June Devotional Journal 2017

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

You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill.

You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.

HAGGAI 1:6 (ESV)

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

You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm.

And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.

HAGGAI 1:6 (ESV)

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

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MEMORY FOCUS E Z R A

&

H A G G A I

( E S V )

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

EZRA 1:1

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

EZRA 3:11

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

EZRA 5:5

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

EZRA 5:11

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M AY

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

HAGGAI 1:4

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

HAGGAI 1:6

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

HAGGAI 2:4

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

EZRA 7:10

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

EZRA 7:28B

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

EZRA 8:31B

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

EZRA 9:13

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

EZRA 10:4

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FOREWORD

BY SENIOR PASTORS Vision 2028 is spurring Covenant EFC to fulfil her Intentional Disciple Making Church (IDMC) mission within the Church, in our nation and among the nations. local church with a national and global influence.

A people with devotion, depth and destiny.

God has given Acts 20:28 as a spiritual anchor for our journey towards Vision 2028.

“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” – Acts 20:28 (ESV) At last year’s Listening Retreat, God continued to urge us to possess the following:

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A Firm FOUNDATION in God “For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations …”

– Hebrews 11:10a (ESV) Jesus Christ is the firm foundation of Covenant EFC. Laying a firm foundation for a healthy church means seeking, knowing, loving and proclaiming Christ (Phil 3). How are you building your foundation in Christ today? Your daily devotion is the best place to start!

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A Bold FAITH in God’s Faithfulness “And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) A bold faith opposes doubt which slows us, opposes fear which paralyses us and opposes apathy which derails us. Bold faith in God’s faithfulness means our allegiance is unto God. Luke 6:46 says, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I tell you?” There is a holy dissatisfaction with our lukewarmness, fear and apathy. Our bold faith in God will see Him restore our spiritual zeal and do far greater things beyond Vision 2028 (Psa 80).

How can you be bold in your faith in Christ today? How about B.L.E.S.S.-ing those around you who have yet to know Him? A Burning Focus Towards FRUITFULNESS for God “…whose designer and builder is God …” – Hebrews 11:10b (ESV) God is the Designer and has a destiny for us! God is the Builder and has the resources! He showed us a promise in Isaiah 37:30-31, “And this shall be a sign for you: this year you shall eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs from that. Then in the third year sow and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.”Authentic discipleship is about people, not just programmes. Intentional Disciplemaking is about reproducing people of A Certain Kind, not just attending an event.

In the process of making disciples, we must not lose sight of the end result of fruitfulness. Will you pray for God to make you fruitful as you abide in Him daily? Are you ready for the harvest of fruitfulness that He has promised?

This year as we “Return to Our Foundation”, Covenant EFC’s pulpit and Devotional Journal will be mostly based on the books of Ezra and Haggai.

May you have a blessed year of studying, practising and teaching God’s Word (Ezr 7:10)!

In Christ, Rev Tony Yeo and Rev Tan Kay Kiong

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GUIDE TO USING THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

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Prepare your heart in God’s presence ■ Select a fixed time (preferably in the morning before you begin your day) and a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed.

■ Observe a moment of silence as you acknowledge God’s presence. Centre down.

■ Begin with a song of worship. Meditate on the lyrics even if you are unfamiliar with the tune.

(Refer to the list of worship songs provided.)

■ Ask God to open your heart to hear Him. The English Standard Version (ESV) is the default Bible version translation unless otherwise specified.

SOMETHING TO PONDER...

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

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W H AT ’ S N E W I N 2 0 1 7 ?

Prayer pointers for Pastors and Staff are included every Tuesday. On each Friday, there is a prayer pointer for Lay Leaders (e.g. Board Members, Zone Mentors, CG Leaders, Assistant CG Leaders, and Ministry Leaders), to facilitate your prayer for whoever God brings to your mind at that time.

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Allow God to S.O.A.P. you with His Word and Spirit ■ Scripture – Take your time to meditate on the Scripture passage for the day. Pause and mull over words and phrases that stand out to you.

■ Observation – Jot down significant insights and reflections from the passage you have read. You may use the guiding questions provided. The “Deeper Reflection” section is to aid your contemplation of the Scripture. It is not to replace your own observation, for the Holy Spirit illuminates the Scripture to you as you seek Him earnestly.

■ Application – Note down a specific and practical commitment to God’s Word for you. Is there a command to obey, a sin to avoid, an example to follow, or a principle to live out? Where appropriate, share your devotional entry with someone.

■ Prayer – Bring your heartfelt response to God in prayer.

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WORSHIP SONGS M A Y – J U N E

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

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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

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FOREVER Verse 1 Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King His love endures forever For He is good, He is above all things His love endures forever Sing praise, sing praise Verse 2 With a mighty hand and an outstretched arm His love endures forever For a life that’s been reborn His love endures forever Pre-Chorus Sing praise, sing praise Sing praise, sing praise Chorus Forever God is faithful Forever God is strong Forever God is with us Forever and ever Verse 3 From the rising to the setting sun His love endures forever And by the grace of God we will carry on His love endures forever Bridge His love endures forever His love endures forever His love endures forever Forever Chris Tomlin Š 2001 sixsteps Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 3148428

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THE LION AND THE LAMB Verse 1 He’s coming on the clouds Kings and kingdoms will bow down And every chain will break As broken hearts declare His praise For who can stop the Lord almighty Chorus Our God is the Lion The Lion of Judah He’s roaring with power And fighting our battles And every knee will bow before Him Our God is the Lamb The Lamb that was slain For the sin of the world His blood breaks the chains And every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb Oh every knee will bow before the Lion and the Lamb Verse 2 So open up the gates Make way before the King of kings Our God who comes to save Is here to set the captives free For who can stop the Lord almighty Bridge Who can stop the Lord almighty Who can stop the Lord (almighty) Brenton Brown | Brian Johnson | Leeland Mooring © 2015 Meaux Mercy (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7038281

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IN CHRIST ALONE Verse 1 In Christ alone, my hope is found He is my light, my strength, my song This cornerstone, this solid ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings ceased My Comforter, my all in all Here in the love of Christ I stand Verse 2 In Christ alone who took on flesh Fullness of God in helpless babe This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones He came to save Till on that cross as Jesus died The wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live Verse 3 There in the ground His body lay Light of the world by darkness slain Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again And as He stands in victory Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me For I am His, and He is mine Bought with the precious blood of Christ Verse 4 No guilt in life, no fear in death This is the power of Christ in me From life’s first cry to final breath Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man Can ever pluck me from His hand ‘Til He returns, or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand Keith Getty | Stuart Townend © 2001 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI Song # 3350395

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AMAZING GRACE (MY CHAINS ARE GONE) Verse 1 Amazing grace how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found Was blind but now I see Verse 2 T’was grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed Chorus My chains are gone, I’ve been set free My God my Saviour has ransomed me And like a flood His mercy rains Unending love, amazing grace Verse 3 The Lord has promised good to me His Word my hope secures He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures Verse 4 The earth shall soon dissolve like snow The sun forbear to shine But God, who call’d me here below Will be forever mine Chris Tomlin | John Newton | Louie Giglio © 2006 sixsteps Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Vamos Publishing (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 # 4768151 CCLI License # 324618

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FOREVER (WE SING HALLELUJAH) Verse 1 The moon and stars they wept The morning sun was dead The Saviour of the world was fallen His body on the cross His blood poured out for us The weight of every curse upon Him Verse 2 One final breath He gave As heaven looked away The Son of God was laid in darkness A battle in the grave The war on death was waged The power of hell forever broken Pre-Chorus The ground began to shake The stone was rolled away His (perfect) (reckless) love could not be overcome Now death where is your sting Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated Chorus Now forever He is glorified Forever He is lifted high And forever He is risen He is alive and He is alive (Repeat)

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FOREVER (WE SING HALLELUJAH) - CONT’D Bridge We sing hallelujah We sing hallelujah We sing hallelujah The Lamb has overcome (Repeat) We sing hallelujah We sing hallelujah We sing hallelujah Ending And now death, where is your sting Our resurrected King has overcome He’s overcome oh Brian Johnson | Christa Black Gifford | Gabriel Wilson | Jenn Johnson | Joel Taylor | Kari Jobe © 2013 KAJE Songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Worship Together Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7001228

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WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME Verse 1 You were the Word at the beginning One with God the Lord Most High Your hidden glory in creation Now revealed in You our Christ Chorus 1 What a beautiful Name it is What a beautiful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ my King What a beautiful Name it is Nothing compares to this What a beautiful Name it is The Name of Jesus Verse 2 You didn’t want heaven without us So Jesus You brought heaven down My sin was great Your love was greater What could separate us now Chorus 2 What a wonderful Name it is What a wonderful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ my King What a wonderful Name it is Nothing compares to this What a wonderful Name it is The Name of Jesus What a wonderful Name it is The Name of Jesus Bridge 1 Death could not hold You The veil tore before You You silence the boast of sin and grave The heavens are roaring The praise of Your glory For You are raised to life again

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WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME - CONT’D Bridge 2 You have no rival You have no equal Now and forever God You reign Yours is the kingdom Yours is the glory Yours is the Name above all names Chorus 3 What a powerful Name it is What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ my King What a powerful Name it is Nothing can stand against What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus Ending What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus Ben Fielding | Brooke Ligertwood © 2016 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 324618 CCLI Song # 7068424

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AT THE CROSS (LOVE RAN RED) Verse 1 There’s a place Where mercy reigns and never dies There’s a place Where streams of grace flow deep and wide Where all the love I’ve ever found Comes like a flood, comes flowing down Chorus At the cross, at the cross I surrender my life I’m in awe of You, I’m in awe of You Where Your love ran red and my sin washed white I owe all to You, I owe all to You Interlude Jesus Verse 2 There’s a place Where sin and shame are powerless Where my heart Has peace with God and forgiveness Where all the love I’ve ever found Comes like a flood comes flowing down Bridge Here my hope is found Here on holy ground Here I bow down, here I bow down Here arms open wide Here You saved my life Here I bow down, here I bow (down) Ending Jesus Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Jonas Myrin | Matt Armstrong | Matt Redman © Atlas Mountain 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 # 7017786 CCLI License # 324618

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GOOD GOOD FATHER Verse 1 I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night You tell me that You’re pleased and that I’m never alone Chorus You’re a good, good Father It’s who You are It’s who You are, it’s who You are And I’m loved by You It’s who I am It’s who I am, it’s who I am Verse 2 I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide But I know we’re all searching for answers only You provide ‘Cause You know just what we need before we say a word Bridge Because You are perfect in all of your ways You are perfect in all of your ways You are perfect in all of your ways to us Verse 3 Oh this love so undeniable I, I can hardly speak Peace so unexplainable I, I can hardly think As You call me deeper still As You call me deeper still As You call me deeper still Into love, love, love Anthony Brown | Pat Barrett © 2014 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Common Hymnal Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Housefires Sounds (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) sixsteps Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Tony Brown Publishing Designee (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Vamos Publishing (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 # 7036612 CCLI License # 324618

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NOTES

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THE CHURCH BEYOND P R AY F O R I N D I A “For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.”

– ISAIAH 61:11 (ESV)

India is the most ethnically diverse nation on earth, with over 2,500 distinct people groups.

The Hindu caste system is often a major factor in determining people group identity.

Praise God: ■ For the Christian legacy left behind by missionaries like William Carey, Amy Carmichael and Mother Teresa. Their work in education, health and in challenging social ills brings goodwill, increases the appeal of Christianity and makes it more difficult to stir up anti-Christian sentiment.

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Pray: ■ That India’s leaders will uphold the constitution by maintaining religious freedom. Some state governments have discriminated against Christians and have passed anti-conversion laws. They also deny state benefits to low-caste people who convert to Christianity.

■ That the Christian response to discrimination may be both biblical and Christ-like, ministering to all oppressed people regardless of their caste. About 80% of all Christians are Dalits, who are at the bottom of the Hindu caste system, or from tribal communities, and the average Hindu associates Christians with the underclasses of their society.

■ For the 70% of India’s population who are under the age of 35, of whom 31% are under the age of 15. An ambitious and cosmopolitan group, they are drawn to material things. They are also a hugely strategic group to reach for Jesus. The churches need to develop new and different missiological strategies to communicate and model the Gospel to them.

■ For Covenant EFC to help disciple the next generation of Christian leaders as we join hands with two local churches.

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THURSDAY, 1 JUNE 2017

What We Are and What We Do Scripture

Haggai 2:10-14

Observation What is the relationship between what we are and what we do as reflected in verse 14?

Deeper Reflection

he divine principle articulated through the parable in verses 12 and 13 is: Holiness cannot be transmitted, but defilement can. In pointing out their defilement to His people, God shows us a fundamental relationship between what we are – “this people”, “this nation” (v.14a), and what we do – “every work of their hands” (non-religious things) and “what they offer” to God (religious things) (v.14b). Because Israel is unholy, everything they do is also unholy. And correspondingly, it also means that if we are holy, then what we do is also holy. Take note that what we are is reality on the inside, and what we do is expression on the outside. But there is a dangerous theological irony that we must beware of. We can be like King Amaziah “who did right in the sight of the Lord, yet not with a whole heart” (2 Chron 25:2). To God, things done right in His eyes can be fundamentally wrong before Him. It is a matter of the heart. So, don’t judge decisively what we are by what we do, even though such self-examination is a discipleship necessity (cf. Gal 6:3-4). Let us consciously live our lives in terms of ultimate reality – seeing things as God sees and with a personal reality check.

T

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Application How should I perform reality checks in my life to ensure that what I do is consistent with what I am?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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FRIDAY, 2 JUNE 2017

Retrospection of Past Unfaithfulness Scripture

Haggai 2:10-19

Observation What is the relationship between the phrase “do consider from this day onward” in verse 15 and verse 18?

Deeper Reflection

od made a twofold “Consider” call to His people: one negative (vv.15-17) and one positive (vv.18-19). First, the call to retrospection of past unfaithfulness “before one stone was laid on another in the LORD’s temple” (v.15, NIV). God recalled for His people the time they suffered severe drought from His hand (Hag 2:16-17) for “living in luxurious houses while My house lies in ruins” (Hag 1:4-6, 9-11), and thus, were considered a defiled people (vv.13-14). But interestingly, God did this after Israel had repented from their unfaithfulness and were now walking in obedience to Him (Hag 1:2-8, 12). Why did God do this when surely He had forgiven – and forgotten – their sins (cf. Jer 31:34)? After rebuilding Jerusalem, God’s people recalled before Him their long history of covenant unfaithfulness (Neh 9:5-38). At the heart of this humble confession is: The “gracious and compassionate God” “did not make an end of them or forsake them” (Neh 9:31). Such retrospection will lead us to say: “I am unworthy of all the steadfast love and faithfulness You have shown to Your servant.” (Gen 32:10) In such brokenness, we will be grateful to God for His grace, and be faithful to God in His grace.

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Application How has God shown me His steadfast love and faithfulness of which I am unworthy, and what is my response to Him?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To stand humbly in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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SATURDAY, 3 JUNE 2017

Reassurance of God’s Faithfulness Scripture

Haggai 2:15-19; Leviticus 26:3-5, 18-20

Observation What is the significance of verses 15 to 19 in the light of Leviticus 26:3-5, 18-20?

Deeper Reflection

fter calling His people to reflect on their past unfaithfulness (vv.15-17), God gave them reassurance of His faithfulness: “I will bless you” “from this day onward” (v.19) when in obedience and reverence to God, they “worked on” His temple (Hag 1:12, 14; v.18). For years, their grain had given only a 50 percent yield (v.16), which was a form of covenant curse (Lev 26:19-20). “I will bless you” is a covenant promise. God will remove the covenant curse, replacing it with covenant blessing: bountiful harvest, such that “you will eat your food to the full and live securely in your land” (Lev 26:3-5). If God wants to, He can bless in such a way that “the land will produce a crop large enough for three years” (Lev 25:18-22 – v.21, NLT). As for Israel in Haggai’s time, God promised “a bumper crop” when the seed sown still “lies germinating in the ground, giving as yet no sign of what the harvest will be”1 (v.19). To trust in the faithful God is to trust in His Word. And to trust in God’s Word oftentimes means we do not see its fulfilment now nor perhaps for a long while, but are confident that God will eventually do as He has said.

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Application What are some specific Scriptures by which I trust in God in my life?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

1

J. Alec Motyer, The Minor Prophets: An Exegetical & Expositional Commentary, Vol. 3 (Baker, 1998), 998

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SUNDAY, 4 JUNE 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 1 • JUNE 2017

WILL GOD STILL BLESS ME WHEN I MISBEHAVE? God loves you just as you are but will discipline you when you do wrong.

Scripture: Romans 8:38-39; Proverbs 3:12

ACTIVITY BITE

Get a big sheet of paper and write the word “GOD” on the left side and “MAN” on the right side. Draw a line to connect the two words and write the words “LOVE” and “BLESS” above the line. Next, write down as many objects as you can think of on sticky notes and paste them over the line and the words “LOVE” and “BLESS”.

CHAT TIME

Q1: How many sticky notes do you need to cover up the line and the words “LOVE” and “BLESS”?

Q2: Can things in the world remove God’s love from us? What does Romans 8:38 say about this?

Q3: Does it mean I can continue to misbehave because God will love me regardless? Why or why not?

LEARNING POINT

Romans 8:38 says that nothing in this world can stop God from loving us even though we may misbehave or do something wrong.

But it doesn’t mean that God is happy about our wrong actions. He will surely correct us because He wants us to always do what is right.

Often the disciplining process can be very painful, but it doesn’t mean that God has stopped blessing us. In fact, God’s disciplining proves that He cares for us. He will continue to bless us, but we must choose to always walk in His ways.

ACTION POINT

Remove all the sticky notes covering the line and the words “LOVE” and “BLESS” and throw them away. Thank God for His love for you that can never be removed.

PRAYER POWER

(Ask your children to pray after you.)

Dear God, thank You for Your love that will never go away. I’m sorry for my misbehaviour. Please help me to always do what is right. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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MONDAY, 5 JUNE 2017

Four Covenant Pillars Scripture 1 Kings 9:1-9

Observation What are the results of keeping the covenant and breaking it (vv.1-9)?

Deeper Reflection

od spoke to Solomon after his dedication of the temple that he had built (vv.1-9). In this divine speech is a theological paradigm which shows God relating with His people in the Old Testament by way of four covenant pillars: torah, temple, territory and throne. The torah refers to the covenant between God and Israel (see Josh 8:30-34). God said to Solomon that if he keeps the covenant – “walk before Me…doing all that I have commanded you” (v.4), He will keep His covenant with David: “You shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel [the Davidic monarchy]” (v.5; cf. 2 Sam 7:12-16). But God also warned that if Solomon and his descendants break the covenant (v.6), “I will cut Israel from the land [territory] which I have given them” (v.7a), and “the house which I have consecrated for My name [temple]…will become a heap of ruins” (vv.7b-8). When Israel persisted in breaking the covenant, eventually, the temple was destroyed (2 Kin 25:8-9), Israel went into exile to Babylon “from her land” (2 Kin 25:11, 21), and the Davidic monarchy disappeared. At the heart of this is keeping the torah: our covenant faithfulness. And the foundation is our “delight is in the law [torah] of the Lord” (Psa 1:1-2).

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Application How do I want to cultivate delight in the Word of God?

Those in Se l

need f

2

Leaders

Lord, I want to seek You with all my heart.

Do not let me stray from Your commands.

Teach me Your Word. I want to hide Your Word in my heart that I might not Givi sin against You. I want to rejoice in ng t han ks following Your Word as one rejoices in great riches, and meditate on Your Word with delight, and consider Your ways carefully. Help me not to neglect Your Word.2 Amen.

Significant people

Prayer

Psalm 119:10-12, 14-16

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TUESDAY, 6 JUNE 2017

Where’s the Throne?

Scripture

1 Chronicles 28:1-7; 29:22-23

Observation

How is the kingdom of David described in verse 5 and 1 Chronicles 29:22-23, and what is the significance of the description?

Deeper Reflection

he first readers of 1 and 2 Chronicles were the post-exilic people of God, as the book’s conclusion shows (2 Chron 36:22-23).

The theological paradigm of “torah, temple, territory and 3 throne” was in the theological consciousness of these people. They had returned to their land (territory) and the temple was rebuilt (Ezr 6:14-15).

God’s Word through Jeremiah was fulfilled (Ezr 1:1-5). And most importantly, they realigned their hearts to live by the torah (Ezr 3:2-5).

But they were grappling with a question: “Where is the throne?” For they were ruled by the Persians and later by the Greeks and the Romans.

Didn’t God promise through Jeremiah that He would restore the Davidic kingdom (“David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel”, Jer 33:14-17)? 1 and 2 Chronicles, which emphasise the Davidic monarchy, seek to answer that question. The theological reality is: The Davidic kingdom is “the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel” (v.5; 1 Chron 29:22-23). God is saying: “You do not see the visible human Davidic kingdom, but see the throne of My kingdom that is present here and now, overruling the Gentile superpowers ruling over you.” Theological perspective!

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Application What do I discover about God in the way that He works out the “torah, temple, territory and throne” theological paradigm?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for pastors and staff: To develop clear biblical theological perspectives

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

3

See reading on June 5, Monday

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WEDNESDAY, 7 JUNE 2017

Perspective and Perseverance Scripture

Haggai 2:1-9, 20-23

Observation What does the expression “in a little while” (v.6) mean in the context of God about to shake the whole cosmos and all the nations?

Deeper Reflection

n two separate occasions over four days (vv.1, 20), God told His people that He was “going to shake” the entire cosmos and “overthrow” the political powers of “all the nations” and their military might (vv.6, 21-22). For God’s people living in the small province of Yehud, weak and vulnerable under the mighty Persian empire and surrounded by hostile nations, such words would bring them great encouragement and comfort. But after a long while, what God had said didn’t seem to have happened, as the history of post-exilic Israel informs us. But didn’t God say, “in a little while” (v.6)? We need perspective on God’s time. With God “one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day” (2 Pet 3:8). God may have us to be “distressed by various trials” “for a little while” (1 Pet 1:6). But the end of the “for a little while” could be “the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 1:7).

Meanwhile, we trust God with perseverance until “on that day” when God will indeed completely shake the cosmos and all nations (v.23), even “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 1:8). “I am coming quickly” (Rev 22:20) must be accompanied by “the endurance and faith of the saints” (Rev 13:10, ESV).

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Application How do I relate with the God of “for a little while” in my discipleship journey?

Prayer Eternal God, I live in a world that defines life in terms of economics, always advancing to increase and striving to achieve the most in the shortest time. I can be so sucked into it that it has become like the air that I breathe unconsciously. As such, I find it hard to wait patiently. But You are a God who waits – and waits patiently. Teach me and help me to wait on You like You. Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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THURSDAY, 8 JUNE 2017

The Gracious Reversal Scripture

Haggai 2:20-23; Jeremiah 22:24-30

Observation What is the significance of the honour God bestowed on Zerubbabel (v.23) in the light of what God had said to his grandfather, King Coniah (also called Jeconiah in Matt 1:12, and Jehoaichin in 2 Kin 24:8), in Jeremiah 22:24-30?

Deeper Reflection

n that day” (v.23a) when God will “shake” the entire cosmos, and “overthrow” all earthly kingdoms and military might (vv.21-22), He “will take” Zerubbabel and “will make” him “like a signet ring” (v.23b). In the ancient Near East, a king’s signet ring contained the royal seal, used for authorising royal documents and decrees (1 Kin 21:8; Esth 8:8, 10).4 Zerubbabel’s grandfather, Jeconiah (Matt 1:12), was “a signet ring” on God’s “right hand” (Jer 22:24). But, he “did evil” before God (2 Kin 24:8-9), and God pulled him off and pronounced a curse on him that he would have no descendant to sit “on the throne of David” (Jer 22:4, 30). This would put the Davidic kingdom to a permanent end. But God had promised David that his kingdom “shall be established forever” (2 Sam 7:16). So, in making Jeconiah’s grandson, Zerubbabel, as His signet ring, God is reversing the curse to a blessing. God is so gracious. Jeconiah will now have a descendant to sit “on the throne of David”. God is faithful. He kept His covenant with David. Through it all, humans played no part in this. It was all God’s sovereign initiative and act. When we fail God, our only hope is in our faithful and gracious sovereign God.

“O

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Application What does the Lord being the faithful and gracious sovereign God mean to me?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

4

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., Handbook on the Prophets (Baker, 2002), 455

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FRIDAY, 9 JUNE 2017

That’s King Jesus?

Scripture

Haggai 2:20-23; Matthew 1:6-16

Observation What observations can you make in relating verse 23 with Matthew 1:6-16 (note particularly Matt 1:6 and 12-16)?

Deeper Reflection

ith such great promises of God in verses 21 to 23, post-exilic Israel would “have hoped for the overthrow of foreign domination and the restoration of Davidic rule in their own day”5. God would make Zerubbabel His “signet ring” (v.23), indicating that He would keep His covenant with David: “your kingdom shall endure before Me forever” (2 Sam 7:16). But Zerubbabel did not become a Davidic king. Post-exilic Israel waited for God’s restoration of the Davidic rule for about 400 years. Then Jesus appeared, who was to sit on “the throne of His father David” and “His kingdom will have no end” (Lk 1:32-33). But, this Jesus was born into a poor family, living in the unknown and insignificant Nazareth, and became a carpenter – not ruling from a grand palace like King David (2 Sam 7:1-2). We often talk about God acting beyond our expectations. Do we know the God who also acts below our expectations? In reality, Jesus is a far, far greater king than David. It was very hard for many people during Jesus’ time to see this. It is also true for us today, when we hear Jesus calling us to follow Him in the pathway of the cross, through which He was crowned as King.

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Application What do I discover about God from the way He fulfilled His covenant with David?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To know Jesus as the King that He is

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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Raymond Dillard & Tremper Longman III, An Introduction to the Old Testament (Zondervan, 1994), 425

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SATURDAY, 10 JUNE 2017

Grace and Glory Scripture

Haggai 1:1-11; 2:20-23

Observation What is the theological significance of how Haggai begins (vv.1-11) and ends (Hag 2:20-23) his prophecy?

Deeper Reflection

hrough Haggai, God called His unfaithful people to a reordering of their priorities (Hag 1:1-15), when they were living in luxurious houses while God’s house lay in ruins (vv.2-4). As such, they came under the covenant curse of drought (vv.6, 9-11). But they responded promptly to God’s Word with obedience and reverence (Hag 1:12-15). For that God gave them the reassurance of His presence, and encouraged them in rebuilding His temple (Hag 2:1-9). This was followed by the restoration of God’s blessing of bountiful harvest, reversing the covenant curse (Hag 2:10-19). And God promised them the reestablishment of the Davidic kingdom by exalting his descendent Zerubbabel (Hag 2:20-23). Haggai begins with the grace of God: “the word of the Lord came” (v.1). It is always God’s grace that seeks us first.

God’s grace is redemptive-transformative, turning things around: from God being last to God being first, from God’s absence to God’s presence, from God’s curse to God’s blessing. God’s grace calls for humble response, because He “gives grace to the humble” (1 Pet 5:5). God’s grace will exalt the humble (1 Pet 5:6). Haggai ends with glory from God (Hag 2:23).

But the humble do not think much about God exalting them. They just leave it to God.

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Application How does the grace of God and glory from God shape the way I live my life?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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SUNDAY, 11 JUNE 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 2 • JUNE 2017

CAN GOD BLESS PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT CHRISTIANS? God loves all people and wants them to know Him. Scripture: Romans 5:8; Luke 19:1-9

ACTIVITY BITE

Prepare small gifts for each of your classmates such as candy or inexpensive stationery. Attach a card with a note saying, “Thank you for being my friend” on all the gifts and give them out to your friends the next day.

CHAT TIME

Q1: Why is it good to bless your friends?

Q2: Why does God choose to love all my friends including those who don’t believe in Him? Q3: When God blesses everyone, does it mean that He likes everything they do, including the wrong things?

LEARNING POINT

In Luke 19, Zacchaeus was a tax collector who took more money from people than he should have. That was wrong and most people hated him. But Jesus chose to eat with him in his house instead of rejecting him. What a wonderful blessing to be close to Jesus even though Zacchaeus may not have done what was right. God can bless anyone because He loves them, including those who are doing wicked things or worshipping idols. It doesn’t mean God is happy with what they are doing, and their actions will be judged when Jesus comes back again. But God is showing His patience as He waits for the wicked to repent and believe in Him. Until then, God’s loving arm is always open to bless all that He has created.

ACTION POINT

List down the names of your classmates who are not Christians.

Pray for them that they will experience God’s blessing and believe in Him.

PRAYER POWER

(Ask your children to pray after you.)

Lord Jesus, thank You for blessing everyone. I pray for my classmates that they will believe in You too. Amen.

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FATHER’S DAY

Fathering is often a very challenging journey.

It is a lifelong commitment.

In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.

PROVERBS 14:26

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oung children are demanding and unabashed when it comes to asking for our time and energy.

When they get older, they do not always make the best choices regarding the friends they hang out with, who they date, their careers, the things they pursue, etc.

They do not always do what we repeatedly tell them to.

They may not do it at all, or they do it when they should no longer be doing it! The most challenging part is they are before us every day! Perhaps, this is our God-given opportunity to “die daily”.

Yet the fathering journey really begins with how we ourselves have been fathered. In many cases, we have not been fathered well and, in most cases, never spiritually fathered in God’s love and wisdom. Thankfully, God redeems the situation for Christian men. God Himself is our heavenly Father. Every Christian father must recognise that he is primarily a spiritual son of God. Therefore, our own son-ship in God, with God as our Father, is really where our fathering journey must begin.

Then, the Christian father must recognise that he is not meant to walk alone in the fathering journey. First, he needs his wife next to him. God knew that man needed help and therefore He created woman as a suitable helpmate in marriage and family life. Second, the Christian father needs a spiritual community. As someone wisely said, “It takes a village to raise a child”. How needful are the support and input from other Christian uncles and aunts for his children. Finally, every Christian father critically needs a small band of brothers who will be there to encourage, equip and empower him during those times when the journey gets rough and tough, because it certainly will.

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FATHER’S DAY WEEK – MONDAY, 12 JUNE 2017

Arise and Eat Scripture 1 Kings 19:1-8

Observation How did God minister to a fearful and depressed Elijah?

Deeper Reflection

ave you as a parent had this experience: In repeatedly trying to encourage your child, you yourself become discouraged? Despite keen efforts by you and your spouse to raise your child well, your child always seems to stumble at the same old issues, causing you so much distress that both of you become discouraged. In this passage, we see God ministering to a depressed Elijah in the most basic manner by asking him to arise and eat food. God knew that Elijah was overwhelmed by fear and exhaustion from fleeing for his life. Instead of chastising Elijah for a lack of faith (despite having witnessed God’s awesome power at Mount Carmel in 1 Kin 18:17-39), God compassionately provided food to strengthen him − twice in succession, each time after Elijah had rested. In our lives, sometimes we may wrongly think that God constantly sets up great hurdles to test our faith and see whether we will clear or trip over them.

However, the tough circumstances are part and parcel of life, and are often caused by factors beyond our control. God allows them in our lives to teach us to depend on Him and to strengthen us. Elijah simply received the help that God provided and renewed his strength. God’s loving provision for us may come in simple promptings like “Arise and eat”, that we may be strengthened by God for the journey ahead.

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Application What resources would you ask from God to strengthen you for your parenting journey?

Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for always interceding and providing for me. I confess that I often miss the simple blessings that You send my way to help me in my journey.

I trust You to supply the resources I need to support me as I parent my children.

Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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FATHER’S DAY WEEK – TUESDAY, 13 JUNE 2017

Release and Watch Scripture Luke 15:11-24

Observation What did the father do when his younger son was making wrong and foolish choices?

Deeper Reflection

ather, give me the share of the property that is coming to me.” (v.12) In that culture, those words were tantamount to the son saying to the father, “I wish you were dead. Give me what is mine!” It was utterly disrespectful and ungrateful. How would fathers respond in such situations? The father could have flared up in anger, refused to accede, chastised, shamed and even disowned his son.

But there was no hint of anger. The father probably wrestled with his emotions, his heart filled with shock, disappointment and hurt, before deciding to accede to his son’s demand. In doing so, the father probably knew that he was in effect releasing his son to the harsh and brutal world.

That prospect would be both frightening and heartbreaking for any caring father. And if the father could receive periodic updates on his son’s situation, his heart would have sunk deeper. Interestingly, throughout the period of the son’s rebellion, the father never “chased after” his son, nor sent his servants to bring him back. Perhaps the father respected his son’s freedom to choose his own path. Perhaps he knew he had to let his son come to his own convictions regarding his life choices. As biological or spiritual fathers, we clearly desire that our children make godly choices and avoid the mistakes we made in the days of our youth. Yet we would do well to remember that with the responsibility of choice comes the potential for deep learning and growing into maturity.

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Application How would you respond if you knew that your biological or spiritual child was making wrong and foolish choices?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for pastors and staff:

To spiritually parent others with God’s wisdom and His Spirit’s guidance

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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FATHER’S DAY WEEK – WEDNESDAY, 14 JUNE 2017

Wait and Pray Scripture

Luke 15:11-24; Psalm 40:1-5

Observation What was the Psalmist’s experience of waiting in prayer for God to act?

(Psa 40:1-5)

Deeper Reflection

n the parable of the Prodigal Son, what do you think the father did during the period of his son’s rebellion and lostness?

First, note the context: Luke 15:1-2 tells us that Jesus told this parable to a mixed group comprising tax collectors and sinners (i.e. despised social outcasts), as well as Pharisees and scribes (i.e. Jewish religious elites). The father in the parable would have been a Jewish man. After giving in to the shocking demand of his younger son for his inheritance, the father experienced a grave loss. His son made preparations and “gathered all he had” and journeyed to “a far country” (v.13). This was to be a permanent departure by the son with no intention of returning. It was unthinkable that a good Jewish father would not bring this serious family crisis before Yahweh, the God of Israel. The father would have prayed intensely and persistently for God to deliver his son from danger and destruction, and to bring him home. After all, it is clear that the father still loved his son dearly, was concerned for his welfare and longed for his return. We see this in the father’s continual waiting and hopeful expectation of his son’s return, and joyous celebration when it finally happened. The son eventually came to his senses (v. 17), and returned in repentance (vv.20-21). The father viewed this as a dead son being miraculously resurrected, a lost son being mercifully found (v.24)! God had finally answered his many prayers, no doubt made with many more tears!

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Application When you face the situation of having a rebellious child, how would you respond in faith rather than react in fear?

Prayer Heavenly Father, teach me to wait patiently in prayer for You to act in situations where my child has rebelled, to trust in You to work in my child’s life for repentance and return.

If you want me to intervene decisively, please lead me to know when and how to do so. But if you want me to intercede patiently, please take away my fears and help me to fully trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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FATHER’S DAY WEEK – THURSDAY, 15 JUNE 2017

Embrace and Restore Scripture

Luke 15:11-24; Nehemiah 9:13-17

Observation What do you observe about God’s heart towards His wayward people (Neh 9:13-17)?

Deeper Reflection

he younger son determined to return in repentance to the father he had forsaken (vv.18-19). He was returning home in shame as a dishonourable son, a disgrace to the family and a total failure.

His father had every reason to condemn and reject him. Yet his loving father did not even wait for him to walk nearer, but ran to him while he was still a long way off. With great joy, the father received and accepted his returning son. Wholeheartedly, the father took immediate steps to clearly show that he had forgiven his son and wished to restore him to his status as a son in the family. What compassion and magnanimity of heart towards his wayward son! The father did not reject, condemn nor lecture his son. Instead, the father respected his son’s honour and dignity as a young man humbling himself to seek forgiveness for his sins. In contrast, we fathers who are in similar situations are likely to tell our wayward children, “I told you so”, or launch into an exhaustive lecture to ensure that our children know how wrong and foolish they had been. Oftentimes, we can be stingy with our mercy and grace; we can be unwilling to wholeheartedly forgive our children and fully restore them.

That is unlike the nature of God, our Father, who is “ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” and who “did not forsake” His rebellious and stiff-necked people (Neh 9:17).

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Application How would you respond when your wayward child comes to you in repentance?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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FATHER’S DAY WEEK – FRIDAY, 16 JUNE 2017

Every Child Is Precious Scripture Luke 15:1-32

Observation What do these three parables tell us about God’s heart as a father towards us His children?

Deeper Reflection

he Parable of the Prodigal Son (vv.11-32) is the third in a trilogy of parables in Luke 15. In one sense, the first parable, the parable of the Lost Sheep (vv.4-7) reveals the fathering heart of God who would seek out even the one child who has lost his or her way. In a similar vein, the second parable, the parable of the Lost Coin (vv.8-10), reveals the fathering heart of God who would search for the one child who is hidden from view by the darkness of life’s situations. Such is the heart of God, our Heavenly Father, for each of His children, because every child is precious to Him. No one will be left behind, forgotten or forsaken by God. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the fathering heart of God is also reflected in the father entreating or pleading with his elder son who had been blinded by his anger and self-righteousness (vv.25-32). The wise and loving father used different approaches to reach out to his two sons. He employed what was most suitable to give him the best chance of winning the heart of each child. Likewise, our Heavenly Father will do what is needed and what is best for each of us, His children, to get us to return to Him and be restored. When every child of ours is precious in our sight, we will also sacrificially do what it takes to seek out each child in all kinds of difficult situations, reaching the heart in order to win back and lovingly restore the child.

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Application How precious is your child to you, and to what lengths will you go to win your child back should he or she go astray?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To grow in their knowledge and reflection of the fathering heart of God

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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FATHER’S DAY WEEK – SATURDAY, 17 JUNE 2017

The Father’s Love Scripture

1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Observation According to verses 4 to 5, how would you characterise a father’s love towards his child?

Deeper Reflection

e fathers often wish that our children will grow more rapidly in common sense, sound judgment and correct behaviour: “My child, why in the world did you do that?”, “Not again!”, “When will you ever learn?” We are often impatient and our words can be very unkind. Verse 4 reminds us that God, our Heavenly Father, who deeply loves us is truly so patient and kind with us when we disappoint Him time and again with our attitudes, thought or actions. We are often disobedient, forgetful and inconsistent; immature, foolish and slow to learn. Yet God repeatedly puts up with us, bears with our faults and forgives our failures. God lovingly works to change us from the inside out and bring about life transformation. Our Heavenly Father is always reaching out to us. But as fathers are we patient and kind towards our children even as we seek to help them learn and grow? We learn to be loving fathers by first beholding God’s love towards us as His children. Furthermore, love is “not irritable or resentful” (v.5). If we find ourselves constantly irritated by our children and angry with them, then we are clearly a long way off from loving them the way we ought to as their fathers. If we have reached a point where we resent them, then we have crossed the red line into the danger zone of bitterness and hatred. The love that should be in our hearts has been displaced by hate.

Urgently repent before God and ask Him to heal and restore our hearts so that we may love our children as godly fathers.

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Application As you behold God’s love for you as His child and ask Him to search your heart, how does He want you to grow in fatherly love towards your child?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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SUNDAY, 18 JUNE 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 3 • JUNE 2017

CAN I HIT BACK IF KIDS ARE MEAN TO ME? God wants us to love everyone, even those who are mean to us.

Scripture: Romans 12:20; Matthew 5:16

ACTIVITY BITE

Get a stack of sticky notes and write down all the good deeds you can do for a friend, using one note for each good deed. For example, “Share my candy” or “Play a board game together”. Stick them on a wall for your family members to see.

CHAT TIME

Q1: Do you feel happy when you think about doing all these good deeds for your friends? How do you feel about doing good deeds for those who are mean to you?

Q2: Can I hit back if other kids are mean to me? Why or why not?

Q3: In Matthew 5:16, what does it mean to shine for Jesus?

LEARNING POINT

It is easy to hit back at those who are mean to us. It often feels good when we do that, but that is not what God wants us to do. God blesses those who are mean to Him because He wants everyone to believe in Him. Matthew 5:16 says that you are to shine His light to the world.

It means that God wants you to do good things to show His love to others. It will be difficult, but God will give you the strength to do so.

If fact, you will feel better when you do it God’s way. Others will surely feel God’s love and may stop being mean to you.

ACTION POINT

Pick one of the sticky notes from the activity and do what it says to someone who has been mean to you. Pray that this person will feel God’s love and stop being mean.

PRAYER POWER

(Ask your children to pray after you.)

Dear God, please help me to be kind to those who are mean to me.

I want to show Your love to them. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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MONDAY, 19 JUNE 2017

At That Time Tattenai Came …

Scripture Ezra 5:1-3

Observation What is the “at that time” (v.3) when Tattenai confronted the Jews concerning their rebuilding of the temple (vv.1-3)?

Deeper Reflection

he Jews restarted rebuilding the temple of God (vv.1-2) which stopped 15 years earlier (Ezr 4:24). And it was “at that time” that the Persian governor with a group of government officials “came to” them (v.3). Probably, they were informed of the progress of the temple building by “the enemies” of the Jews (Ezr 4:1-5),6 who hoped to stop it again. Perhaps, when the Jews saw the authorities approaching them, anxiety and fear disturbed their hearts: “Oh no!

Not again!” – as they recalled what had happened 15 years before. But, the “at that time” was a God moment because initiating, undergirding, overarching, continuing and sustaining the rebuilding of the temple was the Word of God – from first to last. The work was started by the Word of God – “the prophets…prophesied” (v.1), and with the Word of God “supporting” the builders (v.2). They would remember and hear God speaking personally and specifically to them: “Take courage, and work, for I am with you”, “My Spirit is abiding in your midst; do not fear” (Hag 2:4-5). There isn’t an “at that time” – good or bad – in our lives where we cannot find God speaking to us in Scripture. Even in “My God, my God, why?” (Psa 22:1), God is speaking.

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Application How can I grow towards always looking at life and living my life by the Word of God?

Prayer God, You are with me more than I am with myself. Even when I feel Your apparent absence, You are still present in that absence. For You have promised in Scripture that You will not leave me nor forsake me. You have spoken Your Word. Even in Your apparent silence, You are speaking, because You have spoken. Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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Robert Fyall, Ezra & Haggai, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 2010), 84

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TUESDAY, 20 JUNE 2017

Who Issued You a Decree?

Scripture

Ezra 5:3-4 with 4:21-24

Observation What would it have meant to the Jews when Tattenai asked them, “Who issued you a decree to rebuild this house?” (v.3) in light of Ezra 4:21-24?

Deeper Reflection

hen the Persian authorities asked the Jews, “Who issued you a decree to rebuild this house?” (v.3), quite naturally, there was some apprehension: “Will the rebuilding stop again?” But it turned out that the authorities were not hostile. They were just responsible government officials, going about their regular business, reporting any significant happenings in the territory under their jurisdiction, and here they were asking the Jews for official documentation, ensuring that everything was being done according to state requirements and official building codes.7 When the Jews were asked to give the names of their leaders (Ezr 5:10), “they told them accordingly” (v.4) in humble submission. God requires us to submit to governing authorities, because they are “from God”, “established

by God” and “servants of God” (Rom 13:1-7). Resisting governing authorities is opposing what God has instituted (Rom 13:2). While the Jews knew fully that they were doing God’s will and God’s presence was with them, and that the One with them is greater than the Persians, there wasn’t any theological arrogance. However, there can be times when we are called to “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

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Application What changes do I need to make in my perspective and posture concerning governing authorities?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for pastors and staff:

To grow in real knowledge and all discernment

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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J. G. McConville, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, The Daily Study Bible Series (WJK, 1985), 35; Gary V. Smith, EzraNehemiah, Esther Cornerstone Biblical Commentary (Tyndale, 2010), 55

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WEDNESDAY, 21 JUNE 2017

Divine Word and Divine Watch Scripture

Ezra 5:3-5 with 4:21-24

Observation What observations can you make in relating verses 3 to 5 with Ezra 4:21-24?

Deeper Reflection

he Persian authorities “did not stop” the Jews from rebuilding the temple “until a report could come to Darius” and they received a written reply from him (v.5). “Did not stop” is in great contrast to the fourfold “stop” in Ezra 4: “issue a decree to make these men stop work” (Ezr 4:21), “stopped them by arms” (Ezr 4:23), “work on the house of God in Jerusalem stopped” and “it was stopped” (Ezr 4:25). The rebuilding of the temple was not stopped because “the eye of their God was on” His people (v.5). But why didn’t verse 5 happen in Ezra 4? The opposition in Ezra 4 was strong and persistent, and God’s people succumbed to the intimidation and discouragement (Ezr 4:4-5). The first attempt in rebuilding the temple was started by the Word of God (Ezr 1:1-4), and so was the second attempt (vv.1-2).

The eye of God was on His people in restarting the rebuilding (v.5), but there was a strange divine silence and inactivity in Ezra 4. Yet, we cannot say that God’s eye was not on His people in the latter, even though God’s work was stopped in one and not in the other. All we can say with confidence is that the Word of God and the eye of God will ensure that “stop” will not be the last word for God’s purposes (Isa 14:24-27).

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Application What does it mean for me to live my life by the divine Word and under the divine watch?

Prayer Lord, You watch over me as the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night. You are a shade at my right hand, so that the sun will not harm me by day, nor the moon by night. Watch over my life, and keep me from all harm, and do not let my foot slip. Watch over my coming and going both now and forevermore.8 Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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Exodus 13:21; Psalm 121

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THURSDAY, 22 JUNE 2017

God of Heaven and Earth Scripture Ezra 5:6-11

Observation What is the significance in the Jews mentioning “the God of heaven and earth” in answering Tattenai’s question (v.11)?

Deeper Reflection

n answering Tattenai’s inquiry (Ezr 5:3, 9-10), the Jews identified themselves as servants of “the God of heaven and earth” (v.11). This title of the God of Israel “had a familiar ring to Darius, who was a zealous worshipper of Ahura Mazda, ‘the god of heaven’”9, who was also “known as the creator of heaven and earth”10.

This would give the polytheistic Persian king the impression that his god and the God of Israel were of the same kind. Not only that, he might view his god as greater than the God of Israel, since His people were in subjection to his reign. But to these Jews, regardless of Darius’ theology, which was untrue, they remained steadfast in their belief that their God is the only true God of heaven and earth, who is supreme over all gods and was actually reigning over Darius himself. Such was their faith because they knew their God personally, that they could say with deep conviction and great confidence, “I know whom I have believed” (2 Tim 1:12).

Our life situations may let the world perceive God to be smaller than the world itself. God is secure. He doesn’t need us to protect His reputation.

The day will come when God will reveal His glory and “all people will see it together” (Isa 40:5).

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Application What does it mean for me to know God personally as the God of heaven and earth?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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10

Derek Kidner, Ezra and Nehemiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1979), 61 F. Charles Fensham, The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Eerdmans, 1982), 83

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FRIDAY, 23 JUNE 2017

We Are Servants of God Scripture Ezra 5:6-11

Observation What is the significance in the Jews identifying themselves as “the servants of the God of heaven and earth” in answering Tattenai’s question (v.11)?

Deeper Reflection

n answering Tattenai’s inquiry (Ezr 5:3, 9-10), the first thing the Jews said was: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth” (v.11). This is also true of us. But it is not only when we are serving God that we are considered as servants of God. Every believer in Christ is a servant of God – whether we like it or not, whether we are actively serving God or not. What is fundamental in being a servant of God is that we belong to God (“You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price”, 1 Cor 6:19b-20a, NLT). A servant of God serves only one purpose: Do the will of God. His life motto is: “Not as I will, but as You will” (Matt 26:39). A master “does not thank the slave” for serving him, “because he did the things which were commanded” (Lk 17:7-10).

Jesus, the true servant of God, who says that the one who sits at the table is “greater” than the who serves, also says, “I am among you as the one who serves” (Lk 22:27). Who is the “greater” one then? We hear Jesus answering, “You.” We should find ourselves standing on holy ground, and falling on our faces and crying out, “How can this be, O Lord!”

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Application How can I truly say, “I am a servant of God”?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To live as true servants of God

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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SATURDAY, 24 JUNE 2017

Serving the Lord of History Scripture Ezra 5:11-16

Observation What is the Jews’ understanding of their God as reflected in verses 11 to 16?

Deeper Reflection

n answering Tattenai’s inquiry, the Jews gives a summary of some of the salient facts of Israel’s history (vv.11-16). The focal point is the temple in Jerusalem, with its three historical pivotal points highlighted: its construction by Solomon (v.11), its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar (v.12) and its reconstruction under Cyrus (vv.13-16). Our understanding of history must be, like these Jews, theological history. The destruction and deportation by Nebuchadnezzar were no mere human acts. Behind these historical events is “the God of heaven and earth” (v.11). See theologically as these Jews see. Reign of God: All that Babylon did and had is defined theologically as “He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar” (v.12).

This is true in all things in all human history – past, present, and future. God is “the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come” (Rev 4:8). Righteousness of God: The Jews see their misfortunes under the Babylonians as the “wrath” of God (v.12) – a manifestation of God’s righteousness. In Scripture, Babylon symbolises evil in the world (Rev 17:3-5). But God reigns over this evil world, and the righteous God will not permit its evil to continue forever.

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Application What does it mean for me to see world history and reflect on it as theological history?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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SUNDAY, 25 JUNE 2017 SCRIPTURE

OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

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THE PAST WEEK

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

COMMIT IN PRAYER.

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 4 • JUNE 2017

MY TEACHER SHOWS FAVOURITISM! WHAT MUST I DO? Continue to walk in God’s ways to gain respect and a good name for yourself.

Scripture: Proverbs 3:3-4; Colossians 1:10

ACTIVITY BITE

Tell your parents about your school teachers’ different personalities and behaviours. Share what you like and dislike about them.

CHAT TIME

Q1: How do you feel about teachers who show favouritism? How do you feel if you are not one of their favourites?

Q2: Would you try to do things to make your teachers like you? Why or why not?

Q3: According to Proverbs 3:3-4, how does walking in love help us gain a good name?

LEARNING POINT

Many people, including teachers, tend to show favouritism. They usually like those who are lovable, well behaved, good looking or rich. If you are not one of the favourites, don’t get disheartened. Your goal is not to please everyone so that you will be liked. Colossians 1:10 tells us that our first goal is to please God in all things. This means doing all your homework on time, having good manners in class, being attentive and helping your classmates. Your teachers will see that you are different from the other students because you are walking in God’s ways, which is a good testimony for Jesus.

ACTION POINT

List down some things you can do in class to be a good testimony.

Try practicing them in the coming weeks and share with your parents how things have changed for you.

PRAYER POWER

(Ask your children to pray after you.)

Thank You, God, for teaching me that my first goal is to please You in everything I do. Please help me to be a good testimony for You in my school. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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RAISING THE NEXT GENERATION

This coming Sunday is TNG Sunday for Covenant EFC. TNG stands for The Next Generation. Our children and young people are God’s gifts to us and our nation. What will it take to raise the next generation to be secure, upright, mature and healthy adults who contribute to society and build up other people?

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

PROVERBS 22:6

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Present, active and loving Dad and Mum. Studies show that the major problems we see in society today can be traced back to the root problem of fatherlessness in the lives of children growing up into adulthood. This does not mean that mothers are less important. Rather, it reflects the fact that fathers have a unique role and key functions that are foundational for a child’s healthy development into adulthood. Fatherlessness is not confined to children whose fathers have died, or for some other reason left the family. It is also experienced by children whose fathers are alive and still part of the family, but who are absent, passive or abusive in their fathering role. Cassie Carstens, author of The World Needs a Father, explains that a father plays four key functions in the lives of his children: • Establishing moral authority • Conferring identity • Providing security • Affirming potential The mother’s role is a complementary one. In the same book, Jenny Carstens identifies five responsibilities of a mother: • Validating her husband • Imparting intimacy to the children • Nurturing and caring for the children • Maintaining the social networks of the family • Being the primary homemaker Godly mentors. Where either or both parents, for whatever reasons, do not provide the above for a child, godly mentors (e.g. grandparents, teachers, coaches, uncles, aunts and older friends) could fill some of the gaps to some extent. Their care and positive input into the life of the child can really go a long way for the child’s healthy development. Even when children have good parents, the influence of godly mentors is a substantial supplement to the parents’ work of raising godly children.

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MONDAY, 26 JUNE 2017

Learning Submission to God’s Authority Scripture

Genesis 17:1-9; 18:17-19; Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Observation Why and how was Abraham to obey God?

Deeper Reflection

am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” (vv.1-2) Abraham was to obey the LORD simply because He is God. The manner of obedience was in the whole conduct of Abraham’s life. God’s purposes for Abraham’s obedience were relationship and blessing. Abraham was to teach those things to his children and household. The LORD said regarding Abraham, “For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” (Gen 18:19) Likewise, Christian fathers are to teach their children to obey God and submit to His authority over their lives, so that they can enjoy their relationship with God and receive His blessings. In Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Moses taught the people of Israel to obey the commandments of God. Then God will bless them with long life, success and descendants. In view were the Abrahamic covenant blessings of land, descendants and being a blessing to all the nations. Israelite fathers were to teach God’s words to their children during the routines of everyday living. Likewise, under the spiritual leadership of the father, Christian families are to learn to obey God as their highest authority. Importantly, the children see their father himself submitting to God’s authority and seeking answers in the Bible. Godly fathers give their children a healthy picture of how God lovingly and wisely relates with them and how they ought to respond to God with trust and obedience.

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Application What could you do to spiritually lead your children and those of others to submit to the authority of God’s Word?

Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word given to us for our benefit, protection and guidance. Please help me to submit fully to Your authority such that I will do what you say. Help me to teach the children whom You entrust to my care and leadership to do likewise. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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TUESDAY, 27 JUNE 2017

Living Out One’s Identity in Christ Scripture

John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-16; 1 John 3:1-3

Observation How can Christians be certain that they are children of God?

Deeper Reflection

hen a person receives and believes in the name of Jesus Christ, God gives that person the right to become a child of God. The person is born again – a spiritual birth takes place where the believer is born of the Spirit (Jn 3:1-8). The fact of spiritual birth does not depend on the feelings of the believer. The person who believes in Jesus has eternal life (Jn 3:16, 36; 1 Jn 5:11-12). If anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). At conversion, believers are born of the Spirit; thereafter they continue life as new people who are led by the Spirit. By the Spirit, we are adopted as sons of God (Rom 8:15) and are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit, identifying us as belonging to God our Father (Eph 1:13-14). That’s why we can call God, “Abba, Father!” and experience within us the reality that we are indeed children of God. What grace God has shown us! What love we have received from God that we should be called His children! We are the children of God even when unbelievers around us reject that truth and ridicule our status. How could they possibly understand this spiritual reality, unless they themselves come to know God as Father? Let us not be discouraged by opposition nor deceived by accusations to doubt our identity in Christ as children of God. Whatever trials and tribulations we face, our identity and destiny in Christ will never change, because nothing – absolutely nothing – can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 8:38-39)!

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Application What does it mean for you to live out your identity in Christ as a a child of God?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for pastors and staff:

To live confidently and victoriously as children of God

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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WEDNESDAY, 28 JUNE 2017

Experiencing Security in Unconditional Love Scripture

Deuteronomy 7:6-8; 1 John 4:9-10, 16-18

Observation How does the fact that God initiated our love relationship with Him produce in us a perfect love that casts out fear?

Deeper Reflection

od has shown His chosen people unconditional love. They have been chosen by God to be His people not because of anything worthy in them or what they have done. They were not chosen because they met certain prerequisites for qualification.

No, God chose them simply because He loved them. God set His love on them and chose them. God chose His people in Christ. When we understand God’s unconditional love shown to us in Christ Jesus, we will realise that we do not have to earn God’s love. Indeed, we cannot. We are totally undeserving of God’s gift of love. Furthermore, in Christ all of God’s requirements and expectations of righteousness are fully met.

Therefore people who are in Christ have, on account of Christ’s perfect obedience to God’s Law, attained full marks in righteousness! A perfect score! Failure can no longer be a possibility for those who are in Christ!

Those who are in Christ are in God’s perfect love. When we know we are in God’s perfect love, there is no fear of failure to be good enough. If we think about the failures we experience in life – whether in righteous living, relationships, studies, work, arts or sports – we know that we who are in Christ have the freedom to fail, yet at the same time, the freedom to try again. Therefore we have the freedom to flourish. To reach our full potential for the glory of God. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” (1 Jn 4:18)

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Application What could you say to Christian youths who feel that they have not done enough or well enough for God to love them?

Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me in Christ even before I could acknowledge You as my God. You sent Your only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for my sins even before I could believe in Him and obey Him as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You for loving me, forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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THURSDAY, 29 JUNE 2017

Being Affirmed Towards Full Potential Scripture

2 Timothy 2:20-26; 2 Peter 1:3-8

Observation How can a Christian become “a vessel for honourable use” (v.21) and keep from being “ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 1:8)?

Deeper Reflection

n these two passages, the apostles Paul and Peter gave some great advice for Christians, whether young or old, to know how to grow and develop as useful and fruitful disciples of the Lord Jesus. Paul says we must “cleanse ourselves” from what is dishonourable by firstly fleeing “youthful passions” (or youthful lusts which include the lusts of the flesh and eyes) and pursuing “righteousness, faith, love and peace” (v.22); and secondly, avoiding quarrels and seeking to be kind to everyone and teaching with patience and gentleness even the people who oppose him (vv.23-25). Peter says we must “make every effort” to keep progressing and increasing in faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love (2 Pet 1:5-8). All Christians have the choice to offer themselves in fuller consecration for the Lord’s service, and the potential to grow from one level of effectiveness to another. The Holy Spirit is working to conform disciples more and more to the image of Christ. On their part, disciples must submit and yield to the Spirit’s control and direction, so that their spiritual growth can take place and the progress be clearly evident to family members and friends around them. Slothful inertia leads to stagnation; stubborn resistance results in stuntedness. We must do all we can to avoid the tragedy of finding in our churches numerous dishonourable vessels, ineffective instruments and unfruitful fig trees. Let us renounce complacent cruising and directionless drifting! Then the Church will arise to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvellous light (1 Pet 2:9)!

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Application What can you do to affirm Christians of the next generation towards achieving their full potential?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for leaders:

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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FRIDAY, 30 JUNE 2017

Upholding the Sanctity of Marriage Scripture

Malachi 2:13-16; Hebrews 13:4

Observation How does God view the marriage covenant and divorce?

Deeper Reflection

n the case of a marriage between Christians, if the husband chooses to divorce his wife although she has been faithful, he shows unfaithfulness to his wife with whom he was joined by God through the marriage covenant. God views marriage as a sacred union between a man and a woman for a lifetime of faithfulness according to the covenant made. God desires that the marriage produce godly children, but a divorce will do violence to all the family members, especially the children. Emotional trauma and damage results from the destruction of the family relationship and the loss of security and stability. There is a massive amount of research that show that a divorce can in many cases have deep and lasting negative effects on the children, even after 25 years and well into their adult life (see http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/ divorce-and-infidelity/should-i-get-a-divorce/how-could-divorce-affect-mykids). How does God view divorce? An alternative translation of verse 16 has been taken by other Bible versions (e.g. NASB, NLT and NRSV): For example “For I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel, and covering one’s garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So take heed to yourselves and do not be faithless” (Mal 2:16 NRSV, emphasis added). Whichever is the more accurate translation, the fact is that divorce is not in accordance with God’s design for marriage. Therefore the author of Hebrews instructs Christians: “Let marriage be held in honour among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” (Heb 13:4)

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Application What personal commitments will you make in light of of verses 13 to 16 and Hebrews 13:4?

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

Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:

■ Pray for lay leaders:

To hold the marriage covenant in high regard

■ Pray for significant people:

■ Pray for those in need:

■ Pray for self:

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NOTES

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DJ June 2017 FINAL.indd 99

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DJ June 2017 FINAL.indd 100

16/5/17 9:25 pm