July Devotional Journal by Covenant EFC

July

2020 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Mark 8 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will save it.

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

July

2020

Mark 8 35

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel’s will save it.

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

Memory

Verses 20

January

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

February

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

March

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

April

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

May

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

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

June

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

July

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

August

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

Septmber

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

October

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

November

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

December

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

Foreword

by Senior Pastors

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

YEAR OF GREATER DISCIPLESHIP

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

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

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

St Francis of Assisi

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

Guide To Using

THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Step One

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

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

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

Step Two

ALLOW GOD TO S.O.A.P. YOU WITH HIS WORD AND SPIRIT • Scripture – Take your time to meditate on the Scripture passage for the day. Pause and mull over words and phrases that stand out to you. • Observation – Jot down significant insights and reflections from the passage you have read. You may use the guiding questions provided. The “Deeper Reflection” section is to aid your contemplation of the Scripture. It is not to replace your own observation, for the Holy Spirit illuminates the Scripture to you as you seek Him earnestly. • Application – Note down a specific and practical commitment to God’s Word for you. Is there a command to obey, a sin to avoid, an example to follow, or a principle to live out? Where appropriate, share your devotional entry with someone. • Prayer – Bring your heartfelt response to God in prayer. PRAYER POINTERS FOR 2020

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

T H E

C H U R C H

B E Y O N D

Pray for Covenant EFC Missions Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

came across a cartoon which depicted the devil telling God, “With Covid-19, I closed your churches!”, to which God immediately responds, “On the contrary, I just opened one in every home!” Many cities in the world have been or are still in various degrees of lockdowns with people movement and gatherings restricted. However, the Gospel is not under lockdown! Indeed, the COVID-19 situation has pushed churches in different countries to do new things. By moving their worship services online, churches have truly become “the Church without walls”. Many people who normally would not step into church buildings are now willing to attend online worship services, listen to the songs sung and receive God’s Word through the

sermons. In one of the regions that Covenant EFC is involved in, there was a church which, upon the lifting of lockdown restrictions, multiplied straight away into two churches! How did this happen? During the lockdown period, the disciples actively engaged their friends and relatives via online platforms, shared the Gospel and helped them to deal with the fear of COVID-19 as well as cabin fever. Consequently, many people came to believe in the Lord Jesus! Naturally, when the lockdown restrictions were lifted, the existing church premises could not contain the influx of new believers. To God be the glory! Let us lay hold of the promises of God.

Pray That the global discipleship movement will grow deep, far and wide. For the everlasting Word of God to be carried by the winds of opportunity and take root in favourable conditions and places. That God will raise up a new generation of missionaries from Covenant EFC who will break new ground for Gospel advance in the “new normal” world. That Christians, though they may go through difficulties and afflictions, will trust God and be strengthened by the Holy Spirit and continue to faithfully and creatively share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with unbelievers. That Christians in Singapore will reach out in love and compassion to the migrant workers in our midst, beginning with the domestic helpers in our households. That the Church will be missional and be the first to help the local and foreign communities in need − including the homeless, the elderly poor and the foreigners “stuck” here due to border closures − by providing food, shelter, medical services and other essentials.

Worship Songs

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER

LET THERE BE LIGHT

July-August

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

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

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

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

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

You’re working for our good You’re working for our good And for Your glory (Repeat) Ending Faithful forever perfect in love You are sovereign over us Aaron Keyes | Bryan Brown | Jack Mooring © 2011 Jack Mooring Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Meaux Jeaux Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 6011370 CCLI License # 324618

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes

20 20

A God That We Want

WEDNESDAY 1 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:11-13

O B S E RVAT I O N Why did Jesus refuse to give the Pharisees the “sign from heaven” that they were seeking from Him?

Deeper Reflection

ESPITE HAVING plenty of proof of the source of Jesus’ power as demonstrated in His miracles (Mk 1:21-2:12; 3:1-2), the Pharisees were “seeking from Him a sign from heaven [that is, God]” (v.11). The “sign from heaven” was an “outward compelling proof of divine authority” as confirmation that Jesus’ ministry was from God.1 But their intention was to “tempt” Jesus (v.11) as Satan did (Mk 1:13), in order to “discredit”2 Him. The word for “seek” (vv.11, 12), zēteō, means “to attempt to gain control of ”3. In other words, the Pharisees wanted the “sign” to be as they wanted it. These Pharisees were people “who think that they can dictate to God the conditions under which they will or will not believe. They will not accept any ambiguity or paradox. These opponents want an irrefutable, unequivocal and visible proof that removes any doubt from the decision of faith. What they want from Jesus, therefore, eliminates the need for faith”4. They “want Jesus to give them proof of what they want to be true”5 – which Jesus outrightly refused to give (v.12). Do we find ourselves wanting God to be what we want Him to be? Do we find ourselves disappointed with God? We are disappointed with God because He does not meet our expectation. The God who disappoints us is not the God of the Bible. Is your God the God of the Bible?

A P P L I C AT I O N How will I keep myself from wanting God to be what I want Him to be?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your med9itation on and application of the Scriptures. Pray for leaders:

For the Next Generation: To know what “Let God be God” means in their lives Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, The Gospel According to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Eerdmans, Apollos, 2002), 235 James R. Edwards, 235 James R. Edwards, 235 4 David E. Garland, Mark, The NIV Application Commentary (Zondervan, 1996), 314 5 David E. Garland, 315 2 3

20 20

“And Do You Not Remember?”

THURSDAY 2 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:13-21; 6:47-52; 7:14-18

O B S E RVAT I O N How many times did Jesus question His disciples about their lack of understanding and what is the significance of the repetition (vv.17-19, 21)?

Deeper Reflection

HEN JESUS and His disciples set off to another place, the disciples “had forgotten to take bread” and they had less than “one loaf in the boat” (vv.13-14). Just then, Jesus warned them to beware of the “leaven” – a common symbol for evil (cf. 1 Cor 5:8) – of the Pharisees and Herod (v.15). But the disciples understood that as Jesus “rebuking them for failing to bring bread”6 (v.16). Behind this was their thinking and belief that just because Jesus had fed the crowds (Mk 6:34-44; 8:1-9), it didn’t mean that He would feed them.7 And this earned them a sevenfold rebuke from Jesus: “Why do you discuss the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet see or understand? Do you have a hardened heart? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember…?” (vv.17-18), “Do you not yet understand?” (v.21). They had seen Jesus calming and walking on the stormy sea (Mk 4:35-41; 6:45-52), and twice miraculously feeding the crowds. These were Jesus’ revelations of Himself. But they did “not remember” – because they had not really understood who Jesus is. So, Jesus had to remind them to reflect upon these incidents (vv.19-20). Spiritual forgetfulness can be the cause or effect of “a hardened heart”. To safeguard against this, we need to consciously, constantly and conscientiously look at Jesus to understand Him as He truly is.

A P P L I C AT I O N In what ways is spiritual forgetfulness a problem in my discipleship journey and how will I deal with it?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To consciously, constantly and conscientiously seek to understand Jesus Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

6 7

James A. Brooks, Mark, The New American Commentary (Broadman, 1991), 128 James A. Brooks, 128

20 20

“O You of Little Faith!”

FRIDAY 3 July

S CRIPTURE Matthew 16:5-12; 6:25-34

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make about the problem of “little faith” (v.30) in Matthew 6:25-34?

Deeper Reflection

ATTHEW HAS WRITTEN a parallel account (vv.5-12) of Mark’s narrative of the disciples’ misunderstanding of Jesus’ warning against the “leaven” of the Pharisees and Herod − as His rebuking them for failing to bring bread with them, thinking that Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the crowds does not necessarily mean that He will do the same for them (Mk 8:13-21). But Matthew addresses specifically the problem of lack of faith in the disciples: “You of little faith” (v.8). Matthew addresses the discipleship problem of “little faith” in his Gospel, with the word, oligopistos, repeated four times (Matt 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8). The disciples should have remembered the words of Jesus the last time He addressed this “little faith” problem (Matt 6:25-34 – note v.30). In that teaching, Jesus addresses the issue of anxiety over the basic essentials of life – food and clothing: “Do not worry” (Matt 6:25, 31, 34), “Why are you worried?” (Matt 6:28). To Jesus, anxiety is fundamentally not trusting in God, who is our “heavenly Father” (Matt 6:26, 32). He calls us to “look” and “observe” with eyes of faith our “heavenly Father” feeding the birds and clothing the flowers (Matt 6:26, 28). And Jesus gives us the great assurance: “Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matt 6:26), “Will He not much more clothe you?” (Matt 6:30). To trust in God means to put God first in our lives (Matt 6:33).

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I deal with anxiety in life?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To seek first God’s kingdom and live righteously Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Need for Jesus’ Repeated Touch

SATURDAY 4 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:14-26

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the common theme found in verses 17 to 21 and verses 22 to 25?

Deeper Reflection

ARK ARRANGED the materials in 7:31-8:25 with a sandwich structure: Healing: Opening of ears to hear (Mk 7:31-37) / Feeding of the 4,000 (Mk 8:1-10): The disciples “having eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear” (Mk 8:11-21) / Healing: Opening of eyes to see (vv.22-25). What is Mark saying through this structure? Despite having witnessed Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the crowds (Mk 8:1-10), the disciples’ spiritual problem of “having eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear” remained with them (vv.14-21). The disciples cannot solve this spiritual problem on their own. Hence, the divine healing touch for this problem is of critical necessity, just as physical ears and eyes need the divine touch to be opened (Mk 7:31-37; 8:22-25). The ability to hear and see, both physically and spiritually, is a divine gift, not human ability. But there must first be the divine revelation of our spiritual problem (vv.17-18, 21), otherwise we cannot see. And we are to respond to the divine revelation with humble openness – and not like the arrogant Jews: “We are not blind, are we?” (Jn 9:39-41). And with a desperate seeking for the divine healing touch, like the blind man who “begged Him to touch him” (v.22). The divine healing touch involves a progressive process: From failed sight (v.23a) to partial sight (vv.23b-24) to complete sight (v.25). There is no hint of faith growing as the healing progresses.8 The healing “comes solely from the repeated touch of Jesus”9.

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I respond to the spiritual problem of “having eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear”?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To have the divine touch for spiritual enlightenment Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

8 9

James R. Edwards, 245 James R. Edwards, 245

20 20 SUNDAY 5 July

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JULY 2020

ON GOD’S TEAM (5) *

Players encourage each other. Scripture: Acts 9:26-31

ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members to write down some words of encouragement for one another on a piece of paper and read it aloud to each other. Then ask everyone to share how they felt after the activity.

CHAT TIME Q1: Why were Jesus’ followers willing to help Saul in Acts 9:26-31? Q2: Have you given any words of encouragement to anyone lately? Q3: What will you do to encourage people more frequently from now on?

LEARNING POINT Paul used to threaten Christians before he believed in Jesus. Since the day he believed in Jesus, Paul preached boldly about Jesus to others. Some Jews wanted to kill him. Some Christians helped Paul and sent him to another city where he continued to share the good news with others. They encouraged and believed in Paul just as God believes in us. Players encourage each other in the team. It pleases God when we encourage others by saying kind words to our family and friends.

ACTION POINT Place an “encouragement” jar in your home, classroom or workplace. Get everyone to write notes of encouragement to people in their classroom, workplace or home and place them in the jar. Read the notes aloud once a week.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for providing us with everything that we need. Pray that He will use us to encourage someone who really needs the encouragement. *Adapted from “In God’s Team, https://open.life.church/categories/303-elementary”

20 20

Superficial Knowledge of God

MONDAY 6 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:27-29

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Jesus’ two questions in verses 27 and 29?

Deeper Reflection

E HAVE COME to the end of the first half of the Gospel of Mark (Mk 8:27-38), the midpoint and turning point of his Gospel. It is also the pivotal point of Jesus’ revelation of Himself in the kingdom of God and of the disciples’ journey of following and knowing Jesus. Central at this pivotal point is: Who is Jesus? – as clearly underscored by Jesus’ two questions, “Who do people say that I am?” (v.27) and “Who do you say that I am?” (v.29). Here is a continuity of Mark’s theme of the outsiders and insiders in relation to Jesus: those “standing outside” and those “sitting around Him” (Mk 3:31, 34-35; 4:10-12). Who were the “people” in Jesus’ question, “Who do people say that I am?” (v.27)? They were mainly the big crowds that had heard Jesus’ teaching of many things many times (Mk 2:13; 4:1-2; 6:34). They had seen Him cast out demons and heal the sick in very powerful ways (Mk 3:9-11) and were amazed (Mk 1:22, 27; 2:12). And they were fed by Him through His miraculous provision of food (Mk 6:35-44; 8:1-9). But they knew Jesus only as “one of the prophets”, and at best, as John the Baptist and Elijah (v.28). We can be blessed by God, cared for by God and helped by God; but in the final analysis, we do not know who God really is, when the blessing, the care and the help is our primary interest and focus, rather than God Himself – that is, who God is.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to have who God is as my primary interest and focus, as He blesses, cares and helps me?

2020

P R AY E R

but knowing that Your care for me as my Heavenly Father is a given.

10 11

Matthew 6:8 Matthew 6:26, 30

my life, not so that You will care for me,

will care for me.11 So I put You first in

an Giv d et pr ha ais n e ks

child and how much more You

nee

more valuable I am to You as Your

se in

grass, You assure me how much

Tho

In feeding the birds and clothing the

Significant people

knows what I need before I ask You.10

Leaders

God, You are My Heavenly Father who

20 20

Questions on The Way

TUESDAY 7 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:27-30

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of “Christ” being mentioned the first time in the narrative proper of Mark’s Gospel in the present context?

Deeper Reflection

N RABBINIC CIRCLES, it was usually the students who asked the questions and the teacher who provided the answers.12 But here Jesus, an atypical rabbi, asked His disciples the questions (vv.27, 29). It is of significance to note that it was “on the way” (v.27) that Jesus asked them the questions. “The way” here bears theological significance in Mark. It points back to “Your way” and “the way of the Lord” at the beginning of Mark’s Gospel (Mk 1:2-3). Jesus was “on the way” to “Jerusalem” (Mk 10:17, 32) and thus “the way” was “the way” to the cross. And as a corollary to this, “on the way” also refers to “a journey to discipleship”13 for Jesus’ disciples (see Mk 9:33-34). And the central question in the discipleship journey is: “Who do you say that I am?” “You are the Christ [the Messiah]”, was Peter’s answer (v.29b). With Peter functioning as the spokesman for the disciples, his confession was representative of the group. “Christ” is mentioned here the first time in Mark’s narrative proper (cf. Mk 1:1) and in Peter’s confession. In their discipleship journey, the disciples had progressed from “Who then is this?” (Mk 4:41) to “You are the Christ”. Have you been growing in knowing Jesus deeper over time? The disciples’ understanding of Jesus was in stark contrast to the popular view of Jesus (v.28; cf. 6:14-15). Is your understanding of Jesus a biblical vision or a popular view?

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N In what ways have I or have I not been growing in knowing Jesus deeper over time?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To grow in knowing Jesus deeper over time Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

12 13

James A. Brooks, 134 James A. Brooks, 134

20 20

What Kind of Messiah?

WEDNESDAY 8 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:27-31

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of “Jesus began to teach” His disciples about His suffering, rejection, death and resurrection after their confession, “You are the Messiah” (v.31)?

Deeper Reflection

ARK DOES NOT INDICATE whether Jesus accepted or rejected the disciples’ answer, “You are the Christ,” to His question (v.29).14 Moreover, their confession, “although correct, was also inadequate”15. The disciples had a typical Jewish understanding of the promised Messiah as a military conqueror who would deliver the Jews from foreign domination. Thus, at their first confession of Him as the Messiah, Jesus “began to teach them” the true nature and role of the Messiah in Him (v.31). Until now, the disciples had heard Jesus speaking about “the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (Mk 2:10), “the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (Mk 2:28) and from the mouths of demons, “You are the Son of God” (Mk 3:11) and “Son of the Most High God” (Mk 5:7). This portrait of the Son of Man is in sync with Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man, the Messiah (Dan 7:13-14), and as understood by the Jews. But here, for the first time, Jesus taught His disciples that “the Son of Man must suffer many things…be rejected…be killed”, but “after three days rise again” (v.31). God’s way of triumphing over the world’s evil domination over His people is through suffering, rejection, death and resurrection in “the Son of Man” who is “sitting at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mk 14:62).

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I live through the world’s evil domination over the people of God?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

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

For the Next Generation: To know and follow the Suffering Messiah Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

14 15

James A. Brooks, 135 James A. Brooks, 135

20 20

What Kind of King?

THURSDAY 9 July

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

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about the expression, “Behold, your King”, in verses 12 to 15 and John 19:13-20?

Deeper Reflection

N JOHN’S GOSPEL, the word for “king”, basileus, occurs 16 times, and is used only in reference to Jesus, thus underscoring the kingship of Jesus. It is significant that the word “king” occurs 12 times in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus (John 18 and 19). Jesus entered Jerusalem as “the King of Israel” (vv.12-13). But no one would expect that this King would be a crucified King. The glorious “Behold, your King” which comes from God (vv.14-15) became the inglorious “Behold, your King!” declared by Pontius Pilate, who asked the people, “Shall I crucify your King?” (Jn 19:14-15). We must not miss God revealing Himself in Jesus as King on the cross, which John is pointing to us. What kind of King is Jesus? A humble King. The King on the cross is “Jesus the Nazarene” (Jn 19:19 – see Jn 1:45-46). While the inscription on the cross was evil in nature, we must not miss John’s theological irony. “Jesus the Nazarene” is in reality the only true King. Jesus is a humiliated King. The cross is a humiliation from the world. Here is a mystery of the kingdom of God: The true King rules through the cross. It is radically countercultural. Suffering the humiliation is the hidden King. The King remains hidden until He returns, even though He is now the King of kings (Rev 17:14). Until then, we follow this King loyally in His humility, His humiliation and His hiddenness, in a world that says “We have no king but Caesar” (Jn 19:15).

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A P P L I C AT I O N How will I follow the King loyally in His humility, His humiliation and His hiddenness?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To follow Jesus in His humility, humiliation and hiddenness Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Divine “Must” in Discipleship

FRIDAY 10 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:27-33

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about the two contrasting rebukes in verses 31 to 32 and verse 33?

Deeper Reflection

T WAS SO IRONICAL. Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah (v.29) was quickly changed into a confrontation with Jesus: he “took Him aside and began to rebuke Him” (v.32). This results in two contrasting rebukes: Peter rebuking Jesus and Jesus rebuking Peter (v.33a). Behind Peter’s rebuke of Jesus is the problem of human unacceptability of God’s ways. Peter’s nationalistic concept of the Messiah made a suffering Messiah unpalatable and unacceptable to him. At the heart of Peter’s problem is: “You are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man’s” (v.33b). Our human thinking and worldly worldview can easily cause us to stumble over God’s truth and God’s ways. But discipleship is living by the divine necessity. For Jesus, to “suffer…be rejected…be killed…rise again” was a divine must: “the Son of Man must…” (v.31). This absolute necessity was behind the severity of Jesus’ rebuke of Peter: “Get behind Me, Satan!” (v.33a). To Jesus, Peter’s attempt to avert Him from suffering and death was Satanic. Peter’s rebuke of Jesus was tantamount to playing God. “When disciples play God rather than follow Jesus, they inevitably become satanic.”16 And “To think in human terms – when human terms conflict with the things of God – is no longer to be disciple of Jesus but a disciple of Satan”17.

A P P L I C AT I O N What are the ways of God that I find difficult to accept and what changes do I need to make regarding that?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI Leaders: To embrace the difficult ways of God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

16 17

James R. Edwards, 255 James R. Edwards, 255

20 20

Progressing in Realistic Discipleship

SATURDAY 11 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:14-21, 22-26, 27-33

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Mark arranging the stories in verses 14 to 21 and 22 to 26 before the story in verses 27 to 29?

Deeper Reflection

ISCIPLESHIP IS A KEY THEME in Mark’s Gospel. Now at the midpoint of Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ disciples were at the midpoint of their discipleship journey. When Jesus called them to follow Him, they immediately answered His call, but not without paying a price (Mk 1:16-20). Following Jesus consists of the Great Communion, and the Great Commission which flows from it (Mk 3:13-15). As insiders in relation to Jesus (Mk 3:31-35), they were “given the mystery of the kingdom of God” (Mk 4:10-12, 33-34). With this spiritual privilege, they ought to have been able to see and understand, but they responded to Jesus’ divine self-revelation with “Who then is this?” (Mk 4:35-41). Having twice seen Jesus miraculously feeding the crowds, they “had not gained any insight” and “their hearts were hardened” (Mk 6:34-52; 8:1-21). And they “stand in the gravest danger”, for “an ignorant heart cannot harden itself. Only a knowing heart can harden itself ”18. It seems like a regression in their discipleship. But Jesus was not going to quit on them. After His sevenfold rebuke for their lack of understanding (vv.17-21), He opened their “eyes” to “see” Him (vv.22-26): “You are the Christ” (vv.27-29). But this significant progress was followed by a setback (vv.31-33). Realistic biblical discipleship is a three steps forward, two steps back journey. But two steps back is not the end of our discipleship story. Biblical discipleship is redemptive discipleship.

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I respond to the two steps back in my discipleship journey?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To not lose heart over setbacks in discipleship Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, 240

20 20 SUNDAY 12 July

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JULY 2020

ON GOD’S TEAM (6) *

Players stick together. Scripture: Daniel 3

ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members to stand in a tight circle with their backs to each other. Get three balloons and ask them to hold them up with their backs. Then ask everyone to move together from one end of the room to the other end without dropping any balloons. After the game, get your family to share their thoughts about togetherness.

CHAT TIME Q1: What do good friends do when you face a problem? Q2: How does God show you that He will stand by you when you face problems? Q3: How can you and your friends commit to stick by each other at all times?

LEARNING POINT Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to worship a gold idol which the King had built. So, the King gave an order for the three men to be thrown into a hot furnace. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood by each other. They were willing to die instead of serving other gods. God protected them throughout their time in the furnace. The three friends came out of the furnace unhurt! Sticking together means that you will be there for someone no matter what, just as God is always there for us. He will never leave us to handle a difficult situation alone.

ACTION POINT Plan a family activity together, for example cooking a dish, playing a game or solving a riddle.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for His guidance and help in our lives. Pray for determination to keep God’s teachings in our hearts so that more people will gain salvation through Him. *Adapted from “In God’s Team, https://open.life.church/ categories/303-elementary”

20 20

Destiny-Changing Prayers

MONDAY 13 July

S CRIPTURE Genesis 32:22-31

O B S E RVAT I O N What was at the heart of Jacob’s cry in his wrestling with the man (v.26)?

Deeper Reflection

N FEARFUL ANTICIPATION of meeting his elder brother Esau again, Jacob had strategised a plan and agonised over it in prayer. Ahead of himself and his family, Jacob sent his servants with hundreds of livestock, which were to be a huge present to appease his angry brother (see Gen 32:13-21). Then, having sent his family across the ford of the Jabbok, Jacob was alone. In the dark. Burdened. It was at this very moment of fear and isolation that “a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day” (v.24). The man was no ordinary person. This divine encounter led to Jacob’s desperate plea for blessing. In Jacob’s life story, there was shame. Growing up as the younger twin in the shadow of Esau, his father’s favoured one, Jacob had to fend for himself. He stole Esau’s birthright and blessing and also outwitted his uncle Laban. Jacob was a supplanter, a deceiver. Who could change a life like that? God could… and would. To transform Jacob’s shameful past and uncertain future, God visited him at this place where pain was turned into prayer. As they wrestled through the night, Jacob came to a point where it was all or nothing: “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” This prayer at dawn changed Jacob’s destiny forever. Overnight, Jacob became Israel (v.28), the supplanter became the prevailer. A new name, a new identity and a new destiny! In God’s hands, Israel became the nation through which all the nations of the world would hear of God’s glory and countless people would come to believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God.

A P P L I C AT I O N How will I commit to pray for the nations, given that our all-powerful God can change people’s destinies in answer to our prayers?

2020

P R AY E R O Lord, You alone hold all the nations of the world

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

in Your hands. You alone can transform broken histories into new stories that glorify Your name.

Pray for leaders:

Through the pain of our fallen human experience, whether caused by natural disasters, diseases, loss of identity, meaninglessness

Pray for significant people:

or moral decay, may all nations truly repent and turn to You. Then the nations will be blessed and

Pray for those in need:

their destinies transformed. Teach us to prevail in prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pray for self:

20 20

A House of Prayer for All Peoples

TUESDAY 14 July

S CRIPTURE Isaiah 56:1-8

O B S E RVAT I O N Which people will have a place in the house of the Lord and who will gather them there?

Deeper Reflection

N A PICTURE, God’s Mission is the gathering of peoples to His holy mountain and into His house. To the Jews, it would be surprising that these peoples included foreigners (vv.3, 6), eunuchs (vv.3-4), outcasts of Israel (v.8) and even a group called “yet others” (v.8). God does not differentiate between ethnicities and social status. Indeed, He called His house “a house of prayer for all peoples” (v.7). There are at least three theological principles here: (1) Mission is God-initiated. “Mission” (capital “M”, singular) is what God and God alone does to bring all peoples to Himself. God Himself declares, “I will bring” (v.7) and “I will gather” (v.8). (2) Missions is church-driven. The Lord said to His people, “Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my righteousness be revealed” (v.1). Therefore, “missions” (lowercase “m”, plural) is the mandate of God’s people to live as Christ’s witnesses in the world until He returns. (3) Praying precedes going. Many think of missions in terms of going or disciple-making. That is correct but inadequate. Since it is God alone who initiates Mission, we cannot but first come back to Him as the Source of all our outreach. In addition, God’s house is “a house of prayer for all nations” (v.7, NIV). This is God’s original design and purpose of His house – a prayer house for all the nations of the world. Jesus did not tolerate it when people perverted God’s intention for His house of prayer and worship (Matt 21:12-13). Let us pray passionately for missions, so that the nations will come to worship the Lord God!

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I intentionally make praying for specific nations a priority in my life and discipleship?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To have hearts that beat with God’s heartbeat for the nations Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

No Timelier Time to Pray

WEDNESDAY 15 July

S CRIPTURE John 12:20-26

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the theological significance of the group of Greeks seeking Jesus?

Deeper Reflection

HE CHRONOLOGICAL CANVAS of God is painted with milestones that people easily miss. As the Greeks came to Jesus, He uttered these puzzling words, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” (v.23). What hour has come? What significance was there in a few non-Jews coming to Jesus? How was Jesus to be glorified? To align ourselves with God’s mandate for missions, we must first align ourselves with God’s sense of timing and purpose. Jesus was sensitive to God’s divine rhythm and season. From Jesus’ perspective, time was marked not so much by hours and minutes as by divine signals and messages sent from heaven for the doing of His Father’s will. Likewise, if we align ourselves to God’s story as unfolded in the Bible, we will be more responsive to His divine agenda and live out a discipleship that can usher into God’s house even people groups that are called “yet others” (Isa 56:7-8). The Greeks’ coming to Jesus heralded the expansion of God’s kingdom towards its peripheries, encompassing the nations formerly remote from God’s name and ways. Israel’s rejection of God was an open door for all the other nations to come and embrace Him. At the climax of this transition was the glory that was revealed when Jesus died on the cross. Jesus saw the Greeks coming to Him and knew that the cross was near. For us living on the other side of the cross, what do we see? For us at the threshold of Jesus’ second coming (note the catastrophic world events), what should we do?

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I live my life so that praying for the world becomes a daily discipleship journey?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

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

Pray for the Next Generation: To see as God sees, feel as He feels, go where He directs and do what He says Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Giving Our All to God (1)

THURSDAY 16 July

S CRIPTURE Matthew 15:29-39

O B S E RVAT I O N What do you observe about the disciples’ response (v.33)?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS SAW the brokenness and needs of the people that were brought to him. The lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others. The demands were so great that He was healing the people out in the wilderness continually over three days. The great crowd of Gentiles were so amazed and started praising “the God of Israel” (v.31). Then, a food crisis arose. When Jesus shared His concern with His disciples (v.32), they were quick to protest about the logistical challenge and completely missed the heart of the matter! Perhaps it was not the lack of resources that they were worried about, since they had witnessed Jesus feeding a larger crowd in the past. More likely, their Jewish worldview hindered them from opening their hearts to the Gentiles. Their hearts failed to beat with the deep compassion that moved Jesus. Today, the brokenness and needs in the world are great and the doors for outreach are wide open. When the migrant community in Singapore was hit by the COVID-19 crisis, many Christians stepped forward to give money, purchase and deliver meals and groceries to the workers, as well as to spend time engaging and encouraging them. As we prayerfully consider how we can contribute and be part of God’s work in missions, let us first ask God for a heart of compassion. When we are moved by compassion as Jesus was, we will contribute all that we can and see God multiply even our seven loaves and a few small fish and mightily use our humble service to lead many souls into His Kingdom.

A P P L I C AT I O N What is hindering me from having a heart of compassion?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To have God’s compassion to see people’s great needs and meet them in His love Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Giving Our All to God (2)

FRIDAY 17 July

S CRIPTURE John 4:1-42

O B S E RVAT I O N What made the woman so surprised when Jesus spoke to her at the well (v.9)?

Deeper Reflection

HE CONVERSATION at the well was an uncomfortable scene. The act of Jesus conversing with a Samaritan woman broke at least two taboos of the day: (1) Socially, it was unacceptable for a man to speak with a woman privately (vv.9a, 27);19 and (2) Religiously, Jews and Samaritans were hostile towards each other due to inherited theological animosities (v.9b).20 Jesus cared for people more than cultural divides and He willingly broke these barriers to reach the woman. Jesus’ ultimate concern was for her soul (v.10). He took time to enter her life and revealed Himself as the Messiah she had been waiting for. As a result, the life of the woman and many others in that town were forever changed (vv.39-42). Missions may appear daunting to many. It takes time to enter a person’s world. The effort to do so increases dramatically when our culture, background and language are different. However, we have no excuse not to do it when we already have access to them in our workplace, our neighbourhood and even in our homes. If we are willing to give some of our time to grow our cultural intelligence by learning simple greetings, their customs and culture and what matters to them, we may one day find ourselves in the position to reveal Jesus to them. May we be willing to overcome our discomfort and give our all to God, so that the lives of many people will be forever changed by Jesus the Messiah.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What is one area that I want to invest my time in, so as to grow my cultural intelligence?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To grow their cultural intelligence for missions and lead their members by example Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

19 20

D. A. Carson, The Gospel according to John, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (IVP, 1991), 218. D. A. Carson, 216.

20 20

The God Who Gave His All for Us

SATURDAY 18 July

S CRIPTURE John 10:11-18

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Jesus’ words in verse 16?

Deeper Reflection

UT OF THE WORLD’S POPULATION of 7.67 billion today, about 41.6% or 3.19 billion people are still unreached by the Gospel today.21 59% of the unreached people are found in Asia, right where we are. These numbers are sobering in the light of the global pandemic and catastrophic events that have happened so far in this year alone. Truly, how fragile are our lives and how desperately people need the eternal hope that is found only in Jesus Christ. The work of missions is still unfinished. How assuring are the words of Jesus in verses 14 to 18! He is the good shepherd who knows us intimately. He knows that we are utterly helpless and defenceless against the greatest disease called sin which infects the whole of humanity. Therefore, He willingly laid down His life to break us free from the fearsome grip of sin. Back then, even as Jesus looked ahead to the cross, the world was very much on His mind. He longed to gather all His sheep – be they Jew or Gentile – to be under Himself, so that they become “one flock” under “one shepherd” (v.16). And Jesus will accomplish it! The work of missions exists because of our God who gave His all for our sake. We are called to be part of the work that He is doing in gathering His sheep from all the nations (Matt 28:19-20). We all have a part to play. Therefore, let us follow Jesus our Shepherd faithfully and give ourselves boldly to be His witnesses to the nations.

A P P L I C AT I O N What is one thing that I want to commit myself to do in missions?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To be steadfast and faithful in labouring for our church’s missions in Asia and beyond Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/statistics

20 20 SUNDAY 19 July

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JULY 2020

ON GOD’S TEAM (7)*

Players can’t win alone. Scripture: Exodus 32, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

ACTIVITY BITE Discuss with your family members about games that are better played together to win, instead of doing it alone. Explain why everyone can win by playing together.

CHAT TIME Q1: Why does it sometimes seem easier to just do things alone? Q2: How does Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 help us understand that we can win together? Q3: When you do everything alone, you’re preventing others from participating. Why should you want everyone to play a part?

LEARNING POINT In Exodus 32, Moses and Aaron worked as a team with different roles – Moses would lead the Israelites, while Aaron helped him. When Aaron felt that Moses was away up at the mountain for too long, he decided to let the Israelites build an idol to worship. He stopped working as a team to wait for Moses to come back. Instead, he tried to do it alone, and as a result, the people sinned against God. No player can win alone, no matter how good they are. When we try to do it alone, we will get tired and discouraged easily. God wants us to win together, not alone by ourselves.

ACTION POINT Think of one common thing that everyone in your family wants to get better at. Discuss how everyone can play a part to help each other win together.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for giving us family and friends. Pray that we can work together, so that we can win together. *Adapted from “In God’s Team, https://open.life.church/ categories/303-elementary”

20 20

To See, Feel and Act

MONDAY 20 July

S CRIPTURE Matthew 9:35-10:8

O B S E RVAT I O N How did Jesus respond when He saw the crowds?

Deeper Reflection

S JESUS WENT ABOUT His ministry of teaching, proclaiming the Gospel and healing the sick and afflicted (v.35), He saw the crowds and he had compassion for them, for He saw their true state (v.36). To feel compassion is to be moved in our inward parts. It is a deep and strong feeling that we experience when we can truly see the suffering of other people and the predicament that they are in. Jesus saw beyond the people’s physical diseases and afflictions to their spiritual lostness – “they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (v.36b). To meet the people’s needs and help them get out of their predicament, Jesus instructed His disciples to earnestly pray to the Lord of the harvest to send workers into the harvest field (vv.37-38). True vision leads to deep compassion which leads to earnest intercession. Jesus did not stop there. He next called His disciples, gave them authority over demons, diseases and afflictions, and sent them out into the harvest field − first to the Jews − to proclaim the Gospel and to heal the sick and afflicted (Matt 10:1-8a). The disciples were God’s chosen answer to their prayers for lost people. Still today, Jesus the Lord of the Harvest, calls us as His disciples to see with compassion those who are spiritually lost without Him, whether Jews or Gentiles. The Lord wants us not only to pray and ask Him to send out labourers, but to be personally ready to act and step into the harvest field – obedient action.

A P P L I C AT I O N What do I hear the Lord saying to me regarding the needs of lost people and how will I respond?

2020

P R AY E R Lord Jesus, “Let it start with me. Open up my eyes. Fill my

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

heart with Your compassion. Free my mind from all distractions. Use my hands to set the captive free. Move my

Pray for leaders:

feet to follow after You. Lord, change the world and let it start with me.”22 Amen. Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Words from the chorus of the song, “Let It Start With Me”, by No Other Name: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=9H_hmNqls7A

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The Sent and the Sender

TUESDAY 21 July

S CRIPTURE John 20:19-23

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Jesus’ words to His disciples at His first appearance to them after His resurrection?

Deeper Reflection

HE SETTING of this passage is in Jerusalem on the very evening after Jesus’ resurrection (see Jn 20:1-18). Jesus appeared before His disciples to show them proof that He has indeed conquered death and overcome the kingdom of darkness, and also to set them apart for the mission that was ahead of them. Jesus commissioned His disciples with these words: “… As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you” (v.21). Jesus defined Himself in terms of the One sent by the Father and His disciples in terms of the ones sent by Himself. The manner and mission of sending is similar. Authority is given by “the sender” to “the sent” to carry out the mission of proclaiming the message. The message of “the sender” and “the sent” is that of salvation in the name of Jesus Christ, which is to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth. Prior to His ascension into heaven, Jesus the Sent One became the Sender and commissioned His disciples to be His messengers and representatives on earth. Then, immediately, Jesus breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (v.22).23 Notice that all three persons of the Godhead − the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit − are involved in the commissioning. Brothers and sisters, the Lord has sent us to be His messengers. We can go with courage and confidence, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to empower our ministry and His presence will be with us at all times (“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age”, Matt 28:20b).

A P P L I C AT I O N What is my response to the Lord Jesus saying to me, “As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you”’?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To walk in faithfulness to the calling God has given for their life Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

NET Bible’s study note on verse 22 offers an explanation of how this incident in verse 22 relates to the account of the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2: “It appears best to view these as two separate events which have two somewhat different purposes. This was the giving of life itself, which flowed out from within (cf. Jn 7:38-39). The giving of power would occur later, on the day of Pentecost − power to witness and carry out the mission the disciples had been given (it is important to remember that in the historical unfolding of God’s programme for the church, these events occurred in a chronological sequence which, after the church has been established, is not repeatable today).” Regarding verse 23, the NET Bible’s study note gives this view: “The statement by Jesus about forgiving or retaining anyone’s sins finds its closest parallel in Matthew 16:19 and 18:18. This is probably not referring to apostolic power to forgive or retain the sins of individuals (as it is sometimes understood), but to the “power” of proclaiming this forgiveness which was entrusted to the disciples. This is consistent with the idea that the disciples are to carry on the ministry of Jesus after he has departed from the world and returned to the Father, a theme which occurred in the Farewell Discourse (cf. Jn 15:27; 16:1-4; 17:18).”

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The Holy Spirit and the Church in Missions

WEDNESDAY 22 July

S CRIPTURE Acts 13:1-3, 44-49

O B S E RVAT I O N How was the Holy Spirit at work in the sending out of Barnabas and Saul by the church at Antioch?

Deeper Reflection

FORE BARNABAS AND SAUL (also called Paul, Acts 13:9) entered the scene, the Christians in Antioch were already proclaiming the Gospel to the Jews and the Greeks there and “a great number” believed and turned to the Lord Jesus (Acts 11:19-21). Subsequently, Barnabas and Saul came to Antioch to minister to the fledgling church and spent a year teaching the believers (Acts 11:22-26). In Acts 13, we see the church at Antioch being propelled into a new era of missionary engagement. As the believers were worshipping and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke to them (presumably through one or more of the prophets present there) to “set apart” (or dedicate) Barnabas and Saul for the work to which God had called them (v.2). Although it seems that the Holy Spirit did not at this point specify the nature of work that Barnabas and Saul were called to,24 it becomes clear to us that they were to go to the eastern Mediterranean region to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles (vv.46-47). The church at Antioch played a key role in this advance of the Gospel. The believers promptly obeyed the Holy Spirit, commissioned (by the laying of their hands) Barnabas and Saul − two of their top leaders − and sent them off for the Lord’s work (v.3). Ultimately, it is the Holy Spirit who sends His workers out (“So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit”, v.4). We cannot separate the Holy Spirit’s sending and the church’s sending of the Lord’s workers to the mission fields. The church must be obedient to the Holy Spirit, even when it means sending out our best leaders.

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A P P L I C AT I O N List down the names of missionaries whom you know and pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to be upon them as they serve in the work to which God has called them.

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

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

For the Next Generation: To be empowered by the Holy Spirit as Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s witnesses wherever God places them (schools, workplaces, local or overseas mission fields) Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Otherwise Luke, the writer of the book of Acts, would presumably have recorded it.

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The Name of Jesus

THURSDAY 23 July

S CRIPTURE Matthew 1:18-25

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of the two God-given names of Mary’s son?

Deeper Reflection

ARY, A VIRGIN (“before they came together”, v.18), was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit (vv.18, 20). The prediction of the angel of the Lord that Mary will bear a son (v.21) was declared to be the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Isaiah 7:14. This son was to be called “Immanuel”, which means “God with us” (v.23). This name is so reassuring for our fallen and sinful human race, because into our dark and hopeless situation, God has come to give us light and hope in Immanuel. God is with us! The angel also revealed to Joseph the other name to be given to this child – “Jesus”, which means “Yahweh saves”. This name is so fitting, because Jesus came to save His people from their sins (v.21b). The name “Immanuel” revealed who He is: God incarnate, God with us. The name “Jesus” revealed what He will do: He will save all of God’s people from their sins. Only Jesus alone can be the perfect, atoning sacrifice for our sins, because He is God incarnate, the sinless Son of God, who is fully God and fully man. Thus, only Jesus can save God’s people. Who Jesus is makes possible what He will do. And people are saved by God’s grace through faith alone in Jesus alone. Those who are God’s people will believe in Jesus Christ. This is our confidence in carrying out God’s Mission: that it is God’s will that all His people will be saved through faith in His Son Jesus Christ; therefore our preaching of Christ to all nations will not be in vain.25

A P P L I C AT I O N How does knowing Jesus as “Yahweh saves” and “God with us” help me in answering God’s call to go and make disciples of all nations?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To have the heartbeat of God for the lost and lead the church to be His messengers of the good news Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Further, we have the promise that “God (Immanuel) will be with His disciples in every age, to empower them in their commission to “make disciples of all nations” − as Jesus reaffirms in the closing words of Matthew’s Gospel: “behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (cf. Matt 28:20).” The ESV Study Bible (Crossway, 2008), 1822.

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The Missional Heart of God

FRIDAY 24 July

S CRIPTURE Jonah 4:1-11

O B S E RVAT I O N How does Jonah’s attitude towards the people of Nineveh compare with God’s heart towards them (make a table of comparison)?

Deeper Reflection

HE PRIMARY THEME of the book of Jonah is that “God’s compassion is boundless, not limited just to “us” but also available for “them”26. Jonah wilfully disobeyed God’s call to go to Nineveh (Jon 1:1-3). Only after his “big fish encounter” did Jonah repent and obey. Jonah went to Nineveh and warned this hated enemy nation of God’s impending judgment (Jon 3:1-4). As a result, the people of Nineveh repented and God relented from His judgment (3:5-10). But because of God’s merciful response to Nineveh’s repentance, Jonah was greatly upset and angry enough to want to die (vv.1, 3). Jonah could not see the people of Nineveh as God saw them. So, God took Jonah through an “object lesson” − the lesson of the plant, the worm and the scorching east wind (vv.6-8) − to help him understand God’s missional27 heart for sinners. It was striking that Jonah felt as angry over the undestroyed city as he did over the destroyed plant (vv.1-4 cf. vv.8-9). Note the contrast between Jonah’s compassion for one plant with Jonah’s hardheartedness towards more than 120,000 Ninevites (vv.10-11). God revealed His missional heart for the lost and sought to align Jonah’s heart to His compassionate heart for them. The question God posed Jonah in verse 11 prompts this question which I believe our gracious and merciful God poses us today: Should we not learn to see people as God sees them and feel the compassion that He has for the great number of lost sinners in our city and the cities in our neighbouring countries?28

A P P L I C AT I O N What is God saying to me today as I contemplate His missional heart?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To grow in compassion for the lost and develop a missional lifestyle Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

The ESV Study Bible (Crossway, 2008), 1684. The idea of “missional” has to do with the fact that mission is rooted in the being and character of the Trinitarian God who is fully committed to making it possible for sinful men and women to be restored to fellowship with God. 28 Only 7.9% of the world’s population today are evangelical Christians: http://www.operationworld.org/wrld 27

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Go as Christ’s Disciples

SATURDAY 25 July

S CRIPTURE Romans 10:9-15

O B S E RVAT I O N What was the message that the apostle Paul wanted to convey through his four questions in verses 14 to 15?

Deeper Reflection

HERE IS NO DISTINCTION between Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus Christ, for “the same Lord is Lord of all” (v.12) and He saves all who call on His name (v.13). There is salvation only in Jesus Christ, by His name alone are people saved (Acts 4:12). This message of salvation is to be proclaimed to people of all ethnicities throughout the world. Why must messengers go and proclaim that message? The apostle Paul gives the answer by asking four consecutive questions in verses 14 to 15 beginning with “How…?” and using five key verbs − “call”, “believe”, “hear”, “preach” and “send”. Paul makes the compelling point that “unless some people are commissioned for the task, there will be no Gospel preachers; unless the Gospel is preached, sinners will not hear Christ’s message and voice; unless they hear Him, they will not believe the truths of his death and resurrection; unless they believe these truths, they will not call on Him; and unless they call on His name, they will not be saved.”29 To go to unreached people necessitates the use of our feet. Hence, Paul says, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (v.15, quoting from Isa 52:7). Whose beautiful feet are to go to the nations of the earth? Those who have called on the name of the Lord Jesus and have believed in Him for salvation! None other than Christ’s disciples! That includes you and me. Jesus commanded us, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” Will you obey the Great Commission and go proclaim the Gospel to the unreached?

A P P L I C AT I O N As a disciple of Christ, how will I seek to live a full life30 and make it count towards the fulfillment of the Great Commission?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To walk in godly wisdom and lead the church to obey the Great Commission Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

29 30

John Stott, The Message of Romans, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 1994), 286-287. Jim Elliot, the martyred missionary to Ecuador, had this perspective on life: “I seek not a long life, but a full one, like You, Lord Jesus.”

20 20 SUNDAY 26 July

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JULY 2020

ON GOD’S TEAM (8)*

Players change the world. Scripture: Luke 9:1-6

ACTIVITY BITE Imagine that God will answer any three of your prayers for the world within one month. Discuss as a family and come to an agreement on these three prayer items.

CHAT TIME Q1: Why does God care about changing the world? Q2: Why does God care about using us to change the world? Q3: Why should we care about helping others to change their lives?

LEARNING POINT In Luke 9:1-6, the disciples listened and learned from Jesus, and then He gave them the power and authority to go out on their own and tell others about how much God loves them. They really did change the world! God has great tasks for the church. On God’s team, we can accomplish more than we can on our own. When we follow Him, He gives us the power to tell others about Him. That’s how we change the world from following its own ways to following God’s ways.

ACTION POINT Think of a relative or friend who does not know Jesus. Discuss with your family how you can all can work together to help this person believe in Jesus.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for allowing us to do His work. Pray that every member of the church will do things to change the world for Jesus. *Adapted from “In God’s Team, https://open.life.church/categories/303-elementary”

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Three Basic Questions in Discipleship

MONDAY 27 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:34-38

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the meaning of “deny themselves” and “take up their cross” in following Jesus (v.34)?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS IS MAKING a solemn call to discipleship (vv.34-38). And we ought to ask and answer three basic questions in relation to this call. Do I want to follow Jesus? Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me…”. We are given a choice to make, but not a choice without consequences, as Jesus shows shortly. It soon becomes clear that following Jesus is inevitable and imperative. Why do I want to follow Jesus? Central in Jesus’ call to discipleship is the Jesus-“Me” – “come after Me” and “follow Me”. Our reason for following Jesus has to do with Jesus Himself: Who Jesus is. Hence, following Jesus is shaped by knowing Jesus. What does it mean to follow Jesus? It means one “must deny” oneself. To deny oneself is “not to do without something or even many things”, or “self-rejection or self-hatred, nor is it even the disowning of particular sins”31. It is to “renounce the self as the dominant element in life” and “replace the self with God-in-Christ as the subject of affections” and “to place the divine will before the self-will”32. It means to “take up” our “cross”. In the first Christian century, it was “an admonition to martyrdom”33. But “when martyrdom ceased to be common, cross-bearing properly became a symbol of following Jesus in sacrificial service”34. Discipleship involves sacrifice and suffering – sacrifice and suffering in any way.

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A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to deny myself and take up the cross and follow Jesus?

2020

P R AY E R Lord Jesus, I honestly confess that I am afraid to

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

go to where You are taking me as I seek to follow You. But You know that the pathway of the cross is no

Pray for leaders:

easy path to walk. Still I come to You, in weakness, in fear and in much trembling, asking You to hold on to

Pray for significant people:

me as we walk together through this compelling and frightening landscape of the kingdom of God.

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James A. Brooks, 137 James A. Brooks, 137 33 James A. Brooks, 137 34 James A. Brooks, 137 32

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Redemption Cross and Discipleship Cross

TUESDAY 28 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:31, 34; Luke 9:22-23

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the connection between Jesus’ passion prediction (v.31) and call to discipleship (v.34)?

Deeper Reflection

T IS AT JESUS’ first passion prediction (v.31) that He made the call to discipleship (v.34). The two ideas – redemption (v.31) and discipleship (v.34), are not without theological connection. Luke makes the connection clearly and sharply by juxtaposing the two ideas (Lk 9:22-23). Very often we hear of Luke 9:23 being cited in teaching on discipleship, but seldom in relation to Luke 9:22. Biblical discipleship does not begin with Luke 9:23. It begins with Luke 9:22. Luke 9:23 (discipleship) is possible only because of Luke 9:22 (redemption). And Luke 9:22 is to be the impetus for Luke 9:23. Luke 9:22-23 means: Discipleship is walking the pathway of the redemptive cross of Christ. We often talk about the need to die to self. But we can talk about dying to self with a rather anthropocentric and egocentric spirit. We are not to die to self with the self alone. Biblically, it is die to self with Christ – a Christocentric dying to self. We see ourselves dying to self with the self alone, because we look at discipleship only through Luke 9:23 without seeing and having Luke 9:22 as the foundation and starting point. Paul sees his dying to self as “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I…but Christ” (Gal 2:20), and in the same spirit, “May it never be that I would boast, except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:14). It is Christocentric redemptive discipleship.

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I see the redemption cross and the discipleship cross in my discipleship journey?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To live by the redemption cross and the discipleship cross Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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Jesus’ Total and Exclusive Claim

WEDNESDAY 29 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:34-35

O B S E RVAT I O N What is Jesus teaching about saving and losing one’s life in following Him?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS EXPLAINS the meaning of discipleship with four statements which begin with the conjunction “For” (Mk 8:35-38), showing four reasons for taking up the cross and following Him (v.34).35 The first reason is given in terms of saving and losing one’s “soul” or “life” (v.35). The Greek word psychē – translated as “soul” or “life” (repeated four times in Mark 8:35-37), means “personhood” – is “the core of one’s existence that is not limited to boundaries of time and space”36, which is larger than one’s physical life and existence. Discipleship calls for the willingness to lose our physical life “for My sake and the Gospel’s”. Any attempt to preserve (“save”) our physical life will jeopardise (“lose”) the more essential being of us. And this losing happens now – not just in the “future eternity” – in terms of losing what is only valuable and imperishable in life: our relationship with God and the things of God. The irony in discipleship is: What we cannot keep secure by preserving it can only be kept secure by forsaking it in following Jesus on the way of the cross. Jesus shows here that His claim over our lives is total and exclusive. “It does not allow a convenient compartmentalisation of natural life and religious life, of secular and sacred. The whole person stands under Christ’s claim.”37

A P P L I C AT I O N What is it like for me to know that Christ has total and exclusive claim over my whole person?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

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

For the Next Generation: To yield to Jesus’ total and exclusive claim over their lives Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

35 36 37

James R. Edwards, 257 James R. Edwards, 257 James R. Edwards, 258

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The Ultimate Realities of Life

THURSDAY 30 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:34-36

O B S E RVAT I O N How is Jesus’ rhetorical question in verse 36 related to His call to discipleship in verses 34 to 35?

Deeper Reflection

HE TERMS “profit”, “gain” and “forfeit” in Jesus’ rhetorical question, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (v.36), show that it is a question about the value and worth of a human “soul” and the “whole world”. The world is a very attractive reality that humans are drawn to, to love it and to devote and invest their lives in it (1 Jn 2:15-16). How do we see the worth of the whole world? As defined by the world itself or by Jesus? Jesus defines the worth of the world by comparing it with the worth of a human soul. A human soul is worth more than “the whole world”. Indeed, “apart from God, the soul is the one without compare”38. The human soul is of “infinite worth”39. Thus, it is foolish to lose something greater (the soul) to gain something lesser (the world), which will turn out to be total loss and absolutely no gain. And what is the worth of a human soul that is redeemed by the blood of Christ? A double infinite worth! And tied to the worth of a human soul is the worth of following Jesus. Following Jesus is not just going about doing the Christian religious things. It is to lose one’s life “for My sake” – that is, “loyalty to Jesus as Lord”40 and “for the Gospel’s sake” – which means, “in submission and obedience to the message of the kingdom of God”41 (v.35). Is Jesus worth following all the way?

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I respond to the question, “Is Jesus worth following all the way?”

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To follow Jesus all the way no matter what Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, 258 James R. Edwards, 258 Mark L. Strauss, Mark, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan, 2014), 373 41 Mark L. Strauss, 373 39 40

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An Inescapable Choice to Make

FRIDAY 31 July

S CRIPTURE Mark 8:34-37

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Jesus’ question in verse 37 in relation to discipleship?

Deeper Reflection

N JESUS’ CALL to discipleship in the context of the ultimate realities of life – the soul and the world (v.36), He poses a question that underscores an inescapable reality: “What will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (v.37). Humans have to “give” something or someone “in exchange for his soul.” There is no sitting on the fence. There are only two options laid before us: follow Jesus or follow the world. And we must choose. There is a great contest for allegiance and loyalty to God and to gods going on in reality. Behind the world is “the god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4) and “the ruler of this world” (Jn 12:31) – Satan. There is no having the best of both worlds. We prefer to have the best of both worlds – God and the world, and we attempt to do so through compromise. But compromise is a Satanic seduction. It is illusive and deceptive. Jesus has made it crystal clear: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other” (Matt 6:24). Jesus defines following Him in terms of “deny himself and take up the cross” (v.34) – a life of sacrifice and suffering. The cross is to be endured, not enjoyed (Heb 12:2). Is it wise and worthwhile to choose discipleship pain over worldly pleasure?

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I respond to the question, “Is it wise and worthwhile to choose discipleship pain over worldly pleasure?”

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To be able to endure the discipleship cross Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Notes