May Devotional Journal by Covenant EFC

May

2020 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Mark 6 34 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.

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

May

2020

Mark 6 34

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

Memory

Verses 20

January

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

February

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

March

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

April

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

May

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

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

June

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

July

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

August

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

Septmber

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

October

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

November

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

December

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

Foreword

by Senior Pastors

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

YEAR OF GREATER DISCIPLESHIP

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

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

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

St Francis of Assisi

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

Guide To Using

THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Step One

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

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

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

Step Two

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

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

T H E

C H U R C H

B E Y O N D

Pray for

Home Missions Leviticus 19:34 (ESV)

“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”

ince the Old Testament times, God has not forgotten the foreigners who are living among the Israelites. In fact, the Israelites are commanded to love them. This is especially relevant for Singapore, where a third of our population are foreigners. Home Missions seeks to win the foreigners in Singapore, change them by discipling them and one day, send them as disciplemakers or even as missionaries when they return to their home countries. If we pay attention, we will know who among our neighbours and colleagues are from other countries. We meet migrant workers on the streets and domestic helpers in our homes, who have left their families to seek better job opportunities here. We also encounter students who have come from all over the world to study in our schools and universities.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

While the opportunities for overseas missions work are getting increasingly restricted due to challenges around the world, the doors for missions work within Singapore are wide open. Especially in these uncertain times, opportunities abound for us to show our love and care to foreigners in order to ease their fears and loneliness. For example, there were a few groups of Covenanters who distributed health packs to migrant workers and educated them about the Covid-19 outbreak. In such practical ways, we can demonstrate the love of Christ to the foreigners in our midst.

Pray For the foreigners in our land, that as they seek better opportunities in Singapore, they will also find eternal hope in Jesus Christ. For Christians to see that the field is white for harvest and to seize every moment to love the foreigners who are within our reach every day. For the Home Missions leaders who are doing the work of win-change-send among the foreigners in Singapore. That they may be filled with wisdom and courage to follow as the Lord leads them to go into the community to serve the foreigners. For growth in authentic discipleship and intentional disciplemaking among the people groups that Home Missions is currently ministering to: Bangladeshis, Indians, Indonesians, Filipinos, Japanese, China nationals and international students. That they may grow deep in the knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus.

Worship Songs

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER

LET THERE BE LIGHT

May-June

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

GOD OF AGES Verse 1 God of ages bringing glory here You are good, You are good Son of righteousness You are all I seek with all my heart Pre-Chorus Giver of life Hope for the lost is in You All of the earth shines with Your light Your glory Chorus 1 You are the God who lives You are the God who heals You are my hope my everything Verse 2 In Your promise and Your faithfulness I will trust all my days King forever Reign in majesty be glorified Chorus 2 You brought salvation to us Offered Your peace to the world You are my Lord my everything Bridge I’ll trust in You, I’ll trust in You I’ll trust in You With all my heart Ben Fielding © 2007 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4869933 CCLI License # 324618

HOPE OF THE NATIONS Verse Jesus, hope of the nations Jesus, comfort for all who mourn You are the source of heaven’s hope on earth Jesus, light in the darkness Jesus, truth in each circumstance You are the source of heaven’s light on earth Pre-Chorus In history You lived and died You broke the chains, You rose to life Chorus You are the hope living in us You are the Rock in whom we trust You are the light shining for all the world to see You rose from the dead conquering fear Our Prince of Peace drawing us near Jesus our hope, living for all who will receive (Lord, we believe) (Lord, we believe) (Lord, we believe) Ending Lord, we believe (Jesus, hope of the nations) Lord, we believe (Jesus, hope of the nations) Lord, we believe (Jesus, Lord we believe) Lord, we believe Brian Doerksen © 2002 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 # 3540703 CCLI License # 324618

I STAND AMAZED (HOW MARVELOUS) Verse 1 I stand amazed in the presence Of Jesus the Nazarene And wonder how He could love me A sinner condemned, unclean Chorus How marvelous, how wonderful And my song shall ever be How marvelous, how wonderful Is my Saviour’s love for me Verse 2 For me it was in the garden He prayed not My will but Thine He had no tears for His own griefs But sweat drops of blood for mine Verse 3 In pity angels beheld Him And came from the world of light To comfort Him in the sorrows He bore for my soul that night Verse 4 He took my sins and my sorrows He made them His very own He bore the burden to Calvary He suffered and died alone Verse 5 When with the ransomed in glory His face I at last shall see ‘Twill be my joy though the ages To sing of His love for me Aaron Keyes | Charles Hutchinson Gabriel Public Domain 2003 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 5077267 CCLI Licence # 324618

GREAT IS THE LORD Verse Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise The city of our God, the Holy place The joy of the whole earth And great is the Lord In whom we have the victory He aids us against the enemy We bow down on our knees Chorus And Lord, we want to lift Your Name on high And Lord, we want to thank You For the work You’ve done in our lives And Lord, we trust in Your unfailing love For You alone are God eternal Throughout earth and heaven above! Steve McEwan © 1985 Maranatha Praise, Inc. (Admin. by Maranatha! Music) CCLI Song # 10769 CCLI Licence # 324618

HEAR US FROM HEAVEN Verse 1 Lord, hear our cry Come, heal our land Breathe life into these dry and thirsty souls Lord, hear our prayer Forgive our sin And as we call on Your name Would you make this place For Your glory to dwell Chorus Open the blind eyes Unlock the deaf ears Come to your people As we draw near Hear us from heaven Touch our generation We are Your people Crying out in desperation Bridge Hear us from heaven, Hear us from heaven, Hear us from heaven Jared Anderson © 2004 Vertical Worship Songs (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 4455392 CCLI Licence # 324618

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 Saviour, 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 Australia) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7106807 CCLI Licence # 324618

BLESSED ASSURANCE Verse 1 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine O what a foretaste of glory divine Heir of salvation, purchase of God Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood Chorus This is my story, this is my song Praising my Saviour all the day long This is my story, this is my song Praising my Saviour all the day long Verse 2 Perfect submission perfect delight Visions of rapture now burst on my sight Angels descending bring from above Echoes of mercy whispers of love Verse 3 Perfect submission, all is at rest I in my Saviour am happy and blest Watching and waiting, looking above Filled with His goodness, lost in His love Fanny Jane Crosby | Phoebe Palmer Knapp Public Domain Public Domain CCLI Song # 22324 CCLI Licence # 324618

SHOUT TO THE NORTH Verse 1 Men of faith rise up and sing Of the great and glorious King You are strong when you feel weak In your brokenness complete Chorus Shout to the north and the south Sing to the east and the west Jesus, Saviour to all Lord of heaven and earth Verse 2 Rise up women of the truth Stand and sing to broken hearts Who can know the healing power Of our awesome King of love Verse 3 Rise up church with broken wings Fill this place with songs again Of our God who reigns on high By His grace again we’ll fly Bridge We’ve been through fire We’ve been through rain We’ve been refined By the power of His name We’ve fallen deeper In love with You You’ve burned The truth on our lips

Ending Lord of heaven and earth Lord of heaven and earth Lord of heaven and earth Martin Smith © 1995 Curious? Music UK (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 1562261 CCLI Licence # 324618

20 20

“Listen to Me and Understand”

FRIDAY 1 May

S CRIPTURE Mark 7:14-19; 9:28, 33; 10:10

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can we make about Mark’s mention of “the house” in verses 17 to 18, Mark 9:28, 33 and 10:10?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS CHARGED the religious leaders with “invalidating the Word of God by your tradition” by focusing on outer cleanness rather than inner holiness (Mk 7:1-13). In this context, Jesus “called the crowd”: “Listen to Me, all of you, and understand” (v.14). This call underscores the importance of understanding spiritual realities. In discipleship, there must be the pursuit of understanding. This is demonstrated by Jesus’ disciples who frequently asked Him questions for the purpose of understanding (Mk 4:10; 7:17; 9:28; 10:10). As we pursue understanding of spiritual realities, there will be progress in understanding. But like Jesus’ disciples, we can be slow in understanding. After having witnessed Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the 5,000 (Mk 6:33-44), they “had not gained any insight” (Mk 6:52). And now they “questioned Him about the parable” (vv.15, 17) and received a rebuke from their Master: “Are you so lacking in understanding also? Do you not understand…?” (v.18). But Jesus is patient and He will not give up on us – if only we keep going to the place for understanding. Questioning and understanding happened privately in “the house” (v.17; Mk 9:28, 33; 10:10). In Mark, “the house becomes a symbol of revelation”1. Questions precede revelation. And the key is: “Listen to Me” (v.14). And to be diligent, fervent, patient and obedient in listening for understanding.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What is my pursuit of understanding of spiritual realities like in my discipleship journey?

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 grow in deeper understanding of spiritual realities Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James A. Brooks, Mark, The New American Commentary (Broadman, 1991), 118; see also James R. Edwards, The Gospel According to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Eerdmans, Apollos, 2002), 212

20 20

From the Inside Out Reality

SATURDAY 2 May

S CRIPTURE Mark 7:14-23

O B S E RVAT I O N What does Jesus say about the heart?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS TEACHES that what “defiles” a person is not what goes into him from the outside, but what “proceeds out” from the inside – the “heart” (vv.18-20). In the Bible, the heart is the centre of a person, “a symbol of the rational, intellectual, decision-making element in human beings and not the emotional, affectionate element”2. Spiritual reality – good or evil – is always from the inside out. Evil from the inside out happens naturally, because evil is at the core of the fallen human heart: “every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Gen 6:5). Jeremiah puts it as: “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick” (Jer 17:9). And Jesus puts it as “evil thoughts” of the heart (v.21a) that are expressed in 12 ways (vv.21b-22). The first six ways – “fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness” – are “in the plural, denoting evil acts”3. The last six ways – “deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness” – are “in the singular, denoting evil attitudes”4. Good from the inside out has to happen intentionally: remove the evil and replace it with good. Guard the heart: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Prov 4:23, NIV). Grow the heart – by the active and penetrative living Word of God that “judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb 4:12).

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I go about consciously paying attention to the spiritual condition of my heart?

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 be consciously diligent in guarding their hearts Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

2 3 4

James A. Brooks, 118 James R. Edwards, 213 James R. Edwards, 213

20 20 SUNDAY 3 May

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

MAY 2020

FOLLOW JESUS (PART 1)

Who is calling me? Scripture: Mark 1:17, John 14:6

ACTIVITY BITE Get a fishing game toy set and ask your family members to play it together. Compete to see who can catch the most fish in one minute. Read Mark 1:17 after the game. Discuss with your family what it means to be “fishers of men”.

CHAT TIME Q1: What do you need to do to be “fishers of men”? Q2: Why do you think the disciples were willing to leave behind everything to follow Jesus? Q3: If Jesus were to call you to do something for Him today, what would you say?

LEARNING POINT In Jesus’ time, fishing was a major business in Galilee. Mark 1:17 describes Jesus’ call to the first disciples to follow Him to become fishers of men. This meant that the disciples would have to leave behind their work and friends to do God’s work with Jesus. The disciples chose to follow Jesus without hesitation because Jesus is worthy and they believed in Him. We follow Jesus because we know that He is the way, the truth and the life.

ACTION POINT Get your family members to share one thing that God may be calling them to do to follow Jesus. Discuss how to do it together as a family.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray for willing hearts to listen and obey God’s commands. Ask God to build our character and enlarge our skills, so that we can be ready to be fishers of men.

Mother’s Day W E E K

4–9 May

Flourishing Motherhood

his week’s Devotional Journal has a special focus for Mothers, under the subheading “A Note to Mothers”, since we are celebrating Mother’s Day on 10 May 2020. However, the Observation, Deeper Reflection and Application sections of each devotion are applicable to everyone, both single and married, men and women. Our theme for this week is “Flourishing Motherhood”. Discipleship for women has a special mandate in Titus 2 where older women are to disciple, teach and train younger women. Mothering and mentoring is not just for biological mothers, but for all women, as each of us are called to be spiritual mothers, to invest our lives in others. Physical mothering is sacrificial, and spiritual mothering no less so. Becoming a good mother requires the hard work of building character and godliness, which is why the focus of this week’s devotions is from Proverbs 31:10-31. The six devotions will focus on the characteristics of a woman who is actively growing in godliness. The acronym “GROWTH” is the foundation of how motherhood can flourish under the hand of God who changes and transforms us: Day 1: G – The woman who has a Godward Focus – Proverbs 31:10-12, 29-31 Day 2: R – The woman who is Rested – Proverbs 31:25 Day 3: O – The woman who is Open-handed – Proverbs 31:20 Day 4: W – The woman who is Wise – Proverbs 31:26 Day 5: T – The woman who is Trustworthy – Proverbs 31:11-12, 21-24 Day 6: H –The woman who is Hardworking – Proverbs 31:13-19, 27-28

20 20

GROWTH – The Woman Who Has a GODWARD Focus

MONDAY 4 May

S CRIPTURE Proverbs 31:10-12, 29-31

O B S E RVAT I O N In what ways is the Proverbs 31 woman shown to be of noble character?

Deeper Reflection

N HEBREW, a woman of noble character is called “eshet chayil”, better translated as one who is “virtuous, strong and courageous”. This same word is used to describe warriors like David’s mighty men in the Old Testament.5 The Proverbs 31 woman is virtuous, strong and courageous because she has an inner posture that is God-focused. She is a woman “who fears the Lord”. Her Godward focus is evident in her relationship with her husband: She is loyal and trustworthy to her husband (“The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain”, v.11); she honours and blesses her husband, continually building him up (“she does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life”, v.12). Her excellence as a wife honours God, and she in turn is honoured for “the fruit of her hands” (v.31). A Godward focus in the inner posture of our heart enables us to honour God with excellence in our calling as we allow God to instruct our heart with the right perspectives for the right choices, responses and actions in our life and ministry. A Note to Mothers: Often, the Proverbs 31 woman is more an aspiration than a reality in our struggle to balance the many demands on us. The Proverbs 31 woman has cultivated her noble character by aligning her focus and life purpose to the pursuit of godliness. As mothers, let us, by God’s grace and enabling, model godly character for our children and other family members, who are our closest observers.

A P P L I C AT I O N What should I do if I feel exhausted and defeated from juggling the many demands in my life? How can I make time for God, putting “being” before “doing”, so that I can find clarity of purpose and perspective from Him?

2020

P R AY E R

vin

pray. Amen.

5 6

https://rachelheldevans.com/blog/3-things-you-might-not-know-about-proverbs-31 (accessed 20 Mar 2020). Psalm 46:10.

do as You say. In Jesus’ name, I

wisdom, courage and strength to

nee

as You see. Lord, empower me with

se in

Your presence and peace this day to see

Tho

and know that You are God.6 Grant me

Significant people

Leaders

Father God, please teach me to be still

20 20

GROWTH – The Woman Who Is RESTED

TUESDAY 5 May

S CRIPTURE Proverbs 31:25

O B S E RVAT I O N How does the Proverbs 31 woman find strength and dignity in all her circumstances and confidence to face the future?

Deeper Reflection

HE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN wears “strength and dignity” in all her circumstances and is able to “laugh” in the uncertainty of the days to come. She is rested because she knows God and trusts His sovereign control over all things. This certain peace is something that Jesus Himself promises His followers.7 Her confidence and trust are cultivated in her relationship with God – knowing Him and being known by Him.8 She has experienced Him as the God who sees her.9 She has aligned her perspective of all her circumstances in order to see as God sees. She is balanced: The Proverbs 31 woman is not presumptuous in her faith nor careless about the future. She still works diligently and provides for her family and community. She is wise in balancing prudence and faith. Without being anxious, she prepares for the uncertainties of the future, rested in the knowledge that the God in whom she trusts is fully in control of all her circumstances. A Note to Mothers: As mothers, we are often anxious for our children. We fret over their nutrition, activities, results, relationships and future. Even when we pray for our children, we are sometimes impatient for immediate answers. Do we feel the urge to take control? Will we learn to prayerfully wait and be rested, trusting God for His best plan and purpose for each of our children?

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I react to problems and crisis situations? Am I fearful and anxious (pray and ask the Lord to teach you to see the “God moments” of testing and help you to grow in humility and greater 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 pastors and staff: To be rested and balanced in their decision-making as they lead God’s people Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

John 14:27. John Piper, Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God (Wheaton; IL Crossway, 2010), 160-161. 9 Genesis 16:6-13. 8

20 20

GROWTH – The Woman Who Is OPEN-HANDED

WEDNESDAY 6 May

S CRIPTURE Proverbs 31:20

O B S E RVAT I O N How and why is the Proverbs 31 woman generous to those in need?

Deeper Reflection

HE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN is generous – she does not hold back giving to those in need. Underlying her generosity is kindness – she sees and is compassionate towards the needy. Verse 20 tells us that she is generous with her comfort and love (“She opens her arms to the poor”) as well as her material resources (“and reaches out her hands to the needy”). There is a sense of intentionality in her acts of compassion to the poor and needy. The Proverbs 31 woman’s generosity is tied to her work.10 She manages her resources well so that she is able to provide for her family and to share with the needy. Caring for the needy is one of her priorities, rather than an afterthought of giving the poor her leftovers. The Proverbs 31 woman exercises faithful stewardship of the resources that God has blessed her with and channels them to be a blessing to others. Thus, she glorifies God and teaches her children to do likewise. A Note to Mothers: Generosity is a quality that is directly counter to kiasuism which hoards what is of value. Although many Singaporean families are busy, bear in mind that creating opportunities for your family to serve others allows the next generation to learn godly values of humble service and generosity.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How am I stewarding the resources (time, talent and treasure) that God has entrusted to me? How am I using those resources to bless others (consider leading your family or friends in a small project to bless the needy)?

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 married couples: To intentionally model for their children the godly values of humble service and generosity Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

See the connection between Proverbs 31:19 and 31:20. The Christian theology of work includes the idea of working to earn money not just to sustain ourselves, but to be able to give to people in need.

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GROWTH – The Woman Who Is WISE

THURSDAY 7 May

S CRIPTURE Proverbs 31:26

O B S E RVAT I O N In what ways did the Proverbs 31 woman show herself to be wise?

Deeper Reflection

T IS INTERESTING to note that the book of Proverbs, part of what is known as “Wisdom Literature” in the Bible, ends with a discourse on the excellent (and wise) wife. Proverbs 1 begins with “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov 1:7a). Therefore the importance of wisdom cannot be overemphasised when considering the character of a godly woman. The fear of the Lord must be the driving force of the godly woman. She has a teachable and diligent spirit, eager to obey the Lord and to keep His will at the centre of her life. Wisdom is seen in this woman – in her words (“…opens her mouth with wisdom… the teaching of kindness is on her tongue”, v.26) and in her actions (“She looks well to the ways of her household”, Prov 31:27a). Her wisdom is even more attractive and praiseworthy than charm or beauty (Prov 31:30). In essence, the woman who fears the Lord demonstrates Christlikeness. Like Jesus, she knows the Father, has a deep reverence for the Father and loves to obey Him. A Note to Mothers: Guiding our children wisely can be difficult when we try to lead them with human wisdom. In our anxiety to correct our children, we often nag, scold and criticise. The Proverbs 31 woman has learned to deliver wisdom and kindness both in deliberate speech (“she opens her mouth”, v.26a) and in spontaneous words (“on her tongue”, v.26b). Whether she is on or off her guard, she is able to speak goodness into the hearts of her hearers.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N In what ways have I felt out of depth in trying to disciple my children (pray to the Lord for wisdom to win the heart of your child for Him)?

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 ask and receive wisdom from God11 to reach and mentor people for His glory Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James 1:5.

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GROWTH – The Woman Who Is TRUSTWORTHY

FRIDAY 8 May

S CRIPTURE Proverbs 31:11-12, 21-24

O B S E RVAT I O N How did the Proverbs 31 woman win her husband’s trust?

Deeper Reflection

HOMEMAKER is someone whose principal occupation is to manage her household and family.12 In other words, she is the “Minister of Home Affairs” and “Family CEO”. Proverbs 31 gives us the picture of a multitasking woman who managed her roles as homemaker and businesswoman excellently and successfully, but her noble character was shown not just by what she did, but how she did it. Through her work, she was mindful of building her husband up – “she does him good, and not harm” – and was an asset and a blessing to him “all the days of her life” (v.12)! The Proverbs 31 woman was trustworthy. She had the trust of her husband and the community. Trust is easier to lose than to gain, and her trustworthiness – traits of consistency, integrity and resourcefulness – was proven over the years. A key to her trustworthiness is this: She worked “with willing hands” (Prov 31:13). She was not afraid of responsibility, but faithfully discharged her duties with both grace and confidence. A Note to Mothers: Being a mother is an intimidating role. The effect of parenting decisions at the toddler stage may only show results 20 years later. Yet, this is a responsibility that we can take up with confidence when we trust in the God who is completely trustworthy.13 He will guide and help us in the stewardship of parenting.

A P P L I C AT I O N What is one mentoring responsibility that I have been reluctant to take up (pray to God for grace and empowering to take it up14)?

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 depend on God to help them in their responsibilities as parents and mentors Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

12 13 14

According to Dictionary.com. Philippians 1:6. Remember: Taking on a role beyond one’s comfort zone may be a gateway for growth. “Getting your hands dirty” may be messy and confusing, but by God’s grace and empowering the Proverbs 31 woman was able to survive the challenges and be a blessing to others.

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GROWTH – The Woman Who Is HARDWORKING

SATURDAY 9 May

S CRIPTURE Proverbs 31:13-19, 27-28

O B S E RVAT I O N What were the different roles played by the hardworking woman in Proverbs 31?

Deeper Reflection

HE HARDWORKING PROVERBS 31 WOMAN had her fingers in many pies, ranging from spinning wool, preparing food and providing for her servants, to investing in vineyards. Her goals were for short-term provision as well as long-term investment (starting a vineyard would require at least eight years before wine could be made, but could provide revenue for the family for the next 50 years).15 To accomplish everything that was on her plate, she “equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental and physical fitness for her God-given task]” (v.17, AMP). She also chose to maintain vigilance by keeping a watchful eye on her household (v.27). She did not turn a blind eye to potential problems or sweep unresolved matters under the carpet. Yet in this account, we do not sense any drivenness or insecurity in the many things she was engaged in; her hard work was motivated by a sense of responsibility rather than anxiety. A Note to Mothers: As mothers we often overcompensate for our children. Which mother has not finished a piece of homework for her child or created an artwork that her child brings to school as his or her own? Yet, it takes more effort to walk alongside our children and allow them to make their own mistakes. Will we do the hard work of parenting – praying daily for them and teaching them to be accountable for their own spiritual growth?

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What is one area that the Lord is impressing on me to persevere and not give up (pray to the Lord for strength and encouragement to carry on)?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For church board: To be faithful and work hard in the areas of ministry which God has called them to serve Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Margaret Feinberg. Scouting the Divine: My Search For God in Wine, Wool, and Wild Honey (Zondervan, 2009).

20 20 SUNDAY 10 May

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

MAY 2020

FOLLOW JESUS (PART 2)

Listen only to God’s voice. Scripture: John 10:27

ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members to each get a piece of paper. Then get them to write three sentences about God that can either be true or false. For example, “Jesus is one of the ways of truth.” Get everyone to take turns verifying whether the sentences are “true” or “false” by referring to verses in the Bible.

CHAT TIME Q1: Who are the sheep mentioned in John 10:27? Who is the Shepherd? Q2: What do we gain when we listen to God and become one of His “sheep”? Q3: How do we listen to God’s voice?

LEARNING POINT A shepherd is someone who takes care of sheep. Jesus is our Shepherd and we are His sheep. Because we are His sheep, He will take care of us and make sure that we have everything we need. We can put our trust in Jesus to do what is right and follow His way. Listening to Jesus may be difficult, but it is worth it. There are many distractions that will fool us into thinking we are following Jesus. But we must listen to His voice through His Word.

ACTION POINT Choose a verse from the Bible and get your family members to share what it means to them personally, in other words, what God is telling them through this verse. Based on what the verse says, commit to a task, if any, that God wants your family members to do this week.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for His unconditional love. Ask God to help us listen to His voice, so that we know which path to follow and how best we can follow a Good Shepherd like Him.

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Flourishing Well Even as We Age

MONDAY 11 May

S CRIPTURE Psalm 92:1-15

O B S E RVAT I O N What does this Psalm teach you about God and his blessings on the righteous when they grow old?

Deeper Reflection

OW QUICKLY old age catches up with us (Psa 90:6,10; cf. Jas 4:14). No wonder the Psalmist says, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psa 90:12). Wisdom entails that we enjoy this season with flourishing faith, meaningful relationships, and fruitful ministry even as we age. It need not be a period of resignation to diminishing health, stagnation of spiritual growth, an apathy towards life and a heightened sense of uselessness. It is certainly not a licence for social withdrawal and “sanctioned sloth”! Psalm 92 is a thanksgiving Psalm celebrating the blessings of the sabbath. It invites the righteous to praise Yahweh for His love and faithfulness and His care over His people (vv.1-5); indeed, Yahweh is forever to be exalted (v.8). By contrast, Yahweh will judge the unrighteous, depicted as senseless fools, wicked and evil (vv.6-7, 9). Not only will the righteous eventually triumph over the unrighteous (vv.10-11), they will flourish and remain fruitful even in their old age. Verses 12 to 15 are a beautiful picture of the righteous when they age: They will flourish like the long-living palm and sturdy cedar trees (vv.12-13),16 their leaves remain fresh and green and they continue to be fruitful even in old age. Though this is metaphorical language, God’s blessings on the righteous is sure. God remains the same loving and faithful God, and we can trust Him even as we age. Let’s resolve to live righteously. More importantly, don’t just tolerate old age, flourish in it!

A P P L I C AT I O N In view of what I’ve learnt about God and His blessings on the righteous, how would I like my life to be like even as I grow old (describe specifically)?

2020

P R AY E R Dear Father in heaven, thank

Prayer Pointers

You for being the loving and

Give thanks:

faithful God who blesses the righteous. Help me as I age to realise how quickly time passes and how fleeting

Pray for leaders:

life is. Enable me to see life from Your perspective, how You’d want me to grow and flourish even as I age. Continue to teach me Your

Pray for significant people:

ways, so that I can live in a manner worthy of my calling. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Some palm trees are known to have lived for 100 to 200 years, while cedars have grown to 100 feet tall and 50 feet in circumference; cedars were especially prized as wood for construction (cf. 1 Kin 7:2-4): John H. Walton (ed.), Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary (vol.5; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009), p.400.

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Flourishing Well by Ageing Gracefully

TUESDAY 12 May

S CRIPTURE Colossians 3:12-17

O B S E RVAT I O N What does this passage teach us about the way we are to relate to one another as Christians?

Deeper Reflection

ROWING OLD isn’t a curse! It’s simply a season of life that we all go through. We can learn to live flourishing lives and impact others for Christ. Ageing gracefully begins with accepting the changes that are encroaching upon us, whether they be diminishing responsibilities and sharpness of mind, declining health or loss of mobility. It is determining to live joyfully, fully and in a godly manner, so that we end well and leave a legacy worthwhile to those who follow behind. Paul’s exhortation in verses 12 to 17 is instructive for us. As believers, we are God’s chosen ones, set apart and loved by Him. Paul delineates some qualities that are important for interpersonal relationships, not to mention godly witness: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance and willingness to forgive (vv.12-13). These are all expressions of love, which bind and unite believers (v.14). It’s sometimes hard for those who are ageing to embody these, especially when they feel unkindly treated by others because of their age. For instance, being hard of hearing can sometimes annoy people around them. Love and forgiveness are sorely needed then. One senior advantage: there is no reason why seniors cannot have God’s Word richly dwell within us (v.16), since we often have more discretionary time in our old age compared to our younger days. Finally, note that “thankfulness” (or its variation) is repeated thrice (vv.15-17). Gratitude is indeed the balm for discontentment! The godly Bible teacher, Dr Harry Ironside, was known to have prayed: “Lord, keep me from turning out to be a mean old man.”17 May this be our prayer as we age.

A P P L I C AT I O N In what areas of my life do I need to grow so that I can “put on” more of those godly qualities in relating to people around me?

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 build strong relationships and teamwork among themselves Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

J. Dwight Pentecost, Life’s Problems – God’s Solutions: Answers to Fifteen of Life’s Most Perplexing Problems (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1971), p.76.

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Ageing with Passion and Purpose

WEDNESDAY 13 May

S CRIPTURE Joshua 14:6-15; 15:13-19

O B S E RVAT I O N How did Caleb see himself at age 85 when he asked Joshua for the “hill country” (see especially vv.10-12)?

Deeper Reflection

ALEB’S REQUEST for the “hill country” as an inheritance was not a request for a free gift. He needed to drive out the inhabitants, the Anakim, with their great fortified cities (v.12; Jos 15:14-15).18 What can we learn from Caleb as he sought to conquer the “hill country”? First, Caleb realised that he needed the Lord for success (“It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the LORD said”, v.12). Second, Caleb recalled the LORD’s past faithfulness (vv.6-7) and relied on God’s present enablement (v.12). Third, Caleb had consistently trusted and “wholly followed the LORD” his God (vv.8, 9, 14; cf. Num 14:24). Fourth, Caleb possessed an extraordinary spirit and courage even at the age of 85. He saw himself as strong as when he went on his first mission at age 40, spying on the inhabitants of the Promised Land (vv.10-11; cf. Num 13:30). Need our advanced years be an obstacle to trusting God for fresh challenges? Caleb certainly didn’t allow his age to stop him from taking the “hill country”. Must we be resigned to allowing our passion and purpose to fade away as we grow older? Caleb certainly demonstrated that it was possible for one’s purpose and passion to remain undiminished even in old age (cf. vv.11-12; Josh 15:14-15). Caleb did not shy away from a new challenge even at age 85! Dare we emulate him? Having the Caleb spirit and courage begins when we determine in our hearts to wholly follow the LORD our God!

A P P L I C AT I O N What are some specific new challenges that I can embark on as the “hill country” that God is leading me to conquer?

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 married couples: To fulfil God’s plan for marriage by loving and cherishing each other Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

The Anakim was a race of giants – formidable fighting warriors who made 10 of the 12 spies sent by Moses feel like “grasshoppers” before them (Num 13:33). The majority report given by these 10 spies almost caused Israel to shrink back in fear instead of entering the Promised Land (Num 13:31-14:4).

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Ageing Through Tough Times

THURSDAY 14 May

S CRIPTURE 2 Corinthians 4:7-5:10

O B S E RVAT I O N Why did Paul not lose heart even as bodily frailties set in and he suffered physical afflictions (vv.16-18)?

Deeper Reflection

GEING IS NEVER EASY. We invariably struggle to cope with weakening bodies and deteriorating health. Disabilities of many kinds set in, leading to a loss of mobility, diminished social interaction and community. Physical frailties often result in the loss of speech and memory, and dementia sometimes sets in, to the dismay of family and friends. Our Scripture text today provides us some helpful perspectives as we age. The whole passage depicts the harsh reality of the suffering involved in Paul’s life and ministry. The Gospel (“treasure”) of the new covenant is paradoxically mediated to the world via frail human vessels (“jars of clay”) who suffer, “die” and are “raised” in the process (vv.7-15). In verses 16 to 18, Paul exhorts us to “not lose heart”, giving us three reasons why this is possible: (1) Our inner being is being spiritually renewed even as our physical body deteriorates (v.16); (2) Physical suffering is momentary and light when compared with the eternal fullness of glory we’ll receive in exchange (v.17); and (3) The “seen” things of this life are temporary while the “unseen” things are eternal (v.18). The intersection of the eternal with the temporal gives great hope as we persevere in our discipleship journey, looking towards heavenly rewards in the life to come. As ageing followers of Christ, we can learn to focus more on inner life growth and transformation, and concentrate more on unseen eternal realities. In addition, let us persevere, live by faith and be of good courage, desiring to please God above all else (2 Cor 5:6-9) as we live the rest of our days in this present life.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What are some tough challenges that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m facing now and what is God doing in my inner being in the process?

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 faithfully and boldly lead our church to proclaim the Gospel Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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Flourishing Through Meaningful Relationships

FRIDAY 15 May

S CRIPTURE 2 Timothy 4:9-22

O B S E RVAT I O N What was Paul primarily preoccupied with in his last words of his last known letter to Timothy?

Deeper Reflection

N THIS PASSAGE, Paul mentioned the names of 17 individuals, many of whom are known to us from his other letters. These were significant people in his life and ministry, with the exception of Alexander the coppersmith.19 There is a tinge of sadness when Paul spoke of Demas, the first to be mentioned (v.10),20 and some others who had not stood with Paul during his preliminary hearing and had deserted Paul in his hour of need (v.16). Paul articulated his need for community: he requested for Timothy to join him soon (v.9), preferably before winter (v.21), as only Luke was with him (v.11). Clearly, relationships were vitally important for Paul. For relationships to be meaningful, they often need a common unifying purpose. For Paul, it was missions. In this passage, we see that Paul was very mindful and involved in missions. Tychicus was being sent to Ephesus (v.12), presumably to replace Timothy (cf. 1 Tim 1:3). Titus had left Crete for Dalmatia (v.10; cf. Tit 1:5). The movements and whereabouts of others are also mentioned – Crescens to Galatia, Erastus at Corinth and Trophimus at Miletus – presumably for missions too. Paul requested for Mark,21 mentioning that he was useful for ministry (v.11). Although an apostle, he was unashamed to speak of his need for community and asked to see different ones. People and relationships matter! We never stop being concerned about the work of the Kingdom of God. The mission of God matters! As seniors, let’s be exemplary in cultivating meaningful relationships and make missions a continuing concern of our lives.

A P P L I C AT I O N Am I pursuing meaningful friendships centred around the purpose of missions?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To mature in Christ-like character and help others to grow spiritually through the years Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Alexander did Paul great harm and opposed his message, and Paul felt the need to warn the others about him (vv.14-15). Demas was “in love with this present world”; consequently, he deserted Paul and went to Thessalonica (v.10). This was the same Demas who presumably was part of the missionary party, having been named with Luke, Paul’s travelling companion in his missionary journeys (cf. Col 4:14; Phm 24). 21 This was the (John) Mark whom Paul wrote off for his second missionary journey (cf. Acts 15:36-41), but the two had since reconciled. 20

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Following Jesus Right till the End

SATURDAY 16 May

S CRIPTURE 2 Timothy 4:1-8

O B S E RVAT I O N What strikes you the most concerning Paul’s posture and perspective as he prepares to meet the Lord?

Deeper Reflection

HERE WAS A GODLY AMERICAN MISSIONARY who had been teaching in a seminary in Singapore. One day, while running laps at Bishan stadium, he suffered a massive heart attack and instantly went home to the Lord. His colleagues joked fondly and respectfully about him “jogging his way into eternity, into the presence of his beloved Saviour”. What a way to follow Jesus right till the end! In verses 1 to 8, Paul was at the end point of his life. He gave a final charge to Timothy to “preach the Word” and “fulfil his ministry” as an evangelist, but not without also warning him about the people’s lack of appetite for the truth (vv.1-5). Paul knew that his days on earth would soon be over (“my time of departure has come”, v.6). He likened his life as a “drink offering” being poured out to God (v.6). This was a wellknown practice of offering wine or sacred water as worship to God, symbolising sacrifice and even death (e.g., Lev 23:18, 37; Num 15:1-12; 28:7; cf. Phil 2:17). Paul then continued with some poignant words of reflection: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (v.7). Not only did Paul end well, he ended true (“kept the faith”). Isn’t that what ultimately is important? Paul was looking forward to meeting his Lord to receive his “crown of righteousness” – that which every believer will receive (v.8). May elderly believers among us also look forward to meeting our Lord with no regrets, faithfully following Jesus as authentic disciples of His, right till the end!

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N Am I living a flourishing life as a faithful disciple of Jesus? How can I avoid languishing with regret from missed opportunities as I journey towards the end of my present 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 church board: To be united and wise disciples in deciding upon and guarding church policies according to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Word Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20 SUNDAY 17 May

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

MAY 2020

FOLLOW JESUS (PART 3)

Obeying what God tells us to do. Scripture: John 14:15

ACTIVITY BITE Play a game on obedience. Write five simple tasks (e.g. drink a full cup of water now, and so on) on five separate strips of paper. Fold and place them in a container. Then, get your family members to pick a piece of paper each and do the task written on it without any hesitation or complaint.

CHAT TIME Q1: How did it feel when you were asked to do something that you may not have been comfortable with? Q2: How do we show that we love Jesus? Q3: What is stopping you from obeying His commandments?

LEARNING POINT When God gives us His commandments, they are meant to bless us when we obey them, because all that He wants to give us are good. John 14:15 tells us that if we love Jesus, we will keep and obey His commandments. Some examples of this are love one another, do our best in school, be kind to one another and avoid lying, stealing or bad-mouthing others. We need to do what He calls us to do without hesitation, even when the task seems difficult. To follow Jesus is to obey all that He tells us to do.

ACTION POINT Get each member of your family to commit to a task this week that may be uncomfortable for them. For example, it could be saying sorry to a person that they have hurt or praying for someone whom they may not particularly like. Review their progress on this in a weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray for the ability to do whatever Jesus asks us to do, even if it is difficult. Ask God to guide and lead us to where He wants us to be, so that others will enjoy the love of Jesus too.

20 20

Flourishing Together: Marriage Begins with God

MONDAY 18 May

S CRIPTURE Genesis 2:18-25; Matthew 19:4-6

O B S E RVAT I O N What do you observe about God’s intention and design for marriage?

Deeper Reflection

N THE GENESIS 1 CREATION ACCOUNT, God made the heavens and the earth, all vegetation and all living creatures. He saw everything that He had made – it was very good (Gen 1:31). Before God created Man, there was no one to work the ground (Gen 2:5). Before God created Woman, Man was alone (except for the beasts and birds) and there was no helper fit for him (vv.18-20). So God made Woman. God formed a woman from a rib of the man and brought her to him (vv.21-22). According to God’s intention, “a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (v.24), and they should not be separated (Matt 19:6). In this way, God fulfilled Man’s need for a suitable helper, faithful companion and life partner. And so we see that marriage between a man and a woman – the one flesh relationship – was designed by God. Surely God could have created a woman in the same way that He created the man. Yet God chose to form the woman out of the man, and fitted the two together so that the two shall become “one flesh”. By this, God intended the man and the woman to be perfectly united and intimate with each other. Indeed the first man and his wife – in their pre-Fall state – “were both naked and were not ashamed” (v.25). This is a beautiful description of the absolute oneness, soul-deep intimacy, total trust and complete openness between husband and wife. Such was God’s intention for them to flourish together. But alas, Man fell.22

A P P L I C AT I O N For married couples: How can I flourish together with my spouse in accordance with God’s design? For singles: How does understanding God’s design for marriage instruct me in my singleness?

2020

P R AY E R Heavenly Father, thank You

Prayer Pointers

for designing marriage and

Give thanks:

intending it for wonderful blessings and human flourishing. Please forgive me for the wrong ideas I’ve had

Pray for leaders:

about marriage and for any wrong actions I’ve done to mar Your design. Enable me to celebrate marriage, whether

Pray for significant people:

in my own life or in the lives of others, and help me to be an encouragement to married friends and relatives. In Jesus’

Pray for those in need:

name, I pray. Amen.

Pray for self:

The Fall of Man, as a result of him choosing by his own self-will to rebel against God’s rule, did violence to God’s design for marriage: see Genesis 3:1-21 and Matthew 19:3-9.

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Flourishing Together: Is It Possible?

TUESDAY 19 May

S CRIPTURE John 15:4-5; Matthew 19:26

O B S E RVAT I O N What principles should you bear in mind when considering whether it is possible for a married couple to flourish together?

Deeper Reflection

HILE IT IS TRUE that God intends the marriage relationship to be intimate and last a lifetime, it is undoubtedly not an easy journey for the couple. It will take a lot of effort. The journey will usually be long and certainly not storm-free. In reality, there will be many storms, even some furious ones. Many will jump ship when their marriages start sinking.23 With the many challenges of modern life and secular culture, is flourishing together possible for married couples? Jesus taught His disciples that they cannot bear fruit unless they abide in Him, and that “apart from Me, you can do nothing” (vv.4-5). On another occasion, He said to them: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt 19:26).24 Flourishing together is impossible if it is dependent only on the couple’s own love, strength and ability. But if both husband and wife seek, pray for and depend on God’s love, grace and power, then it is possible! The Lord is available to His disciples! We have access to Jesus through prayer. Seek Him in humble dependence. Continually abide in Jesus as the source of divine love, grace and power for our marriages! Then flourishing together will be possible, as well as sustainable! This year, my wife and I celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. It has been a long journey with many stormy moments, but we are grateful that over the years we have been learning to fix our eyes on Jesus and keep working at our marriage. It is always Christ in us who makes it possible to flourish together for His glory.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N For married couples: What can my spouse and I do to make flourishing together possible? For singles: How can I encourage married couples to make flourishing together possible?

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 build flourishing marriages that glorify God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

There have been between 6,000 to 7,000 divorces and annulments per year from 2004 to 2018 among Singapore citizens and permanent residents: https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/population/population-and-populationstructure/visualising-data/population-trends (accessed 26 Mar 2020) 24 Jesus said this in the context of teaching about the great difficulty with which rich people turn from the idolatry of money to enter the Kingdom of God: see Matthew 19:16-30.

20 20

Flourishing Together: What It Takes (1)

WEDNESDAY 20 May

S CRIPTURE Galatians 2:20; Psalm 37:3-6

O B S E RVAT I O N In these verses, what acts do you observe that speak about personal ownership on the part of the writer or hearer to pursue particular outcomes in life?

Deeper Reflection

HEN JESUS HIGHLIGHTED the “one flesh” principle in marriage and taught that what God has joined together, no man is to separate (Matt 19:5-6), He was reminding people that the marriage relationship that God has designed is sacred and to be kept in faithfulness. Therefore, as part of their personal discipleship, a married couple must take personal ownership of their pursuit of a marriage that is characterised by their flourishing together. First, one takes personal ownership by personally committing to one’s relationship with one’s spouse. Are you willing to commit to the concept of marriage as designed and intended by God? Are you willing to stay faithful to your spouse for life? Just as in verse 20 the apostle Paul made a personal commitment to trust and obey Christ (“…the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God…”). Second, one takes personal ownership by personally delighting in one’s relationship with God. In Psalm 37:4, the Psalmist tells us that our delighting in God precedes our reception of His blessings. Indeed, we would not be able to recognise God’s blessings if we do not delight in Him. We delight in God when we find our deepest joy in knowing Him as our God, in celebrating His divine attributes of greatness and goodness, in praising His character and His works, and in embracing His will and His purposes for humankind and for us. If a married couple takes personal ownership of the health and quality of their marriage, they will be able to flourish together.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N For married couples: What will I do this year to take personal ownership for the health and quality of my marriage? For singles: How do these insights affect my view of marriage and what it takes for a married couple to flourish together?

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:

Pray for married couples: To flourish together through strong personal ownership of the outcome of their marriages Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Flourishing Together: What It Takes (2)

THURSDAY 21 May

S CRIPTURE Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Hebrews 10:24-25

O B S E RVAT I O N What do these verses tell us about the vital support that a married couple needs in order to flourish together in their marriage?

Deeper Reflection

HE PURSUIT of flourishing together in a marriage is the joint responsibility of both husband and wife. One spouse alone putting in all the effort will not succeed. Both marriage partners must work together. Furthermore, a community is essential and indispensable for success in marriage to be achieved. The basic community is the family unit comprising the married couple and their biological family, while the extended community includes the spiritual or church family. Verses 9 to 12 tell us about the blessings of community: “Two are better than one” (v.9) and “a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (v.12). The benefits of community include experiencing synergies in collaboration (v.9), overcoming setbacks through mutual support (v.10), enduring adverse conditions through solidarity (v.11) and collectively defending against hostile forces (v12). In Hebrews 10:24-25, the writer instructs the Christian community to “stir up one another to love and good works”, reminds them not to neglect meeting together and emphasises the necessity of mutual encouragement. Clearly, for a Christian couple to flourish together in their marriage, it would take more than just the efforts of two of them, but also that of a community of disciples who would stir up and encourage them in their walk with, and work for, the Lord. In the early days of my marriage, there was a community in church called “the Duets”, which was made up of married couples. We spent much regular time journeying together, sharing with and learning from one another. That was so helpful for my wife and me in our early marriage years, building the foundation and strengthening our relationship.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N For married couples: How can I both encourage others in a Christian community and receive from them the needed support for my marriage to flourish? For singles: How can I, as part of a Christian community, help fellow believers to flourish in their marriages?

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 know how best to help unbelievers in their marriage and family life Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Flourishing Together: Love and Forgiveness

FRIDAY 22 May

S CRIPTURE Ephesians 4:32-5:2

O B S E RVAT I O N As God’s beloved children, what are some attitudes and actions that we need in order to walk in love?

Deeper Reflection

HE APOSTLE PAUL commands Christians to “be imitators of God, as beloved children” (v.1) and “walk in love, as Christ loved us” (v.2). The “love” that Paul is talking about is the Greek word agape – a self-giving, sacrificial love; modelled on Christ’s love for us – that puts others’ interests before your own. Just one verse earlier, Paul commands the believers to “be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (v.32). All these are expressions of love towards others. A key expression here is forgiving others. Both our motivation for forgiving and our manner of forgiving are to be modelled on God, who on the account of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross, fully forgave us all our sins.25 In the marriage relationship, the need for mutual forgiveness is inevitable. Inevitable because both husband and wife have fallen, sinful natures and will therefore sin against each other from time to time, in small or big ways. If we are not prepared to forgive our spouse, we cannot love our spouse. If we do not love our spouse, we will be unable to forgive our spouse. In Christian marriage, love and forgiveness are indispensable for the husband and wife to flourish together. “God is love” (1 Jn 4:16) and “we love because He first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19). We must depend on God, because God provides the power we need to love and forgive our spouse. The Holy Spirit enables us to die to self and to pride; He empowers us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Jesus (Lk 9:23).

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I better conduct myself in love towards my family members this year?

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 love their family members and friends through godly attitudes and actions Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

See further 1 John 4:9-10.

20 20

Flourishing Together: Finishing Well

SATURDAY 23 May

S CRIPTURE 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 2:3-7; Philippians 3:12-14

O B S E RVAT I O N What are some principles of finishing well that you can glean from these verses?

Deeper Reflection

HE CHRISTIAN’S DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY can be likened to a long-distance race. And like the apostle Paul, we want to be able to say at the end of our race, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”26 What does it take to finish the race well? First, it requires a certain way of running. Paul tells us to run in such a way as to obtain the prize (v.24). Every athlete trains with self-control and discipline, in order to finish first in the race and receive the prize. But one can finish first and yet get disqualified (for breaking the rules or running the wrong race!), thereby failing to obtain the prize. Likewise, finishing well in a flourishing marriage requires great discipline to keep up the effort, keep to the rules and keep running the right race. Second, to finish well in our discipleship journey, which includes marriage for those of us who are married, requires full devotion primarily not to our spouse but to the Lord Jesus, our ultimate leader, authority and boss (2 Tim 2:3-7). Third, finishing well requires a clear goal. Our end goal is the same as Paul’s: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil 3:14). May we all finish well our longdistance race as Christ’s disciples – whether we are single or married – and hear our Master’s commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”27

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I apply each of the above three principles of finishing well in my life this year?

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 continue running their race with great discipline, full devotion to the Lord and with the end goal clearly in mind Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

26 27

2 Timothy 4:7. Matthew 25:21, 23.

20 20 SUNDAY 24 May

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

MAY 2020

FOLLOW JESUS (PART 4)

Tell others to follow Jesus also. Scripture: John 1:43-46

ACTIVITY BITE Get your family members to each bring something good that they would like to share to a family meeting. For example, some food, a card, a song or a verse from the Bible. Ask them to share why they thought this item was good for sharing with others. Discuss as a family how it feels to be able to share something that we treasure with others.

CHAT TIME Q1: What was the good news that Philip wanted to share with Nathaniel in John 1:43-46? Q2: How do you think Philip felt in verse 45? Q3: How is telling others to follow Jesus a good and important thing?

LEARNING POINT Phillip was so excited about meeting and following Jesus that he ran to tell Nathaniel. Nathaniel became one of the 12 disciples too. He travelled with Jesus to share God’s love with others. Just like Phillip and Nathaniel, Jesus chose us to be His disciples so that we can bring more people to God and receive eternal life. Good things should be shared with others. We must also tell others to follow Jesus as the only way of truth.

ACTION POINT Plan an activity that will bring joy to others, so that they will also experience God’s love through your family. For example, invite a friend to a family picnic, and so on.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for choosing us to be His disciples. Pray for courage and wisdom to share the good news about Jesus to others. Ask God to help us bring joy and the truth to others without fear.

20 20

The Fundamentals for a Flourishing Next Gen

MONDAY 25 May

S CRIPTURE Hebrews 11:1-3

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about faith?

Deeper Reflection

ONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, post-modernity and pluralism have proliferated the spread of faith. The Singapore 2016 National Youth Survey showed that 31% of youths in Singapore listed their faith as one of the top life goals that are important to their generation.28 Instead of an obliteration or declining of faith, the next generation actually sees faith as fundamental to their vision of “the good life” or a “flourishing” life. But do we see faith as a fundamental factor for their flourishing? The author of Hebrews describes faith as “the assurance of things hoped for” (v.1a). The Greek word for “assurance” points to a confidence and certainty in a deeper reality, which is guaranteed in its future realisation.29 Hence, faith celebrates now the reality of future blessings that constitute the objective content of hope. The author of Hebrews further describes faith as “the conviction of things not seen” (v.1b). The Greek word for “conviction” means “proof” or “demonstration”.30 This means that faith furnishes evidence that proves or demonstrates an invisible reality. The Christian faith involves looking forward to an eschatological fulfillment, and looking up to the unseen reality of God. In an increasingly uncertain post-modern world, the next generation is searching for assurance in a deeper reality that will give them something to look forward and upward to. They need to see authentic faith in God lived out in the lives of Christian men and women around them. How can we as Christ’s disciples participate in sowing the fundamentals – faith in God and trust in God’s Word – into the hearts of young people for their flourishing?

A P P L I C AT I O N How does this understanding of faith impact the way that I will relate with young people within and outside my church community?

2020

P R AY E R Lord Jesus, open my eyes to see that the

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

fundamentals that the next generation needs for flourishing are faith in You and trust in Your Word.

Pray for leaders:

Help me, through my life as Your disciple, to point them to Your reality in the midst of their greatest fears,

Pray for significant people:

biggest struggles and deepest needs. Amen. Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

28 29 30

National Youth Council Publication, 2019, pg. 15 Lane, W. L. (1991). Hebrews 9–13 (Vol. 47B). Dallas: Word, Incorporated. Lane, W. L. (1991). Hebrews 9–13 (Vol. 47B). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

20 20

The Founder of a Flourishing Next Gen

TUESDAY 26 May

S CRIPTURE Hebrews 1:1-3; 11:39-40; 12:1-2

O B S E RVAT I O N Why is Jesus described as “the founder and perfecter” of Christians’ faith (Heb 12:2)?

Deeper Reflection

AITH IN GOD is something that people across all generations need to have. For “without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Heb 11:6). The author of Hebrews affirms the new covenant by taking us back to the context of the old covenant, when “the people of old”31 received their commendation (v.2), because of their faith in God’s promises (Heb 11:39). “Received their commendation” means “receiving attestation” from God Himself.32 This is the testimony of Scripture: God’s Word is true and He commends those who believe it. However, even the heroes of Old Testament faith could only receive a partial fulfillment of what God had promised and therefore in their lifetimes they were not “made perfect” (Heb 11:40). New Testament believers have experienced the culmination of God’s saving grace in His Son, Jesus Christ. Sinners can only be made perfect by faith in Christ, who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins (Rom 3:23-25). By faith, we have entered into the new covenant in Christ’s blood (Heb 9:14-15). And we desire that all the young people in our next generation also come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, so that they too can testify that Christ loves them and has freed them from their sins by His blood and made them His people and priests to His God and Father (Rev 1:5-6). May all our young people have a relationship with God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ! Throughout their journey in this present life, may they run with endurance by “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:2)!

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I point young people to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, so that they can flourish in 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 live out the Christian faith with integrity and faithfully teach it to the next generation Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

31 32

This can be translated as “the ancients”: Lane, W. L. (1991). Hebrews 9–13 (Vol. 47B). Dallas: Word, Incorporated. Lane, W. L. (1991). Hebrews 9–13 (Vol. 47B). Dallas: Word, Incorporated.

20 20

The Foundation for a Flourishing Next Gen

WEDNESDAY 27 May

S CRIPTURE Hebrews 11:1-3; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

O B S E RVAT I O N What enables us to understand how the universe was created (v.3) and the meaning of our little lives in the vast universe (2 Cor 4:18)?

Deeper Reflection

AITH ENABLES UNDERSTANDING. In verse 3, the author of Hebrews writes, “By faith we understand…” Many things are beyond our understanding; our finite minds are unable to wrap around them. The creation of the universe is a case in point. Other examples include the eternal destinies of human beings. There are invisible realities which our physical eyes cannot see. The eternal God reveals such things to us by His Word. People can either reject God’s Word through unbelief or receive God’s Word by faith. Unbelief leads to continued blindness, whereas belief leads to an enlightened mind. Faith is foundational to understanding the cosmos and ourselves as created by God’s power for God’s purpose. Faith is foundational to understanding our place in God’s universe. Such understanding is enabled by faith in God’s Word. Understanding, in turn, enables a person’s faith response to live in accordance with God’s purpose and thereby to flourish in life. Flourishing is not the absence of suffering. A person who experiences affliction can still flourish inwardly and eternally. We experience flourishing when our inner person is renewed daily so that we look to the unseen eternal things, even as we experience the inevitable afflictions of life (2 Cor 4:16-18). Although such affliction is rightly described as “slight momentary”33, it doesn’t mean that the pain and troubles we face in this fallen world are easy to endure. But when they are compared with the Christians’ destiny, described as “an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison”34, our afflictions are seen in proper perspective – they are small and temporary. “So we do not lose heart.”35

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I help young people to have faith in God’s Word regarding the meaning and purpose of their lives?

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:

Pray for married couples: To develop close relationships with their children and help them to have faith in God’s Word Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

33 34 35

2 Corinthians 4:17. 2 Corinthians 4:17. 2 Corinthians 4:16a.

20 20

The Focus of a Flourishing Next Gen

THURSDAY 28 May

S CRIPTURE Hebrews 11:8-10, 16; Colossians 3:1-4

O B S E RVAT I O N How would you describe, in your own words, the kind of city Abraham expected to one day possess in the land of promise (vv.8-10)?

Deeper Reflection

BRAHAM IS MENTIONED 10 times in the book of Hebrews.36 His obedience is both extraordinary and exemplary. Regarding a place of residence, people would invariably like to know their options and have the freedom to choose where to go. Their choice would be based on which place they believe would be best for their flourishing, for example, it should have convenient transport connections to workplaces, proximity to good schools and amenities, nearby parks and recreational facilities, and so on. Abraham was called to go out to a place of God’s choosing, that was far from his home country and totally unfamiliar to him and his family. To leave the place of certainty and go into the unknown, is the essence of faith.37 It was sometime after Abraham reached the land of Canaan that God informed him that this was the land that God would give to his descendants (Gen 12:7). Even so, Abraham lived in Canaan not as an owner, but as a foreigner (v.9). This “promised land” was merely a foretaste of God’s heavenly country for His people (v.16). Abraham lived for things that are above and not for things that are on earth (Col 3:2). Verse 10 tells us that Abraham’s focus was not on the City of Man, but on the City of God, where the flourishing of God’s people will be beyond the physical. Only eyes of faith can see the spiritual blessings God has prepared for His people. Only people of faith will make these spiritual blessings their ultimate goal in life and thereby truly experience human flourishing both now and in the future.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I live my life in such a way that my focus on the City of God is clear to the people in my generation and the subsequent ones?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

For Outreach/Missions/New Life leaders: To show people what it means to set our minds on things that are above Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

36 37

Kenneth L. Barker and John R. Kohlenberger III, ed., Old Testament, vol. 1 of NIV Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994), 995. Kenneth L. Barker and John R. Kohlenberger III, ed., Old Testament, vol. 1 of NIV Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994), 995.

20 20

The Purpose of a Flourishing Next Gen

FRIDAY 29 May

S CRIPTURE Genesis 12:1-4; Galatians 3:6-9

O B S E RVAT I O N How has God chosen to bring His blessings to all the nations of the earth?

Deeper Reflection

HEN GOD CALLED ABRAHAM to leave Haran and go to Canaan, the land of promise (Heb 11:8-10), God’s plan was to bless him and to make him a great blessing to all the nations (v.2). God would make Abraham (his original name was Abram) a vessel of His blessing to “all the families of the earth” (v.3). In verse 3, the words “in you” may simply have indicated “by means of you”, but it is more likely that this expression designated Abram as the covenantal representative for a people.38 Abraham is the father of God’s people not because he is the biological ancestor of the Jews, but because he has a family of spiritual children who follow in his footsteps by believing God, as he did.39 “Those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith” (Gal 3:9). But it does not stop there. We are blessed to be a blessing to the nations. That is the purpose of a flourishing next generation of Christians! How will the next generation be a blessing to our nation Singapore? How will the next generation be engaged in cross-cultural missions? Will they be “Welcomers” (of internationals in Singapore), “Goers” (doing missions overseas), “Mobilisers” (equipping people for missions) and “Senders” (supporting Goers through prayers, financial giving, on so on)? How will they be inspired by the examples of the present generation of Christians?

A P P L I C AT I O N How am I intentionally living my life in order to bless people with the Gospel, whether in Singapore or other nations?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To have a renewed purpose of being a blessing to the nations Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

38 39

ESV Bibles by Crossway, ESV: study Bible: English standard version., ESV ed. (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2008), 72. ESV Bibles by Crossway, ESV: study Bible: English standard version., ESV ed. (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2008), 2249.

20 20

The Perseverance of a Flourishing Next Gen

SATURDAY 30 May

S CRIPTURE Hebrews 11:32-40; James 1:2-4

O B S E RVAT I O N What observations can you make about the perseverance of God’s people from verses 35 to 40?

Deeper Reflection

HE LIST OF GOD’S PEOPLE being afflicted, mistreated and persecuted did not end after the list of Old Testament heroes in Hebrews chapter 11. In the first three centuries of church history, Christians lived with the resolution that, if necessary, they will pay the ultimate price for their faith. As a matter of fact, the early Christians had a theology of two baptisms: the first by water, the second by blood; the latter was concretely connected to their physical death.40 God sovereignly permitted the persecution of Christians to purify and refine the believers to walk in the same way in which Jesus walked – the way of the cross – self-denial and sacrifice. The early Christians were sanctified through the process of following the Lord Jesus at great personal cost. The testing of their faith produced endurance and perseverance, which resulted in them becoming mature and complete, lacking in nothing (Jas 1:2-4). The early Christians who put their faith in Jesus Christ were not lukewarm believers seeking only blessings from the Lord, but rather they lived with a deep passion to serve the Lord and spread His Gospel. They did not compromise their faith and were faithful even unto death. What about Christians today? What about those of us who live in places unfamiliar with persecution of Christians? When tested by severe trials, will we be found faithful to our Lord Jesus and persevering in our faith in Him?

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I avoid being a lukewarm believer and instead be a passionate and persevering disciple of Christ?

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 persevere in their faith and ministry despite trials that come along the way Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Michael L. Budde and Karen Scott, eds., Witness of the Body: The Past, Present, and Future of Christian Martyrdom, Eerdmans Ekklesia Series (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2011), 22.

20 20 SUNDAY 31 May

S CRIPTURE

O B S E RVAT I O N

A P P L I C AT I O N

P R AY E R

Sunday Journal

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

WEEK

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL

MAY 2020

FOLLOW JESUS (PART 5)

Follow Jesus all the way. Scripture: Luke 18:18-30

ACTIVITY BITE Plan a family walk in the park or neighbourhood. Set a target distance to complete, for example, 2 kilometres and so on. After the walk, discuss as a family how this activity shows our attitude towards following Jesus.

CHAT TIME Q1: What did the disciples give up to follow Jesus? Q2: What can stop us from following Jesus? Q3: What did Jesus say we must do to follow Him?

LEARNING POINT On Jesus’ way to Jerusalem, a rich man came up to Jesus. He wanted to know what he had to do to inherit eternal life. The rich man had followed the commandments since he was a child. However, Jesus said He lacked one thing. To gain eternal life, the rich man would need to give up his riches and rely totally on God, which he could not do. Jesus didn’t say that being wealthy is wrong. He pointed out to the rich man that his unwillingness to give up his wealth prevented him from following Jesus fully. Jesus doesn’t want us to follow Him halfheartedly. We must follow Him all the way. And the blessing of doing that is much greater than what all the riches in the world can give.

ACTION POINT Gather your family members and get them to share one thing that may be stopping them from following Jesus wholeheartedly. As a family, commit to do something that shows a desire to listen and follow God wholeheartedly.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Pray that God reveals what is truly in our hearts and opens our eyes to the true prize – eternal life. Ask for His Guidance to rely on Him totally every day.

Notes

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