March Devotional Journal 2020 by Covenant EFC

March

2020 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

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

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DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

March

2020

Mark 2 17

And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Also available at www.cefc.org.sg and “Covenant EFC” mobile app.

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Memory

Verses 20

January

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

February

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

March

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

April

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

May

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

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

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June

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

July

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

August

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

Septmber

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

October

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

November

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

December

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

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Foreword

by Senior Pastors

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

YEAR OF GREATER DISCIPLESHIP

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

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

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

St Francis of Assisi

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

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Guide To Using

THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Step One

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

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

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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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Step Two

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

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

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T H E

C H U R C H

B E Y O N D

Prayfor

Missions Matthew 16:18-19 (NASB)

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

hen we pray for East Asia, we are referring to China, Mongolia, Japan and North Korea. Recent years have seen the rise of a harsher government stand against religions in some of these countries. In China, sinicisation was implemented in major religious groups to fuse their religion with Chinese socialist thoughts. In Mongolia, a new law came into effect in 2017 that prohibits religious organisations or representatives from proselytisation through force, pressure, deception or spreading “cruel” religious ideology. Churches and religious groups face difficulties in registration or renewing their licence. North Korea is an atheist state that persecutes Christians, and churches had been driven underground. Christians cannot openly worship or declare their identity.

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Japan has traditionally been known as a hard ground for sowing the seeds of the Gospel despite its open-door policy. Buddhism and Shinto continue to have deep roots in the lives of the Japanese. In the face of these persecutions, overwhelming odds and injustice, how do we pray? May our heart be stilled to listen to the Spirit who will guide us in prayer.

Pray That God’s hand be shown mighty to save where injustice reigns and righteousness is perverted. God is a mighty God who will fight for His people (Isa 59:1, 16-19) and can turn to good what is meant for evil (Gen 50:20). For protection of local church leaders, believers and Covenant EFC missionaries, including protection from prying eyes as churches are driven underground. That local believers rise up in leadership to shepherd their own people, and that their faith be strong and firm (Eph 6:13). There are reports that believers are increasing despite persecutions. Pray for divine intervention, strength to endure, and the faith to stand firm for those who are imprisoned. For hope and truth to shine in the midst of darkness. That the atheism promoted through the education system and falsehoods perpetuated be revealed to be lies. May believers be sanctified by the truth (Jn 17:17) and be able to discern right from wrong. For the salvation of government officials in these countries (1 Tim 2:1-4). For open doors through which the Gospel can enter these countries in creative ways. Pray that God will use our skills and talents to build bridges and go where traditional missionaries cannot go. Let’s also thank Him for Christian groups who are reaching out to pre-believers through arts, sports, education and business.

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Worship Songs

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER

LET THERE BE LIGHT

March-April

WHO YOU SAY I AM Verse 1 Who am I that the highest King Would welcome me? I was lost but He brought me in Oh His love for me Oh His love for me Chorus 1 Who the Son sets free Oh is free indeed I’m a child of God Yes I am Verse 2 Free at last He has ransomed me His grace runs deep While I was a slave to sin Jesus died for me Yes He died for me Chorus 2 In my Father’s house There’s a place for me I’m a child of God Yes I am

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Bridge I am chosen not forsaken I am who You say I am You are for me not against me I am who You say I am Tag (Oh) (Yes) I am who You say I am Ben Fielding | Reuben Morgan © 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7102401 CCLI License # 324618

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LIVING HOPE Verse 1 How great the chasm that lay between us How high the mountain I could not climb In desperation I turned to heaven And spoke Your name into the night Then through the darkness, Your loving-kindness Tore through the shadows of my soul The work is finished, the end is written Jesus Christ, my living hope Verse 2 Who could imagine so great a mercy? What heart could fathom such boundless grace? The God of ages stepped down from glory To wear my sin and bear my shame The cross has spoken, I am forgiven The King of kings calls me His own Beautiful Savior, I’m Yours forever Jesus Christ, my living hope Chorus Hallelujah, praise the One who set me free Hallelujah, death has lost its grip on me You have broken every chain There’s salvation in Your name Jesus Christ, my living hope Verse 3 Then came the morning that sealed the promise Your buried body began to breathe Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion Declared the grave has no claim on me Jesus, Yours is the victory, whoa! Ending Jesus Christ, my living hope Oh God, You are my living hope Brian Johnson | Phil Wickham © 2017 Phil Wickham Music (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Simply Global Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Sing My Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o 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 # 7106807 CCLI Licence # 324618

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AT THE CROSS (LOVE RAN RED) 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 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 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

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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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RAISE A HALLELUJAH Verse 1 I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody I raise a hallelujah, Heaven comes to fight for me Chorus I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm Louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar Up from the ashes, hope will arise Death is defeated, the King is alive Verse 2 I raise a hallelujah, with everything inside of me I raise a hallelujah, I will watch the darkness flee I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery I raise a hallelujah, fear you lost your hold on me! Bridge Sing a little louder (Sing a little louder) Sing a little louder (Sing a little louder) Sing a little louder (Sing a little louder) Sing a little louder (Sing a little louder) Bridge Sing a little louder (In the presence of my enemies) Sing a little louder (Louder than the unbelief ) Sing a little louder (My weapon is a melody) Sing a little louder (Heaven comes to fight for me) Sing a little louder Ending I raise a hallelujah Jake Stevens | Jonathan David Helser | Melissa Helser | Molly Skaggs © 2018 Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7119315 CCLI Licence # 324618

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HOSANNA Verse 1 Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You We turn to You Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You We long for You ‘Cause when we see You We find strength to face the day In Your presence all our fears are washed away Washed away Chorus Hosanna, hosanna You are the God who saves us Worthy of all our praises Hosanna, hosanna Come have Your way among us We welcome You here, Lord Jesus Verse 2 Hear the sound of hearts returning to You We turn to You In Your Kingdom broken lives are made new You make us new ‘Cause when we see You We find strength to face the day In Your presence all our fears are washed away Washed away Brenton Brown | Paul Baloche © 2005, 2006 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI Song # 4662491 CCLI Licence # 324618

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SCANDAL OF GRACE Verse 1 Grace, what have You done? Murdered for me on that cross Accused in absence of wrong My sin washed away in Your blood Too much to make sense of it all I know that Your love breaks my fall The scandal of grace, You died in my place So my soul will live Chorus Oh to be like You (To) Give all I have just to know You Jesus, there’s no one besides You Forever the hope in my heart Verse 2 Death, where is your sting? Your power is as dead as my sin The cross has taught me to live In mercy, my heart now to sing The day and its trouble shall come I know that Your strength is enough The scandal of grace, You died in my place So my soul will live Bridge And it’s all because of You, Jesus It’s all because of You, Jesus It’s all because of Your love And my soul will live Joel Houston | Matt Crocker © 2012 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 6428750 CCLI Licence # 324618

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JESUS WE CELEBRATE YOUR VICTORY Chorus Jesus we celebrate Your victory Jesus we revel in Your love Jesus we rejoice You’ve set us free Jesus Your death has brought us life Verse 1 It was for freedom that Christ has set us free No longer to be subject to a yoke of slavery So we’re rejoicing in God’s victory Our hearts responding to His love Verse 2 His Spirit in us releases us from fear The way to Him is open With boldness we draw near And in His presence our problems disappear Our hearts responding to His love John Gibson © 1987 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 165487 CCLI Licence # 324618

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THIS I BELIEVE (THE CREED) Verse 1 Our Father everlasting The all creating One God Almighty Through Your Holy Spirit Conceiving Christ the Son Jesus our Saviour Chorus 1 I believe in God our Father I believe in Christ the Son I believe in the Holy Spirit Our God is three in One I believe in the resurrection That we will rise again For I believe in the Name of Jesus Verse 2 Our Judge and our Defender Suffered and crucified Forgiveness is in You Descended into darkness You rose in glorious life Forever seated high Bridge I believe in You I believe You rose again I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord Chorus 2 I believe in life eternal I believe in the virgin birth I believe in the saints’ communion And in Your holy Church I believe in the resurrection When Jesus comes again For I believe in the Name of Jesus Ben Fielding | Matt Crocker © 2014 Hillsong Music Publishing For Use Solely With The Songselect Terms Of Use. All Rights Reserved. Www.Ccli.Com CCLI Song # 7018338 CCLI License # 324618

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I SURRENDER ALL Verse 1 All to Jesus I surrender All to Him I freely give I will ever love and trust Him In His presence daily live Chorus I surrender all I surrender all All to Thee my blessed Saviour I surrender all Verse 2 All to Jesus I surrender Humbly at His feet I bow Worldly pleasures all forsaken Take me Jesus take me now Verse 3 All to Jesus I surrender Make me Savior wholly Thine Let me feel the Holy Spirit Truly know that Thou art mine Verse 4 All to Jesus I surrender Lord I give myself to Thee Fill me with Thy love and power Let Thy blessing fall on me Public Domain For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 23189 CCLI License # 324618

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WAY MAKER Verse 1 You are here moving in our midst I worship You, I worship You You are here, working in this place I worship You, I worship You Chorus (You are) Way Maker, Miracle Worker Promise Keeper, light in the darkness My God, that is who You are Verse 2 You are here, touching every heart I worship You, I worship You You are here, healing every heart I worship You, I worship You Verse 3 You are here, turning lives around I worship You, I worship You You are here, mending every heart I worship You, yeah, I worship You, Lord Tag That is who You are That is who You are That is who You are That is who You are Bridge Even when I don’t see it, You’re working Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working You never stop, You never stop working You never stop, You never stop working Osinachi Kalu Okoro Egbu © 2016 Integrity Music Europe (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing (Integrity Music [DC Cook])) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7115744 CCLI Licence # 324618

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20 20 SUNDAY 1 March

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

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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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WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

MARCH 2020

GOOD STEWARD OF MY MONEY

God wants me to make good use of my money. Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members what they would do if they were given a big sum of money. Get them to draw or write down their answers on a piece of paper and share it with one another.

CHAT TIME Q1: What do riches mean to you? Q2: What does it really mean to put your hope in God? Q3: How will you use your money wisely from now on?

LEARNING POINT Money is important because we need it to buy many things, such as food or clothes, among others. How we use the money we have matters to God. We can put it to good use or use it for bad things. In his letter to Timothy, Paul commanded those who were wealthy not to be proud and be willing to share their riches with those in need, as they tended to keep everything for themselves. This applies to all of us. Money cannot be trusted, but we can place our Hope fully on God. We can trust that God will provide us richly in ways that no amount of wealth can.

ACTION POINT Set up a family fund for God’s work. Discuss and come to a consensus among your family members on the amount to be saved each month for this fund.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for providing us with everything we need. Ask Him to teach us to use our money wisely and to always put God first in everything we do.

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20 20

Jesus’ Calling of the Twelve

MONDAY 2 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 3:13; Luke 6:12-13; John 17:6

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about Jesus calling the Twelve to be apostles (v.13; Lk 6:12-13; Jn 17:6)?

Deeper Reflection

ARK 3:13-4:34 is a pivotal point in Jesus’ mission in Mark. Against the backdrop of “the great multitude” from far and wide coming to Jesus, having “heard all that He had done” (Mk 3:7-12), Jesus began to draw the great divide between the insiders and outsiders in His ministry. It began with Jesus’ calling of the Twelve (Mk 3:13-19). Looking at Jesus’ calling of the Twelve from the perspectives of three different Gospels together gives us a fuller picture of this vital part of Jesus’ mission. Jesus “went up on the mountain” (v.13) “to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God” (Lk 6:12). Luke emphasises the importance of prayer in this crucial matter. Jesus was dependent on His Father for His direction in this. This ought to be so in intentional disciplemaking with the aim of spiritual multiplication and in the selection of leaders in our ministry. For Jesus, it was getting the right people to be “apostles” (Lk 6:13), who would be “the foundation” for building His Church (Eph 2:20). “Jesus summoned those whom He Himself wanted” (v.13) is balanced with “the men whom You gave Me” (Jn 17:6), reflecting His oneness with His Father. Jesus viewed the Twelve as “they were Yours” (Jn 17:6). This teaches us not to guard our turf in ministry.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How can I apply in my ministry the way Jesus went about His ministry as reflected in His calling of the Twelve?

2020

P R AY E R

vin

given me through the working

Gospel by the gift of Your grace

nee

You have made me a servant of the

se in

the privilege of grace to be Your servant.

Tho

things come from You. I thank You for

Significant people

Leaders

Father, all things belong to You and all

of Your power. I pray that You will manifest Your name through Your Word in Your servant’s ministry, that people may know You and Your heart.

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20 20

Great Commission in Great Communion

TUESDAY 3 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 3:13-19; John 17:6

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about discipleship and disciplemaking in verses 14 to 15 and John 17:6?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS’ APPOINTMENT of the Twelve was His first step in establishing a new people of God, the new covenant Israel and the Church. The Twelve, representing the 12 tribes of Israel (Lk 22:30) – with “twelve” symbolising the whole people of God, formed “the nucleus of this new creation”1. Jesus called them for a twofold purpose: the Great Communion – “that they might be with Him” (v.14a) and the Great Commission – “that He might send them out” (v.14b-15). It is not without significance that for Jesus, the Great Communion precedes the Great Commission. It is of critical necessity. To be “with Him” is synonymous to “Follow Me” (Mk 1:17). “Discipleship is a relationship before it is a task – a ‘who’ before a ‘what’.”2 It is in following Jesus that He makes us “fishers of men” (Mk 1:17). In continually being “with Him”, we will grow to be “like Him”: “the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked” (1 Jn 2:6). Jesus defined His discipling of the Twelve in terms of “I have manifested Your name to them” and “they have kept Your word” (Jn 17:6). Mark “Your name” and “Your word”. “Your name” refers to who God is. Central in our discipleship, and accordingly in our disciplemaking, ought to be knowing the Lord and following His Word.

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A P P L I C AT I O N What changes do I need to make in my discipleship journey with regard to the Great Communion and the Great Commission?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To make being “with Him” central in life and ministry Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

1 2

James A. Brooks, Mark, The New American Commentary (Broadman, 1991), 71 James R. Edwards, The Gospel According to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Eerdmans, Apollos, 2002), 113

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20 20

Some Perspectives on “Successful” Ministry

WEDNESDAY 4 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-13; Acts 1:15-22

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about Jesus’ choice of Judas Iscariot to be among the Twelve and Judas’ betrayal of Him (vv.13-15, 19; Lk 6:12-13; Acts 1:15-16)?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS “SPENT THE WHOLE NIGHT in prayer to God” before He “chose” His 12 apostles (Lk 6:12-13) and yet among them was Judas Iscariot “who betrayed Him” (Mk 3:19). It seems like the praying of the best in prayer “has failed” in some way. But here is a mystery of God and prayer. Luke portrays Judas’ betrayal of Jesus as a fulfilment of Scripture (Acts 1:16). Another mystery. However, it was not such that Judas could turn to God and say: “You and the Scriptures have fixed me up. I have no choice. And I cannot change it even if I want to.” On the contrary, Judas himself took responsibility for the betrayal by taking his own life (Acts 1:18; cf. Matt 27:3-5). The tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility remains not harmonisable. Significantly, the one who led the replacing Judas exercise (Acts 1:15-22) denied his Lord thrice recently. “The church meets no failure or deceit in the world that it has not encountered in itself – even among those who founded and led the very first congregation.”3 We all can fail and fall like Peter and Judas, but we can choose to be like Peter, and not Judas. The ministry of the perfect Jesus did not produce perfect results. So much for the success syndrome in much of contemporary Christian ministry!

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A P P L I C AT I O N What changes do I need to make in my perspective and practice with regard to “successful” ministry?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

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

For The Next Generation: To see success as God sees it Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

William H. Willimon, Acts, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (John Knox, 1988), 25

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20 20

Opposition from Inside and Outside

THURSDAY 5 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 3:20-27

O B S E RVAT I O N What characterised the ministry of Jesus?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS FACED SERIOUS OPPOSITION in His ministry. Opposition from inside: When a “large, demanding, unruly crowd”4 gathered around Jesus, His family viewed Him as being fanatical and insane: “He has lost His mind” (vv.20-21). In attempting to “take custody of Him”, they were probably concerned about the family’s reputation.5 When we walk in the truth faithfully, people may not see it or find it unacceptable to them. People would perceive us according to how they see things differently from us. We may not be able to resolve this kind of tension, but just have to live with it. Living by the truth can be costly and painful. Opposition from outside: The scribes accused Jesus in His exorcisms as being “possessed by Beelzebul” and casting out “demons by the ruler of demons” (v.22). Jesus refuted the accusation as an illogical and irrational error. Satan is not so foolish as to create self-destructive in-fighting within his kingdom (vv.23-26)! But sadly, the Church has so often fallen into this self-destructive folly. Rejecting the truth can make intelligent and seemingly religious people become unbelievably illogical and irrational. Our presuppositions can cause us to twist truths according to these presuppositions. Self-awareness of our presuppositions and biases is therefore critical to the right understanding of truth and reality.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How do I view opposition in discipleship?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To be ready for opposition of any kind Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

4 5

James A. Brooks, 73 James A. Brooks, 74

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Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

FRIDAY 6 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 3:28-30

O B S E RVAT I O N Why is the sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit an unforgivable eternal sin?

Deeper Reflection

HE SIN AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT is “one of the most disturbing statements of Jesus in the Gospels”6 (v.29). Jesus came as the Messiah who will baptise with the Holy Spirit and who Himself was anointed by the Holy Spirit (Mk 1:7-10). And Jesus “cast out demons by the Holy Spirit”, which was evidence of the arrival of the kingdom of God (Matt 12:28). But the scribes maliciously ascribed the works of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ ministry to Satan and his demons (Mk 3:22). They kept saying that Jesus “has an unclean spirit” (v.30) when it was the Holy Spirit who was upon Him, that He was empowered by Satan rather than by God. To Jesus, this was blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. To “blaspheme” is to speak against, slander, insult and defame God irreverently and defiantly. It is important to note that before Jesus charged the scribes of this sin, He gave the assurance that “all sins” and “whatever blasphemies” “shall be forgiven” (v.28). Jesus’ assurance is: No one who asks God for forgiveness of sins will be refused forgiveness by God. But the scribes’ defiance out of hardness of heart ruled out the possibility of them repenting from this sin. Thus, this sin is “an eternal sin” that “never has forgiveness” (v.29). When we are concerned if we have committed this sin, it means we have not.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How do I view the reality of sin in my life?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To be kept from hardening of the heart Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, 122

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The Nature of Biblical Discipleship

SATURDAY 7 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 3:31-35

O B S E RVAT I O N How does Mark show the nature of biblical discipleship?

Deeper Reflection

N THE SAME SETTING of the crowded house (Mk 3:20-21), Jesus received a message: “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are outside looking for you” (vv.31-32). In response, Jesus drew the great divide between the insiders and outsiders in the kingdom of God that is embodied in Him. There were three groups of people in this scene: Jesus’ mother and brothers who were “standing outside” (v.31), the “crowd” that was “sitting around Him” (v.32) and “those who were sitting around Him in a circle” (v.34). The third group consisted of the Twelve (cf. Mk 3:13-19) who were “sitting closest to Jesus”7, whom Matthew specifically referred to as “His disciples” (Matt 12:49). The Twelve were representative of “whoever does the will of God” (v.35a) in following Jesus and not without paying a price (Mk 1:16-20). Following Jesus is simply doing the will of God. And this is what intimacy with the Lord – “he is My brother and sister and mother” (v.35b) – is all about. In the kingdom of God, spiritual relationships have priority over physical relationships, without devaluing the latter (cf. Eph 5:22-6:4). But tragically, there are Christians today who place physical identity above loyalty to Christ and His teaching of love and servanthood, and promote ethnic, nationalistic, or tribal superiority and prejudice.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How does Jesus’ great divide between the insiders and outsiders challenge me with regard to discipleship?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To persevere in seeking and doing God’s will Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

William Hendriksen, Mark, New Testament Commentary (Banner of Truth, 1975), 142; William L. Lane, The Gospel According to Mark, The New International Commentary on the New Testament, 1974), 148

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20 20 SUNDAY 8 March

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

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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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WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

MARCH 2020

A GOOD STEWARD OF MY TALENT

God wants me to make good use of my talents and gifts. Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10

ACTIVITY BITE Set aside a day for “Family Talent Night” where your family members present something they are good at. Get everyone to share how they can use their talents to help others know God.

CHAT TIME Q1: Why does God give us talents? Q2: What talents have you been given? Q3: How can you use these talents to bring glory to God?

LEARNING POINT All our talents are given by God. For example, we can be good in drawing, sports or cooking, among others. God gives us talents so that we can serve others and glorify Him. Imagine drawing nice-looking cards with encouraging words to give to someone. Or baking a cake as a gift to celebrate your neighbour’s children’s birthday. By doing so, you are using what God has given you to bless others. He does not want us to keep our talents to ourselves or be too proud about it.

ACTION POINT Discuss and plan as a family how you will use everyone’s talent to serve others and God, for example, cooking together in order to invite prebelievers to your home for a meal.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for the talents He has given us. Pray for God’s guidance to use these talents wisely so that others will get to know God through our service and actions.

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How Spiritually Hungry Am I?

MONDAY 9 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 4:1-10

O B S E RVAT I O N Why did Jesus teach the great multitude in parables?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS WAS TEACHING “again” (v.1). And listening to Him was “such a very great crowd”. This crowd had heard Jesus’ teaching before. So, now they were hearing Jesus’ teaching “again”. And Jesus was teaching them “many things”, but in “parables” (v.2), among which was the parable of the sower (vv.3-8). But why in parables? The answer lies in a key word, which is repeated 13 times in Mark’s passage on Jesus’ parables (Mk 4:1-34): akouō – hear or listen.8 Jesus began His teaching in parables with an emphatic call: “Listen!” (v.3). And He ended the parable of the sower with “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (v.9). Then, when Jesus was alone, “those around Him, along with the Twelve” were “asking Him about the parables” (v.10). They did not understand the parables. Jesus’ parables were not helpful, illustrative stories with self-evident meaning.9 They were not simple and easy to understand, and could not be understood apart from the one who told them.10 Did the majority of the great multitude walk away having understood the parables? Obviously, not. But they were just content with hearing Jesus’ teaching without understanding. Are you like this towards the Word of God? “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” is a test for interest, desire and hunger for the things of God.

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A P P L I C AT I O N What is my spiritual hunger for the things of God like and what changes do I need to make?

2020

P R AY E R God, I cannot know You unless You make Yourself

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

known to me. And You have revealed Yourself and Your heart in the Scriptures. Grant me to

Pray for leaders:

have a great hunger for You to know You. Open the Scriptures to me, open my mind to understand

Pray for significant people:

the Scriptures, open my eyes to behold You in the Scriptures, that my heart may burn within as You

Pray for those in need:

open Your Word to me.

Pray for self:

8 9

Mark 4:3, 9, 12, 15, 16, 18, 20, 23, 24, 33 R. T. France, Divine Government: God’s Kingship in the Gospel of Mark (Regent College, 2003), 39; James A. Brooks, 79. James R. Edwards, 127

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The Mystery of God’s Kingdom

TUESDAY 10 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 4:10-12, 33-34

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about Jesus, His disciples and the mystery of the kingdom of God?

Deeper Reflection

HE DISCIPLES OF JESUS are “given the mystery (secret) of the kingdom of God” (v.11). The “mystery” means “a knowledge of God that cannot be attained by natural means”11. What is the “mystery of the kingdom of God”? Jesus Christ. “It is the secret that the kingdom of God has come in the person and words and works of Jesus. This is a secret because God has chosen to reveal Himself indirectly and in a veiled way. The incarnate Word is not obvious. Only faith could recognise the Son of God in the lowly figure of Jesus of Nazareth. The secret of the kingdom of God is the secret of the person of Jesus.”12 And the knowledge of the mystery is “given” by God – a gift from God, not by human intelligence, merit or achievement.13 The God who “gives” the mystery (v.11) also blinds the eyes of the unwilling (v.12). They are unable to see because they are unwilling to hear as Jesus’ disciples did in asking Him about the parables (v.10). Our concern must be how we are hearing the Word of God and not God’s sovereign act of blinding the unwilling. God sees the heart (cf. Jn 2:23-25). While “those who are outside get everything in parables” (v.11), Jesus “was explaining everything privately to His own disciples” (v.34) – a result of following Jesus (Mk 1:16-20) and being “with Him” (Mk 3:14).

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A P P L I C AT I O N How do I show that I pursue the understanding of God and His truths that God wants to give me?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To be spiritually hungry for understanding God and His truths Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, 131 James R. Edwards – citing C. E. B. Cranfield, 131 13 James R. Edwards, 131-32 12

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How Do I Hear God’s Word?

WEDNESDAY 11 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 4:1-9, 13-20

O B S E RVAT I O N What does Jesus teach about hearing the Word of God?

Deeper Reflection

ENTRAL IN JESUS’ EXPLANATION of the parable of the sower (vv.14-20) is: How do we hear the Word of God? “The word” is repeated eight times, with four times as “hear the word”. The sower casts the seeds with abandon without prejudging the soil’s potential. The message “is not test-marketed first to see what the response is likely to be and then to adjust the message to ensure the best reception of the product”14. The parable’s focus is on the attitude in hearing the Word. Hard-hearted hearing (v.15): When the Word is unimportant to us and we are uninterested, Satan removes the Word we heard and replaces it with his lies. Shallow-hearted hearing (vv.16-17): The Word is received with “joy”, but with “no firm root”. Emotionalism without conviction. It is paper burning, not coal burning. The test is “affliction” and “persecution”. Is there perseverance? “The deepest walk with God comes when we are under pressure, yet can see beyond the immediate suffering.”15 Half-hearted hearing (vv. 18-19): The soil is “not infertile but so weed-ridden that the good seed is ultimately suffocated”16. What kills the Word we heard are: stressful concerns and anxiety that life’s challenges bring, the illusive security of wealth and anything that draws one away from God’s priorities. Wholehearted hearing (v.20): The effect and evidence is increasing fruit bearing.

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A P P L I C AT I O N What changes do I need to make in how I read and hear the Word of God?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

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

For the Next Generation: To hear the Word of God wholeheartedly Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

14 15 16

David E. Garland, Mark, The NIV Application Commentary (Zondervan, 1996), 168 David E. Garland, 172 David E. Garland, 163

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Take Care How You Hear

THURSDAY 12 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 4:9-12, 21-25

O B S E RVAT I O N What does Jesus teach about hearing the Word of God?

Deeper Reflection

N THE OLD TESTAMENT, a lamp is frequently a metaphor for God (2 Sam 22:29), the Davidic Messiah (1 Kin 11:36; 2 Kin 8:19; Psa 132:17) or the Law (Psa 119:105). In Jesus’ rhetorical question, “Does the lamp come17 in order that it might be placed under the bowl or under the bed?” (v.21), “the lamp” is Jesus Himself, who has come to bring light and revelation (Jn 1:5; 8:12). But paradoxically, Jesus reveals Himself (v.21) by concealing (v.22) as “the mystery of the kingdom of God” (vv.11-12). God’s glory is revealed indirectly in ways that do not match human methods and expectation – through riddling parables, weakness, suffering and death as seen in Jesus.18 Revelation demands response: “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear” (vv.9, 23). Before giving a promise and a warning in His parable of the measure, Jesus alerts His hearers: “Take care how you hear” (v.24a). How we respond to the Word and the Light has consequences (v.24). “The economic axiom that the poor get poorer and the rich get richer also holds true for the spiritual life.”19 When we hear well, we will get more explanation of God’s purposes and will have superabundance of understanding (v.25a). When we do not hear well, we will lose everything we might have as we “become mired deeper in a slough of indifference and ignorance”20 (v.25b).

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ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I guard myself from gradually losing what God has graciously given me to understand His Word?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To hear the Word of God carefully Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Literal rendering in Greek David E. Garland, 175 David E. Garland, 175 20 David E. Garland, 175 18 19

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Spiritual Growth in God’s Way

FRIDAY 13 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 4:26-29

O B S E RVAT I O N What does Jesus’ parable of the seed sown on the soil reveal about the kingdom of God?

Deeper Reflection

HROUGH THE PARABLE of the seed sown on the soil, Jesus reveals the character of the kingdom of God (v.26a), particularly pertaining to the growth of and growth in the kingdom of God. The principles espoused are applicable to personal spiritual growth and the growth of people in disciplemaking. The farmer sows his seed and then goes about his everyday routine of life: He sleeps, he rises, night and day (vv.26-27a). And he does nothing more. For spiritual growth, we feed ourselves the Word and we feed others the Word. In the words of Paul: “I planted, Apollos watered” – and that was all they could do in their ministry, for the rest is “but God was causing the growth” (1 Cor 3:6). While the farmer goes about his daily routine, “the seed sprouts and grows” – where Jesus lays the emphasis, “how, he himself does not know” (v.27b). We cannot know, and hence, do not know – let alone engineer and control by “effective formulas” – the process of growth. And “the soil produces crops by itself”21 (v.28a). “By itself ” is better rendered as “without visible cause”, “incomprehensible” or even “effected by God”22. And there is “an appointed order of development that may not be hurried or skipped over, nor can it be delayed”23: The seed grows into “first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head” and eventually, “the harvest” (v.28b-29).

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A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to grow spiritually in God’s way?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To let God do what He pleases in their lives Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Greek: automatē – from which we get the word “automatic” David E. Garland, 176 23 David E. Garland, 176 22

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The Subversiveness of God’s Kingdom

SATURDAY 14 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 4:30-32

O B S E RVAT I O N What does Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed reveal about the kingdom of God?

Deeper Reflection

HROUGH THE PARABLE of the mustard seed, Jesus further reveals the character of the kingdom of God (v.30). The kingdom of God is like when “a mustard seed” – “the smallest of all seeds on the earth” – is sown on the earth (v.31), “it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs” in which birds may nest (v.32). The mustard seed is “not actually the tiniest of seeds, but it stood for something proverbially small in Palestine (Matt 17:20)”24. Jesus was simply using “the proverbial mustard seed”25 to illustrate the kingdom of God. Jesus’ emphasis is on the contrast between the beginning and the end of the kingdom of God – the reign of God. The kingdom of God arrived in Jesus of Nazareth, “the carpenter” (Mk 1:9; 6:3). It has a small, obscure and insignificant beginning. It is now hidden and easily overlooked. But the smallest seed will become the greatest shrub (v.32). For now, the power and glory of the kingdom of God is manifested in a veiled manner through the death and resurrection of Christ, seen only by eyes of faith, until its full revelation in “the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory” (Mk 13:26). So, we now live in Christ eschatologically with confidence and perseverance from the future in a world that appears to be superior to God’s kingdom.

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ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to live in Christ eschatologically from the future?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To live in Christ eschatologically from the future Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

24 25

James R. Edwards, 144 James R. Edwards, 145

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20 20 SUNDAY 15 March

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

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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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WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

MARCH 2020

A GOOD STEWARD OF MY TIME

God wants me to make good use of my time. Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17

ACTIVITY BITE Get your family members to list down the tasks that they typically do in a day. Ask them to share which items on their list glorify God or show God’s teaching.

CHAT TIME Q1: What does it mean for me to use my time wisely? Q2: Do you think there is a good time to glorify God? Why or why not? Q3: What change will I make about the way I use my time daily from now on?

LEARNING POINT Everyone has the same number of hours in a day, but each of us use the time differently. For example, one may practise piano or help clean the house, while another would just play computer games all day long. Time is given by God. What we do with the time matters to Him and He reminds us to use it wisely because every moment is precious. Once the time is gone, we cannot take it back. Use your time to help others and build your knowledge of God.

ACTION POINT Commit as a family to serve in one church event or help out in one area of God’s work before the year ends.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that God will help everyone in your family to use their time wisely. Ask Him to reveal to us how we can spend our time on tasks that glorify His name.

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To Know Who Jesus Is

MONDAY 16 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 4:35-41

O B S E RVAT I O N What does the stormy boat journey of Jesus and His disciples show us about Jesus and discipleship?

Deeper Reflection

OW WOULD YOU RESPOND to adverse circumstances that are likened to “a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up with water” (v.37)? Would you respond like Jesus’ disciples who accused Him of forsaking them26: “Do You not care that we are perishing?” (v.38b)? Storms in life is a discipleship necessity for growing in knowing God and trusting Him. The disciples’ question after their crisis, “Who then is this?” (v.41) reflects this divine discipleship purpose and process. Our trust in God is built on our knowledge of Him. Oftentimes, in discipleship, storms are the sleeping presence of God: “Jesus Himself was asleep” comfortably “on a cushion” (v.38a). Whether God is awake or asleep, active or inactive in our adversities, He is no less present with us in any way. God’s presence is not determined by His deliverance. But we are to trust in the sovereign power of God. Jesus “rebuked the wind” and “said to the sea”, “Hush, be still” (v.39a), and “the wind and the sea obey Him” (v.41b). God in total sovereign control can easily bring our discipleship storms to perfect calmness (v.39b), but in His time and His way. So, the Lord asks us, “Why are you afraid?” (v.40a) – which means we should not be. And “How is it that you have no faith?” (v.40b) – that is, trust the Lord for who He is.

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ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What changes do I need to make in my perspective and attitude toward discipleship storms?

2020

P R AY E R O God, in the storms of

Prayer Pointers

life, You are Lord of the

Give thanks:

storms. When darkness overwhelms me, the darkness is not dark to You but as bright as light.27 You

Pray for leaders:

are always there with me in storms and darkness, never leaving or forsaking me. Help me to rest in Your

Pray for significant people:

sovereign freedom and wisdom, and trust in You that You, and You alone, know what You are doing.

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

26 27

James R. Edwards, 151 Psalm 139:11-12

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To Trust in God’s Word

TUESDAY 17 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 4:35-41; 5:1

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of the stormy sea journey of Jesus and His disciples (vv.36-41) being sandwiched by “Let us go over to the other side” (v.35) and “They came to the other side of the sea” (Mk 5:1)?

Deeper Reflection

ANDWICHING THE STORMY SEA JOURNEY of Jesus and His disciples (vv.36-41) are: “On that day, when evening came, He said to them, ‘Let us go over to the other side’” (v.35) and “They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes” (Mk 5:1). Mark the repeated phrase “to the other side”. Mark intends a literary and theological link between the two “to the other side.” The going over “to the other side” of the sea was a divine initiative: “He said to them” (v.35). But what is most significant is: “He said to them, ‘Let us go over to the other side’” (v.35). The Word of the Lord. When the Lord “said” to go over “to the other side”, it means that He and His disciples will reach “the other side”, and they did reach “the other side” (Mk 5:1). What God has spoken, He will bring to pass. The disciples were so overwhelmed by their adversity that they had forgotten the words of Jesus concerning the boat journey they were in. Their fearful concern, “we are perishing!” (v.38b) means “we are not going to make it!”. Ultimately, it is what God says that matters, no matter what our situations are saying to us. We trust the Lord by trusting His Word. It was the word of the Lord that perfectly calmed the storm: “He said to the sea, ‘Hush, be still’” (v.39).

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A P P L I C AT I O N What are the Scriptures that I can anchor in when going through discipleship storms?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To anchor in the Word of God steadfastly Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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Jesus’ Kingship over Demonic Forces

WEDNESDAY 18 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 5:1-13

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make about Jesus, the demonpossessed man and the demons in this power encounter story?

Deeper Reflection

DEMON-POSSESSED MAN met Jesus when He came to the country of the Gerasenes (vv.1-2). This man was helpless under the dominance of a “legion” of demons (v.9). It was painful to see his utter helplessness. In loneliness, he lived among the tombs, screaming constantly night and day, and hurting himself (vv.3a, 5). He had to be bound by shackles and chains, which he tore apart and broke in pieces, with no one strong enough to subdue him (vv.3-4). However, demons are handicapped in their dominance over their victims. This is evident when the demons saw “Jesus, Son of the Most High God” “from a distance” (vv.6-7). They “ran up and bowed before” Jesus, earnestly pleading Him not to “torment” them, “not to send them out of the country”, but “into the swine” (vv.6-12). And they could do so only when “Jesus gave them permission” (v.13). Jesus is Lord over demonic forces. When Jesus said, “Let us go over to the other side” (Mk 4:35), it was not without intentionality. For He “came to the other side” (v.1) for the purpose of saving this helpless demon-possessed man. There was no asking for help. It was solely a divine initiative of grace and mercy. How much more will the Lord come to us when we call upon Him in our helplessness, be it demonic or non-demonic.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How do I see the Lord in situations when I am utterly helpless?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

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

For the Next Generation: To see and know God, the everpresent help Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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Two Contrasting “Beggings” of Jesus

THURSDAY 19 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 5:11-20

O B S E RVAT I O N How does Mark show the two contrasting “beggings” of Jesus (vv.18, 19) in the story?

Deeper Reflection

HE SWINEHERDS REPORTED to their people what “had happened to the demon-possessed man and about the swine” (vv.14a, 16). And they “came to see” (v.14b). Note that they “came to Jesus” and “saw” the infamous demoniac in a wholly altered state: “sitting down, clothed and in his right mind” (v.15 – in contrast to Mk 5:2-5!). Who they “came to” and what they “saw” did not lead them to faith, as might have been expected. There is no such theological equation as the manifestation of God in mighty works and great transformation of lives will definitely compel unbelievers to faith. On the contrary, they “began to beg” Jesus “to leave” them (vv.16-17). They were “terrified by anyone who had such enormous power” (v.15), because of “their superstition”28. In stark contrast, the healed demoniac “begged” Jesus that “he might be with Him” (v.18 – cf. Mk 3:14). Do you have such love and longing to be with Jesus? But disallowing him, Jesus sent him instead – as the first Gentile missionary to the Gentiles29 – to testify to “what great things the Lord has done for you” (v.19). The banished Jesus is present in the Gospel proclaimed by His followers. The healed demoniac’s mission shows that his people’s rejection of Jesus (vv.16-17) is not the final word (v.20). There is still hope in God’s sovereign redemptive grace.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How will I consider my desire to be with Jesus as intense?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To have an intense desire to be with Jesus Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

28 29

James A. Brooks, 91 James R. Edwards, 160

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When Everything in Life Fails

FRIDAY 20 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 5:21-34

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make about the woman with a menstrual haemorrhage and Jesus (vv.25-34)?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS’ HEALING of the woman with a menstrual haemorrhage (vv.25-34) was described as “your faith has saved you” (v.34, CSB30). More than just physical healing (v.29), it was spiritual salvation through faith in Jesus.31 Mark seeks to encourage his readers in their faith in suffering persecution from Nero as Jesus’ disciples. The woman’s condition gives a picture of when everything in life fails: She had suffered “for 12 years, and had endured much at the hands of many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was not helped at all, but rather had grown worse” (vv.25-26). Her condition was like Jairus’ daughter: “at the point of death” (v.23). But she did “the one and only important thing for a disciple to do”32: she “heard” about Jesus, “came” to Him and “touched” Him (v.27). In Mark, “to act on what one hears about Jesus” is “always…the sign of a disciple”33. Ironically, the “crowd pressing in on” Jesus (v.31) was “more out of touch with Jesus than is the woman”34. Jesus felt her distinctive touch of faith (v.30). Jesus pronounced God’s “peace” on her (v.34). Biblical “peace” is not the absence of troubles, but something that can exist in the midst of troubles. It is a state of wholeness and well-being in a right relationship with God.35

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A P P L I C AT I O N What will I do when everything in life fails?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: For breakthrough to God as the ultimate reality Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Christian Standard Bible James A. Brooks, 97 James R. Edwards, 164 33 James R. Edwards, 164 34 James R. Edwards, 165 35 James A. Brooks, 97 31 32

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Don’t Be Afraid, Only Believe

SATURDAY 21 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 5:21-43

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about Jesus and faith in Him from the way Mark arranges the two healing stories (vv.21-24, 25-34, 35-43)?

Deeper Reflection

RE YOU IN A SITUATION “at the point of death” like Jairus’ daughter (v.23)? When Jairus saw Jesus, in desperation he “fell at His feet and implored Him earnestly” to save his dying daughter (vv.22-23). Jesus went off with Him (v.24). But then came an interruption from a woman with a menstrual haemorrhage whom Jesus healed (vv.25-34). Imagine how the desperate Jairus was feeling over this delay. By then, “My little daughter is at the point of death” (v.23) had turned to “Your daughter has died” (v.35). Death represents the negative ending of things and points to no return in one’s life. Our response to divine delay that results in “death” may be despair: “Why trouble the Teacher anymore?” (v.35) – Why hope in God anymore? But Jesus’ authoritative word to Jairus was, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe” (v.36). One thing only is necessary: to believe – “to keep believing, to hold onto faith rather than give in to despair”36. Faith is submissive persevering dependence on God. But what can be mistaken as faith is self-centred presumptuous demands on God. The former lets God be God to act in His own way and time in His sovereign freedom and wisdom. The latter insists that God must or will act in certain ways as we would like it to be.

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A P P L I C AT I O N In what ways is God growing my faith in Him?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To grow deeper and stronger in faith Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, 166

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20 20 SUNDAY 22 March

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

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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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WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

MARCH 2020

A GOOD STEWARD OF MY BELONGINGS

God wants me to make good use of my belongings. Scripture: Proverbs 3:9

ACTIVITY BITE Get each of your family members to show one of their prized items. Ask them to share why they consider it to be a treasure and what they would do if they were asked to give it away.

CHAT TIME Q1: Why do we need to give part of what we have to God? Q2: What is the most difficult thing for you to give or share? Q3: What will you give to God?

LEARNING POINT God owns everything on this earth. You may not think that mobile phones come from Him, but it was God who gave man the knowledge and skills to invent this gadget. Everything we have comes from God, including your toys, books, money and food. How we take care of and use them matters to God. When we take good care of them, we are saying that we are grateful for what God has given to us. When we use them to bless others, we show that God cares for them. We are to use the things we have wisely, such that they glorify Him.

ACTION POINT Set aside a day to spring clean your house as a family. Collect new or used items that are in good condition and decide together what can be done with them, for example, selling them and giving the proceeds to church.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for blessing us with all the things we have and for the people we love in our lives. Ask for God’s forgiveness for not using the things that we have wisely. Ask Him to reveal to us the things that we consider as “treasures” and show us how we can use them to bless others.

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Divine Self-Revelation as a Nobody (1)

MONDAY 23 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 1:9; 6:1; John 1:45-46

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the theological significance of Jesus − in whom God reveals Himself − having Nazareth as His hometown?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS LEFT the Sea of Galilee to visit His “hometown” Nazareth (Mk 5:21; 6:1). Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but lived in Nazareth, such that “Jesus the Nazarene” became His identity. In the New Testament, Jesus is called “Jesus the Nazarene” 13 times37 and “Jesus of Nazareth” seven times.38 Why is God’s most definitive revelation of Himself in “Jesus the Nazarene”? This is not without theological significance. When Philip told Nathanael that he found “the Messiah” – “Jesus of Nazareth” − his immediate response was “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (Jn 1:45-46). What lies behind Nathanael’s skepticism is “not that the town had a bad reputation but that it was considered totally insignificant”39. “As Galileans were frequently despised by people from Judea, so it appears that even fellow Galileans despised Nazareth.”40 “Jesus of Nazareth” “reflected the selfabasement of the man from heaven”41. Jesus is referred to as “Jesus the Nazarene” and “Jesus of Nazareth” 19 times in the third person. And only once as “I am Jesus the Nazarene” (Acts 22:8) – as exalted “at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). Note the present tense: “I am”, not “I was”. The King of kings and Lord of lords is still “Jesus the Nazarene”. Divine glory with divine humility! Follow Jesus the Nazarene.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How does knowing and following “Jesus of Nazareth” shape the way I live?

2020

P R AY E R Lord Jesus, You taught

Prayer Pointers

me the way of humility.

Give thanks:

You taught me that if I were to be invited to a banquet, I should not pick the places of honour – like

Pray for leaders:

most people, including myself, who are most inclined to do – but to go to the last place instead.

Pray for significant people:

I did as You taught me. I went to the last place, but I discovered that there was no last place. It was already

Pray for those in need:

occupied, by You.

Pray for self:

Matthew 2:23; Mark 10:47; 14:67; 16:6; Luke 24:19; John 18:5, 7; 19:19; Acts 2:22; 3:6; 4:10; 6:14; 22:8 Matthew 26:71; Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34; 18:37; John 1:45; Acts 10:38; 26:9 Herman Ridderbos, The Gospel of John: A Theological Commentary (Eerdmans, 1997), 88 40 D. A. Carson, The Gospel According to John (Eerdmans, 1991), 160 41 D. A. Carson, 160 38 39

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Divine Self-Revelation as a Nobody (2)

TUESDAY 24 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 6:1-2; John 7:15

O B S E RVAT I O N Why were Jesus’ townspeople astonished at His teaching?

Deeper Reflection

HEN JESUS TAUGHT in the synagogue of His hometown, many among His listeners were “astonished”: “Where did this man get these things and what is this wisdom given to Him?” (v.2) – a question similar to “How has this man become learned, having never been educated?” (Jn 7:15). The townspeople’s astonishment was negative. The field in which Jesus distinguished Himself as a teacher was “crowded and competitive”42, as “no people could boast of more prophets, learned scribes and rabbis, and savants than the Jews”43. But Jesus’ learning and wisdom caused a dilemma for those acquainted with Him, because He “had not been apprenticed to a famous rabbi, nor could His wisdom be accounted for at home”44. In Jesus’ days, not having studied with a rabbi was like not having an academic degree today.45 The divine self-revelation in Jesus is subversive and countercultural: “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Cor 1:25). But certainly, we are not called to follow Jesus by not having any academic achievement like Him. However, it is worldliness to view academic achievement merely in terms of economic value and societal significance. Instead, recognise whatever ability and achievement we have as a calling and stewardship from God.

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ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to follow Jesus counterculturally in the world?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To be courageous to follow Jesus counterculturally Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, 170 James R. Edwards, 170 James R. Edwards, 170 45 James R. Edwards, 170, footnote 54 43 44

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Divine Self-Revelation in Human Ordinariness

WEDNESDAY 25 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 6:1-3

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Jesus’ townspeople seeing Him as a “carpenter, the son of Mary” (v.3)?

Deeper Reflection

HE PEOPLE OF JESUS’ HOMETOWN “took offense at Him” – “put off, and even repelled”46 by Him – with the remark, “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?” (v.3). Jews considered working with their hands to be a noble, essential and respected profession in village life, albeit lowly craftsmen, not as noble as the scribes who studied the Scriptures.47 Jesus’ townspeople were not saying, “He is nothing but a common labourer”, but rather, “He is no better than anyone of us”48. Jesus’ townspeople saw only a carpenter, only a son of Mary and only another of the village children who had grown up. If only God were “less ordinary and more unique”49, then they would believe. Humanity wants a spectacular sign of God, or, like the devil, a great display of divine power (Matt 4:3, 5-6, 8-9), but not a God who became an ordinary human being like one of us. Humanity wants something other than what God gives, which it is unwilling to accept: the God who condescends to us in only a carpenter, the son of Mary. It is quite commonly held that the more spectacular the work of God is in a church, the greater the presence of God in that church. Is this absolutely true? Can God be measured theologically in this way? Do we have a theology of the presence of the Carpenter God?

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ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to know God who has revealed Himself in Jesus in human ordinariness?

2020

P R AY E R Write a prayer to God as

Prayer Pointers

your response from your

Give thanks:

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

For the Next Generation: To know the presence of the Carpenter God Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James R. Edwards, 173 Mark L. Strauss, Mark, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan, 2014), 242 Mark L. Strauss, 242 49 James R. Edwards, 175 47 48

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A Human Truism God Experienced

THURSDAY 26 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 6:1-4

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Jesus citing the Jewish proverb “A prophet is not without honour except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household” (v.4) in the context of verses 1 to 4?

Deeper Reflection

HE JEWISH PROVERB cited by Jesus, “A prophet is not without honour except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household” (v.4), has its secular parallels that speak of philosophers, physicians and other great men who were not honoured in their own country: “Until now my country alone ignores me” (Apollonius of Tyana) and “All philosophers held life to be difficult in their homeland” (Dio Chrysostom).50 It is similar to the proverb, “Familiarity breeds contempt”. It is a human truism.51 It is our fallen human tendency. While this is true at the human-to-human level, but when applied to Jesus, it is profoundly different. Jesus is no mere prophet. He is the Son of God. Here is God revealing Himself in human form in Jesus. Yet God Himself in Jesus the Nazarene experienced this human truism. How much more can it happen to – and it can be that we make it happen – faithful servants of God. In this regard, a corollary to this human truism is: “The grass is greener on the other side” – things or situations outside of us always look better than our own, even when they are not really so. The Corinthians preferred charismatic and eloquent leaders than Paul (2 Cor 10:10; 1 Cor 2:1-3). Behind this human truism is our own perception and expectation of God, people and things.

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A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to recognise the human truism of “A prophet is not without honour except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household”?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To see people as God sees them Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

50 51

Mark L. Strauss, 243 James A. Brooks, 99

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God’s Sovereignty in His Miracles

FRIDAY 27 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 6:1-6; Matthew 11:20-21

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make when you compare verses 5 to 6 with Matthew 11:20-21?

Deeper Reflection

HE PRIMARY PURPOSE of Jesus doing miracles is not to impress His viewers, but to reveal the kingdom of God with the divine demand, “repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1:14-15). In His hometown, Jesus “could do no miracle…except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them” (v.5) and the reason was “their unbelief” (v.6). Then elsewhere, we read that in Chorazin and Bethsaida Jesus did “most of His miracles”, but the people there “did not repent” (Matt 11:20-21). In the light of the “repent and believe” demand of God, the two stories do not seem to square in terms of the cause and effect: Most miracles among the unrepentant, and no miracle among the unbelieving. Note that it is not that Jesus was unwilling, but unable, to do miracles except for the few in Nazareth. God is sovereign to whom all things are possible. God can, in His sovereignty choose to limit Himself to act according to human response, as in Nazareth, and choose to act regardless of what the human response is, as in Chorazin and Bethsaida. We take care of our human part − repent and believe – and God will respond to us righteously and faithfully. But beware that in applying the “No faith, no miracles” principle (vv.5-6), it is easy to be miracles-centred, rather than Jesus-centred.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How do I exercise my faith in God who is sovereign in doing miracles?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI Leaders: To know what it means that God is sovereign Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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Following Jesus into His Rejection

SATURDAY 28 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 6:1-6

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of “and His disciples followed Him” (v.1b) in the context of verses 1 to 6?

Deeper Reflection

ARK’S THEME of Jesus’ rejection by His hometown people upon His return to Nazareth (vv.2-6) “foreshadows His coming rejection in Jerusalem”52 (Mk 10:32-33), which will climax with His crucifixion (Mk 15:22-39). Mark’s narration of Jesus’ return (v.1a) is accompanied by “and His disciples followed Him” (v.1b). More than showing a contrast to those who rejected Jesus (vv.2-6), Mark underscores that following Jesus entails entering His rejection, symbolised by the cross. Do we not often suffer rejection and are painfully hurt by it? Recognise that that is part of discipleship, because we follow One who has suffered rejection. And rejection of the worst kind: the cross. “If it is I who say where God will be, I will always find there a God who in some way corresponds to me, is agreeable to me and fits in with my nature. But if it is God who says where He will be, then that will truly be a place which at first is not agreeable to me at all, which does not fit so well with me. That place is the cross of Christ. And whoever will find God there must draw near to the cross….”53 The cross is central in Paul’s discipleship. For Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ” (Gal 2:20) is “the fellowship of His sufferings” (Phil 3:10). The centrality of the cross empowers us to live with rejection in Christ and with Christ.

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A P P L I C AT I O N How will I live with rejection?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To consciously make the cross central in their discipleship Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

52 53

Mark L. Strauss, 244-45 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Meditating On The Word (Cowley Publications, 1986), 63

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20 20 SUNDAY 29 March

Sunday Journal

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

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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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WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

MARCH 2020

A GOOD STEWARD OF MY RELATIONSHIPS

God wants me to take good care of my relationship with others. Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11

ACTIVITY BITE Get your family members to write an encouraging note to each other. Ask them to read the notes out loud to the recipient. Ask everyone how they felt about receiving encouraging notes.

CHAT TIME Q1: What does encouragement mean? Q2: How does God encourage you when you face a problem? Q3: How do we show encouragement to one another in school and at home?

LEARNING POINT God gives us families and friends so that we can love and care for one another. Being a good steward of our relationship with others means keeping it healthy and this is what matters to God. Saying hurtful words to someone is not pleasing to God. We wouldn’t want others to hurt us right? It reminds us to encourage and help one another to remain strong and united in Christ. When we build strong relationships with others, we are helping others to build their trust in God so that they can do the same to others.

ACTION POINT Ask everyone in your family to write an encouraging note to a friend whom they think will need it. Discuss as a family how everyone can keep this practice going.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for His constant encouragement when we face problems in our lives. Pray for God’s guidance to be an encouragement to others through our words and deeds.

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Called to the Gospel Ministry

MONDAY 30 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 6:7; 1:17; 3:13-15

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make when you compare verse 7 with Mark 1:17 and Mark 3:13-15?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS CALLED His disciples to follow Him that He might “make them become fishers of men” (Mk 1:17) – to proclaim the kingdom of God, with the kingship of God manifested in supreme power over diseases and demons, and calling people to “repent and believe in the Gospel” (Mk 1:14-15). And now Jesus “called the Twelve and began to send them out” (v.7). We are not called like the Twelve, who were called for a particular purpose and mission in salvation history at the Messiah’s first coming. But it reflects the principle of personal calling to a particular purpose and mission in the Gospel that is applicable to every disciple of Jesus, each according to God’s grace endowed (cf. Rom 12:6; Jn 4:37-38; 1 Cor 3:6). The centre of the Gospel is Jesus Christ with “obedience of faith” – that is, “Follow Me” (Mk 1:17; 2:14) – as the response demanded (Rom 1:1-5). The Gospel is not a message just for unbelievers only. Biblically, much of the Gospel message is for unbelievers who have become disciples of Jesus. So, our Gospel ministry must be a total Gospel ministry. The word “began” in Jesus sending out the Twelve speaks of divine timing. Verse 7 is progression from Mark 3:13-15. Out of being “with Him” – intimate relationship with Jesus – Jesus sent out the Twelve. The sending out “in pairs” indicates that the Gospel ministry is a community ministry (cf. Acts 8:14; 13:2).

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ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I understand Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal calling for me in the Gospel according to His grace endowed on me?

2020

P R AY E R O God, fill me with the knowledge of Your will

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

for my life through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that I may live my life

Pray for leaders:

worthy of You and Your calling and please You in every way: bearing fruit in every good work,

Pray for significant people:

growing in knowing You and being strengthened with all power according to Your glorious might for

Pray for those in need:

perseverance.54

Pray for self:

Colossians 1:9-11

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Travel Light on Mission Journey

TUESDAY 31 March

S CRIPTURE Mark 6:7-9

O B S E RVAT I O N Why did Jesus instruct the Twelve on what to take and what not to take with them on their mission journey?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS INSTRUCTED the Twelve on what they could take and what they could not take with them on their mission journey (vv.8-9). They were allowed only a staff as a walking stick and protection against wild animals, a tunic and belt, and sandals for the stony road.55 And they must not carry provisions (“bread”), extra clothing or money to buy things (v.8b). These specific commands of Jesus must be understood in its context and they do not apply directly to all Christian workers or missionaries everywhere.56 Without doubt, missionaries in Acts travelled at times with additional clothing and provision. But two principles can be derived from these specific commands, which are applicable to all disciples of Jesus. Simplicity of lifestyle: The Scriptures warn us of the danger of wanting to get rich and the accumulation of possessions, and exhorts us to be content with “food and covering” (1 Tim 6:8-10). But this doesn’t mean that there is no place for rich disciples of Jesus. Biblical contentment can be present in having just the barest of essentials, in suffering needs and in having abundance (Phil 4:11-12). Dependency on God: For the Twelve, not bringing provisions required their constant trust in God for their next meal and lodging. Dependence on God is signified by going where God sends “despite material shortfalls and unanswered questions”57.

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ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How does simplicity of lifestyle and dependency on God work out in my life?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To have wisdom and power to live a simple life Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

55 56 57

James R. Edwards, 179 Mark L. Strauss, 254 James R. Edwards, 181

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Notes

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