Ezra-Nehemiah, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (John Knox, 1992), 35 20 D. A. Carson, Divine Sovereignty & Human Responsibility: Biblical Perspectives in Tension (Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2002), 2 19

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SUNDAY, 16 JULY 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 3 • JULY 2017

HOW CAN I HELP BUILD MY CHURCH? (2) I can build my church by serving and helping others. Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10; Ephesians 4:15-16

ACTIVITY BITE

Get some disposable cups and stack them on top of each other without help from anyone. See how high you can stack them before the cup tower topples over. Next, get some of your family members to help by holding on to certain parts of the cup tower to stabilise it as you continue stacking it. See how much higher you can go.

CHAT TIME

Q1: How does it feel to have others helping you instead of doing it alone? Q2: Why does God call everyone to come together to build up the church? Q3: What gifts do you have that you can use to serve the church?

LEARNING POINT

A church is made up of Christians who gather together to worship God, fellowship and serve one another. Each one has a part to play: some can be pastors while others can be volunteers who set up rooms for children’s programmes; some can be musicians while others can be ushers who welcome people into church; some can lead youths in Bible study while others can be in the drama team. Whatever roles they play, the church can be built up when everyone puts their hands together to serve. And you have a part to play too.

ACTION POINT

Talk about how your family can serve together in your church and approach your church leaders to offer your service.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Pray: • For church members to keep serving and loving one another. • Pray for Christians in Singapore to serve our nation well in every way and that our service will shine for God, especially to those who have yet to believe.

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DISCIPLEMAKING CHURCH IN MISSIONS “The Church must be at the centre of missions,” say Leadership Mentor, Reverend Edmund Chan and retired Missions Director, Elder Tan Lian Seng. “This is God’s redemptive plan – that His redeemed become His redemptive agents!”21

And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” MARK 16:15

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hile they are no doubt referring to the universal Church, this trumpet call is nonetheless for the local church, since the universal Church is, after all, the aggregate of the universe of local churches. For this reason, Covenant EFC is engaged in missions and will be celebrating Missions Week 2017 over the next two weeks, with the theme, “Disciplemaking Church in Missions”. Besides other celebrative platforms, we will journey together as a church in our daily devotions. The first week, subthemed “Global God, Global Disciples”, explores God’s heart for missions as revealed through the Scriptures, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. And then the second week, subthemed “Here I am, Send Me!”, focuses on our response to God’s call to missions, modelled for us by one Old Testament character and one New Testament character. “It has been well articulated that it is not simply that God has a mission for His Church but more significantly, God has a Church for His mission!”22 Let’s rise up, church, to that mission!

21 22

Edmund Chan & Tan Lian Seng, Discipleship Missions: Getting Missional in Your Life (Singapore: Covenant Evangelical Free Church, 2016), 70. Edmund Chan & Tan Lian Seng, 71.

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MISSIONS WEEK – MONDAY, 17 JULY 2017

The Intention of the Missionary God Scripture Genesis 12:1-3

Observation What is the threefold promise given to Abraham?

Deeper Reflection

he Call of Abraham is one of the most fundamental passages in the Scriptures. It lays the framework for God’s redemptive plan through the three promises of: 1. Land: “I will make of you a great nation.” 2. Descendants: “I will bless you and make your name great.” 3. Worldwide blessing: “In you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” There are two significant observations. First, these promises are given to a man with no sons and no land! God surely has an unconventional way to choose his servants! Second, what ties the promises together is the theme of blessing. God’s desire is, and always has been, to bless people individually and globally. God is the God of blessing and He wants to start with us and end with the nations. As Old Testament scholar Christopher Wright fittingly states: “The mission of God is to bless all nations on earth... Israel in the Old Testament was not chosen over against the rest of the nations, but for the sake of the rest of the nations.”23

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Application How can I be a willing conduit for God to bless those around me?

Prayer O gracious and loving God, You work everywhere, reconciling, loving and healing Your people and Your creation. In Your Son and through the power of Your Holy Spirit, You invite each of us to join You in Your work. We, young and old, lay and ordained, ask You to form us more and more in Your image and likeness, through our prayer and worship of You and through the study of Your Scripture, that our eyes will be fully opened to Your mission in the world. Then, God, into our communities, our nation and the world, send us to serve with Christ, taking risks to give life and hope to all people and all of Your creation. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.24

23 24

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

Christopher J. H. Wright, Knowing the Holy Spirit Through the Old Testament (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 2006), 99-100. http://www.diomass.org/prayer-mission

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MISSIONS WEEK – TUESDAY, 18 JULY 2017

The Fear of the Missionary God Scripture Joshua 2:1-21

Observation Why would Rahab put her trust in two foreign spies who worshipped a foreign God?

Deeper Reflection

wo foreigners came to Rahab in Jericho looking for lodging for the night. But instead of being potential customers, they were the enemy — spies sent to survey the land. And when the king’s soldiers came to Rahab’s doorstep searching for the spies, she had the opportunity to hand the spies over to the authorities. But instead, she lied and protected them. Why? Because Rahab had heard about the God of Israel and what He had done for His people (vv.9-11). The God of Israel was the sovereign Creator God – “God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath” (v.11). Rahab feared God (“our hearts melted”, v.11), though she had never encountered Him personally. And she chose to put her faith (and her life) in the God of Israel. She feared God more than she feared the king of Jericho. Hers was a faith that would put many modern Christians to shame. For Rahab, hearing was believing. Hearing about the awesome power and sovereignty of God led her from unbelief to firm belief. And in the sovereign, redemptive plan of God, this converted prostitute who saved two Hebrew spies would be the ancestor of the Saviour of the world – Jesus Christ (Matt 1:5). God works in marvelous and unexpected ways in order to bring the nations to Himself.

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Application In what ways can I be a testimony of the sovereign God?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To fear, believe and serve God always

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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MISSIONS WEEK – WEDNESDAY, 19 JULY 2017

The Attraction of the Missionary God Scripture Isaiah 2:1-3

Observation Why are the nations coming to the house of the Lord?

Deeper Reflection

saiah was a prophet during the pre-exilic and exilic period in Israel’s history. It was certainly not a bright period for God’s chosen people. They had plunged deeper into sin and farther away from God’s divine purposes. The “light to the nations” had become dimmer and dimmer. But God did not give up on His people and purpose. Through Isaiah, God gave them a remarkable vision: that one day, all the nations will turn from their gods to worship the God of Israel (“all the nations shall flow to [the mountain of the house of the LORD]”, v.2), and that many people from all nations will seek to know and follow God’s ways (“that He may teach us His ways, and that we may walk in His paths”, v.3). Later on, Isaiah prophesied that God would send them a Saviour, whose name would be “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa 9:6). This Saviour is Jesus Christ, the Son of God! People from all nations would be drawn to Christ and believe in Him whose kingdom is everlasting. The very nations that introduced foreign gods which led the Israelites astray would one day reject their false gods and come to worship the true God. What a reversal! As missiologist David J. Bosch comments, “If there is a missionary in the Old Testament, it is God Himself who will, as his eschatological deed par excellence, bring the nations to Jerusalem to worship Him there together with His covenant.”25 For that purpose, God will, throughout history, call His people to participate in His mission to fulfil His salvific purpose.

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Application How am I attracting people from different nations to know and worship the Lord?

Prayer Heavenly Father, the harvest field is great and yet the labourers are few. I pray that You will send me and countless others to the nations to speak of Your great mercy and love seen in Christ’s atoning sacrifice for sinners. All people of every tribe, language, people and nation need to hear the Gospel of Christ. Enable Your Church to finish the task of carrying the Gospel to all the nations. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

David J. Bosch, Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology and Mission (Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis, 1991), 1719.

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MISSIONS WEEK – THURSDAY, 20 JULY 2017

Jesus Sends You Scripture

John 20:19-21; Matthew 28:18-20

Observation What was Jesus sending His disciples to do?

Deeper Reflection

t is interesting to note that the phrase “Peace be with you” was spoken by the post-resurrection Jesus three times to His disciples in John 20 (vv.19, 21, 26).26 The first and last instances (eight days apart) were clearly greetings by Jesus to His disciples who were gathered behind locked doors in fear of the Jews. Through such a greeting, Jesus was reassuring His disciples, telling them not to be afraid. However, the second instance of “Peace be with you” seemed to be more of a blessing that preceded Jesus’ commission to His disciples: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (v.21). Jesus’ blessing of peace upon His disciples appears to be tied to His abiding presence with them by His Spirit (Jn 20:22; Matt 28:20). What is the nature of Jesus’ commission to His disciples? It was to continue Jesus’ ministry of preaching, teaching and healing after His ascension to heaven (Matt 28:18-20; Jn 20:17). The purpose of such ministry was so that people would believe in Jesus for eternal life (Jn 20:26-31). Since all Christian disciples have been given the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives, they can go forth to carry out Christ’s commission with boldness and courage. We may be weak, but our God is strong! He is able to use ordinary people to do extraordinary things for the advancement of His kingdom! Our God “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Eph 3:20).

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Application What is God asking me to do with all the resources He has given to me?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

These are the only three instances of Jesus using the phrase recorded in all the four Gospel accounts, and these are the only three occurrences of the phrase in the whole of the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the phrase occurs once in Daniel 10:19.

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MISSIONS WEEK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FRIDAY, 21 JULY 2017

Preach the Gospel to All Nations! Scripture Mark 13:1-13

Observation Why is the Gospel to be preached to all nations?

Deeper Reflection

he news headlines constantly scream at us about unending conflicts, wars, bombings, natural disasters, famines, persecutions, lawsuits between family members and so on. The sign of the times described by Jesus in verses 6 to 13 is seen in our current day and age with increasing intensity and scale. Our fallen world with its fallen people is heading inexorably towards its destiny of facing the judgment of God. Only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can win, save and transform the hearts of sinful men, women and children to make them a new, redeemed and righteous people of God. In verse 10, Jesus clearly instructed His disciples that the Gospel must first be preached to all nations. Yet Christians have argued about how to carry out this command. Pastor John Piper in his book, Let the Nations be Glad, shared a scenario about two ocean liners sinking at the same time, but because we have limited lifeboats we are unable to save the passengers on both liners at the same time. In such circumstances, which one of the ocean liners will we send the lifeboats to? From the perspective of efficiency, someone may say let us send all the lifeboats to the nearer ocean liner. Piper suggests that Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view is different: God will send the lifeboats to both ocean liners. This is because the task is not to bring the Gospel to as many individuals as possible from the most responsive people group, but rather to bring the Gospel to individuals from all nations. Christ is coming again soon. Will we measure Christian mission by efficiency or by obedience to the command of God?

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Application To what extent am I prepared to bring the Gospel to the people whom God directs me to?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To work to bring the Gospel to people of all nations

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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MISSIONS WEEK – SATURDAY, 22 JULY 2017

Suffering for the Gospel Scripture

Acts 5:17-42; John 12:23-26

Observation What challenges did the apostles face in faithfully preaching the Gospel (vv.17-42)?

Deeper Reflection

his account of the apostles’ ministry and the authorities’ opposition to the Gospel teaches us that proclaiming the Gospel will sometimes involve actual or threatened suffering for God’s servants. In other words, if we seek to be faithful in obeying God’s commands, it may at times entail suffering on our part. In God’s redemptive plan, Christ Himself had to suffer and be crucified and killed. Through Christ’s suffering and death, God saves repentant believers from the eternal punishment for their rebellion and disobedience towards Him. Likewise, through the temporal suffering of Christian missionaries and disciples carrying the Gospel to people everywhere, those who believe are eternally saved from the judgment and wrath of God against sinners. The Joshua Project estimates that about 6,500 people groups are currently unreached. These people groups are unreached because they are largely and profoundly hostile to the Gospel. God continues to call His disciples to testify about Christ to these unreached people groups. There are many Pauls, Hudson Talyors and Jim Elliots who have heard the call, obeyed and stayed true to their calling even in the face of extreme suffering, and sometimes to the point of losing their lives. As we examine our own discipleship, let us remember Jesus’ words: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit…If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honour him” (Jn 12:24-26).

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Application How far am I prepared to suffer for the Gospel?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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MISSIONS WEEK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SUNDAY, 23 JULY 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 4 • JULY 2017

CAN MY NON-CHRISTIAN FRIENDS ATTEND MY CHURCH? Jesus welcomes everyone because He wants people to know Him. Scripture: Luke 9:10-11; Romans 10:12-15

ACTIVITY BITE

Think of places that have entry restrictions. This means they are not open to the public and only certain people are allowed to go in. Talk about the reasons behind the restrictions for each place.

CHAT TIME

Q1: Why do we have church buildings? What are they built for? Q2: Should our church allow anyone to enter? Why or why not? Q3: According to Luke 9:10-11, why does Jesus want to welcome everyone when they approach Him?

LEARNING POINT

Romans 10:14 tells us that people will not know who Jesus is unless we tell them. And if we don’t allow them to come to our church, how can they hear the good news of Jesus from our pastors’ preaching? Jesus welcomes everyone — the young and old, the rich and the poor, the blind and the lame. We should follow His example to welcome everyone. The church should not be built just for Christians but also for those who want to know more about Jesus.

ACTION POINT

List down the names of your friends who are not Christians. Tell God that you want to bring them to church.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Pray: • For your schoolmates to be willing to come to church to hear the good news of Jesus. • That God will reveal Himself to Singaporeans in a very personal and powerful way, so that they would want to come to church to find out more about Jesus.

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MISSIONS WEEK – MONDAY, 24 JULY 2017

Running from God’s Call? Scripture Jonah 1:1-3

Observation To what extent did Jonah run away from God?

Deeper Reflection

onah was a prophet during the reign of King Jeroboam (2 Kin 14:25). It was a known fact that the Assyrians were an aggressive enemy against Israel, although during Jonah’s time, the Assyrian power had weakened. However, in 722 B.C., the Assyrians took Israel captive by capturing Samaria, the capital of Israel. Thus, the first readers of Jonah reasoned that Jonah’s reluctance to go to Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was due to his foresight of the Assyrians becoming a threat to Israel once again.27 What God instructed Jonah to do, Jonah deliberately evaded. After hearing God’s instructions (vv.1-2), Jonah’s immediate reaction was to “get away from the Lord”, to “escape from the Lord” (v.3 NLT). Jonah chose to run to Tarshish, which was in the opposite direction from Nineveh. Tarshish was an unknown location somewhere in the western Mediterranean. The mention of “Tarshish” three times in verse 3 emphasises Jonah’s great reluctance to go to Nineveh. The phrase, “From the presence of God”, occurs twice in verse 3 and underscores Jonah’s reason for going to Tarshish: He wanted to run away from God and His call for his life. God calls us to a specific work or assignment. Often, like Jonah, our personal preferences, priorities or prejudices stand in the way, and move us away from obeying God’s call for our lives.

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Application What is God’s assignment for me at this point in my life, and how am I responding to His call?

Prayer Lord, You are the all-knowing, all-wise God who has absolute sovereignty over my life. I acknowledge that Your ways are higher than my ways and Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts.28 Give me a heart of obedience to respond to Your call in my life. Let nothing stand in the way — not my personal preferences, priorities nor prejudices. I come to You with a fully surrendered heart that says, “Yes, Lord, I will obey Your call.” Amen.

27 28

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

NIV Zondervan Study Bible Isaiah 55:9

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MISSIONS WEEK – TUESDAY, 25 JULY 2017

Return to God Who Pursues You Scripture

Jonah 2:1-10; 3:1-3

Observation In what way do you see Jonah returning to God (vv.1-10) and how does God restore Jonah (Jon 3:1-3)?

Deeper Reflection

hree days and three nights trapped in a fish’s stomach is no fun! Yet it was a necessary journey for Jonah to realise the condition of his own heart. Jonah’s prayer to the Lord (vv.1-9) was not a request to be saved from the fish, but it was a prayer of thanksgiving – that God had saved him through the provision of the fish. Jonah’s prayer is summarised in verses 2 and 4: “I called out to the LORD, out of my distress and He answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice…Then I said, ‘I am driven away from Your sight; yet I shall again look upon Your holy temple.’” To Jonah, the fish was his deliverance, not punishment. And God’s purpose behind putting Jonah in the fish was that he would repent and return to God. The phrase “Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time” (Jon 3:1), tells us that God was giving Jonah a fresh start, a second chance. And instead of running away like the first time (Jon 1:3), Jonah obeyed: “So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD” (Jon 3:3a). God does not give up in His pursuit of us. We can attempt to run away from Him, but God is sovereign and gracious – He will seek us out.

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Application What does it mean to me that God will relentlessly pursue me to bring me back to Him?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for pastors and staff:

To keep their focus on God in life and ministry

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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MISSIONS WEEK – WEDNESDAY, 26 JULY 2017

Recapture God’s Heart for the Lost (1) Scripture Jonah 4:1-11

Observation How does Jonah’s heart compare with God’s heart in terms of compassion for the lost?

Deeper Reflection

onah disapproved of God’s response towards Nineveh’s repentance (Jon 3:10; v.1)! So, God had to put Jonah through another “object lesson” – the lesson of the plant (v.6), the worm (v.7) and the scorching east wind (v.8), with the hope of getting Jonah to understand God’s heart of compassion for the lost. But Jonah did not get it! He was thoroughly upset. Just as he wanted to die because God did not destroy Nineveh (v.3), now he wanted to die because God destroyed the plant (v.9)! Jonah was more concerned about the plant (v.10), and God used this to “contrast Jonah’s passionate concern for a mere plant with Jonah’s hardheartedness towards the people in Nineveh” (vv.10-11)29. At the same time, God revealed to Jonah His own compassionate heart for the lost and sought to realign Jonah’s heart to His. And the question for Jonah is also a question for us to answer: “And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” (v.11)

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Application Who do I know who are still trapped in spiritual darkness? How can I reach out to them in the coming weeks?

Prayer O Lord, You are my God and I will praise You forever. “Heal my heart and make it clean. Open up my eyes to the things unseen. Show me how to love like You have loved me. Break my heart for what breaks Yours. Everything I am for Your kingdom’s cause. As I walk from earth into eternity.”30 In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

29 30

NIV Zondervan Study Bible Hillsong “Hosanna”

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MISSIONS WEEK – THURSDAY, 27 JULY 2017

Recapture God’s Heart for the Lost (2) Scripture Luke 19:1-10

Observation How is God’s heart of compassion further revealed here?

Deeper Reflection

ewish tax collectors working for the Romans received no salary; they simply collected as much as they could, paid the Romans the agreed sum and kept the balance for themselves.31 Zacchaeus not only belonged to this dishonourable band, he was their chief. No wonder he was filthy rich and doubly despised. But while he desired, commendably, to see Jesus, Jesus desired to see him even more.32 Jesus didn’t merely glance over or make some small talk. Jesus didn’t even just say, “I would like to stay at your house”, but “I must stay” (v.5). Jesus’ emphatic expression unequivocally underscored the divine necessity of his visit to Zacchaeus!33 Indeed, this narrative epitomises the messianic mission: As a shepherd goes out, seeks and rescues lost sheep in danger, so the Good Shepherd seeks and saves lost people.34 Verse 10 could well be the “key verse” of Luke.35 It reveals the heart of Jesus’ salvific ministry – the very heart of God – His love for the lost and particularly, the unloved lost. He seeks them out in person, and calls them back to Himself.

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Application Do I have a love for the lost, especially those who are rejected by others? How can I make a difference in their lives?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

I. Howard Marshall, “Luke,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1009–1010. Walter L. Leifeld, “Luke,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 1007. 33 Leon Morris, Luke: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 3, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 289. 34 I. Howard Marshall, 1010. 35 Walter L. Leifeld, 1008. 32

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MISSIONS WEEK – FRIDAY, 28 JULY 2017

Aren’t You Hungry? Scripture John 4:31-38

Observation What was Jesus’ food that His disciples did not know about?

Deeper Reflection

abbis sometimes used the metaphor of spiritual food, and in the Old Testament, this is occasionally related to one’s calling (Jer 15:16; Eze 2:1–3).36 Jesus’ food – His mission, calling, passion and desire – was to do God’s will and accomplish His work. Fulfilling God’s call satisfied Jesus more than any food.37 This was Jesus’ whole purpose in coming into the world (Jn 6:38; 9:4; 17:4).38 Undoubtedly, His priority was spiritual, not material.39 Jesus then reminded His disciples, “I sent you …” (v.38). Their mission was an extension of His.40 He had commissioned them to reap the harvest, and they would reap what others, including Himself, had sown.41 True satisfaction for His disciples, as was for Jesus, came from knowing God’s will and doing it. So when Jesus sends us, His disciples, to do His work, then our spiritual food – our source of ultimate fulfilment – is to do the will of He (Jesus) who sent us and to accomplish His work. After all, Jesus and His Father’s will are one. May we see that the fields are white for harvest and rejoice as sowers and reapers in God’s harvest field.

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Application What is the spiritual food that truly satisfies my soul?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To build leaders and make disciples

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

36 37 38 39 40 41

Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), Jn 4:31–33. Merrill C. Tenney, “John,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: John and Acts, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 9 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1981), 57. Colin G. Kruse, John: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 4, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 140. Edwin A. Blum, “John,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 287. Colin G. Kruse, 142. Merrill C. Tenney, 58.

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MISSIONS WEEK – SATURDAY, 29 JULY 2017

Agonising Over the Will of God Scripture

Matthew 26:36-46

Observation What do Jesus’ three prayers reveal to us about how He may have been feeling?

Deeper Reflection

ethsemane gives us a solemn and poignant peek at Jesus, as He wrestles in prayer with His Father.42 We see Jesus’ full awareness of the magnitude of suffering before Him and we also see the depth of His commitment to doing His Father’s will.43 Some commentators suggest that His prayers hint at the possibility of a different portion for Him.44 For sure, Jesus desired unbroken communion with the Father.45 But even more, He desired to do His Father’s will. His resolve to obey — even to drink the cup of God’s wrath — was complete and unwavering. Three times He prayed in the same way, not because He wanted to avoid the Father’s will for Him, but precisely because He did not. In prayer and anguish, Jesus prepared for the murderous conflict before Him46 and overcame the tumultuous conflict within Him. And thus, in the first garden, “Not your will but mine” changed paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now “Not my will but yours” brings anguish to the man who prays it, but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory.47 May we learn to be like Jesus — to bare our souls before the Father, and yet be completely submitted to Him and resolutely obedient to His will.

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Application In understanding God’s heart for the lost and His will for my life, what is my response?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

Iain D. Campbell, Opening up Matthew, Opening Up Commentary (Leominster: Day One Publications, 2008), 160. New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Mt 26:36–46. Iain D. Campbell, 162. 45 New Living Translation Study Bible, Mt 26:39. 46 Iain D. Campbell, 162. 47 D. A. Carson, “Matthew,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew, Mark, Luke, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 8 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), 545. 43 44

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MISSIONS WEEK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SUNDAY, 30 JULY 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 5 • JULY 2017

HOW CAN I INVITE MY NON-CHRISTIAN FRIENDS TO CHURCH? We can work with our church leaders to invite our friends to church. Scripture: Luke 9:10-11; Romans 10:12-15

ACTIVITY BITE

Get some ice-cream sticks and use a black marker pen to write the words “YOU ARE INVITED” on them. Decorate them with different coloured markers to make them attractive. Use these to invite your friends to come to your church. Tell them about the exciting activities in the children’s programme.

CHAT TIME

Q1: Why do you think most people are not aware that they can visit a church anytime they want? Q2: Apart from inviting friends to our Sunday services, what other occasions can we invite them to church? Q3: Do you think a personal invitation is the best way to get your friends to come for church events or cell group gatherings? Why or why not?

LEARNING POINT

We will not know if there is a great sale or a big birthday party coming up unless we see the advertisement or someone tells us about it. In the same way, your friends will not know about God unless you tell them or invite them to a place where the good news is shared. You are the best person God can use to invite your classmates to church, not your grandpa or your auntie. This is one of the reasons why God put you here in this church — so that you can invite your friends to know Jesus, who loves them very much.

ACTION POINT

Think of three friends whom you want to invite to church this coming week. Use the invitation sticks you made to invite them. Pray for them with your family.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS

Pray: • That God will give all Christians the love, courage and opportunity to invite their friends to church. • That God will help all the friends we invited to be willing to come to church and receive Him as their Lord.

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MONDAY, 31 JULY 2017

God in Your Bad Situation Scripture

Nehemiah 2:11-20; 6:15-16

Observation What observations can you make about Nehemiah and post-exilic Israel rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in verses 17 to 20 and Nehemiah 6:15-16?

Deeper Reflection

ehemiah48 begins rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem with the reality of “the bad situation we are in” (v.17a; cross reference Neh 1:3). His response is “Come, let us build” (v.17b) — a theocentric response. It is a commitment built on the conviction and confidence that “the God of heaven will give us success” (v.20a) — and so, “we His servants will arise and build” (v.20b). “The God of heaven” is a theological vision of significant relevance to God’s people in the exilic and post-exilic period. He is their God who “has given the kingdom, the power, the strength, and the glory” to the Babylonian and Persian kings (Dan 2:37-38). Nehemiah’s call to “Let us arise and build” (v.18b), which occurs three times in total, is also built on the assurance that “the hand of my God had been upon me for good” (v.18a, ESV). It is “for good” in “the bad situation”. Facing wave after wave of opposition (Neh 4-6), “the repair of the walls of Jerusalem went on” (Neh 4:7) until it was “completed” (Neh 6:15) “with the help of our God” (Neh 6:16). “My God” (v.18) and “our God” (Neh 6:16), which speaks of covenant relationship and commitment — God to us, and us to God – is foundational here. Let God be in your “bad situation” “for good”.

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Application How do I view God in the bad situations of my life?

Prayer O Lord, You have created me, formed me, redeemed me, called me by name and said to me, “You are mine.” So, I need not fear when I go through deep waters, because You are with me. And when I go through rivers of difficulty, I will not drown; and when I walk through the fire of oppression, I will not be burned up, for You are my God who delivers me.49 Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

48 49

Nehemiah and Ezra were contemporaries (Neh 8:9). Isaiah 43:1-2

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NOTES

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100

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