June Devotional Journal 2019 by Covenant EFC

JUN E

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. ISAIAH 53:6 (NIV)

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DEVOTIONA L JOUR NA L J U N E 2 0 1 9

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. ISAIAH 53:6 (NIV)

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

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VERSES 2019

JANUARY

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

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

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

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

M AY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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TO USING

THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Step One

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

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

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

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Step Two

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

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

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M AY- J U N E

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

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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 You are the God who lives You are the God who heals You are my hope my everything You brought salvation to us Offered Your peace to the world You are my Lord my everything Verse 2 In Your promise and Your faithfulness I will trust all my days King forever Reign in majesty be glorified 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

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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 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

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HERE I BOW Verse 1 Where would I run But to the throne of mercy Where would I kneel But at this cross of grace How great the love How strong the hand that holds us Beautiful, so beautiful Chorus So here I bow to lift You high Jesus be glorified In all things, for all my life I am Yours, forever Yours Verse 2 There is a King Who bore the scars of healing There is a Son who came in grace and truth How great the love That carries us to kindness Wonderful, You’re wonderful Bridge God here and now, be lifted high Right here and now, be glorified God of Heaven and Earth God who brought me back to life I am Yours, forever Yours Brian Johnson | Jason Ingram | Jenn Johnson | Jonas Myrin | Matt Redman © 2016 Capitol CMG Paragon (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)) Son of the Lion (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)) Fellow Ships Music (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) So Essential Tunes (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) 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 # 7069335 CCLI License # 324618

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HOW GREAT THOU ART Verse 1 O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder Consider all the works Thy hand hath made I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder Thy power throughout the universe displayed Chorus Then sings my soul, my Saviour God to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee How great Thou art, how great Thou art! Verse 2 When through the woods, and forest glades I wander And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur And hear the brook, and feel the gentle breeze Verse 3 And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing He bled and died to take away my sin Verse 4 When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart Then shall I bow, in humble adoration And there proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!” Stuart Wesley Keene Hine © 1949 and 1953 Stuart K. Hine Trust (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 14181 CCLI License # 324618

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SANCTUARY Lord prepare me To be a sanctuary Pure and holy Tried and true With thanksgiving I’ll be a living Sanctuary for You John W. Thompson | Randy Scruggs © 1982 Full Armor Publishing Company (Admin. by Peermusic III, Ltd.) Whole Armor Publishing Company (Admin. by Peermusic III, Ltd.) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 24140 CCLI Licence # 324618

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REFINER’S FIRE Verse 1 Purify my heart Let me be as gold And precious silver Purify my heart Let me be as gold Pure gold Chorus Refiner’s fire My heart’s one desire Is to be holy Set apart for You, Lord I choose to be holy Set apart for You, my Master Ready to do Your will Verse 2 Purify my heart Change me from within And make me holy Purify my heart Cleanse me from my sin Deep within Brian Doerksen © 1990 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by K I Publishing); Vineyard Songs Canada (Admin. by K I Publishing) CCLI Song # 426298 CCLI License # 324618

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GIVE US CLEAN HANDS Verse We bow our hearts, we bend our knees O Spirit come make us humble We turn our eyes from evil things O Lord we cast down our idols Chorus Give us clean hands Give us pure hearts Let us not lift our souls to another Bridge O God let us be a generation that seeks That seeks Your face O God of Jacob (Repeat) Charlie Hall © 2000 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 # 2060208 CCLI Licence # 324618

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PURIFY MY HEART Verse Teach me Your ways O Lord my God And I will walk in Your truth Give me a totally undivided heart That I may fear Your name Chorus Purify my heart Cleanse me Lord I pray Remove from me all that is Standing in the way Purify my heart Cleanse me Lord I pray Remove from me all that is Standing in the way Of Your love Eugene Greco © 1990 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 289569 CCLI License # 324618

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A PURE HEART Verse 1 A pure heart that’s what I long for A heart that follows hard after Thee (Repeat) Chorus A heart that hides Your Word So that sin will not come in A heart that’s undivided But one You rule and reign A heart that beats compassion That pleases You my Lord A sweet aroma of worship That rises to Your throne Rusty Nelson © 1992 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 452695 CCLI License # 324618

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《恩典之路》 EN DIAN ZHI LU THE PATH OF GRACE Verse 你是我的主，引我走正义路。

Ni shi wo di zhu, yin wo zou zheng yi lu Lord, You are my guide, the shepherd of my life 高山或低谷，都是你在保护。

Gao shan huo di gu, dou shi ni zai bao hu Through the hills and valleys, You’re always by my side 万人中唯独，你爱我认识我，

Wan ren zhong wei du, ni ai wo ren shi wo Calling me by name, You’ve chosen me with love 永远不变的应许，这一生都是祝福。

Yong yuan bu bian di ying xu, zhe yi sheng dou shi zhu fu Blessing me abundantly, Your promise will never change Chorus 一步又一步，这是恩典之路，

Yi bu you yi bu, zhe shi en dian zhi lu Every step we take, You lead us with Your grace 你爱、你手，将我紧紧抓住。

Ni ai, ni shou, jiang wo jin jin zhua zhu Your love, Your hand will hold us close to You 一步又一步，这是盼望之路，

Yi bu you yi bu, zhe shi pan wang zhi lu Every step we take, You lead us with Your grace 你爱、你手，牵引我走这人生路。

Ni ai, ni shou, qian yin wo zou zhe ren sheng lu Your love, Your hand will guide us through the path of grace (Repeat verse and chorus) 你爱、你手，牵引我走这人生路。

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NOTES

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SATURDAY // 01 JUNE 2019

God Has Prepared His Judgment S CRIPTURE Isaiah 30:27-33

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about God’s judgment on the nations (vv.27-28, 30-33) and God’s people (v.29)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

he closing vision of the fourth “Woe” prophecy (vv.27-33) depicts God’s wrath as a terrible storm with lightning, hail, thunder and flood, shaking, shattering and submerging the proud evil people and nations. The vision begins with the coming of God’s Name – “Behold, the name of the LORD comes” (v.27). God’s wrath will be poured out for the sake of His Name – His glory. The secure sovereign God allows His Name to be abused, even by “Christians” who claim to be “the most religious people in the Western world”1. But God will vindicate His own Name. Do we not often wonder when God is going to act in justice against evil people and vindicate His Name? God tells us that His judgment is prepared: It “has long been ready” and “it has been prepared for the [Assyrian] king”2 – for specific evil people who arrogantly deem themselves as most powerful (v.33). We wait patiently. God’s judgment is coming “from far away” (v.27), but it is getting nearer each day. Right in the midst of the coming of God’s Name (vv.27-28) and His prepared judgment (vv.30-33) is God’s people’s holy celebration, singing “a song of joy, like the songs at the holy festivals” (v.29a, NLT) in God’s presence (“the mountain of the LORD”) and in “the Rock of Israel” − our refuge and security (v.29b).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How do I live my life in the light of the theological reality that God has prepared His judgment for evil people and nations?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for church board: To fix their hope on Christ’s Second Coming

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

1 2

Steve Coll, Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 (Penguin Books, 2004), 335. Here “Assyria” (v.31) and “the [Assyrian] king” (v.33) function as an example as well as theologically representative of arrogant “nations” and “peoples” that rebel against God (v.28).

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SUNDAY // 02 JUNE 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JUNE 2019 WEEK 1

WHY SHOULD WE WORK TOGETHER? God created us to live and work together in a community. Scripture: Exodus 39:32-43 ACTIVITY BITE Get your family members to stand in a circle. Ask them to extend their left hands into the middle of the circle and grab another person’s hand. Then, ask everyone to use their right hands to grab the hand of someone who is not standing right next to them. Next, ask everyone to work together to get untangled and form a circle again. CHAT TIME Q1: How does it feel to work with other people? Q2: What is your best memory of cooperating with someone? Q3: Do you think the tabernacle in Exodus 39 could have been built if everyone tried to do it on their own? Why or why not? LEARNING POINT Building the tabernacle was a very big job. It was too big for Moses, Bezalel or Oholiab to complete alone. It took the entire Israelite community with everyone contributing their talents, skills and offerings to complete the work. It required cooperation. God wants us to work together, because when we work together we can show others who God is in ways that we cannot by ourselves. We are doing something that He created us to do. The more you work together to help people, the more they can see God’s love through you. ACTION POINT Pair up with your friends to do something kind for your teachers so that they can see God’s love through you. Work together with your family to make your home clean and welcoming for guests. FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Ask God to help us cooperate with others this week. Thank God that He created all of us to work together and for teaching us that when we work together, we can show others who God is.

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MONDAY // 03 JUNE 2019

Behold, an Incongruent God! S CRIPTURE Isaiah 31:1-9

O B S E RVAT I O N How does Isaiah show that God can be a dangerous as well as a gracious God to His people?

DEEPER REFLECTION

saiah 31 is the fifth of the six “Woe” prophecies in Isaiah 28 to 33,3 which presents a theologically fascinating portrait of God. God can be a dangerous God to His people. We ought to know when God can be dangerous to us, so that we can avoid this divine danger. It is when we “go down to Egypt for help” and “rely” on “very strong” “horses” and “trust” in “many” “chariots”, but “do not look to” God and “seek” Him (v.1). God is dangerous in His wisdom: “He is wise and will bring disaster” on “he who helps” and “he who is helped” (vv.2-3). Do we see God’s wisdom in this way? God is dangerous in His faithfulness: He will “bring disaster” because He “does not retract His words” (vv.2-3). Do we see God’s faithfulness in such terms? Then comes a divine “incongruency”: “So will the LORD of hosts come down to wage war on Mount Zion” (v.4) is followed immediately by “so the LORD of hosts will protect Jerusalem” (v.5). That’s incongruent! God is “incongruent” because He is a gracious God to His people. Don’t miss the fivefold emphasis of God’s grace: “protect”, “protect and deliver” and “pass over and rescue” (v.5)! Have you “deeply defected” from God (v.6b), who has become dangerous to you? “Return to Him” (v.6a), the gracious dangerous God!

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean for me to relate with a gracious dangerous God?

P R AY E R God, You are gracious and

Prayer Pointers

compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in

// Give thanks:

steadfast love. But when we are unfaithful, You do judge us in Your holy and righteous anger to discipline and purify us. And we fall into the hand

// Pray for leaders:

of God whose mercy is great,4 who in wrath remember mercy.5 O gracious God, help us to walk humbly before

// Pray for significant people:

You in brokenness and contriteness.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

3 4 5

See Devotional Journal 2019: May, 20 May entry for the background of the six “Woe” prophecies in Isaiah 28 to 33. 2 Samuel 24:14 Habakkuk 3:2

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TUESDAY // 04 JUNE 2019

The Kingdom of Righteousness S CRIPTURE Isaiah 32:1-8

O B S E RVAT I O N What characterises the Kingdom of righteousness?

DEEPER REFLECTION

“

ehold, a king will reign righteously” (v.1a) refers prophetically to Jesus Christ, who will reign in the Davidic kingdom “with justice and righteousness” (Isa 9:6-7; Lk 1:31-33). We who belong to the Kingdom of Christ are to live out its righteousness (v.1b). Serve in righteousness as a “refuge” from danger, “streams of water” to nourish life and a “rock” to the exhausted6 – physically, emotionally and spiritually (v.2). See in righteousness: Society can be so disintegrated, norms so collapsed, self-deception so pervasive, that “fools” and “villains” are regarded as respectable, honourable people (v.5).7 The “fools” embody and practise a fundamental moral indifference and disorder that damage the social fabric by acting in self-serving ways, taking advantage of others and without contributing to social well-being8 (v.6). The “villains” are crafty and uncaring people who distort justice and cheat the poor and weak of their just claims (v.7). It does happen that influential Christian leaders support such “fools” and “villains”, thinking that they are doing the Christian thing. But can we and do we see this? Our dysfunctional eyes and ears must be attentive and discerning (vv.3-4), so that these “fools” and “villains” “will be seen for what they are, without illusion or euphemism”9 (v.5).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How do I live a life where I see and serve in righteousness?

P R AY E R Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation

// Give thanks:

on and application of the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To see and serve in righteousness

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

Walter Brueggemann, Isaiah 1-39 (Westminster John Knox Press, 1998), 254 Walter Brueggemann, 254 Walter Brueggemann, 255 9 Walter Brueggemann, 254 7 8

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WEDNESDAY // 05 JUNE 2019

True Security and Rest S CRIPTURE Isaiah 32:9-20

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Isaiah’s words “Hear my voice; give ear to my word” in the context of verses 9 to 20?

DEEPER REFLECTION

laying with two sets of Hebrew terms in verses 9 to 20, Isaiah shows two contrasting realities: “at ease” (sha’anan) and “complacent” (batach – NIV: feel secure; HCSB: overconfident) in verses 9 to 11, pointing to false security and rest; “confidence” (betach), “secure” (mibtach)10 and “undisturbed” (sha’anan) in verses 17 to 18, pointing to true security and rest. The danger is that we are deceived, or we deceive ourselves, by embracing false security and rest to be true. Only the truth in the Word of God can help us to detect and discern, and deliver us from this deception: “Hear my voice; give ear to my word” (v.9). And God’s Word warns: The “vintage” and “fruit gathering”, the “pleasant fields” and “fruitful vine” which we think give us security and rest, will cease to exist or become “thorns and briars” (vv.10-14). What, then, gives us true security and rest – “peace”, “quietness and confidence”, “peaceful habitation”, “secure dwellings” and “undisturbed dwelling places” (vv.17-18)? Be filled with and empowered by the life transforming Spirit of God – “Until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high” (cf. Lk 24:49), who transforms “wilderness” and “fertile fields” (v.15; cf. 2 Cor 3:3, 6, 17-18). The Spirit-filled life is marked by walking in righteousness and justice (vv.16-17).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can I know that I have embraced false security and rest to be true?

P R AY E R Lord, forgive me of times

Prayer Pointers

when my security and confidence are in the things

// Give thanks:

and ways of the world. But I want to rely on and trust in You alone. For You are my strength, my rock, my fortress and my deliverer in whom

// Pray for leaders:

I find protection and provision. You are my shield, the power that saves me and my place of safety.11 Be the

// Pray for significant people:

strength of my heart.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

10 11

The root word of betach and mibtach is batach (in v.9) Psalm 18:1-2

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THURSDAY // 06 JUNE 2019

When Evil Seems Unending … S CRIPTURE Isaiah 33:1-6

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the response to the seemingly unending destructive activities of the “destroyer” (v.1) as shown by Isaiah?

DEEPER REFLECTION

saiah 33 is the sixth “Woe” prophecy, with the “destroyer” as God’s judgment target (v.1). This “destroyer” was Assyria in Isaiah’s time, but is also the theologically representative of any destructive evil people in every generation, which affects God’s people. This “destroyer” keeps destroying and is “not destroyed” (v.1). Its destructive activities seem unending. God will act when the “destroyer” “finishes destroying” (v.1) and God alone knows when. What do God’s people do? Wait for God’s grace: “O LORD, be gracious to us; we have waited for You” (v.2a). Waiting for God to destroy and deliver us from the “destroyer” is waiting in God as “our strength every morning” and “our salvation in the time of distress” (v.2b), when each morning as we wake up, the “destroyer” is still destroying and “the time of distress” continues… Wait in God’s glory: “The LORD is exalted, for He dwells on high” (v.5) – note the present tense! Do we see now God’s exaltedness, while the “destroyer” keeps destroying? And God is to us “the stability of our times” (v.6a) – whatever characterised our times and “the store house” of “wisdom and knowledge” to find the way of “salvation” in our time of crisis12 (v.6b). The key is: Real reverence for God – not superficial reverence (Isa 29:13) – is our “treasure” (v.6c).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What areas in my life do I need to learn to wait for God’s grace and in God’s glory?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To grow in waiting in God’s grace and glory

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

John Goldingay, Isaiah Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Baker, 2001), 188

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FRIDAY // 07 JUNE 2019

As Our Waiting Continues … S CRIPTURE Isaiah 33:1-16

O B S E RVAT I O N What characterises the waiting on God to destroy the “destroyer” and deliver His people from it (vv.1-6) according to verses 7 to 16?

DEEPER REFLECTION

s we wait for God in “the time of distress” to destroy and deliver us from the “destroyer” (vv.1-6), we pour out our lamentation before God (vv.7-9).13 Here’s a picture of life in a state of disorder and dismay, disarray and despondency (vv.7-8),14 and of a deep drought hitting the lush mountainous regions of Lebanon and the agriculturally rich Sharon-Bashan-Carmel areas, with everything dried up, so that the trees shrivelled and lost their leaves (v.9).15 Is your “time of distress” like this? Hope in God’s glorification: “Now I will arise, now I will be exalted, now I will be lifted up” (v.10 – recalling vv.3-5). Through the triple “Now I will”, God assures us that He will certainly act in His glory at His own “Now” moment. And God will act like “the consuming fire” (vv.11-14) towards the “destroyer” and His people. God’s people consist of those “far away” from Him (v.13a; cf. Isa 29:13) – “sinners” and “the godless” “in Zion” (v.14a) − and those “near” to God (v.13b), who “can dwell in the consuming fire” that purges (v.14b; cf. 1 Cor 3:11-13).16 Hear what God is doing in His “consuming fire” and acknowledge His power (v.13), and walk righteously in consecration to God (vv.15-16). And we “will dwell (shakan) on the heights (marom)” (v.16) with God who “dwells (shakan) on high (marom)” (v.5).

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A P P L I CAT I O N Do I belong to those who “can dwell in the consuming fire” of the holy God and how can I be sure that I belong to this group?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for SGI leaders: To walk righteously in consecration to God

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

13 14 15 16

Walter Brueggemann, 262 – “a complaint” before God Walter Brueggemann, 262 Walter Brueggemann, 262 Walter Brueggemann, 263

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SATURDAY // 08 JUNE 2019

When God Is King … S CRIPTURE Isaiah 33:17-24

O B S E RVAT I O N What does it mean for God to be King?

DEEPER REFLECTION

“

our eyes will see the King in His beauty” (v.17): This King is the LORD, the God of Israel, Jesus of Nazareth, the King of Israel (Jn 1:45, 49) and King of kings (Rev 17:14). From this King comes three great blessings. Divine deliverance from former terror: the arrogant and brutal Assyrians who seized, confiscated and devoured Judah’s resources (vv.18-19). When the Lord is king of your life, you can “no longer see” what terrorised you formerly. Divine presence of unending communion: Jerusalem will be “an undisturbed habitation” where the new “tent” of meeting with God (cf. Exo 40:34) will never to be moved, where meeting with God will never end (v.20).17 And “there” (Jerusalem), God will be “a place of broad rivers and streams” (v.21) as “the sustaining water”18 of His people. For the spiritually thirsty who come to the Lord, “in their innermost being will flow rivers of living water” (Jn 7:37-39). Divine governance of perfect righteousness: The judicial (“judge”), legislative (“lawgiver”) and executive (“king”) branches of human government in certain nations are separated to guard against abuses of power. But God is the perfect Judge-Lawgiver-King (v.22), who needs no checks and balances. This perfect rule will take place only at the full coming of God’s kingdom.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does having the Lord as King in my life mean to me in my discipleship journey in this fallen world?

P R AY E R Prayer Pointers

Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for church board: To seek first the kingdom of God unwaveringly // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

17 18

Allan Harman, Isaiah, Focus on the Bible (Christian Focus, 2005), 250 Walter Brueggemann, 266

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SUNDAY // 09 JUNE 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JUNE 2019 WEEK 2

HOW CAN WE HELP SOMEONE SUCCEED? God works through people to help others succeed. Scripture: Exodus 17:8-13 ACTIVITY BITE Find a partner and place a balloon between your backs. Keeping the balloon between both of you at all times, run or walk quickly from one side of the room to the other. If the balloon falls to the ground, you have to start from the beginning. CHAT TIME Q1: Share how you helped someone this week. Q2: Have you ever thought about helping someone but didn’t follow through with it? Why? Q3: Why does God want us to work together instead doing things alone? LEARNING POINT In Exodus 17:8-13, Joshua, the Israelites, Moses, Aaron and Hur had to work together to fight the Amalekites. Aaron and Hur supported Moses’ arms that held the staff because the moment he lowered his arms, the Amalekites started winning. Cooperation isn’t just about you. It’s about what you can do with and for others! Sometimes your willingness to cooperate can lead to someone else’s success. Aaron and Hur didn’t get any fancy medals for helping Moses and they didn’t go down in history as the awesome guys who won the battle. They helped Moses even when they didn’t get anything out of it. ACTION POINT Try working together with your friends to help someone succeed this week. Be content even though your effort is not noticed because God knows. FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Ask God to help us see what we can do to encourage the people around us. Ask Him to help us come up with ways to help someone succeed this week and for the strength to follow through with our plans. Thank God for always helping us succeed.

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Father’s Day WEEK

10–15 JUNE GOD AND HIS CHILDREN

We are God with skin on for our children!

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WE ARE CELEBRATING FATHER’S DAY ON 16 JUNE. Therefore, this week’s devotions have an emphasis on God our Heavenly Father and on us His children, with applications for the roles and responsibilities of Christian fathering of biological or spiritual children. In his book, The World Needs A Father, Cassie Carstens observed that fathers, by their irresponsibility and animosity, can present their young children with a wrong picture of what God is like: • The absent father portrays an absent God. • The disconnected father portrays a disconnected God. • The permissive father portrays a permissive God. • The neglectful father portrays a neglectful God. • The angry father portrays an angry God. We are God with skin on for our children! Let us spend the next six days contemplating God our Father, what He is like and how we are to reflect His heart and character to our children, family members, friends, associates and even strangers. Day 1 – God Our Father Day 2 – Our Father’s Generosity Day 3 – Our Father’s Joy Day 4 – Our Father’s Care Day 5 – Our Faithfulness to God Day 6 – Our Readiness for God

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MONDAY // 10 JUNE 2019 // FATHER’S DAY WEEK

God Our Father S CRIPTURE Matthew 6:7-15

O B S E RVAT I O N Why should we address God as our Father?

DEEPER REFLECTION

ook at the opening of what is commonly known as “the Lord’s Prayer” in verse 9: “Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” This direct form of addressing God as “our Father” or “heavenly Father” (see Matt 5:48; 6:14, 26, 32) is a radical departure from Jewish thought and tradition. Jesus was the first Jewish rabbi ever to call God “Father”. It was a claim to exclusive intimacy with God. This naturally caused a great outcry from Jesus’ critics. Such a reference to God by a man was deemed sacrilegious. The Jews therefore considered Jesus a blasphemer of God! Jesus’ apparent audacity to call God “Father” was what ultimately drove his enemies to seek to kill Him. But to Jesus, it was not audacious. It was the true relationship between God the Father and God the Son. And Jesus taught that such a Father-child relationship between God and human beings was a reality for people who believed in Jesus. His apostles taught likewise. The apostle John wrote, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (Jn 1:12) The apostle Paul also referred to God as the believers’ Father when he wrote the opening greetings in his letters to various churches (see Gal 1:3; Eph 1:2; Phil 1:2; Col 1:2). So for Christians, God is indeed our Father in heaven. Children privileged to have good earthly fathers will tangibly experience a measure of God’s grace and peace, because their earthly fathers reflect a glimpse of God’s fatherly love to them.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean for me personally that God is my heavenly Father?

P R AY E R Heavenly Father, You know

Prayer Pointers

me better than I know myself. Thank You for calling me Your

// Give thanks:

precious child – one who can come to You simply as I am. Thank You that I can call You my Father! It is such a privilege

// Pray for leaders:

and joy! May I know You more and more as God my Father. Please fill me always with Your grace and peace. In Jesus’

// Pray for significant people:

name I pray. Amen.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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TUESDAY // 11 JUNE 2019 // FATHER’S DAY WEEK

Our Father’s Generosity S CRIPTURE

Matthew 20:1-16

O B S E RVAT I O N What does the way the master of the house paid his labourers tell us about how God the Father sees His people?

DEEPER REFLECTION

ny business company that practises the remuneration model of the master in this parable will likely not get on the Forbes 100 list. For ours today is essentially a “dog-eat-dog, what’s-in-it-for-me and you-get-what-you-deserve” world. Our basic orientation to life right from birth is to get ahead of others, strive for the best and win! For so our world shouts. The underlying, conditioned philosophy undergirding all of life is a basic logical formula of pure mathematical soundness – the law of fairness, of reaping what you sow and of action and consequence. That is the governing law here on earth. But this parable is a window offering us a glimpse into God’s Kingdom. And in God’s Kingdom, a higher law operates. Man’s ways cease and God’s begin. For the way of God’s Kingdom is, by our human calculation, mind-blowingly scandalous. Its generosity totally unimaginable and completely undeserved. The master of the house said, “Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity? (v.15)” Here, the mathematical calculation of God’s grace does not make any sense to us. For God the sovereign King does not act as a legalistic master but inclines Himself as a good Father to His children. At the heart of the Gospel of the Kingdom is the generous and compassionate heart of God the Father loving His children and longing for them to return to Him. We are all God’s children, His sons and daughters. We belong to Him and He is our Abba, our Father. And oh…how He loves us so!

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A P P L I CAT I O N What barriers hinder me from knowing and experiencing my heavenly Father’s love more deeply?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To experience God’s love more deeply and live it out before people

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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WEDNESDAY // 12 JUNE 2019 // FATHER’S DAY WEEK

Our Father’s Joy S CRIPTURE Luke 15:1-10

O B S E RVAT I O N What does the response of the Pharisees and the scribes to Jesus (vv.1-2) reveal about how they see God and spirituality?

DEEPER REFLECTION

he two parables run along similar plotlines that begin with an owner who had lost something precious. In each one, Jesus’ opening question was rhetorical: “What man/woman, having a hundred sheep/ten silver coins, if he/she loses one…, does not…?” The setting of the stories was clearly familiar to Jesus’ audience. Like the protagonist in the story, all in the audience would immediately agree that to go out of one’s way to look for the lost sheep/coin until it was found was the most natural response. Jesus then concluded both parables with a great, joyous party thrown by the owner to celebrate with the community. Likewise a great celebration takes place in heaven with God’s angels rejoicing over one sinner who repents, because that which was lost has been found. Through those parables, Jesus exposed the misconception of the Pharisees whose idea of spirituality was that of a person reaching up to heaven by keeping religious rules and regulations. In contrast, Jesus defined for His audience what true spirituality is – a personal, real and intimate relationship with God. Like these parables described, the salvation of sinners is a God-reaching-down-to-earth initiative − God searching for us, His treasured possession which is lost until He finds us. “Rejoice with me, for I have found…(vv.6, 9).” God greatly rejoices whenever a sinner repents and returns home to Him! Therefore, how valuable we are is determined by whose we are. We belong to God our Father and are therefore incalculably precious to Him. This foundational truth should inform our sense of self-worth and impel us to love God’s people.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can I grow in the way I see and care for myself and the people around me?

P R AY E R Heavenly Father, open my eyes

Prayer Pointers

to see You as the ultimate reality and reference point in

// Give thanks:

my life. You are the One from whom I derive my true value as a person. You are the One from whom I draw strength to care for others the way Jesus did. In

// Pray for leaders:

His name I pray. Amen.

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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THURSDAY // 13 JUNE 2019 // FATHER’S DAY WEEK

Our Father’s Care S CRIPTURE

Luke 18:1-8; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

O B S E RVAT I O N What strikes you about the persistence of the widow seeking justice against her adversary?

DEEPER REFLECTION

he widow was continually going to the judge to seek justice against her adversary. For a period of time, the non-God-fearing judge refused to give her justice. But the widow did not give up; she just kept going to see the judge day after day. And because of the widow’s persistence, the judge finally gave her justice. The Lord Jesus, contrasting that unrighteous judge with God the righteous judge, asked His audience a rhetorical question: Wouldn’t God speedily give justice to His elect (i.e. His children), who cry to Him day and night? (vv.6-7) The answer is “Of course!” Often when we face injustice from various adversaries, we either give up fighting or we take things into our own hands. We look for our own ways of being delivered from our situations. For example, we burst out in anger, forge ungodly alliances, play dirty, start a smear campaign, turn to superstitions and rely on rituals and false gods. The apostle Paul wrote about his experience with adversaries: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor 4:8-9). Therefore, when you face adversaries in your body, at home, in the workplace or even in church, remember that “you ought always to pray and not lose heart” (v.1). Faith persists in praying to God even when the outcomes we desire don’t occur within our preferred timeframe. Jesus said, “I tell you, [God the Father] will give justice to [His children] speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (v.8)

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A P P L I CAT I O N Why am I often unable to persistently pray to God and not lose heart when I face adversaries in my life?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To always pray to God and not lose heart in the face of adversaries

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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FRIDAY // 14 JUNE 2019 // FATHER’S DAY WEEK

Our Faithfulness to God S CRIPTURE Luke 16:1-15

O B S E RVAT I O N What was the real, underlying problem with the dishonest manager?

DEEPER REFLECTION

od has wonderfully entrusted to us many resources and has given us the responsibility to manage them properly. Inevitability, in managing these possessions we will be influenced by the values of the world and tempted to let go of godly values. We will be tempted to consider these resources as our very own to be used according to our will. After all, didn’t we work hard to earn all the money? If we are not careful, we will forget that it is God who has given us the ability to work and earn money in the first place. If we are not on our guard, we will become like the dishonest manager who was found unfaithful with his master’s possessions in the first place. The manager’s unfaithfulness as a steward cost him his job and threatened his future security. This parable reminds us that we must pay careful attention to ourselves, so that we will steward and manage our God-given resources well to serve God’s purposes faithfully. He is our one Master whom we are to serve. For we cannot serve God and yet hold on to the ways of the world. Our hearts will be divided. We will either cling to one or the other. Jesus said, “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (v.13). When we are faithful with a little, God will entrust us with much; indeed, God will entrust us with true riches (vv.10-12)!

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A P P L I CAT I O N What must I do with God-given resources to be faithful to God and serve Him as my only Master?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for SGI leaders: To faithfully use God-given resources to serve God by shepherding His people

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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SATURDAY // 15 JUNE 2019 // FATHER’S DAY WEEK

Our Readiness for God S CRIPTURE

Matthew 25:1-13

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the key difference between the virgins who made it to the marriage feast and those who did not?

DEEPER REFLECTION

ll 10 virgins took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom, all wanting to go in with him to the marriage feast. However, only five made it to the feast, while the other five were shut out. While all 10 virgins set out with the right intentions, only five ended well. The five who made it were wise. They were prepared. They were ready for the bridegroom. They not only took their lamps, they also took with them flasks of oil (v.4). The foolish virgins went without taking with them any oil for replenishment. While we as God’s children have all received salvation by God’s grace and not by our works (Eph 2:8-9), how are we living our lives as we await the return of the Lord Jesus Christ? Are we like the wise virgins, so that when the day and the hour comes − when Jesus the bridegroom of the Church returns − we will be ready to go in with Him to the marriage feast? Are we ready for Christ’s second coming? For it is only those who are waiting in readiness who will make it for the marriage feast (v.10). Although all 10 virgins had no idea when the bridegroom would come, only the five wise ones were ready. These five knew the bridegroom and looked forward with deep longing and eager anticipation to his coming. Today, Jesus reminds us to likewise be watchful and ready, for we do not know the day or the hour when He will return.

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A P P L I CAT I O N In the remaining days of this life that I have, how can I be ready for the return of the Lord Jesus and help others to be prepared as well?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for church board: To be personally ready and help prepare the church for Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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SUNDAY // 16 JUNE 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JUNE 2019 WEEK 3

HOW CAN WE HELP EACH OTHER AS A TEAM? God works through people to help someone in need. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Luke 5:17-26 ACTIVITY BITE Spread out a blanket on the floor and ask someone to sit in the centre of it. Have four other people hold each of the blanket’s corners and try carrying the person to another part of the room. CHAT TIME Q1: Was it hard to carry your friend who was on the blanket? Q2: Why was it important to cooperate with each other to complete this task? Q3: In Luke 5:17-26, how did the four friends work together and cooperate to help someone in need? LEARNING POINT It wasn’t easy to carry your friend on the blanket. Just imagine how hard it was for those four men to carry their friend all the way up to the roof of the house where Jesus was teaching. These friends were willing to do whatever it took to help their friend even though there were obstacles. They showed cooperation by working together and encouraging each other to keep going when they may have gotten tired. Together with your friends, you can help by hanging out with the new kid at your school. Together with your family, you can serve a warm meal to welcome your new neighbours. We can help someone in need when we cooperate together. ACTION POINT Look out for someone around you who may be in need. Work together as a family to see how you can help this person this week. FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Ask God to help us see the needs of people around us and give us ideas on how to help them. Pray that as they receive help from us, they will see God’s love for them.

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MONDAY // 17 JUNE 2019

The Most Terrifying Threat to Humankind S CRIPTURE Isaiah 34:1-4

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make about the judgment of God in verses 1 to 4?

DEEPER REFLECTION

eople are constantly fascinated by doomsday catastrophes that await humankind in books and movies, such as the destructive effects of global warming, terrorists’ employing thermonuclear weapons to trigger a worldwide conflagration and robots with superior artificial intelligence and mechanical power rebelling against their human creators. However horrific these depictions may be, they all understate the danger to humankind, because they leave out the most terrifying threat of all: the just wrath of the all-knowing and all-powerful God. Isaiah 34 gives us “a powerful foretaste”19 of the terrifying future of humankind and the universe: God “will completely destroy the world and everything in it, dooming them to slaughter” (vv. 1-4). When my son complains to me that evil is widespread, my response is: “Well, unless God is dead.” God’s wrath is “already and not yet” here. In every generation, God’s wrath moves against every godless and wicked nation and people, and God’s use of one wicked nation to punish another wicked nation has been a major theme of the tapestry of human history.20 When Hitler’s Nazi armies were slaughtering21 and being slaughtered22 by Stalin’s Soviet armies, it was a partial fulfilment of this prophecy.23

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A P P L I CAT I O N What does it mean to me to know that the just wrath of God is the most terrifying threat to humankind?

P R AY E R O God of earth and altar, hear

Prayer Pointers

our cry. Our earthly rulers falter, and our people drift and

// Give thanks:

die. Walls of gold entomb us, swords of scorn divide us. Take not Thy thunder from us, but take away our pride. Deliver

// Pray for leaders:

us from all that terror teaches, from lies of tongue and pen, from all the easy speeches that comfort evil men and from

// Pray for significant people:

profanation of honour.24

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

19 20 21 22 23 24

Andrew M. Davis, Exalting Jesus in Isaiah, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Holman, 2017), 192 Andrew M. Davis, 192 In Hitler’s Nazi armies in the road to Stalingrad from June 1941 to November 1942 Two months later, in Stalin’s Soviet armies in the road to Berlin from January 1943 to May 1945 Andrew M. Davis, 192 Adapted from a poem of C. K. Chesterton (1874-1936), The Book of a Thousand Prayers, compiled by Angela Ashwin (Zondervan, 1996, 2002), 203-204

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TUESDAY // 18 JUNE 2019

How Should We Face God’s Enemies? S CRIPTURE Isaiah 34:5-15

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make about the judgment of God in verses 5 to 15?

DEEPER REFLECTION

n Isaiah 34, God warns the nations of the earth – “Draw near to hear” (Isa 34:1) − of His coming judgment on the whole world and all its military might (Isa 34:2-4), with Edom “as a symbolic representative of God’s enemies”25 (vv.5-7, 9-15). When God’s enemies are hostile to His name and His people, see the “already” part of God’s judgment. God’s enemies have already been “marked for destruction” by God (v.5, NLT). “The sword of the LORD” “has finished its work [of judgment] in the heavens” (v.5, NLT). What God has already done “will fall upon Edom” (v.5, NLT) sometime in the future – the “not yet” part of God’s judgment. God calls us to see what the end of His enemies is like (vv. 9-15). Their end is total destruction and utter desolation (vv.9-11, 14-15). Their arrogant pomp (“nobles” and “princes”) “will be nothing” (v.12), and their impregnable “fortified towers” and “fortified forts” will be overrun by “thorns” and “thistles” (v.13). See them now from their future. We can see God’s enemies in this way when we stand in God’s justice, for “the LORD has a day of vengeance” – “a time of paying back Edom for its hostility against Zion [God’s people]” (v.8, HCSB). When we suffer injustice, stand in God’s justice.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How will I make living by theological perspectives from biblical prophecies a vital component in my discipleship journey?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To live and serve with eschatological perspectives

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

Andrew M. Davis, 190

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WEDNESDAY // 19 JUNE 2019

The Word of God Is Reliable S CRIPTURE Isaiah 34:16-17

O B S E RVAT I O N What does Isaiah say about “the book of the LORD”?

DEEPER REFLECTION

nder God’s wrath (Isa 34:5-10a), Edom will be so devastated that “the land will lie deserted from generation to generation” and “no one will live there anymore” (Isa 34:10b, NLT), except birds and animals (Isa 34:11-15). This devastated condition of Edom that God had spoken about, He will bring to fulfilment, ensuring that “not one of these birds and animals will be missing” (v.16b, NLT), but all will gather there “just as predicted”26 and written (as in Isa 34:5-15)27 in “the book of the LORD” (v.16a). Note that “His mouth”, “His Spirit” (v.16) and “His hand” (v.17) are involved in God fulfilling His Word. The sequence, “His mouth”, “His Spirit” and “His hand” guarantees that the Lord’s Word will “be implemented by His power and come about through His direct personal touch”28. The theological point here is: the Word of God is reliable. Isaiah is “calling us to a searching acquaintance with God’s written Word” – “Seek and read from the book of the LORD” (v.16, ESV), “on the grounds that every smallest detail – down to birds and beasts – comes from His mouth, will be implemented by His Spirit and applied by His hand”29. We can never overemphasise that “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What should characterise me such that with honest conviction I can see myself living by “the book of the LORD”?

P R AY E R Lord, teach me and help me

Prayer Pointers

to live on every word that proceeds out the mouth of God. Grant me to hunger for

// Give thanks:

Your Word and to treasure it more than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. Grant that each time I open

// Pray for leaders:

the Scriptures, the Spirit of truth will open Your Word to me, and nourish and flourish my soul. Sanctify me in the

// Pray for significant people:

truth; Your Word is truth.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

26 27 28 29

Allan Harman, 258 Allan Harman, 257; Gary V. Smith, 576 J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Volume 20 (IVP, 1999), 243 J. Alec Motyer, 243

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THURSDAY // 20 JUNE 2019

Redemptive Hope for Wilderness and Weakness S CRIPTURE Isaiah 35:1-4

O B S E RVAT I O N What characterises God’s redemption of His people according to verses 1 to 4?

DEEPER REFLECTION

saiah 35 is the climax of Isaiah 1 to 35, just before the propheticnarrative of King Hezekiah in Isaiah 36 to 39, which functions as a pivotal theological bridge between Isaiah 1 to 35 and 40 to 66. Isaiah 35 is about God’s redemptive hope for His people who so easily stray from God and stumble into sin, which is framed by the spirit of gladness and joy (vv.1-2, Isa 35:10). Is your life like a barren wilderness (v.1)? It could be because of your unfaithfulness to God, or despite your faithfulness to God. But there is always hope in our redemptive God! The cross gives us that assurance (Eph 1:7-8a), however deep we may have stumbled in sin, however far we may have strayed from God. God can make our barren desert “blossom profusely” and become like Israel’s richest and most fertile Lebanon-Carmel-Sharon (vv.1-2a). In God’s gracious redemption is His “glory” and “majesty”, which He will show and we “will see” (v.2b). We are weak in the wilderness: “exhausted”, “feeble” and “anxious”, in need of encouragement and strength (vv.3-4a). God wants the weak in the wilderness to hear these words: “Take courage, fear not” (v.4a). Reason? Because “Your God will come” and “He will save you” (v.4b). “God will come” is repeated twice. Rest assured and wait in hope.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How will I relate with God when I am weak and my life is like a barren wilderness?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To know Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power that is perfected in weakness

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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FRIDAY // 21 JUNE 2019

Redemptive Hope for Disabilities and Dryness S CRIPTURE Isaiah 35:1-7

O B S E RVAT I O N What characterises God’s redemption of His people according to verses 4 to 7?

DEEPER REFLECTION

od as a God of “vengeance” and “recompense” (v.4b) means that God is a God of righteousness and justice. In such a God is our redemptive hope. “God will come” and heal our disabilities: He “will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf ” and heal “the lame” such that he “will leap like a deer” (vv.5-6a, NLT). These words find fulfilment in “the works of Christ” in healing physical disabilities (Matt 11:2, 5). But more critical than the physical is our spiritual disabilities. We are unable to see and hear from God to walk in His ways when we choose to walk in darkness (see Isa 6:9-10). Or, we are spiritually dull like the 12 apostles: “Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember?” (Mk 8:17-18, NIV). Don’t miss the harsh fivefold rebuke of Jesus! “God will come” and heal our spiritual dryness by turning our “scorched land” into “a pool” and our “thirsty ground” into “springs of water” (Isa 35:7-8). As we wait for God’s redemptive coming, we need to be like the blind man who entreated Jesus to touch his eyes and his sight was restored to “see everything clearly” (Mk 8:22-25).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How will I relate with God in my disabilities (physical and spiritual) and spiritual dryness?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for SGI leaders: To be refreshed by Christ the Living Water

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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SATURDAY // 22 JUNE 2019

Walk in the Highway of Holiness S CRIPTURE Isaiah 35:1-10

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Isaiah’s mention of “the Highway of Holiness” (v.8) in the context of verses 1 to 10?

DEEPER REFLECTION

“

od will come” and “save” us (v.4b) from our wilderness and weakness (vv.1-4a), and our disabilities and dryness (vv.5-7) for one purpose: to walk in “the Highway of Holiness” (v.8). “The Highway of Holiness” is the holy pilgrimage of God’s holy people in the holy presence of “the Holy One of Israel”. “The Holy One of Israel”30 is Isaiah’s favourite divine name, which occurs 21 times in the book, underscoring God’s holiness in His dealings with His people. “The Highway of Holiness” picks up on the idea that three times a year God required His people to make their holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem to appear before Him (Deut 16:16).31 Our discipleship journey is a holy pilgrimage. “The Highway of Holiness” is an exclusive way: only for “the redeemed” and “the ransomed of the LORD” (vv.9b-10), who are redeemed to be holy like “the Holy One of Israel” (Lev 11:44-45; 1 Pet 1:15-16). The “unclean” cannot walk on it (v.8b). We can walk on this exclusive holy highway only in Christ, not by anything of our own. It is by the blood of Jesus that we are redeemed, forgiven (Eph 1:7), cleansed (1 Jn 1:7) and sanctified (Heb 13:12), and “become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor 5:21); and out of this, we are to walk in holiness.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What gives me the impetus to walk in “the Highway of Holiness”?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for church board: To walk in redemptive holiness in Christ // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

30 31

See reflection on “the Holy One of Israel” in the February 4 entry of Devotional Journal 2019: February. Andrew M. Davis, 200

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SUNDAY // 23 JUNE 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JUNE 2019 WEEK 4

WHAT PART CAN YOU PLAY? God created us with different roles to play in the church. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9, 1 Corinthians 12:26-27 ACTIVITY BITE Write down the names of your family members on separate pieces of paper and put them in a bag. Take turns drawing a name from the bag. Write down something that the person is good at on the back of the piece of paper, before returning it to the bag. After everyone has taken a turn, ask each family member to pick a name, read the description and get everyone to guess who it refers to. CHAT TIME Q1: What are you good at? Q2: What are others good at? Q3: What are some ways that we can use our gifts together to show God’s love to the people around us? LEARNING POINT In Paul’s letter to the Corinth church, he wrote that we are the body of Christ − the church − and that each one has a part to play in this body. I might be an ear and you might be a hand or an eye, but we are all part of the same body. When we believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives each of us a special gift that allows us to help others. Each of us is good at something and we should use the things we are good at to point people to God. With all our talent, skills and experience, we can do something to encourage someone. ACTION POINT With the talent or gift that you have, do something to encourage someone in your family. FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for giving us different gifts, talents and experiences so that we can show His love to people around us. Ask God to help us find ways to show love to others, so that we won’t miss the chance to make a difference in their lives.

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MONDAY // 24 JUNE 2019

Putting First Things First S CRIPTURE

2 Chronicles 29:1-33

O B S E RVAT I O N What did Hezekiah do right from the start of his reign as king of Judah (vv.3-19, 20-24, 25-33)?

DEEPER REFLECTION

ezekiah walked rightly before God (vv.1-2). Under Ahaz’s reign, Judah was “unfaithful” to God, having “forsaken” Him and “done evil” in His sight (v.6). Then, “in the first year of his reign, in the first month” (v.3), Hezekiah got into action to lead God’s people to return to God, “that His burning anger may turn away” (vv.8-10). Hezekiah put first things first: Mark the word “first” in verse 3. Return of God’s holy presence: Hezekiah “opened the doors” of the temple which Ahaz had “shut” (vv.3, 7; 2 Chron 28:24), and “cleansed” “the holy place” of “every unclean thing” found in it (vv.5, 15-19). The temple was “the dwelling place of the LORD” (v.6). The cleansing of the temple allowed God’s holy presence to return. Return by God’s redemptive grace: Hezekiah offered “a sin offering for the kingdom, the sanctuary and Judah” through the sprinkling of blood on the altar (vv.20-21) “to atone for all Israel” (v.24). We “have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus” (Heb 10:19). Return to consecration to God through the “burnt offering” offered in “worship” (vv.27-33). The “burnt offering” was the only offering offered completely to God, symbolising total dedication to God. It is the Romans 12:1 offering to God.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What are the “first things first” that I need to put in place in my life now?

P R AY E R Lord, take as Your right, and

Prayer Pointers

receive as my gift, all my freedom, my memory, my

// Give thanks:

understanding and my will. Whatever I am and whatever I possess, You have given to me; I restore it all to You again, to

// Pray for leaders:

be at Your disposal, according to Your will. Give me only a love for You and the gift of Your grace; then I am rich enough

// Pray for significant people:

and ask for nothing more.

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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TUESDAY // 25 JUNE 2019

Living in Turbulent Times S CRIPTURE 2 Kings 18:1-12

O B S E RVAT I O N How did King Hezekiah live in the turbulent times of the great Assyrian threat and wars with adverse neighbouring nations?

DEEPER REFLECTION

ezekiah became king of Judah in turbulent times of geopolitical instability and insecurity. It was very frightening for Judah on two accounts. Assyria was a great threat to the entire Near East. In the “fourth year” of Hezekiah’s reign, Assyria began to besiege Israel (v.9). Right next door up north! This went on for “three years”, until Israel fell and went into exile (vv.10-11). Who likes to live in turbulent times? None, obviously. But there are times, against our will, when we have to live in such times, which we cannot control and change. How then should we live in turbulent times? We live by two fundamental dictums – one active and one passive. The passive is contingent on the active. Walk with God: Hezekiah “did right in the sight of the LORD” (v.3). This entails trusting in God, clinging to Him, following Him and keeping His Word (vv.5-6). We must not miss the intensity in walking with God expressed in the fourfold emphasis of trust-cling-follow-keep. Walk with God guarantees God with us: “And the LORD was with him” and “wherever he went he prospered” (v.7). We like the words “wherever…prospered”. But do we see how Jesus “prospered” on the cross? “Father, Your will be done” (Matt 26:42) and “Father, glorify Your name” (Jn 12:27-28).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How will I live through the turbulent times of my life?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for pastors and staff: To follow Jesus with singlemindedness and steadfastness // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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WEDNESDAY // 26 JUNE 2019

Our Source of Confidence S CRIPTURE Isaiah 36:1-10

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about the word “rely” or “trust” in verses 1 to 10, in light of its repetition in verses 4 to 7 and 9?

DEEPER REFLECTION

saiah 36 to 39 is a prophetic-narrative of King Hezekiah, which functions as a pivotal theological bridge between Isaiah 1 to 35 and 40 to 66 concerning God’s people in the Assyrian and Babylonian crises. The theological point is: As God’s people reflect on God’s deliverance from the Assyrian danger (Isa 1-35), represented by Isaiah 36 to 37, they can rely on God to deliver them from the Babylonian deportation (Isa 40-66), represented by Isaiah 38 to 39. In 701 BC, the Assyrians “came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and seized them” (v.1), conquering 46 of Judah’s towns, citadels and villages, except Jerusalem (v.2), driving out more than 200,000 people.33 With Jerusalem under siege, the Assyrian royal spokesman sought to frighten Judah to surrender without a fight by chopping down Judah’s sources of confidence one stroke at a time. What is the source of our confidence in life? “What are you relying on (v.5b)?” Is our source of confidence inward – our own strategy and strength (v.5a)? Or is it outward – the “chariots and horsemen” of “Egypt” (vv.6, 8)? Or is it upward – “We trust in the LORD our God” (v.7)? And let not the circumstances that overwhelm us cause us to question and abandon God as our source of confidence (v.7).

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A P P L I CAT I O N How can I show that God is the source of confidence in my life?

P R AY E R Lord, keep me from turning

Prayer Pointers

my heart away from You and putting confidence in the flesh. I trust in You, O trustworthy

// Give thanks:

God, and make You my confidence. And make me like a tree planted along a riverbank, with roots reaching deep into

// Pray for leaders:

the water, not bothered by the heat or worried by long drought, but with leaves that stay green and never stop

// Pray for significant people:

producing fruit. 34

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

33 34

John Goldingay, 35 Jeremiah 17:5-8

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THURSDAY // 27 JUNE 2019

Trusting in God Tested S CRIPTURE Isaiah 36:11-20

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about “deliverance” in the words of the Assyrian royal spokesman in verses 13 to 20?

DEEPER REFLECTION

n the narrative of Jerusalem under Assyrian siege in Isaiah 36, the key word in Isaiah 36:1-10 is “reliance” and the key word in verses 11 to 20 is “deliverance”. Hence, the theme of Isaiah 36 is reliance on God for His deliverance. This critical truth is easy to state, but hard to live by. And God never promised that it would be easy. But we will be frequently tested in this truth through fiery trials where God hasn’t delivered us. What Judah heard and saw so far in their crisis was that none of “the gods” of the nations had delivered them from the Assyrians (vv.18b-20). This leads to the question: Will God deliver? Or, do we conclude that when God hasn’t delivered, that God can’t deliver or God won’t deliver – as what the Assyrians wanted the besieged people of God to conclude and believe? We hear the voice of our adversary and our adversity: “Don’t be deceived and misled that God will deliver you” – just as the Assyrians said to Judah, “Do not let Hezekiah deceive you and mislead you, saying ‘The LORD will deliver us’” (vv.14-15, 18). What this means is that “God will surely deliver us” is not true and “Trust in God” does not work. It is through “God hasn’t delivered (yet)” that trust in God is strengthened and deepened.

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A P P L I CAT I O N How do I respond in adverse circumstances from which God has not delivered me?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To rest assured in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sovereign deliverance

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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FRIDAY // 28 JUNE 2019

Divine Dislocation Before Deliverance S CRIPTURE

Isaiah 36:21-22; 37:1-4

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about Hezekiah’s posture before God when he went through his crisis in Isaiah 37:1-4?

DEEPER REFLECTION

major divine reason for the Assyrian invasion of Judah was Hezekiah’s reliance on Egypt, instead of God, to counter the Assyrian threat: “Behold, you rely on Egypt” (Isa 36:6; 30:1-5; 31:1-3). When we go through a crisis, quite instinctively, we ask God to deliver us. But oftentimes, God’s agenda is to dislocate us. It is dislocation before deliverance. This was so for Hezekiah. Hezekiah responded with humility before God with torn clothes and sackcloth in “the house of the LORD” – God’s dwelling with us and where He is always to be found (Isa 37:1). Hezekiah’s recognition of God’s “rebuke” in his “day of distress” (Isa 37:3a) was an “admission of failure”35, acknowledging that the Assyrian trouble was merited.36 He saw his plan of relying on Egypt being frustrated and his helplessness to accomplish it, as he described it as “children have come to birth, and there is no strength to deliver” (Isa 37:3b).37 Hezekiah sent his officials to Isaiah to plead for help from God (Isa 37:2). In his plea for help, his focus was not on his own needs, even though his crisis was critical. He was so ashamed and so aware of his failure and helplessness that he ruled himself out of the picture.38 His concern was the honour of God – that the Assyrians “mock the living God” (Isa 37:4).

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A P P L I CAT I O N What difficulties do I go through which God may be using to dislocate me before He delivers me?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for SGI leaders: To know the God who dislocates His children

// Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

35 36 37 38

J. Alec Motyer, 251 J. Alec Motyer, 252 J. Alec Motyer, 252 J. Alec Motyer, 252

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SATURDAY // 29 JUNE 2019

The Power of Words S CRIPTURE Isaiah 37:1-7

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of the phrases “Thus says the LORD” and “the words that you have heard” (v.6) in the context of Jerusalem under the Assyrian siege?

DEEPER REFLECTION

n his message to Isaiah, Hezekiah made a request, an urgent one, certainly: “Offer a prayer for the remnant that is left” (v.4b). But when Isaiah received Hezekiah’s message, he did not do as requested. Isaiah did not pray. Instead, Isaiah’s reply to Hezekiah was, “Thus says the LORD” (v.6a): the Word of God. God has spoken much in the Scriptures about crises in life, so that we may know how to respond to our crises in God’s way. “What God has already said” is foundational to “What to say to God”. God gave Hezekiah a word of assurance: “Do not be afraid” (v.6). The divine “Do not be afraid” is so characteristic of God, because fear is so characteristic of us. Hezekiah was to be not afraid “because of the words that you have heard” (v.6). The “words of the great king, the king of Assyria” (Isa 36:13) caused Judah to fear. Here are two kinds of words of power at play: “Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria” (Isa 36:4, 14) and “Thus says the LORD” (v.6). The words of man can be powerful in demoralising, disillusioning, deceiving, destabilising, debasing and destroying lives in many other ways. But we are to counter and conquer “Thus says the king of Assyria” with “Thus says the LORD”.

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A P P L I CAT I O N What are the instances of “Thus says the king of Assyria” in my life that disturb me and which I need to counter with “Thus says the LORD”?

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

Prayer Pointers

response from your meditation on and application of

// Give thanks:

the Scriptures.

// Pray for church board: To live by “Thus says the Lord” // Pray for significant people:

// Pray for those in need:

// Pray for self:

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SUNDAY // 30 JUNE 2019

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I CAT I O N

P R AY E R

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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

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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

JUNE 2019 WEEK 5

HOW CAN WE ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER? God works through people to encourage each other. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 ACTIVITY BITE Write each word from Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 on separate strips of paper and mix them up. Put the verses together with the help of another person. CHAT TIME Q1: Have you ever felt discouraged because you were doing a task all by yourself? Q2: How do you feel when there is a group of people helping you with the task? Q3: As followers of Jesus, why would we want to work together? LEARNING POINT Paul wrote, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it. If one part is honoured, every part shares in its joy. You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it.” In other words, when someone is feeling discouraged, we should not let the person be alone, but should come alongside to encourage him or her. We have God’s love in us as well as Bible verses that can help to comfort others. When someone falls down, we should lift the person up. When we have something to celebrate, we can share our joy with others. We do this because we are all in the same body of Christ. ACTION POINT Think of someone in the church who works hard but whose work is often unnoticed by many people. They can be the cleaners or those who manage the sound system. Write cards to thank them for what they do. FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for our bodies and the body of Christ, that we are all part of one body as followers of Jesus. Thank Him for all the people and talents who are part of His church.

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NOTES

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