July Devotional Journal 2019 by Covenant EFC

J U LY

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. ISAIAH 53:7 (NIV)

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DEVOTIONA L JOUR NA L J U LY 2 0 1 9

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. ISAIAH 53:7 (NIV)

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

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VERSES 2019

JANUARY

Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? ISAIAH 53:1 (NIV)

FEBRUARY He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. ISAIAH 53:2 (NIV)

MARCH He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. ISAIAH 53:3 (NIV)

APRIL Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. ISAIAH 53:4 (NIV)

M AY

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. ISAIAH 53:5 (NIV)

JUNE We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. ISAIAH 53:6 (NIV) 4 // ÂŠ 2 0 1 9 C O V E N A N T E V A N G E L I C A L F R E E C H U R C H

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J U LY He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. ISAIAH 53:7 (NIV)

AUGUST By oppression and judgement he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protested? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. ISAIAH 53:8 (NIV)

SEPTEMBER He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. ISAIAH 53:9 (NIV)

OCTOBER Yet it was the LORDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life an offering for sin, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. ISAIAH 53:10 (NIV)

NOVEMBER After he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. ISAIAH 53:11 (NIV)

DECEMBER Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. ISAIAH 53:12 (NIV) ÂŠ 2 0 1 9 C O V E N A N T E V A N G E L I C A L F R E E C H U R C H // 5

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// B Y S E N I O R P A S T O R S //

2019 is the Year of Proclamation – That None Should Perish!

elebration of Hope (COH) which runs from 17 to 19 May is not mass evangelism on a large scale, but personal evangelism on a massive scale. In other words, unless we pray and sow the Gospel into as many people as possible on a personal basis, we will not see a massive conversion of souls. If we expect 2019 to be a year of harvest for our family and friends, then we have to prepare for it. When we were praying on the mountain during our annual Listening Retreat in July 2018, these verses from the book of Acts convicted us: Acts 8:8 “And there was much joy in that city” The context was the revival in Samaria under Philip’s ministry. Imagine the joy in Singapore when, under the preaching of the Gospel and the power of God, many people are healed of various sicknesses and delivered from spiritual oppression! Acts 13:44 “The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” Back then in Pisidian Antioch, huge crowds came to listen to Paul’s preaching. Imagine large multitudes turning up at the Sports Hub at each COH rally to hear the Gospel! Acts 13:47 (cf. Isa 49:6) “For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”

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“Isaiah” means “The LORD is Salvation”. Preaching through the book of Isaiah in 2019 will challenge us to fulfil our calling to be a light to the nations! During that same retreat, we received news about a crisis in Northern Thailand. On 23 June last year, 12 teenage boys and their soccer coach were trapped 2.5 miles inside the Tham Luang cave complex after heavy rains flooded it and cut off their exit route. On 2 July, they were found by two British expert cave divers. A rescue operation was carefully planned. There were 1,800 rescue personnel from 18 countries. In the midst of the rescue preparation, a tragedy happened. Mr Kunan, a volunteer and former Thai Navy SEAL diver, died while transporting air tanks into the tunnels. Although it was an extremely difficult rescue mission, all 13 survivors were eventually rescued from the cave on 10 July. Many people did their part to rescue them. And one man even gave his life to save them.

So, dear brothers and sisters, let us use this 2019 Devotional Journal to spend daily, dedicated time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer ...

The Scripture verses and the cave rescue were a confirmation of 2019 as the Year of Proclamation. Here was a fresh picture of how the Saviour died on the Cross so that people everywhere can be saved from eternal judgement. Our Lord Jesus has given us the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. So, dear brothers and sisters, let us use this 2019 Devotional Journal to spend daily, dedicated time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer, so that we can know Him more, and be led and empowered by His Spirit to be faithful witnesses for a fruitful harvest in 2019! In Christ, Rev Tony Yeo and Rev Tan Kay Kiong

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TO USING

THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Step One

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

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!

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

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Step Two

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

P R AY E R P O I N T E R S F O R 2 0 1 9 Prayer pointers for Pastors and Staff are included every Tuesday. Every Thursday, a prayer pointer is included for Outreach/Missions/New Life Leaders. On each Friday, there is a prayer pointer for SGI Leaders (e.g. Zone Mentors, CG Leaders and Assistant CG Leaders). A prayer pointer for Church Board Members is included every Saturday. Please pray for each group as well as any specific individuals whom God may bring to your mind.

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J U LY– A U G U S T

NEW WINE Verse In the crushing, in the pressing You are making new wine In the soil I now surrender You are breaking new ground (You are breaking new ground) Pre-Chorus So I yield to You and to Your careful hand When I trust You I don’t need to understand Chorus (So) Make me Your vessel Make me an offering Make me whatever You want me to be (God) I came here with nothing But all You have given me Jesus, bring new wine out of me Tag Jesus bring new wine out of me Jesus bring new wine out of me Bridge ‘Cause where there is new wine There is new power There is new freedom And the kingdom is here I lay down my old flames To carry Your new fire today Brooke Ligertwood © 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7102397 CCLI Licence # 324618

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LET THERE BE LIGHT Verse 1 There’s no darkness in Your eyes There’s no question in Your mind God almighty, God of mercy There’s no hiding from Your face There’s no striving in Your grace God of mercy, God almighty Chorus 1 Let there be light Open the eyes of the blind Purify our hearts in Your fire Breathe in us we pray (Jesus have Your way) Verse 2 There’s no borders in Your love No division in Your heart God of heaven, God of freedom There’s no taking back the cross No regret in what it cost God of freedom, God of heaven Chorus 2 Let there be light Open our eyes to Your heart Desperate just to know who You are Shine in us we pray Jesus have Your way Bridge Good news embracing the poor Comfort for all those who mourn For the broken hearted we sing louder Release from prison and shame Oppression turning to praise For every captive, sing louder Restoring sight to the blind

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Breaking the curse of the night For all in darkness, sing louder Proclaiming freedom for all This is the day of the Lord Beauty for ashes Verse 3 Let the light that shines above Become the light that shine in us There’s no darkness in Your way So have Your way Lord have Your way Brooke Ligertwood | Joel Houston | Jonas Myrin | Matt Crocker | Michael Guy Chislett | Scott Ligertwood © 2016 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7069096 CCLI Licence # 324618

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JESUS LOVES ME Verse 1 It was just three words But it changed my life Just a childlike truth That consumed my mind From my life’s first breath Till the day I rise All I need to know Is this age old line Chorus Jesus loves me This I know Jesus loves me This I know I won’t forget The Bible says That He loves me so Verse 2 It was just three nails That held Him on that cross But God was not restrained For He was there by choice As He gave His life For a world He loved So the earth replied In this age old song Bridge Yes Jesus loves me And His love won’t forsake me I know Oh yes Jesus loves me Oh He loves me so

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Verse 3 It was just three days But it changed our world For when there seemed no way From the grave He rose Tag Oh He loves me so How I love You Lord Aodhan King | Benjamin Hastings | Marty Sampson © 2018 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7109512 CCLI Licence # 324618

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CORNERSTONE Verse 1 My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name (Repeat) Chorus Christ alone, cornerstone Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love Through the storm He is Lord Lord of all Verse 2 When darkness seems to hide His face I rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil My anchor holds within the veil Interlude He is Lord Lord of all Verse 3 When He shall come with trumpet sound Oh may I then in Him be found Dressed in His righteousness alone Faultless stand before the throne Edward Mote | Eric Liljero | Jonas Myrin | Reuben Morgan | William Batchelder Bradbury Year & Publisher : © 2011 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Licence # 324618 CCLI Song # 6158927

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CHRIST IS ENOUGH Verse 1 Christ is my reward and all of my devotion Now there’s nothing in this world That could ever satisfy Through every trial my soul will sing No turning back I’ve been set free Chorus Christ is enough for me Christ is enough for me Everything I need is in You Everything I need Verse 2 Christ my all in all the joy of my salvation And this hope will never fail Heaven is our home Through every storm my soul will sing Jesus is here to God be the glory Bridge 1 I have decided to follow Jesus No turning back no turning back Bridge 2 The cross before me the world behind me No turning back no turning back Jonas Myrin | Reuben Morgan © 2012 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 6514035 CCLI License # 324618

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HOLY SPIRIT (LIVING BREATH OF GOD) Verse 1 Holy Spirit living Breath of God Breathe new life into my willing soul Let the presence of the risen Lord Come renew my heart and make me whole Cause Your word to come alive in me Give me faith for what I cannot see Give me passion for Your purity Holy Spirit breathe new life in me Verse 2 Holy Spirit come abide within May Your joy be seen in all I do Love enough to cover every sin In each thought and deed and attitude Kindness to the greatest and the least Gentleness that sows the path of peace Turn my strivings into works of grace Breath of God show Christ in all I do Verse 3 Holy Spirit from creation’s birth Giving life to all that God has made Show Your power once again on earth Cause Your church to hunger for Your ways Let the fragrance of our prayers arise Lead us on the road of sacrifice That in unity the face of Christ May be clear for all the world to see Keith Getty | Stuart Townend © 2006 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 4779872 CCLI License # 324618

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YOU, YOU ARE GOD Verse 1 Here I am, I’ve come to find You Here I am to see Your grace To bring to You an offering I have to ask myself one thing How can I do anything but praise I praise Chorus (You) You are God You are Lord You are all I’m living for You are King of eve’rything I want my life to praise You Verse 2 Here I am, I’ve come to thank You Here I am, a life You’ve changed Because You gave Your life for me You crucified Your Son for me How can I do anything but praise I praise Ending I want my life to praise You I want my life to praise You Walker Beach © 2003 Gateway Create Publishing (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI Song # 4389918 CCLI License # 324618

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NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE Chorus Through You I can do anything I can do all things ‘Cause it’s You who gives me strength Nothing is impossible Through You blind eyes are open Strongholds are broken I am living by faith Nothing is impossible Verse I’m not gonna live by what I see I’m not gonna live by what I feel Pre-Chorus Deep down I know that You’re here with me And I know that You can do anything Bridge I believe I believe I believe I believe in You (Repeat) Joth Hunt © 2008 Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Planetshakers Ministries Int. Inc. (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 5199808 CCLI License # 324618

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IN JESUS’ NAME Verse 1 God is fighting for us, God is on our side He has overcome yes He has overcome We will not be shaken, we will not be moved Jesus You are here (oh) Verse 2 Carrying our burdens covering our shame He has overcome, yes He has overcome We will not be shaken we will not be moved Jesus You are here Chorus 1 I will live, I will not die The resurrection power of Christ alive in me And I am free in Jesus’ Name Chorus 2 I will live I will not die I will declare and lift You high Christ revealed and I am healed in Jesus’ Name Bridge God is fighting for us, pushing back the darkness Lighting up the Kingdom that cannot be shaken In the Name of Jesus enemy’s defeated And we will shout it out, shout it out Ending In Jesus’ Name In Jesus’ Name In Jesus’ Name oh Darlene Zschech | Israel Houghton © 2013 EWI (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Sound Of The New Breed (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 6454638 CCLI License # 324618

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GOD IS HERE Intro Oh oh oh Oh oh oh Verse 1 Open our eyes Lord, we want to see You Open our hearts Lord, we want to know You Open our ears Lord, we need to hear You Jesus be revealed Jesus be revealed Chorus God is here, God is here God is here, He is able We draw near to see Jesus face to face God is here, God is here God is here, He is faithful We draw near to see Jesus Oh Jesus be revealed Verse 2 Open the gates Lord, reveal Your glory Open the nations, establish Your Kingdom Open the Heavens, pour out Your Spirit Jesus be revealed Jesus be revealed Bridge Holy, we cry holy Hallelujah God is here Holy, we cry holy Hallelujah God is here (Repeat) Darlene Zschech | Israel Houghton | Phil Wickham © EWI (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Sound Of The New Breed (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Phil Wickham Music (Admin. by Simpleville Music, Inc.); Seems Like Music (Admin. by Simpleville Music, Inc.) CCLI Song # 6454669 CCLI License # 324618

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MONDAY // 01 JULY 2019

The Lord Is Holy: Fear Him! S CRIPTURE

Joshua 3:1-6; Exodus 19:9-15

O B S E RVAT I O N What similarities do you notice between the instructions given to God’s people in verses 3 to 5 and in Exodus 19:10-13?

DEEPER REFLECTION

his week, Covenant EFC will celebrate The Next Generation – our children, youth and young adults – in our Sunday services. In preparation for that, we want to invite you to consider a story from the book of Joshua – the crossing of the Jordan river, recorded in Joshua chapters 3 and 4. The book of Joshua records how God’s people started a new life in the promised land of Canaan. Through the conquest of Canaan, God fulfilled His promise to Abraham, made many years before (Gen 12:1-3). We are often optimistic when we think about the Next Generation and the future they have – the “promised land” they are meant to inherit. But the good news is this: The hope of a future in Christ with new blessings and adventures is not just for The Next Generation, but for all of us in every generation of Christ-followers! In today’s reading, we observe that consecration precedes conquest. Before God led His people into a new chapter of their national history, He commanded them to consecrate themselves (v.5). Before God revealed His law on Sinai – another significant milestone – a similar command was given (Exo 19:10). What is consecration? It is about being set apart so that we belong to God alone. Why do we need to be consecrated? Because God is holy – He Himself is set apart, perfect and completely different from all that He has made. This is seen in the fact that the Ark of the Covenant – the symbol of God’s presence – was to remain 2,000 cubits (900m) away from the people (v.4). God’s presence and ways are holy!

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A P P L I CAT I O N What area(s) in my life do I need to bring before the Lord so that I can belong more fully to Him alone?

need

vin

e in

Thos

Leaders

O Lord God, draw Your people into the beauty of Your holiness today. Cleanse, purify, heal and restore us, so that we may love You more deeply, walk with You more closely and obey You more wholeheartedly. Help us to tremble with awe in Your holy presence, so that as we grow in the fear of You, all unworthy fears will be stripped away. In Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; name, I pray. Amen!

Significant people

P R AY E R

// Pray for TNG: That a young person within my sphere of influence will be more set apart for the Lord

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TUESDAY // 02 JULY 2019

The Lord Leads Us: Follow Him! S CRIPTURE Joshua 3:7-13

O B S E RVAT I O N What object is repeatedly mentioned in the passage (and the whole of Joshua 3) and what does it symbolise?

DEEPER REFLECTION

he Ark of the Covenant is a key focus of this chapter. It was the most holy possession of Israel as it was a sign of the divine presence of God with them. The Ark contained three symbols of Israel’s relationship with God: the tablets of the Ten Commandments, the rod of Aaron the high priest and a jar of manna (Heb 9:4). The Ark also represented a divine compass for God’s people.1 Therefore the Ark of the Covenant was carried ahead of the people as they crossed the Jordan (Josh 3:6, 11) and the people were commanded to follow it (Josh 3:2). God Himself entered the Jordan ahead of His people: He personally led the expedition to Canaan!2 The God who went ahead of Israel is also described twice in this passage as the “Lord of all the earth” (vv.11, 13). Isn’t it astounding that the God who stoops low to bind Himself in a covenantal relationship with His people is also the Lord who rules over all of creation? He is completely able to fulfil His promises and accomplish His will. We can have an unshakable divine confidence in God that He will lead us fully in His wonderful ways and accomplish His purposes for us as we follow and obey Him!

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A P P L I CAT I O N How has the Lord directed and guided me in the past year? (Think of specific Scripture passages or verses that He has given, or specific events.)

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To be constantly listening to God as He leads them into the future // Pray for TNG: For the next generation in our church to follow the Lord’s leading in their lives // Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

1 2

Dallaire, H. M. (2012). Joshua. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Numbers– Ruth (Revised Edition) (Vol. 2, p. 878). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. ibid. p. 879.

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WEDNESDAY // 03 JULY 2019

The Lord Will Deliver Us: Stand Firm in Him! S CRIPTURE

Joshua 3:14-17; Isaiah 43:1-2

O B S E RVAT I O N What detail stands out for you in the story of how God enabled His people to cross the Jordan river?

DEEPER REFLECTION

magine that dramatic moment when the soles of the priests carrying the Ark dipped in the fast-flowing Jordan river. This was an hour of power, when the might of God faced off against the might of nature. God won hands down! The waters stood and rose up in a heap (v.16). Verse 15 gives us a hint as to why the Lord’s intervention was needed: The Jordan overflows its banks throughout the time of harvest; that was flood season! Fed by spring rains and melting snow, the Jordan river was impossible to cross, being more than three metres deep and 30 metres wide.3 During the dry season, the river could have been forded easily. But God led them to cross during flood season (how inconvenient!), so that His people would have to depend on His deliverance. What an awesome deliverance it was! The waters “stood up” (v.16) as the priests “stood firmly” (v.17; same Hebrew word used) in the midst of the Jordan.4 That was a defining moment in Israel’s history! Many centuries later, the prophet Isaiah called upon Israel to remember it. God’s promise has not changed and it remains true for us today: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you” (Isa 43:2a). Let us therefore choose to stand firm in God!

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A P P L I CAT I O N Right now, lift up thanksgiving and praise to God who is always with us and is mighty to save even when our circumstances are overwhelming.

P R AY E R O Lord, as You were with

Prayer Pointers

Your people in the middle of the Jordan river, so too You

// Give thanks:

are with us today. We trust in You to deliver us from earthly dangers. We are grateful that You have rescued us from our

// Pray for leaders:

sins that would have separated us from You eternally. You are our Shepherd and our Saviour! We praise and thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen!

// Pray for TNG: That God may use me to encourage a young person who is struggling and discouraged

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

3 4

Dallaire, H. M. (2012). Joshua. In T. Longman III & D. E. Garland (Eds.), The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Numbers–Ruth (Revised Edition) (Vol. 2, p. 881). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. Howard, D. M. (1998). Joshua: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture (Vol. 5). B&H Publishing Group. © 2 0 1 9 C O V E N A N T E V A N G E L I C A L F R E E C H U R C H // 27

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THURSDAY // 04 JULY 2019

The Lord Is Faithful: Remember Him! S CRIPTURE Joshua 4:1-10

O B S E RVAT I O N What did Joshua lead the people of Israel to do immediate after the crossing of the Jordan, and why?

DEEPER REFLECTION

hat a spectacle it must have been to step foot in the Jordan with the Ark of the Covenant, see the waters recede and witness a whole nation crossing over on dry ground! After that dramatic sight, what would Israel do? What would you and I have done? Honestly speaking, because of my Singaporean desire for efficiency I would throw a quick celebration, perhaps do the Kallang wave and go, “Thank You Lord, so what’s next?” But that was not the case for Joshua. After the miraculous crossing, Joshua led the Israelites to remember the Lord. Out of his active listening to the Lord (vv.1-3) flowed an active obedience (vv.4-7). In those days, the Lord spoke directly to the divinely appointed leader, Joshua. Today we are privileged to have the Word of God speak to each of us that we may actively listen and obey!5 Carrying over the stones from the river to their resting place was a symbol of Israel’s crossing over as a nation – the 12 stones represented the 12 tribes.6 The crossing itself was a symbol of God’s people entering the new land of God’s promises! It reminded them of His radical promises and His radical faithfulness which brought the promises to pass. Verses 1 to 10 remind us that intentional remembrance is crucial in our Christian journey. The erected memorials enabled future generations to remember the crossing and the faithful God behind it! It was not merely an act of celebration by the present generation, but rather an act of intentional disciplemaking for the generations to come!

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A P P L I CAT I O N What memorial(s) can I set up in my life today, so that I can use them to tell of God’s faithfulness and power to the next generation?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life Leaders To intentionally pass on stories of God’s faithfulness and power to the next generation

// Pray for TNG: To make space in their lives to actively listen to God, so that they may actively obey Him // Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

5 6

Richard Hess, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: Joshua (England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1996). ibid.

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FRIDAY // 05 JULY 2019

The Lord Is Worthy: Fight for Him! S CRIPTURE

Joshua 4:11-14; 1:12-15

O B S E RVAT I O N In light of the crossing of the Jordan, what was the significance of the Lord exalting Joshua in the sight of Israel?

DEEPER REFLECTION

he crossing was not the end. Israel now had to conquer the enemy and possess the territory! They had to be ready for battle as they entered the promised land. Imagine the people’s renewed sense of belief in the Lord their God after seeing what He had done at the Jordan river. The crossing revealed a united people of Israel who entered Canaan.7 Joshua would now be leading the army of Israel into battle. Joshua had previously instructed the fighting men from the two tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh to cross the Jordan and fight alongside their brothers from the other tribes, and to return to their wives and children after Israel won the victory (Josh 1:12-15). In the past it was Moses who led Israel. But now it was Joshua their new leader. What big shoes Joshua needed to fill after Moses’ death! Moses was the great leader through whom mighty miracles took place, who led the people of Israel out of Egypt, and to whom God spoke face to face! This context made the crossing even more significant. Upon reaching Jericho, the Lord kept His promise to exalt Joshua before Israel (v.14; cf. Josh 3:7). Joshua, like Moses, experienced the Lord’s miraculous deeds through him.8 The crossing confirmed for Israel that Joshua was indeed appointed by the Lord and sent a clear message for them to follow their new leader just as they had followed Moses (v.14). God keeps His promises and stands with those He calls to leadership from generation to generation. And the leaders must know that the Lord is with them in each of their battles. Indeed, the battle belongs to the Lord and His purposes and plans are worth fighting for!

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can I stand with and support young leaders whom God calls to leadership positions in the church?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for SGI leaders: To faithfully pray for, encourage and develop the young people under their care // Pray for TNG: For God to raise a new generation of leaders who are godly and courageous // Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

7 8

Robert L. Hubbard Jr., The NIV Application Commentary: Joshua (Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA: Zondervan, 2009). ibid. ÂŠ 2 0 1 9 C O V E N A N T E V A N G E L I C A L F R E E C H U R C H // 31

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SATURDAY // 06 JULY 2019

The Lord of the Nations and Generations: Proclaim Him! S CRIPTURE

Joshua 4:15 – 5:1; Exodus 14:21-31

O B S E RVAT I O N What are some similarities between Israel’s crossing of the Jordan (vv.4:15-5:1) and their crossing of the Red Sea during the Exodus (Exo 14:21-31)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

here were two fascinating connections between the Jordan crossing and the Red Sea crossing. First, the return of the waters to their original place after both the crossings of the Jordan (v.18) and the Red Sea (Exo 14:27). Second, both events took place close to the Passover (v.19).9 Joshua explicitly made a connection between the two great events (v.23). Both were milestones of Israel’s shared history across generations (the first generation led by Moses and the next now led by Joshua). Joshua likened the experience of the new generation at the Jordan to his own generation’s experience at the Red Sea, making this present crossing as significant as that of their ancestors.10 We serve the God of the generations, the Lord of EVERY generation! He was at work in the generations before us, but He desires to do a NEW work in our generation today. We can witness God’s presence and power in our lives, just as our forefathers did in theirs! The purpose of both events was made clear in verse 24: that all nations will know God’s power and that God’s people will always fear Him. Israel’s miraculous entry into Canaan was no secret to their adversaries. The crossing sparked fear in the surrounding nations (v.1). The Lord’s power was shown to the nations and they feared God’s people because God was on their side!

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A P P L I CAT I O N What is the new work God wants to do in my life so that I will be able to witness and testify to His power?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for church board: To know the new work God desires to do in and through them to bless the nations and generations // Pray for TNG: To rise up to be a great blessing to the nations // Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

Robert L. Hubbard Jr., The NIV Application Commentary: Joshua (Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA: Zondervan, 2009). Ibid.

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SUNDAY // 07 JULY 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JULY 2019 WEEK 1

WHY SHOULD YOU SERVE OTHERS? We serve others because of what Jesus did for us. Scripture: John 13:1-17 ACTIVITY BITE Have everyone sit in a circle. Pass a small towel around and play some music. As the towel is being passed, get everyone to say, “Be the servant of everyone.” Stop the music when someone says ”everyone” and get that person to name someone they can serve this week. CHAT TIME Q1: What are some ways you can serve others at home? Q2: What holds you back from serving others sometimes? Q3: Why would Jesus serve us? LEARNING POINT Do you think that cleaning feet was a job people liked to do? No! Cleaning feet was a dirty, stinky, yucky job! When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, He showed us what it looks like to serve one another. He served His friends even though He, as God’s Son, is the one who deserves to be served. We can follow His example and serve others, too. It’s not about being the most important; it’s about helping others. Jesus served us in a way we could never repay. He died on a cross for our sins so we can have a close relationship with God. When we serve others, it’s one way we can show how thankful we are for everything. We also show others how much we care for them and how much God loves them. ACTION POINT Talk to your parents about how you can serve them this week. FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for sending Jesus to save you. Thank God for the way He served His disciples and the example He set for you. Ask God to help you to serve others because of what Jesus did for you.

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MONDAY // 08 JULY 2019

Unshaken in What God Has Spoken S CRIPTURE Isaiah 37:1-13

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about trusting in God and His Word in verses 6 to 13?

DEEPER REFLECTION

hen crises come again and again and God seems to do nothing, we can only cling to what God has spoken in His Word. In Hezekiah’s Assyrian crisis (Isa 36), God spoke to him through Isaiah with “no time frame indicated”11 on what He would do to the Assyrian king: “I will put a spirit in him…I will make him fall…” (v.7). But nothing changed. And what followed immediately was the third round of the Assyrians’ intimidating words (vv.8-13). Apparently, Hezekiah had replied the earlier two rounds of the Assyrian threat (Isa 36:4-10; 11-20) with his simple “trust” in what God had said to him: “Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria” (v.10).12 But trust in God’s Word is attacked by “Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you” (v.10). God’s character is called into question. Do you find yourself questioning God’s character? When we cling to what God has spoken, we can be unshaken: “Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria” (v.10), no matter how our circumstances seem to be going in the opposite direction. It is quite often the case that our trust in God is trained and tested in this way. We can expect this to happen when we pray, “Lord, increase our faith!” (Lk 17:5).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What has God spoken to me in His Word that I have to keep clinging to and not be shaken in the challenges that I face?

P R AY E R God, forgive me for doubting

Prayer Pointers

Your holy character and the reliability of Your Word when

// Give thanks:

crises hit me again and again and nothing changes. I renew my trust in Your Word and help me cling to it, for You

// Pray for leaders:

are faithful and trustworthy. And I trust in the power of Your Word. In creating the universe, You simply spoke,

// Pray for significant people:

and out of nothing, things came into existence.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

11 12

Allan Harman, Isaiah, Focus on the Bible (Christian Focus, 2005), 276 J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Volume 20 (IVP, 1999), 253, 254

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TUESDAY // 09 JULY 2019

A Divine Way of Building God-Centredness S CRIPTURE Isaiah 37:8-15

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of “the LORD” being repeated three times in Hezekiah’s response to his Assyrian crisis (vv.14-15a)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

ezekiah took the “letter” from the Assyrian king and read it (v.14a). The “letter” is in the plural in Hebrew: “letters.” In addition to the direct message to Hezekiah, the “letters” could well include accounts of Assyrian victories that validated the claims that King Sennacherib had made (vv.11-13).13 Realistically, Hezekiah must have felt the heat of his crisis as he heard and read about the many nations that were totally destroyed by the military might of Assyria. Hezekiah was feeling helpless in his crisis. Helplessness is a state of not knowing what to do in a crisis, because nothing can be done at the human level. Being plunged into helplessness is an essential part of biblical discipleship, because of our human propensity to have dependence on and confidence in our human ability. God says, “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD” (Jer 17:5, NLT). We may be helpless, but not hopeless, for God is our hope. Hezekiah “went up to the house of the LORD and spread” the “letters” “out before the LORD” and “prayed to the LORD” (vv.14b-15a). Our helplessness leads us to and builds in us God-centredness, and deeper God-centredness.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can I grow towards God-centredness in my life through circumstances in which I feel helpless?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To be always God-centred in life and ministry

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

Allan Harman

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WEDNESDAY // 10 JULY 2019

“You Alone, O Lord, Are God!” S CRIPTURE Isaiah 37:15-20

O B S E RVAT I O N What similar theological expression is found at the beginning (v.16) and at the end (v.20) of Hezekiah’s prayer, and what is the significance of this structure?

DEEPER REFLECTION

ezekiah’s prayer and faith (vv.16-20) is framed by a similar theological expression: “You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth” (v.16) and “all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, LORD, are God” (v.20b). Here is a theological picture of biblical discipleship. The supremacy and sovereignty of God is the beginning and the end of our discipleship journey. Note what is being framed by the supremacy and sovereignty of God in Hezekiah’s prayer: the supremacy and sovereignty of the Assyrians (vv.17-19) – who mocked “the living God” (v.17; see Isa 36:18-20) and destroyed many nations (v.18) and their gods (v.19). What a glorious theological picture! Enveloping and encompassing our lives is the supremacy and sovereignty of God (vv.16, 20) that controls and contains whatever Assyrian havoc and hell that we may face and live in (vv.17-19). This gives us true security in life. Hezekiah’s prayer begins with a “You alone are God” doxology (v.16), followed by a fivefold incline-hear-open-see-listen urging for God’s attention to the Assyrian evil (vv.17-19), and ends with petitioning for deliverance, but with a doxological and missional purpose – that the world’s kingdoms may “know” that God alone is God (v.20). Here’s a model for prayer.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How do I see God’s supremacy and sovereignty enveloping and encompassing the “Assyrian havoc and hell” that I face and live in?

P R AY E R God Almighty, Lord of

Prayer Pointers

Heaven’s Armies, Creator of the immense universe,

// Give thanks:

enthroned high above heaven and earth, You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. Therefore, we, Your people, are not afraid when

// Pray for leaders:

we are surrounded by 10,000 enemies on every side. Deliver us, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You

// Pray for significant people:

alone are God!14

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

Isaiah 37:16, 20; Psalm 3:6

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THURSDAY // 11 JULY 2019

The God of Unrestrained Political Powers S CRIPTURE Isaiah 37:21-29

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about the first-person pronouns (I, me, my) in verses 24 to 25 and verses 26 to 29?

DEEPER REFLECTION

od’s answer to Hezekiah’s prayer (vv.14-21) is packed with political theology (vv.22-29), which teaches how we are to look at politics and politicians. Before our human eyes is the historical reality of the unrestrained Sennacherib. Note the five Sennacherib “I”: “I ascended”, “I cut down”, “I will reach” (v.24), “I dug” and “I dried up” (v.25), two of which with an emphatic “I” – “I, I ascended” and “I, I dug” − to show the extent of the arrogance that presumes omnipotence. When a political power abuses its power, it crosses the power-boundaries set by God and is theologically deemed as “haughtily lifted your eyes” “against” God (v.23). Behind this historical reality is the theological reality of Sennacherib restrained. The five Sennacherib “I” are immediately met by six Divine “I”: “I ordained”, “I planned”, I bring to pass” (v.26), “I know” (v.28), “I will put” and “I will turn” (v.29). All are decisive acts. Every political power in every nation in every generation has been “ordained” and “planned” by God “long ago” (v.26a). In whatever way they come to power and use their power, it is because “I bring it to pass” (v.26b-27). To our lament, “Where is God?” over oppressive governments, God says, “I know” (v.28). And the hand of Him “who was and who is and who is to come” (Rev 4:8) holds the destiny of every government (v.29). “Have you not heard?” (v.26)

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean for me to see the theological reality behind the historical reality of politics and politicians?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To rest in God who is behind everything

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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FRIDAY // 12 JULY 2019

The Passionate Commitment of the Lord S CRIPTURE Isaiah 37:30-32

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of the expression “the zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this” (v.32b) in the context of verses 30 to 32?

DEEPER REFLECTION

ith the promise of delivering Judah from the Assyrians by destroying them (Isa 37:21-29), God gave His people assurance regarding two post-war concerns (vv.30-32). First, the concern for survival – “finding enough food to eat”15. The Assyrian siege of Jerusalem cut off the normal flow of goods, the Assyrian army consumed most of the excess food stored in the land and the people were so preoccupied with building the defenses of Jerusalem that there was little time to plant seeds in the field, so there would be the problem of the food supply after the war.16 But God assured Judah that “soon life will return to normal”17 and He encouraged18 them to get back to their normal routine of sowing, planting and reaping, and they will have enough to eat (v.30).19 Second, the concern for survivors. God promised Judah a “surviving remnant” that will be like a healthy plant, that takes root downward in security and bear fruit upward in prosperity (vv.31-32a).20 It was a great challenge to trust in God’s promises when Jerusalem was still under Assyrian siege. But God assured His people that His “zeal” (v.32b), His “passionate commitment” (NLT), will fulfil what He had said. God’s promises are grounded in God’s “resilient resolve and passion”21 to keep His Word.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How does knowing about God’s passionate commitment to fulfil His Word affect my life?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for SGI leaders: To stand firm and persevere in God’s Word

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, Vol. 15A, The New American Commentary (Broadman & Holman, 2007), 628 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 629 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 629 The three verbs “sow, reap, plant” (v. 30) are imperative verbs. Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 629 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 629; J. Alec Motyer, 258 Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 1-39 (Westminster John Knox Press, 1998), 299

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SATURDAY // 13 JULY 2019

What God Said, How God Acts S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 37:6-7, 33-38

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about what God said and how He acted in verses 6 to 7 and 33 to 38?

DEEPER REFLECTION

entral in the narrative of Hezekiah’s response to his Assyrian crisis and God’s response to Hezekiah in Isaiah 36 to 37 is the Word of God. There are two discipleship principles relating to the Word of God here. Lean on God in what He said. When God calls us to trust in His Word, He gives us assurance and reassurance in His Word that He is trustworthy. God assured Hezekiah that His “zeal” – His passionate commitment − will do what He had said (Isa 37:32b). As though that wasn’t enough, God reassured Hezekiah with five “He [Sennacherib] will not”: “he will not come” to Jerusalem, “shoot an arrow”, “come with a shield” or “throw up a siege ramp” (v.33), ending with the repeated phrase “he will not come” (v.34) for double reassurance. Leave to God on how He acts. “The angel of the LORD… struck 185,000” Assyrian soldiers in a night (v.36). When Hezekiah prayed “deliver us” (Isa 37:20), he did not request or suggest to God how to deliver, as we often do in our prayers. And when God said He will “deliver” Judah (v.35), He did not tell how He will do it. God acts as He wills. He who contemptuously mocked God and other gods (Isa 36:18-20; 37:10-13) was killed by his own sons – ironically, while “worshipping his god” (vv.37-38)! God acted on His Word (v.7), but 20 years later.22

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean for me to leave to God on how He acts based on what He has said in His Word?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for church board: To live by the dictum, “Have Thine own way, Lord” // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

The destruction of the Assyrian army took place in 701 B.C., and Sennacherib died in 681 B.C.

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SUNDAY // 14 APRIL 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JULY 2019 WEEK 2

HOW CAN I SERVE OTHERS TODAY? Jesus gives us many opportunities and gifts to serve others. Scripture: Mark 9:35, 1 Peter 4:10-11 ACTIVITY BITE Write down the different gifts that you believe God has given you. It can be teaching, helping, encouraging, singing, dancing or playing soccer. Share with everyone the gifts you have written down. Then share what you think someone else in the group is gifted in. CHAT TIME Q1: Why is it not good to think only about ourselves? Q2: Share how someone helped you when you were in need. Q3: Why has God given us gifts? How can these gifts be used to help others? LEARNING POINT In 1 Peter, Peter was writing to Christians who were experiencing some tough times. He encouraged them to show God’s love in everything they said and did. However, it wasn’t easy when they were in our own lives, our own problems, our own hopes and dreams. But we can pay attention to others, listen to their problems and encourage them. God has given us special gifts through the Holy Spirit and we also have unique talents because of the way God made us in His image. Not everyone notices the same things, and we are all given different viewpoints to find ways to serve others. ACTION POINT Look for ways to serve others. Think about a place you wouldn’t usually think of serving at. Maybe it’s the playground, the school canteen or the library. There are plenty of ways to serve almost everywhere we go. FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for giving you places and opportunities to serve others. Ask God to give you the strength and wisdom you need to serve wherever you can this week.

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MONDAY // 15 JULY 2019

A Tale of Two Deaths S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 37:36-38; 38:1-8, 21-22

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about the death of King Sennacherib (vv.36-38) and the “death” of King Hezekiah (Isa 38:1-8, 21-22)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

ennacherib’s death (vv.36-38) is followed immediately by Hezekiah’s “death” (Isa 38:1-8) in juxtaposition. God was behind the two incidents that have similarities and contrasts. Sennacherib was killed by his sons (v.38), but behind this was “I will make him fall by the sword in his own land” (Isa 37:7). It was a divine act according to the divine Word. When Hezekiah was “sick to the point of death” (Isa 38:1), God spoke to him, “You shall die and not live” (Isa 38:2). But Hezekiah prayed to God and God extended his life by 15 years (Isa 38:3-5). So, Sennacherib died; but Hezekiah, who was supposed to die, did not die. Sennacherib died when he was “worshipping” in the temple of “his god” (v.38). Apparently, Hezekiah’s sickness had something to do with the “boil” (38:21), which suggests leprosy in Old Testament thinking and that made it impossible for Hezekiah to go up to the temple of God (Isa 38:21-22; Num 5:1-3).23 So, Sennacherib died in the temple of his god, but Hezekiah was healed and saved from death so that he could go up to the temple of his God. But Sennacherib (740-681 B.C.) lived five years longer than Hezekiah (740-686 B.C.). Does this mean that Sennacherib had a better deal than Hezekiah? Not necessarily so. Life and death lie in God’s sovereign hand.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What perspectives concerning death do I need to change?

P R AY E R Lord Jesus, You are the

Prayer Pointers

resurrection and the life, the One who was dead but is alive

// Give thanks:

forevermore. By Your death, You have broken the power of him who holds the power of death, even the devil, and free those

// Pray for leaders:

who are held in slavery by their fear of death.24 And now, to me, to live is Christ, and to die is to be with Christ, the Lord of the

// Pray for significant people:

living and the dead.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

23 24

John Goldingay, Isaiah, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Baker, 2001), 219-220 Hebrews 2:14-15

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TUESDAY // 16 JULY 2019

Everything Turns on God’s Word S CRIPTURE Isaiah 38:1-8

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about the Word of God in verses 1 to 8?

DEEPER REFLECTION

bserve how the Word of God is mentioned four times (vv.1, 4, 5, 7) in verses 1 to 8 which shows that everything turns on the Word of God. When Hezekiah was “sick to the point of death”, God spoke to him, “You shall die and not live” (v.1). Then, Hezekiah “prayed” to God. Hezekiah’s prayer was “radically different from the humble tone”25 of his prayer in Isaiah 37:14-20, which was thoroughly God-centred; but here Hezekiah focused only on his own piety, with a threefold emphasis! (v.3). This is not the best ground to stand on before a holy God. Hezekiah seemed to imply that God had dealt with him unjustly and that God owed him a better outcome for all his wholehearted faithful devotion to Him.26 It is so easy for us to lose perspective when we suffer “unfairly”! Then God spoke to Hezekiah through Isaiah (v.4) that He would add 15 years to his life (v.5). Don’t get it wrong that God responded to Hezekiah because of his piety or that God contradicted Himself in what He said in verses 1 and 5. It is all about the merciful and gracious God! This divine mercy and grace was extended further in giving Hezekiah a remarkable sign for assurance: “that the LORD will do this thing that He has spoken” (vv.7-8).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What changes I do need to make in my perspective and attitude concerning faithful devotion to God and the Word of God?

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of

Prayer Pointers

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To be nourished richly by Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

25 26

Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 640 Andrew M. Davis, Exalting Jesus in Isaiah, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Holman, 2017), 218

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WEDNESDAY // 17 JULY 2019

Struggling with God in Affliction S CRIPTURE Isaiah 38:9-14

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about Hezekiah’s struggle with God during his sickness in verses 9 to 14??

DEEPER REFLECTION

he “writing of Hezekiah” (v.9) was Hezekiah’s “mature reflection”27 about his sickness, written both during (vv.10-14) and after the sickness (Isa 38:15-20).28 Hezekiah struggled with God in great anguish during his sickness. He found himself about to die a premature death “in the prime of my life” (v.10). Hezekiah was then 39 years old. He felt that God was robbing him of the best years of his life. He voiced some regrets about what he would not be able to do in the future because of his death (v.11).29 As he was waiting patiently and crying painfully, he saw God “like a lion” that “breaks all my bones” (v.13). He compared his weak voice in addressing God to the weak voice of birds (v.14a).30 His eyes grew weak and weary as he looked upward to heaven (v.14b). But Hezekiah was utterly theocentric in facing his death, not looking at death just as death per se. He recognised the divine choice and act in his coming death: “You turn day into night and end my life” (vv.12, 13, NET). To Hezekiah, his greatest loss would be “I will not see the LORD in the land of the living” (v.11a) – his experience of God’s presence in the temple (see Isa 38:22) − like the psalmist’s “One thing that I ask” (Psa 27:4).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean for me to struggle in my affliction with a theocentric posture?

P R AY E R Lord Jesus, I come into

Prayer Pointers

communion with You at the Garden of Gethsemane,

// Give thanks:

praying like You, with intense struggle in submitting to and living by the good and perfect will of God, “Father, if

// Pray for leaders:

it is possible, let this cup pass from me.” Strengthen me with Your all-sufficient grace to pray like You, “Father, not as

// Pray for significant people:

I will, but as You will. Your will be done.”

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

27 28 29 30

Andrew M. Davis, 219 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 643, 648 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 645 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 647 © 2 0 1 9 C O V E N A N T E V A N G E L I C A L F R E E C H U R C H // 59

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THURSDAY // 18 JULY 2019

Seeing God’s Ways in Affliction S CRIPTURE Isaiah 38:15-20

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about Hezekiah’s perspective and posture after his near-death experience?

DEEPER REFLECTION

“

e has spoken to me, and He Himself has done it” (v.15a) indicates that Hezekiah’s reflection moved to the time God had answered his prayer and was healing him (vv.15-20).31 Hezekiah spoke of how he would live his life after his near-death experience with God. He said, first of all, “I will walk slowly all my [remaining] years” (v.15b). “Will walk slowly” refers to “deliberate movement or a less frantic pace of life because ‘of the anguish of my soul’” and “changing of speed of busyness involved in the hectic responsibilities of his office [as king]”32. Hezekiah “will value each day and appreciate the rest of his life”33. For Hezekiah, the Word of God – “God’s positive words of hope” (“these things”)34 – “is the life of my spirit” and by which people “live” (v.16). If I do not live by the Word of God, it means there is no life in my spirit. And no life means death. Hezekiah saw that “this anguish was good for me” (v.17, NLT). This is a mature perspective and posture in suffering affliction. All our afflictions, as in Hezekiah’s experience, is anchored in “Your faithfulness” – in which we “hope” and for which we “give thanks” to God (vv.18-19). And we rest assured: “The LORD will surely save me” (v.20).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What do I need to do in order to see the ways of God in my affliction?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To see God’s ways in suffering

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

31 32 33 34

Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 648 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 648; see footnote 211 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 649 Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 649 © 2 0 1 9 C O V E N A N T E V A N G E L I C A L F R E E C H U R C H // 61

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FRIDAY // 19 JULY 2019

Slipping from Devotion to Defection (1) S CRIPTURE Isaiah 39:1-7

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can we make from what Hezekiah did (vv.1-2) and God’s response to him (vv.3-7)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

erodach-baladan (v.1) was king of Babylon (722-710 B.C.) until he was removed by the Assyrians in 710 B.C. But during the widespread revolt against the Assyrians, he regained his power to be king of Babylon in 703 B.C. Merodach-baladan sent his envoys to visit Hezekiah when he heard about his sickness and recovery (v.1). The visit was politically motivated. Babylon was seeking to form an alliance with Judah to fight the Assyrians. What was Hezekiah’s response? He was “delighted” (v.2, NLT). And he “showed” his visitors his riches of silver and gold, and the luxuries of “his treasure house” and certainly “plus the military weapons he had in his armoury”35. Isaiah emphasised that “there was nothing” in “all his dominion” that he “did not show” them (v.2). Was Hezekiah right or wrong in what he did? Maybe he was showing off his own greatness and glory. Or, maybe he was displaying God’s greatness and glory. Or, it could be while doing the latter, he was also doing the former. Just basing on the surface and the external we cannot tell, until we hear God’s response for the reality check (vv.3-7). The divine disapproval and displeasure were clear. Hezekiah was slipping from his devotion to God (Isaiah 37-38) to defection.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can I discern and differentiate between God-centred and selfcentred motives and attitudes in my heart?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for SGI leaders: To walk with a right heart before God

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

Gary V. Smith, Isaiah 1-39, 656

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SATURDAY // 20 JULY 2019

Slipping from Devotion to Defection (2) S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 39:1-8; 2 Chronicles 32:31

O B S E RVAT I O N Why was the visit of Merodach-baladan’s envoys to Hezekiah linked with Hezekiah’s mortal sickness and recovery (v.1; 2 Chron 32:21)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

he visit of Merodach-baladan’s envoys to Hezekiah was linked with Hezekiah’s mortal sickness and recovery (v.1; Isa 38). The link was by divine design: “God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart” (2 Chron 32:31). Hezekiah failed the test, as seen in God’s response (vv.3-7) to Hezekiah’s response to the visit (v.2). Hezekiah’s response indicated that he agreed to ally with Babylon. Instead of trusting in God’s Word concerning the Assyrian threat (Isa 38:6), Hezekiah chose to rely on Babylon. What place the Word of God has in our hearts is often tested by “affliction and persecution”, “the worries of the world, the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things” (Mk 4:16-19). Have we passed these tests? Hezekiah’s failure was tragic. “We are never allowed to know in advance the full significance of our decisions and sometimes the simplest acts are discovered by hindsight to have had, for good or ill, the most far-reaching consequences.”36 That single faithless diplomatic act of Hezekiah would lead to Judah’s exile to Babylon in the future (vv.5-7). For Hezekiah himself, he had nothing to worry about, since “there will be peace and security in my lifetime” (v.8, NIV). But that was sheer self-centred short-sightedness.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What divine testing of what is in my heart am I going through now and how am I faring in that test?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for church board: To guard against having a deceitful heart

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

J. Alec Motyer, 260

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SUNDAY // 21 JULY 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JULY 2019 WEEK 3

WHAT CAN WE USE TO SERVE OTHERS? Jesus gives us many gifts and abilities. Scripture: John 6:1-13 ACTIVITY BITE Give each person one fish-shaped cracker then ask them to tilt their heads back and balance the cracker on their chins. Challenge the group to try and knock the cracker off the chin of another person without dropping his or her own. CHAT TIME Q1: If you could only eat two things for the rest of your life, what would they be? Q2: What gets in the way of you serving God with all you have? Q3: It’s easy to share with others if you have a lot. Agree or disagree? Explain. LEARNING POINT What was Jesus thinking about when He used the gift of one small boy to feed 5,000 people? The boy gave what he had, and Jesus used it to perform an amazing miracle. God can work through us. He works through us when we use what we have to serve others. Maybe it’s a talent. Maybe it’s money or clothes or toys. Or maybe it’s your time or your energy. No matter what it may be or how small it may seem, think about how you can use what you have to serve and watch what God can do through you. ACTION POINT What do you have at your house right now that you can serve others with? FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for all the things He has given us. Ask God to help us to remember that He can do big things with anything we have to offer. Ask God to help each of us to see what we have to offer and help us to remember to use it to serve others.

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MONDAY // 22 JULY 2019

After the Long Divine Silence … S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 40:1-2; 39:5-8

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of what God said to His people in verses 1 to 2 in continuity from Isaiah 39:5-7?

DEEPER REFLECTION

n the prophetic vision of Isaiah (Isa 1:1), chapters 40 to 66 are in continuity from chapter 39: from Judah’s dependence on Babylon (Isa 39:1-4), to deportation to Babylon (39:5-8) and to departure from Babylon (Isa 40-66). In Isaiah’s prophetic vision, after God had spoken in Hezekiah’s days about Judah’s exile to Babylon (Isa 39:5-7), there would be a long 150-year divine silence37 before it was broken: “Comfort, O comfort My people” (v.1). The reign of Manasseh, Hezekiah’s successor, was so evil (2 Kin 20:21; 21:1-9) that God “would not forgive” His people, but sent them to exile to Babylon (2 Kin 24:1-4; 25:1-12) — the ultimate covenant curse for breaking God’s covenant (Lev 26:27-39). In Babylon, God’s people wept bitterly (Psa 137:1): “There is no one to comfort me!” (Lam 1:2, 9, 17, 21). When God spoke after the long painful God-muted time of dislocation and dismay, His first words were “Comfort, O comfort”. “My people” and “your God” (v.1) reaffirmed God’s covenant commitment and faithfulness. God must execute His righteous judgment, but He will end it, however long He may take, with His gracious forgiveness (v.2). We see here the severity and kindness of God (cf. Rom 11:22): His harsh judgment is followed by speaking “tenderly” to us (v.2a).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How do I respond to the times of long divine silence in my discipleship journey?

P R AY E R Prayer Pointers

My God, my God, why have You abandoned me? Why are You so far away when I groan

// Give thanks:

for help? Every day I call to You, my God, but You do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief. Yet You are holy,

// Pray for leaders:

enthroned on the praises of Your people. And You have promised that You will deliver those who trust in You and never

// Pray for significant people:

disappoint them.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

37 38

Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 40-66, (Westminster John Knox Press, 1998), 15 Psalm 22:1-5

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TUESDAY // 23 JULY 2019

God’s Glory and God’s Word S CRIPTURE Isaiah 40:3-8

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about the glory of God and the Word of God?

DEEPER REFLECTION

hrough two anonymous voices (vv.3, 6) God shows what constitutes His comfort for His forgiven people (Isa 40:1-2). See the glory of God: In their return from exile (vv.3-4), “the glory of the LORD will be revealed” (v.5a). It is God Himself who reveals His own glory and we are to “see” that glory. “The glory of the LORD” means “‘the Lord in all His glory, not necessarily with awesome manifestations but in the fullness of His personal presence”39. And the manifestation of God’s glory is nowhere greater than at the cross of Christ where all the attributes of God are radiantly displayed – His love, mercy, grace, wisdom, power, wrath, justice and patience…40 God’s intent is missional: “all humanity” will see His glory (v.5b). When God shows His glory to and in His people, individually and corporately, and we see it and speak of it, the nations will see that glory. In writing on John the Baptist fulfilling this Isaianic prophecy as the Messiah’s forerunner, Luke replaced “glory” with “salvation” (compare v.5 with Lk 3:6). Alongside seeing God’s glory is standing on the Word of God. What we are, have and do by following human and worldly standards are frail and will fail (vv.6-8a). What makes the difference is God’s Word that “stands forever” (v.8a), living in us and us living by it.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean for me to see the glory of God and stand on the Word of God in my discipleship journey?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To seek Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glory in life and ministry

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

39 40

J. Alec Motyer, 276 Andrew M. Davis, 230

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WEDNESDAY // 24 JULY 2019

“Here Is Your God!” S CRIPTURE Isaiah 40:9-11

O B S E RVAT I O N In what sense was “Here is your God!” “good news” to the people of God who were in exile in Babylon?

DEEPER REFLECTION

n their return from exile, God’s people (“Zion”/“Jerusalem”) were called to be a “bearer of good news” (v.9). They were to remember God’s redemptive-missional purpose for them given in Isaiah 2:1-4. The “good news” was “Here is your God!”, “Your God has come!” In exile, God’s people lived in a world under the arrogant dominance of the Babylonians from which God seemed to be expelled. To the question of exilic despair, “God, where are You?”, is the longawaited “Here is your God!”. God is present, powerful and active. The “good news” was not just for “the cities of Judah” but for “all humanity” (Isa 40:5) – parallel to “in Jerusalem, all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). God has come to His people as the Conquering Sovereign “with His arm ruling for Him” (v.10). When God’s people returned from exile, they remained small and weak, surrounded by hostile nations (Ezr 4:1, 7-10). How comforting it was to know that their God sovereignly controls history and the nations! God has come to His people as the Caring Shepherd (v.11). Note how God will “tend” and “gently lead” “His flock” in a way that speaks of intimacy and security: He will “gather” them “in His arms” and “carry” them “in His bosom”.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does the good news of “Here is your God!” mean to me personally and as a bearer of that good news?

P R AY E R O faithful covenant God,

Prayer Pointers

my Saviour, You work in mysterious ways in Your sovereign freedom and

// Give thanks:

wisdom. Truly, You are a God who hides Himself.41 But You are also a God who longs to be gracious to us and waits

// Pray for leaders:

on high to have compassion on us.42 I wait for You in Your purposeful waiting in silence, until I hear You speak to me,

// Pray for significant people:

“Here is your God!”

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

41 42

Isaiah 45:15 Isaiah 30:18

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THURSDAY // 25 JULY 2019

See Your God’s Immense Greatness! S CRIPTURE Isaiah 40:12-17

O B S E RVAT I O N How does God show His immense greatness?

DEEPER REFLECTION

n Isaiah 40, “The glory of the LORD will be revealed” (Isa 40:5) and “Here is your God!” (Isa 40:9) are powerfully elaborated in the staggering vision of God in Isaiah 40:12-26 with five probing questions, all beginning with “Who” (vv.12, 13, 14, 18, 25), that point to the immense and incomparable greatness of God. Like Judah, small and weak in exile, we need to see who God is and what God is like, and with this theological vision to see ourselves and the proud and powerful Babylonians over and around us. The immense universe in God’s hand: Cosmologists tell us that the observable universe is 46 billion light years across.43 Try measuring the actual universe with our fingers like God (v.12). God effortlessly measures the amount of water in the oceans and easily weighs the mountains and dust of the earth (v.12). The infinite depths of God’s mind: God’s knowledge and wisdom absolutely dwarf anything humankind can muster. We dare not expect God to behave according to what we think He should, otherwise we become God’s teacher (vv.13-14). The “invincible” nations in God’s eyes: “All the nations” are just like “a drop” of water, “a speck of dust”, “insignificant” and “absolutely nothing” before God (vv.15-17). How do you view God?

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A P P L I CAT I O N How have I captured a vision of the immense greatness of God?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To capture a vision of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s immense greatness

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

Andrew M. Davis, 231

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FRIDAY // 26 JULY 2019

See Your God’s Incomparable Greatness! S CRIPTURE Isaiah 40:18-26

O B S E RVAT I O N How does God show His incomparable greatness?

DEEPER REFLECTION

“

he Holy One” – the Wholly Other, who is supreme over all, transcendent and exalted, distinct and separate from everything He has made,44 asks, “Who is like Me that I should be his equal?” (vv.18, 25). But despite God’s immense and incomparable greatness, arrogant people consistently rebel and make their own gods to worship (vv.18-20). This Wholly Other sits enthroned above the circle of the earth with all its people like grasshoppers before Him (v.22). The reigns of kings, however terrifying and seemingly omnipotent, will wither and die as soon they are planted, for God “reduces them to nothing” (vv.23-24). It was in this setting that God’s exilic people were to be a “bearer of good news” and proclaim “Here is our God!” among the hostile and idolatrous nations (Isa 40:5, 9). We, too, are “bearer[s] of good news” as “sojourners and exiles” in this world, who are to “keep our behaviour excellent among the Gentiles [nations]” (1 Pet 2:11-12). Are we fearful in our mission? God says, “Look at the stars and see Me!” — the God who knows the number of stars in the hundreds of billions of galaxies in outer space, each with billions of stars,45 and has named every star (v.26).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How does God’s incomparable greatness spur me as a disciple-inmission of Jesus in a hostile and idolatrous world?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for SGI leaders: To be disciples-in-mission spurred by God’s incomparable greatness

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

44 45

David G. Peterson, Holiness, New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (IVP, 2000), editors: T. D. Alexander, Brian S. Rosner, D. A. Carson & Graeme Goldsworthy, 544-45 Andrew M. Davis, 233

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SATURDAY // 27 JULY 2019

Do You View God Wrongly? S CRIPTURE Isaiah 40:27-31

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of the words “weary and tired” repeated three times in verses 27 to 31?

DEEPER REFLECTION

t is so easy for us to be wrong about God when we are suffering, especially when nothing happens as we wait upon Him, until we become “weary and tired” (vv.28, 29, 31). And we think that God is unconcerned – “My way is hidden from the LORD” (v.27a) − and that God is unjust – “The justice due me escapes the notice of my God” (v.27b). We are wrong about God. Like Judah in exile, we need to be reminded and recapture the vision (“Do you not know? Have you not heard?”) of “the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth” (v.28), as described in Isaiah 40:12-26. Our discipleship journey must be grounded in and governed by this theological reality: “His understanding no one can fathom” (v.28c, NIV). Perplexity is part of the discipleship curriculum. We are to grow in being “perplexed, but not despairing” (2 Cor 4:8). And we grow by waiting for God — a waiting where we “gain new strength” from God to persevere on (v.31a). Paul’s way of putting this is “that the surpassing greatness of power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Cor 4:7). To “soar high on wings like eagles” and “run and not grow weary” and “walk and not faint” (v.31b, NLT) means “perplexed, but not despairing” and trusting in God steadfastly.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How do I deal with my thinking that God is unconcerned and unjust in the perplexing times that I go through?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.

// Give thanks:

// Pray for church board: To be kept from viewing God wrongly

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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SUNDAY // 28 JULY 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JULY 2019 WEEK 4

WHAT IF NOBODY NOTICES ME SERVING? Serve others without looking for applause because it’s about Jesus. Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4 ACTIVITY BITE Blindfold someone and get the person to sit hands together and palms up. Give an object to someone in the group who will quietly place the item into his or her hands. Then remove the blindfold and ask the person to guess who did so. CHAT TIME Q1: When do we applaud others? Why do we do it? Q2: How does it feel if no one notices or appreciates the good things you have done? Q3: Does Jesus want people to applaud Him? Why would He prefer us to do good things quietly? LEARNING POINT It’s not bad to want to feel appreciated for something we have done. But when it comes to serving others, Jesus said there’s a better way. He said that we can choose to serve in secret without taking the credit. We should choose to help because we want to help − whether people notice or not. Jesus said that when we give in secret, God will reward us. Even when no one else notices, He notices. If we can keep serving like that, we will find that we get a lot more joy. ACTION POINT The next time you see that the trash can is full, take out the trash. When you notice that the sink is full of dirty dishes, take a minute to wash them. If you look around, there are all kinds of ways you can serve in secret! FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for His amazing love. Ask God to help you serve others without wanting to get something in return so that it really is about them and not about getting attention or applause.

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MONDAY // 29 JULY 2019

The First and the Last S CRIPTURE Isaiah 41:1-7

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of God’s revelation of Himself as “the LORD, the First and the Last” (v.4, NLT) in the context of verses 1 to 7?

DEEPER REFLECTION

saiah raises the whole problem of the violence in human history (vv.1-7): Why did it start in the first place? Why is one person allowed to rise to such power? Why is such violence permitted to succeed? Why is it such a mess?46 Today, “a new colonial era is dawning as major powers [America and China] limber up to wield influence and protect their interests in ways that could significantly impinge on the sovereignty of weaker, smaller states”, demanding them to take sides or face retaliation.47 Do we “fear” in the midst of such uncertainty and insecurity (vv.5-6) that we turn to the gods of human skill (v.7ab), human approval (v.7c) and human stability (v.7de)? Or instead, do we trust in God who calls the nations, “Be silent before Me!” (v.1), and asks, “Who has stirred up one from the east (or, from anywhere), and subdues kings and hands nations over to him?” (vv.2-3). Isaiah insists that in every movement of world affairs, in the careers of the most dramatic of earth’s movers and shakers, God initiates, appoints, purposes, directs and achieves, and all according to His purpose of “righteousness” (v.2). God is “the First and the Last” (v.4): He is the sole Origin of everything, with His presiding presence present right through the course of history until the end.48

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean for me to know that God is the First and the Last?

P R AY E R Lord Jesus, You are the First

Prayer Pointers

and the Last, the Beginning and the End, the One who was,

// Give thanks:

who is, and who is to come. You existed before anything was created and You are supreme over all creation, for God created

// Pray for leaders:

everything in the heavenly realms and on earth through You and for You, and You hold all creation together, so that You are

// Pray for significant people:

pre-eminent in all things.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

46 47 48

J. Alec Motyer, 284-285 Michael Vatikiotis, Towards a new colonial era, The Straits Times, May 15, 2019 J. Alec Motyer, 285 ÂŠ 2 0 1 9 C O V E N A N T E V A N G E L I C A L F R E E C H U R C H // 87

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TUESDAY // 30 JULY 2019

Chosen to Be “My Servant” S CRIPTURE Isaiah 41:1-9

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of “But you Israel My servant” (v.8) in the context of verses 1 to 9?

DEEPER REFLECTION

“

he one from the east” whom God raised (v.2) would conquer the nations with “invincible progress” and “such speed that his feet do not touch the ground” (v.3).49 No wonder the nations “fear” and “tremble” (v.5). It was against this background that God spoke, “But you Israel My servant” (v.8). “But you” is a pivotal emphasis, underscoring how special to God are His people in His purpose of “righteousness” (v.2). “My servant”, a great key word in Isaiah 40 to 66, makes its first appearance here. In our dark times, like Israel in exile under God’s judgment, we may feel that God has forgotten and forsaken us. But in such times, we stand firmly on who we are based on whose we are: “You are My servant, I have chosen you” (vv.8-9 – repeated twice!). There is no mention of the task the “servant” is to perform. The emphasis here is identity, not responsibility. Our responsibility as God’s servants is founded on and flows out of our identity. How much we appreciate who we are and whose we are as “My servant” depends on how much we know who God is. And the great assurance of “I have not rejected you” (v.9) can overcome and override the rejections that we suffer from people.

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A P P L I CAT I O N Do I see myself as a servant of God and what does that mean for me?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To be true and trustworthy servants of God

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

J. Alec Motyer, 284, 285 ÂŠ 2 0 1 9 C O V E N A N T E V A N G E L I C A L F R E E C H U R C H // 89

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WEDNESDAY // 31 JULY 2019

Fear Not, You Little Worm! S CRIPTURE Isaiah 41:10-14

O B S E RVAT I O N How many times is the expression “Do not fear … I will help you” repeated in verses 10 to 14, and what is the significance of the repetition in this context?

DEEPER REFLECTION

o you feel like, or you are seen as, a little worm, like Israel in exile – “worm Jacob, little Israel” (v.14, NIV)? The description speaks of “human incapacity in the face of dauntless obstacles”50 and feeling lowly, ignoble, unimportant and without hope.51 The thrice repeated divine exhortation “Do not fear” (vv.10, 13, 14) indicates how fearful God’s exilic people were — people who lived constantly in the face of intimidation and were completely unsure about survival or wellbeing under the enduring threat of Babylon (vv.11-12).52 Fear leads to becoming helplessly “dismayed” (v.10), “being at a loss to know what to do for the best”53. God’s answer to this challenging condition is “I am with you” and “I am your God” (v.10, 13). God’s presence with us is never determined by whether we feel it or not, which we so often do. God’s presence with us is His covenant presence in His covenant relationship with us. In this is God’s assurance of “He will not fail you or forsake you” (Deut 31:6) and the promise of God strengthening, helping and upholding us “with My righteous right hand” in our weakness and helplessness (vv.10, 13, 14). “With My hand” – how personal that is!

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A P P L I CAT I O N How do I deal with feeling like or being seen as a little worm?

P R AY E R Lord, I commit into Your

Prayer Pointers

hand my fears and anxieties, my sense of insignificance and insecurity, my

// Give thanks:

discouragements and dismay. Go before me and be with me in all that I do and whatever happens to me. Strengthen

// Pray for leaders:

me, help me and uphold me, as I rest in Your assurance that You will not fail me nor forsake me, that I may be strong and

// Pray for significant people:

courageous in You.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

50 51 52 53

J. Alec Motyer, 287 Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 40-66, 35 Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 40-66, 33 J. Alec Motyer, 287 ÂŠ 2 0 1 9 C O V E N A N T E V A N G E L I C A L F R E E C H U R C H // 91

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