November Devotional Journal by Covenant EFC

November

2020 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

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

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

2020

November

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

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 is 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 Mark 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.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

T H E

C H U R C H

B E Y O N D

Pray for

South Asia Luke 4:18 (ESV)

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor....

Acts 1:8 (ESV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

esus tells us that His mission includes proclaiming Good News to the poor and that we need the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to bring the Good News to the ends of the earth! Pray for our church missions partners in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Christians are a minority in these countries and suffer tremendously. Lord, please anoint and equip our partner church leaders in South Asia to take up the cause of the poor and underprivileged, and to proclaim the Good News of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kingdom as they serve their community. Help them to be strong and courageous, especially with Covid-19 spreading in many parts of India and Bangladesh.

Pray For India. Most Indians identify themselves as Hindus, with Christians making up less than 3% of the population.

• For The Disciples Fellowship (TDF) in Kollam, Kerala. For their transition to a multiplying, intentional disciplemaking church. For the missions work of the Proclaimers (part of TDF ministry) to northern India. For the youths and teenagers to have a personal encounter with God, for a great revival fire in them, and that the Kingdom of God will be established in the schools or colleges that they are attending.

• For Senior Pastor Sam and the leaders of City Fellowship Centre in New Delhi, as they reach out to young adults working there and the students studying in the city. For Sri Lanka. The majority of Sri Lankans are Buddhists, with Christians making up less than 7% of the population (of which the majority are Roman Catholics).

• For the Centre Church in Colombo. For the church leadership to be strengthened and new leaders to be identified. For James Satchy, our Country Coordinator, as he works with the church leadership in their transitioning journey. For Bangladesh. Muslims are the majority in Bangladesh, with Christians making up less than 1% of the population.

• For Bethel AOG Church in Dhaka. For Senior Pastor Godfrey Baroi as he provides leadership in their journey of being a multiplying, intentional disciplemaking church. For the followup work of the Church’s Outreach/Missions programmes both in and outside Dhaka. For Covenant EFC. For wisdom and sensitivity to our local partner churches as we carry out our respective responsibilities. For Lilly, our Missionary in Kollam, Kerala, as she works with our partner; for James, our Country Coordinator for Sri Lanka; and for Karun, our Regional Director for South Asia.

Worship Songs

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER

LET THERE BE LIGHT

November-December

HOSANNA (PRAISE IS RISING) Verse 1 Praise is rising Eyes are turning to You We turn to You Hope is stirring Hearts are yearning for You We long for You ‘Cause when we see You We find strength to face the day In Your presence All our fears are washed away (Washed away) Chorus Hosanna, hosanna You are the God who saves us Worthy of all our praises Hosanna, hosanna Come have Your way among us We welcome You here, Lord Jesus Verse 2 Hear the sound of Hearts returning to You We turn to You In Your Kingdom Broken lives are made new

You make us new ‘Cause when we see You We find strength to face the day In Your presence All our fears are washed away Ending Hosanna, hosanna Brenton Brown | Paul Baloche © 2005, 2006 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing), Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4662491 CCLI License # 324618

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

JESUS I COME Verse 1 If You’re calling me, I will answer If You’re bidding me to come, I will come If You’re leading me into deeper waters May I not refuse Chorus Jesus I come, I surrender All for Your glory, I give my life Here in this moment I’m marked forever I am Yours Verse 2 If You’re drawing me…closer If You’re lifting me…higher If You’re bringing me into greater purpose May I not refuse Bridge Just a glimpse of Your glory And in my heart I know That I won’t let go No, I won’t let go Just a taste of Your goodness And in my heart I know I’m not letting go I’m not letting go Alarice Hong | Ian Chew | Jonathan Cho © 2018 Awaken Generation Music (Admin. by Awaken Generation) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7119441 CCLI Licence # 324618

O COME TO THE ALTAR Verse 1 Are you hurting and broken within? Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin? Jesus is calling Have you come to the end of yourself? Do you thirst for a drink from the well? Jesus is calling Chorus O come to the altar The Father’s arms are open wide Forgiveness was bought with The precious blood of Jesus Christ Verse 2 Leave behind your regrets and mistakes Come today there’s no reason to wait Jesus is calling Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy From the ashes a new life is born Jesus is calling Bridge Oh what a Saviour Isn’t He wonderful? Sing alleluia, Christ is risen Bow down before Him For He is Lord of all Sing alleluia, Christ is risen Verse 3 Bear your cross as you wait for the crown Tell the world of the treasure you’ve found Christopher Brown | Mack Brock | Steven Furtick | Wade Joye © 2015 Music by Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7051511 CCLI License # 324618

GOD I LOOK TO YOU Verse God, I look to You I won’t be overwhelmed Give me vision to see things like You do God I look to You You’re where my help comes from Give me wisdom, You know just what to do (Repeat) Chorus 1 And I will love You, Lord, my strength I will love You, Lord, my shield I will love You, Lord, my rock Forever, all my days I will love You, God Chorus 2 Hallelujah, our God reigns Hallelujah, our God reigns Hallelujah, our God reigns Forever, all my days, hallelujah Interlude Oh oh oh Forever, all my days, hallelujah Ian McIntosh | Jenn Johnson © 2010 Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 5858163 CCLI License # 324618

MAKE ME A SERVANT Chorus Make me a servant, humble and meek Lord, let me lift up those who are weak And may the prayer of my heart always be Make me a servant, make me a servant Make me a servant today Kelly Willard © 1982 CCCM Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Willing Heart Music (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 33131 CCLI Licence # 324618

AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS Verse 1 At the foot of the cross Where grace and suffering meet You have shown me Your love Through the judgment You received And You’ve won my heart And You’ve won my heart Now I can Chorus Trade these ashes in for beauty And wear forgiveness like a crown Coming to kiss the feet of mercy I lay every burden down At the foot of the cross Verse 2 At the foot of the cross Where I am made complete You have given me life Through the death You bore for me And You’ve won my heart And You’ve won my heart Now I can Bridge And You’ve won my heart And You’ve won my heart Now I can I lay every burden down I lay every burden down At the foot of the cross At the foot of the cross At the foot of the cross Kathryn Scott © 2003 Integrity Worship 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 # 4157353 CCLI License # 324618

LEAD ME TO THE CROSS Verse 1 Saviour I come Quiet my soul Remember redemption’s hill Where Your blood was spilled For my ransom Pre-Chorus Everything I once held dear I count it all as loss Chorus Lead me to the cross Where Your love poured out Bring me to my knees Lord, I lay me down Rid me of myself I belong to You Oh, lead me, lead me to the cross Verse 2 You were as I Tempted and tried human The Word became flesh Bore my sin and death Now You’re risen Bridge To Your heart To Your heart Lead me to Your heart Lead me to Your heart Brooke Ligertwood © 2006 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4785828 CCLI Licence # 324618

SHOUT TO THE LORD Verse My Jesus, my Saviour Lord, there is none like You All of my days I want to praise The wonders of Your mighty love My comfort, my shelter Tower of refuge and strength Let every breath, all that I am Never cease to worship You Chorus Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing Power and majesty, praise to the King Mountains bow down and the seas will roar At the sound of Your name I sing for joy at the works of Your hands Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand Nothing compares to the promise I have in You! Darlene Zschech © 1993 Wondrous Worship (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 1406918 CCLI License # 324618

OPEN OUR EYES Verse Open our eyes, Lord We want to see Jesus To reach out and touch Him And say that we love Him Open our ears, Lord And help us to listen Open our eyes, Lord We want to see Jesus Bob Cull © 1976 CCCM Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 1572 CCLI Licence # 324618

Notes

20 20 SUNDAY 1 November

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

NOVEMBER 2020

GIVE THANKS NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS

You always have something to be grateful for. Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18

ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members to either draw a picture or bring an item to a session where everyone shares what they are thankful to God for. After the activity, get everyone to share their thoughts.

CHAT TIME Q1: What does God say to us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and what does it mean to you? Q2: What stops us from being thankful and grateful to God? Q3: How does being grateful to God help us in facing problems in our lives?

LEARNING POINT In his letter to the Thessalonians, apostle Paul encourages them to give thanks to God no matter what happens in their lives. We can do that because God is in control of everything in our lives. Whatever situation that He has allowed to happen to us, He knows it’s for our good. It reminds us of the great things He has done for us. Being thankful leaves no room for bad feelings to enter our hearts. With God in our hearts, we can still be joyful and courageous no matter what happens.

ACTION POINT Discuss a problem that either a family member or the family is facing. Then get everyone to list down the things that they are thankful for.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for His continuous love towards us no matter what happens in our lives. Pray for a thankful and joyful heart that focuses on God’s greatness and promises at all times.

20 20

Daily Gratitude

MONDAY 2 November

S CRIPTURE Colossians 2:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of “abounding in thanksgiving”?

Deeper Reflection

HIS SUNDAY is New Life Sunday and her 20th birthday! As a lead-up to it, we will this week journey through a short series of six devotions on the theme of “Compassionate Disciples”. In this Covid-19 pandemic, perhaps you struggled with stressful events and disruptions at work, school or home. Perhaps you felt upset and angry when confined or restricted during the partial lockdown. When apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians, he was in Rome under house arrest and his freedom was curtailed. Yet the theme of thankfulness to God can be seen throughout his letter. The word “thanksgiving” and its variants appeared seven times in the four chapters. After Paul reminded the Colossian Christians about what the Lord Jesus Christ had done on the cross and their identity in Christ, he instructed them to be deeply grateful to God. Having been rooted in Christ, the believers were to walk in the Lord. How do we walk or live our lives in Christ? One of the ways is by “abounding in thanksgiving”. Despite being unjustly put under house arrest, Paul was not bitter or angry. On the contrary, Paul was thankful to the Lord and took every opportunity to preach the Gospel to unbelievers and encourage the Christians. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we can be grateful. Gratitude flows from remembering God’s grace and sacrificial love toward us even though we are sinners. As we daily cultivate a grateful heart, we increase our capacity to love people. Thus, we can rise above our own circumstances to care for others.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I practically take one small yet significant step to develop the habit of daily gratitude?

2020

for the work of New Life Community Services over the past 20 years. Please continue to enable us to demonstrate Your love to people in need. Amen.

and care for others. Thank You

an Giv d et pr ha ais n e ks

and having the capacity to love

counting my blessings every day

nee

help me to grow in daily gratitude,

se in

You for Your love and forgiveness. Please

Tho

and dying on the cross for my sins. Thank

Leaders

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your grace

Significant people

P R AY E R

20 20

People Are Precious

TUESDAY 3 November

S CRIPTURE Psalm 139:13-15; John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:9-10

O B S E RVAT I O N How are people made by God and therefore viewed by Him?

Deeper Reflection

EOPLE ARE “wonderfully made” by God (v.14)! We are precious to God! He loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to be the propitiation (or atoning sacrifice) for our sins, in order to save us and give us eternal life (Jn 3:16-17; 1 Jn 4:9-10). But when people test our patience and are difficult to love, their preciousness is the farthest thing from our minds! God has commanded His people to love those in need around them, not just in word but in deed (1 Jn 3:16-19). When Christians love those who are in need of help and support, we reflect the truth that God is love and that we are God’s people. In the past, I was a social worker and worked among youths and families from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many of them experienced various injustices and therefore felt angry and neglected. Some of the youths and families tested me in the early days of our relationships to see whether they could trust me, and occasionally they projected their anger onto me. I felt that it was unreasonable and unfair of them to treat me that way. At times, I lost my temper. However, there was a conviction that held on to me: The Lord Jesus received all my anger and that of everyone else. Yet Jesus still loved me because He saw people as precious. I could love others because I was deeply loved by Jesus. Navigating this was hard, but it resulted in others experiencing God’s love through me. Let us show God’s love and compassion to people, for they are precious.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What are the barriers and trigger points that prevent me from seeing people as precious?

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 always see their ministry as primarily people work to be done in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

See Beyond Your Reality

WEDNESDAY 4 November

S CRIPTURE Matthew 9:35-38

O B S E RVAT I O N What were the needs of the crowds of people from the cities and villages?

Deeper Reflection

PSLE STUDENT who secretly cannot spell. A family where the mother has died and the father works overtime to make ends meet, leaving the two children to cook meals and clean the house while barely coping with their studies. A teenager who struggles to control his anger and regularly gets into fights at school. A family where both parents are imprisoned for drug offences and three young children are left to grow up without their dad and mum. You would have heard or read such stories in the media. Perhaps the stories seem dramatic or too far removed from your reality. However, such scenarios are realities for many Singaporeans (do take time to see beyond your reality and allow the Lord to speak to you: visit https://www.newlife.org.sg/stories). Jesus grew up in a quiet village of Nazareth. Yet He stepped out of His reality and into the realities of others – not to condemn nor judge, but to love. Jesus was up close and personal with the ordinary people: conversing and eating with sinners, touching outcasts, healing the sick and ministering to the marginalised. Initiatives and programmes by New Life Community Services reach people outside our usual social bubbles. Volunteering in programmes such as “Steady Readers” helps us step into another person’s reality. We do so not as people who are above them, but as people who are willing to come alongside them. When we bring the compassion of Jesus into our friendships with those in need, we demonstrate the love of Jesus. Is the Lord calling you to minister to the marginalised, the disadvantaged, the sick or the lonely?

A P P L I C AT I O N How is my vision impacted when I see people through the lens of Christ’s compassion?

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 singles: To see beyond their reality and step into others’ realities with Christ’s love Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Bring New Life to the Community

THURSDAY 5 November

S CRIPTURE 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

O B S E RVAT I O N What is God’s part and our responsibility in bringing new life in Christ to others?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS CHRIST did it all for us on the cross and from the grave! Believers are saved by Christ’s death and resurrection. There was a massive separation between God and humanity due to our sin. None of our best inventions could bridge this gap. No great act, good behaviour or any of our sacrifices offered to God, could close the divide. Only by Christ’s ultimate sacrifice of Himself could we be reconciled to God, because the sinless Son of God was the perfect sacrifice to atone for our sins. Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away our sins and brings us to God! He offers ultimate hope, salvation and eternal life to fallen human beings! Who will bring this message of reconciliation to the people outside the four walls of the church? Who will demonstrate the love of Christ to the community? Who will share the hope that is in Christ to the households in Bukit Panjang, Woodlands and in the East? For the past twenty years, New Life Community Services has been actively reaching out to the community and serving their needs with no strings attached. Over the years, many Covenanters have risen up to serve as volunteers of New Life and be “the hands and face of Covenant EFC” to the community. In the next lap, New Life will continue to be the bridge between our church and the community. Will you give generously of your time and abilities to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing God’s love and bringing new life to the precious people in the communities around us? God is calling. Will you answer the call?

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N Prayerfully consider getting involved as a volunteer with New Life Community Services: visit https://www.newlife.org.sg/get-involved

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: That their work will produce thanksgiving to God in the hearts of many people Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Serve Like Jesus

FRIDAY 6 November

S CRIPTURE Philippians 2:1-8

O B S E RVAT I O N What example of Christ did the apostle Paul instruct Christians to follow?

Deeper Reflection

T IS NICE to be served. When we dine at a restaurant, the waiters attend to us. They take our orders, pour us glasses of water, bring our food, collect our dirty dishes and serviettes and clean up after we leave. But do you serve your waiter? Do you look your waiter in the eye, smile and thank him (or her) each time he (or she) serves you? Do you go the extra mile to stack up the dishes before he comes to collect them? Do you ensure that the waiter will not have to handle your used serviette or tissue (especially in a Covid-19 world where this has become an extra sensitive issue)? Jesus is the creator of the universe (Col 1:15-16). He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords (Rev 19:16). God in human flesh, Jesus “made Himself nothing”, taking “the form of a servant” (v.7). He humbled Himself even to the point of a painful and humiliating death on a cross. We are called to serve like Jesus – humble, willing, caring and sacrificial. Reaching out to the community can be humbling. We may need to sweat it out at the void deck to patiently teach children English; spend a couple of hours listening to a lonely, elderly resident tell his entire life story; or spring clean an unkept and smelly flat. Being a disciple of Christ is more than just knowing God’s Word. It is obeying God’s Word and living out the Gospel. It involves humbly serving those who need our acceptance and assistance, and an experience of Jesus’ love.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I serve someone today, even going the extra mile to do so?

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 serve like Jesus in their ministry to people within and outside the church Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Compassionate Disciples of Christ

SATURDAY 7 November

S CRIPTURE James 1:22-25

O B S E RVAT I O N Why is it important for us to be doers of God’s Word and not hearers only?

Deeper Reflection

E THANK GOD for what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us through the cross and the new life that we have in Him. Jesus died for sinful humankind because each person is precious in His sight. Sin has brought about injustice, oppression, exploitation, abuse, neglect, pain and suffering in the world. Jesus saw and touched the realities of fallen humanity — the plight of the marginalised and the pain of the afflicted. He did not merely feel sorry for suffering people, but rather had a deep, gut-wrenching compassion for them. He not only healed many, but also brought them ultimate hope through His life and ministry. In His first coming, Jesus emptied Himself of His divine prerogatives, took on human flesh and the form of a servant and through His death and resurrection brought salvation to everyone who believed in Him. God gives new life to all who believe in Christ, so that they henceforth live in an eternal relationship with God. Christ’s disciples are to be His ambassadors, bringing the Gospel to others, so that they too may receive new life in Him. A compassionate disciple is one who is grateful for salvation by God’s grace, views each person as precious, sees beyond people’s present realities, serves them as a humble servant of Christ and brings them the hope of new life in Christ through the Gospel. Let us not only be hearers of the Word, but doers also! Let us serve and grow as compassionate disciples of Christ, so that together with fellow disciples everywhere we may win the world for Christ!

A P P L I C AT I O N As you review your reflections from this week’s devotions, what are the actions that you will do in obedience to God’s Word (e.g. contact New Life Community Services to volunteer)?

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 serve and grow as compassionate disciples of Christ Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20 SUNDAY 8 November

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

NOVEMBER 2020

GOD DELIGHTS IN OUR GRATEFULNESS

Celebrate what God has done. Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:12-22

ACTIVITY BITE Ask your family members to bring a simple treat (e.g. a packet of chips and so on) for each other. Get everyone to share how God had helped them to solve a problem recently. Celebrate with the small treats that were brought to the session.

CHAT TIME Q1: What was King David celebrating? Q2: In what ways can you see God’s blessings and provision? Q3: How will you thank God for helping or providing for you this week?

LEARNING POINT King David won the battle against the Philistines. He did not forget about God. David rejoiced and thanked God for the help and blessings that He had showed to His people. We tend to look at problems or things that we don’t have and grumble. God delights in our thankfulness. Being thankful is a choice to make and an action to take. It reminds us that God is our Provider. All blessings and gifts are graciously given to us by Him.

ACTION POINT Get your family members to share a victory song which glorifies God’s name and His Goodness. Rejoice, sing and revere in God’s glory!

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Praise God for His Greatness. Thank God for His presence in every battle of our lives.

20 20

Jesus, the Son of David

MONDAY 9 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 12:35; Matthew 1:1-17

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make about Matthew 1:1 and Matthew 1:17 in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus the Christ?

Deeper Reflection

ATTHEW BEGINS his Gospel with “the genealogy of Jesus the Christ” (Matt 1:1-17), introducing Him as “the son of David, and the son of Abraham” (Matt 1:1). Clearly, Matthew is saying that Jesus is the ultimate fulfilment of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:1-3) and the Davidic covenant (2 Sam 7:12-16). But Matthew’s emphasis is on the Davidic covenant, by putting “David” before “Abraham” (Matt 1:1). Matthew’s concluding summary of the genealogy as “fourteen generations” between Abraham and David, David and the Babylonian exile, the Babylonian exile and Jesus the Messiah (Matt 1:17), bears theological significance. The number “fourteen” is the numerical value of “David” in Hebrew. “David” consists of three consonants, dwd, with d = 4, w = 6; and so, dwd = 4 + 6 + 4 = 14.1 So, “fourteen” symbolically shows that the promised “Son of David”, the Messiah, has come in the person of Jesus (see Lk 1:31-33). Matthew highlights the Babylonian exile as one of the pivotal points, because from the exile until the birth of Jesus, there was never a Davidic king. A question was asked for 400 years: What happened to God’s promise to David, “Your throne shall be established forever” (2 Sam 7:16)? (See Psa 89). Observe the way that God fulfilled His promise. There could be long dark times when God’s Word seems to have failed. Do we still steadfastly trust in God that He is faithful?

A P P L I C AT I O N What changes do I need to make in my understanding of God’s faithfulness and His Word?

2020

P R AY E R O Lord, we deserved to suffer from Your hand the

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

long dark nights of exile because we have sinned against You. Righteous and just are You, O God! Our

Pray for leaders:

souls are downcast within us. Yet, we have hope in You. For Your steadfast love never ceases and Your compassions never

Pray for significant people:

fail. They are new each morning we wake up in hope for the light. Great is Your faithfulness!2

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

1 2

D. A. Carson, Matthew, Matthew & Mark, Volume 9, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Revised Edition (Zondervan, 2010), 94-95 Lamentations 3:19-23

20 20

The Nature of the Scriptures

TUESDAY 10 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 12:35-36; Matthew 22:23-32

O B S E RVAT I O N What does what Jesus said concerning the Scriptures tell us about its nature (Mk 12:35-36; Matt 22:31-32)?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS THREW to His hearers the question concerning the Messiah as the son of David by quoting Psalm 110:1 (vv.35-36). And He described the words in the psalm as “David himself said in the Holy Spirit” (v.36a; see also Acts 1:15-26; 4:23-26). This gives us an idea of the divine-human nature of the Scriptures as the living Word of the living God: “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Tim 3:16) and “prophecy of Scripture” is “men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2 Pet 1:20-21). The Bible understands “it is written” (Matt 2:5-6) and “it was spoken” (Matt 2:17-18) in reference to the Scriptures as interchangeable. When Jesus confronted the Sadducees’ doctrinal error on the resurrection with the Scriptures, He said, “Have you not read what was spoken to you by God” (Matt 22:31). Note the act of reading as a response to what was spoken by God. Mark also “to you” and “by God” in “what was spoken to you by God”. When Jesus quoted what God had spoken in the past (Matt 22:32), at that very moment God was speaking to the Sadducees (Matt 22:31), whether they heard it or not. In another place, Paul speaks of God “is speaking” in what “was written” (1 Cor 9:9-10). God’s past spoken word written in the Scriptures is God’s present speaking word. When we read the Scriptures, we hear “what was spoken to you by God”. This is the nature of the Scriptures.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What does the Scriptures mean to me personally?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To be diligent and intensive in seeking the Scriptures Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Understanding Who Jesus Really Is

WEDNESDAY 11 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 12:35-37

O B S E RVAT I O N What was Jesus aiming to do in asking why David called the Messiah his Lord while He was his son?

Deeper Reflection

HE IDEA of a Davidic Messiah — “Christ is the son of David” – was thoroughly current by Jesus’ day,3 as reflected in Jesus’ question in citing Psalm 110:1 (vv.35-36). But by pointing out how David called his son “my Lord”, Jesus was posing the question: How could the Messiah be both David’s Lord and David’s son, since “son” suggests “subordination and inferiority”4? The issue here is understanding who Jesus really is. Jesus left His own question unanswered (v.37a). But curiously, the “large crowd enjoyed listening to Him” (v.37b). Did this “large crowd” understand who Jesus really is? No. Their understanding of Jesus was superficial, shallow, stereotyped and simplistic. For them, “enjoyed listening to Him” was enough. Are we like this “large crowd”? Our understanding of who Jesus really is shapes our understanding of what it really means to be His follower. Otherwise, while we think we are following Jesus, but in reality we are not quite doing so. Jesus was more than a physical descendant of David. More than “the Son of David”, He is “the Son of God” (Mk 1:1; Rom 1:3-4). Jesus the Messiah would sit at God’s right hand (v.36) – but only after His suffering and death on the cross (Heb 12:2). This Messiah was no warrior-king like David as the people expected. When we know this Messiah, we will fix our eyes on Him and endure our cross like Him and not grow weary and lose heart (Heb 12:1-3).

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I know that my understanding of Jesus is who He really is?

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 singles: To know and understand Jesus as revealed in the Scriptures Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

3 4

James R. Edwards, The Gospel According to Mark, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Eerdmans, Apollos, 2002), 375 Mark L. Strauss, Mark, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Zondervan, 2014), 551

20 20

“The Scribes” Inside Our Hearts

THURSDAY 12 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 12:38-40

O B S E RVAT I O N What does what Jesus said about the scribes tell us about spirituality?

Deeper Reflection

HE SCRIBES were the experts in the Law, and they “commanded unrivalled authority in first-century Palestine”5. True for any human being, this became a fertile ground for breeding pride. “Knowledge makes arrogant” (1 Cor 8:1). But that does not mean we dispense with knowledge. Knowledge is essential, especially knowledge of truth. The problem is not knowledge itself, but our attitude with knowledge. So, being what they were and having what they had, the scribes “like” to “walk around in long robes” (v.38a) – “full-length prayer shawls with tassels attached to the four corners”, which “distinguished rabbis and scholars as men of wealth and eminence”6. They “like” “respectful greetings”, “chief seats” and “places of honour” (vv.38b-39). Do we “like” things which stroke and inflate our ego? The scribes “offer long prayers” “for appearance’s sake” (v.40). Jesus warns against showing off our spirituality before humans to be noticed by them (Matt 6:1). Whenever we show off our spirituality, that spirituality becomes empty. True spirituality is as theologian Henry I. Lederle says, “Only God knows our hearts, and since humility is central to the Gospel, the most advanced in sanctification seldom realise that they are more advanced and seldom evaluate themselves accurately in this regard.” “Beware of the scribes” inside our hearts (v.38a).

A P P L I C AT I O N What are “the scribes” inside my heart that I need to beware of?

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 watchfully guard against self-deceptive egotism Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

5 6

James R. Edwards, 378 James R. Edwards, 378

20 20

Ultimate Reality: What God Says

FRIDAY 13 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 12:41-44

O B S E RVAT I O N How does the story show that what matters is what God says about a matter?

Deeper Reflection

PPEARANCE IS POWERFUL. And thus, we often easily place value on appearance and fall into a delusion of reality. But Jesus warns: “Beware” of living by “for appearance’s sake” (Mk 12:38-40). And Mark immediately gives us a subversive contrast in a scene of giving to the temple treasury to call us to live life in terms of ultimate reality (vv.41-44). There are three sets of contrast which are what human eyes see: “many” “rich people” (v.41) and one “poor widow” (v.42), with the former throwing in “large amounts of money” and the latter putting in “two small copper coins, which amounted to a cent” (v.42). Up till now it is all just appearance. Then comes what is most important: “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I say to you’” (v.43a). What God says. It is the judgment of ultimate reality: “this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury” (v.43b). Mark the divine verdict: “more than all”. What the human eyes see will conclude that what the poor widow has given is insignificant. The “one cent” virtually has no economic value, in that it makes absolutely no difference among the huge amount of money. Appearance can be deceptive. We can easily see a $1 million cheque in a church building fund — because of its immense economic value — and get excited over it and praise God for it. But do we see the one cent given by a poor widow in our midst and God’s glory in it?

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to live my life in terms of what God says about 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 SGI leaders: To live life in terms of what God says about oneself Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20

Ultimate Reality: What God Sees

SATURDAY 14 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 12:41-44

O B S E RVAT I O N How does the story underscore the significance of seeing things as God sees?

Deeper Reflection

HAT GOD SAYS is in accordance with what God sees. Jesus saw that in contrast to the “many rich people” who gave “out of their abundance”, the “poor widow” gave “out of her poverty, put in all she owned, and all she had to live on” (v.44). Don’t miss the triple emphasis on what Jesus saw about her giving: “out of her poverty”, “all she owned” and “all she had to live on”. What Jesus saw was her heart. It was a heart of absolute surrender, wholehearted devotion, sacrificial worship and total trust that is utterly theocentric. This poor widow gave to God her whole life. To live life in terms of ultimate reality, we must see as God sees. And to see as God sees, we must know how God sees. What is little in human eyes can be significant in God’s eyes. What is great before man can be nothing before God. God is the God of great reversal. God sees things in the direct opposite direction of the human view of reality. But in the story, it was Jesus alone who saw the immense significance of the poor widow’s giving — not even the widow herself. And God had put this widow’s story in Scripture, so that many lives for many generations to come may be impacted and influenced profoundly by it. This is the legacy that God had built for her. She did not know it. And God did not tell her. She never intentionally sought to leave behind a legacy. And we do not even know her name.

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I know how God sees things?

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 able to see reality as God sees Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20 SUNDAY 15 November

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

NOVEMBER 2020

GOD IS WORTHY OF OUR THANKSGIVING

Say thank you for the things that God has done for us. Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

ACTIVITY BITE Get a card for each member of your family. Ask them to write a thank you note on it and then share its contents with everyone.

CHAT TIME Q1: Do we occasionally forget to thank people when they help us? Q2: Why is it important to give thanks to God? Q3: How does remembering God’s good work help us and others?

LEARNING POINT Jesus healed 10 men from leprosy on his way to Jerusalem. But only one man, a Samaritan, came back and thanked Jesus and praised Him. Do we only remember God when we are in trouble? The Scriptures tell us to remember God’s goodness in bad and good times because He is worthy. He is with us every second of our lives to care and watch over us. God delights in a grateful and joyful heart that desires Him wholeheartedly.

ACTION POINT Get a big piece of paper. Then ask your family members to list down what they are thankful for as a family − as many as possible. Be amazed at the great things that God has done for your family! Submit the list to God through a prayer of thanksgiving!

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for being there for us in good and bad times. Pray that we will always be aware of the things that God has done for us and learn to be grateful.

20 20

God Destroyed His Own Temple

MONDAY 16 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 13:1-4

O B S E RVAT I O N What were Jesus’ disciples asking Him in verse 4?

Deeper Reflection

WO SIGNIFICANT MOVEMENTS OF JESUS frame Mark 11:11 – 13:1: Jesus “entered…the temple” (Mk 11:11) and Jesus “was leaving the temple” (13:1a). Jesus’ leaving the temple signals His rejection of the temple, as already demonstrated in His clearing of the corrupt temple (Mk 11:15-19). Jesus’ disciples were overwhelmed by the magnificence of the temple — Israel’s crown jewel and national pride7: “What wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” (v.1b). However, Jesus declared its destruction (v.2). And thereupon His disciples asked when the temple would be destroyed and how would they know the time — “the sign” (vv.3-4). Jesus answered their questions with a discourse that ties the destruction of the temple to His Second Coming: the events leading to the destruction of the temple (Mk 13:5-23), Christ’s Second Coming (Mk 13:24-27), a parable on the timing of the events leading to the destruction of the temple (Mk 13:28-31) and a parable on the timing of Christ’s Second Coming (Mk 13:32-37). The events leading to the destruction of the temple is a “type and foreshadowing”8 of the End Times that will culminate at Christ’s Second Coming. The “type and foreshadowing” function as prophetic-theological paradigms of the Last Days by which we look at and live in the contemporary world. If God destroyed His own temple, how much more will He destroy our idolatrous “wonderful buildings” in which we take pride and find our significance and security!

A P P L I C AT I O N What are the idolatrous “wonderful buildings” that I need to demolish in my life?

2020

P R AY E R On the day of Your return, O Lord of glory, the heavens

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

will be destroyed with intense heat and the earth and everything on it will be burned up.9 O Lord, keep

Pray for leaders:

me from the folly of seeking significance and security in things that You will destroy. Help me to be alert in my

Pray for significant people:

thinking, fully sober and fix my hope on the grace that You will bring at Your coming.10 Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Mark L. Strauss, 568 James R. Edwards, 383 2 Peter 3:10 10 1 Peter 1:13 8 9

20 20

Vigilance and Perseverance in Discipleship

TUESDAY 17 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 13:1-8

O B S E RVAT I O N What did Jesus emphasise in what He said to His disciples in verses 5 to 8?

Deeper Reflection

N ANSWERING His disciples’ questions on when the temple would be destroyed and how they would know the time (v.4), Jesus’ first words are: “Watch out!” and “Be on your guard!” (v.5). This command is repeated four times in Mark 13 (Mk 13: 5, 9, 23, 33). We must not miss this discipleship emphasis. The central theme of Mark 13 is “a call for watchfulness, perseverance and faithfulness in the face of coming crisis”11. “Watch out” for the danger of being misled and deceived by false messiahs (vv.5-6), false prophets and false teachings (cf. Matt 24:11, 24). Mark the word “many” (v.6). There will be “many” deceivers and “many” will be misled and deceived. We must not underestimate the grave danger. Wars and natural disasters are part of the fallen world and not End Times signs (vv.7-8). For those of us in Singapore who were born after World War II, we have never experienced war or natural disasters like earthquakes and famines. But if these do, and they can, befall us, it would be a frightening experience. But we can live by the Lord’s word: “Do not be frightened” (v.7) and live with an eschatological perspective. These things “must happen” (v.7) — that is, divine necessity — in world history. Amid the chaos of any major crisis, we can find security in the divine necessity. But these things are “not yet the end” (v.7), Christ’s Second Coming is happening soon. This means that we must persevere in the divine necessity as we wait in hope.

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to live life with vigilance and perseverance in view of Christ’s Second Coming?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For pastors and staff: To be vigilant and persevering in view of Christ’s Second Coming Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Mark L. Strauss, 562

20 20

The End Times Discipleship Call

WEDNESDAY 18 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 13:9-13

O B S E RVAT I O N What are the End Times challenges that the disciples of Jesus will meet?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS’ COMMAND, “Be watchful”, is given the second time and now in relation to suffering persecution (v.9). We can avoid persecution if we want to. But it becomes inescapable and inevitable — only a matter of when it will happen — when we live our lives in terms of “for My sake” (v.9) and for “My name” (v.13), proclaiming the Gospel by our mouths and through our lives. End Times discipleship calls for expectation and readiness for persecution. And persecution of such a kind that we should not be surprised if family members oppose and betray us — even “to death” — for being faithful followers of Jesus (v.12). “You will be hated by all” is a discipleship promise (v.13a). “All” underscores the extensiveness of the hatred. The key word paradidōmi is repeated three times in Mark 13 in relation to persecution: “hand over” (vv.9, 11) and “betray” (v.12). And paradidōmi will be next repeated 10 times in Mark 14 to 15 for the betrayal and handing over of Jesus to be crucified (Mk 14:10, 11, 18, 21, 41, 42, 44; 15:1, 10, 15). Mark powerfully shows us the paradidōmi connection in Mark 13 to 15: the discipleship cross that is conformed to the crucified Christ (cf. 1 Cor 2:2). “Endure to the end” (v.13b) – total endurance, endurance without wavering,12 is demanded of us. Hence, developing endurance through trials in our discipleship journey is highly critical in God’s Intentional Discipleship Training curriculum (Rom 5:3-5; Jas 1:2-4).

A P P L I C AT I O N How will I prepare myself to expect and be ready for persecution as a faithful follower of Jesus?

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 singles: To be ready for persecution as faithful followers of Jesus Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James A. Brooks, Mark, The New American Commentary (Broadman, 1991), 211

20 20 THURSDAY 19 November

Discern “The Abomination of Desolation”

S CRIPTURE Mark 13:14-18

O B S E RVAT I O N What are the End Times challenges that the disciples of Jesus will face?

Deeper Reflection

ARK 13:14-23 looks ahead to the Roman siege of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, leading to the destruction of the temple13 (cf. Lk 21:20-21). Mark’s readers, who received his Gospel in A.D. 63/64 and facing the threat of Nero’s persecution,14 were called to “see” with watchfulness (Mk 13:5, 9) the sign of “the abomination of desolation” (v.14a). And there would be “extreme hardship”15 (vv.17-18) and such great danger that there is no time for any delay, for life itself is at stake16 (vv.14b-16). “The abomination of desolation” (v.14a) refers to an arrogant desecration of God’s temple prophesied in Daniel (Dan 9:27; 11:31; 12:11), which was first fulfilled in the erecting of a pagan altar on God’s altar in the temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes of Seleucid Syria in 167 B.C.17 This prophecy is a prophetic-theological paradigm18 for future similar sacrileges that happened in 63 B.C. through Roman general Pompey, in A.D. 26/27 through Roman governor Pilate and in A.D. 70 through Roman emperor Titus.19 Through this prophetic-theological paradigm, we can discern the major widespread anti-God movements that are blasphemous toward God and oppressive on God’s people, led by powerful figures in the course of human history. While Christians may attempt to suppress such movements, God’s Word tells us that they will continue with increasing severity until the ultimate anti-God figure appears: “the man of lawlessness…displaying himself as being God” (2 Thess 2:3-4).

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How will I respond to a major widespread anti-God movement that happens at any time and place?

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 to see anti-God movements through the Scriptures Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James A. Brooks, 211 James A. Brooks, 28, 30 Mark L. Strauss, 581 16 James A. Brooks, 213 17 See 1 Maccabees 1:54 18 See DJ entry on November 16 19 James A. Brooks, 212 14 15

20 20

God’s Elect in End Times

FRIDAY 20 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 13:19-27

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of “the elect” being repeated three times in the passage (vv.20, 22, 27)?

Deeper Reflection

HE EMPHASIS in Mark 13 — which mixes the historical images with the eschatological, the Roman siege of Jerusalem with the end of the age20 — is discipleship in the challenging End Times. The word “the elect”, referring to God’s chosen ones, is repeated three times (vv.20, 22, 27) in verses 19 to 27, which underscores the significant importance of Jesus’ faithful followers. God’s elect in tribulation: The “tribulation” in the siege of Jerusalem foreshadows future tribulations to come, leading to the climactic unprecedented “Great Tribulation” (v.19; cf. Dan 12:1). “Unless the Lord had shortened those days” of tribulation (v.20a) points to the sovereignty of God over such difficult times. And the Lord will act “for the sake of the elect whom He chose” (v.20b), underscoring His presence with and His commitment to His people in tribulations. God’s elect against deception: Jesus warns again of the rise of false messiahs and false prophets who can “show signs and wonders” (cf. 2 Thess 2:9), attempting to “lead astray, if possible, the elect” (vv.21-22). We are to “watch out” for such deceptions, because Jesus has told us “everything in advance” (v.23). God’s elect at consummation: Our greatest longing in life must be nothing less than “the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory” (vv.24-26) when He will “gather together His elect” to Himself (v.27). But until then, arrogant sons of men will think that “great power and glory” belong to them.

A P P L I C AT I O N What does it mean for me to live as God’s elect in a world and time of great challenges to discipleship?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To rest in God’s hand as God’s elect in difficult times Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Mark L. Strauss, 582

20 20

Alertness in End Times Discipleship

SATURDAY 21 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 13:28-37

O B S E RVAT I O N How does Jesus show His emphasis on alertness toward His Second Coming?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS CONCLUDES His discourse on the End Times — the time period between His First Coming and Second Coming — with two parables on timing. The timing of the destruction of the temple can be known (vv.28-31). The destruction of the temple would be preceded by signs to be recognised (Mk 13:5-23) and Jesus’ disciples could know that “it is near” (vv.28-29). And the signs will occur within the generation of Jesus’ disciples: “this generation will not pass away until all these things take place” (v.30). However, the timing of Christ’s Second Coming cannot be known (vv.32-37). We must not miss the triple emphasis: “of that day and hour no one knows” (v.32) and “you do not know” (vv.33, 35). The words of Jesus, particularly pertaining to eschatology here, are absolutely certain and trustworthy (v.31). However, the timing of their fulfilment has not been revealed and so should not provoke undue speculation. Christians have been attempting this for the last 2,000 years and have failed. But they have not given up. What folly! Not only do we not know, Jesus says to us: “It is not for you to know” (Acts 1:7a). It is none of our business. For not even the incarnate Son knew, but the Father alone, who set the timetable for the future (Acts 1:7b). In the state of “do not know” we have only one business: “Be on the alert!” Mark the fourfold emphasis (vv.33, 34, 35, 37). Be watchful on the inside, not on the outside.

A P P L I C AT I O N How will I develop and maintain alertness with regard to the Second Coming 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 be spiritually alert daily for the Lord’s Second Coming Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20 SUNDAY 22 November

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

NOVEMBER 2020

GOD IS GENEROUS TO EVERYONE

Adjust your attitude. Scripture: Matthew 20:1-15

ACTIVITY BITE Organise a toy car racing competition at home with your family members, where the first car that reaches the finishing line wins. After the activity, discuss with one another what matters in this game (i.e. is it about winning or having a great time with the family?).

CHAT TIME Q1: Think back to a time when you felt unfairly treated. What did you do? Q2: How does God show His generosity to you and others? Q3: How does focusing on what God has already given to us help us face our problems?

LEARNING POINT This parable is about the vineyard owner’s generosity to his workers. He paid all the workers a full-day’s salary regardless of the time that they started work. Those who worked longer hours felt it was unfair. The vineyard owner pointed out that he was not unfair, rather, the workers were not happy with his generosity. We are like the workers at times. We compare and complain about why we have to do more or receive less than others. The parable tells us that everyone who believes in God receives the same reward (salvation) at the end of the day. When we focus on the generosity of God, we become less bitter about our circumstances, but grateful for what God has already given to us.

ACTION POINT Provide each family member with a piece of paper. Then ask everyone to divide the paper into two columns. List down what God has given to you in the left column and what challenges you currently face in the right column. Get everyone to share what they wrote and what they will change about their expectations from now on.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for His generosity. Pray that He will help us to be joyful and not jealous when He blesses others.

20 20

What a “Waste” on Jesus!

MONDAY 23 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 14:1-11

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make about the woman’s act of devotion to Jesus?

Deeper Reflection

ARK TELLS the story of the extravagant devotion of a woman to Jesus in His journey to the cross (vv.3-9) and by showing a significant contrast. The woman’s extravagant devotion is framed by the hostility of the religious leaders who sought to “seize Him…and kill Him” (v.1) and Judas Iscariot’s betrayal (vv.10-11). The action of each group of people reflects their understanding of who Jesus is. But the woman’s lavish devotion points to something deeper: the worthiness of Jesus. She came to Jesus with “an alabaster vial of very costly perfume” (v.3) costing “over three hundred denarii” (v.5) – “more than a year’s wages” (NIV). She must have planned for this act of devotion for a long time, as she had to take much time to save up that enormous amount of money. She “broke the vial” and “poured” all its contents on Jesus (v.3b). And what did Jesus see? “She did what she could” (v.8a). Literally, it is “What she had she did.” It means that she gave all that she had.21 But how did others see it? “Wasted!” (v.4). That is thinking in worldly economic terms, albeit in relation to contribution to charity. But it misses what is most important – the worthiness of Jesus and who is most important — Jesus Himself: “You do not always have Me” (v.7). Do we think of our devotion to the Lord in terms of receiving benefits from Him? Do we see it as “wasted” when the Lord does not seem to bless us in return?

A P P L I C AT I O N How does the woman’s extravagant devotion to Jesus challenge me in my discipleship journey?

2020

P R AY E R I put aside my weighty cares and leave my

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

wearisome toils for a while. I abandon myself to You, O God, and rest for a little in You. I enter the inner

Pray for leaders:

chamber of my soul, and seek only God and the things that can help me in my quest for You. Come

Pray for significant people:

then, Lord my God, teach my heart where and how to look for You, where and how to find You.22

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

21 22

James A. Brooks, 222 A prayer of St. Anselm (1022-1109)

20 20

“My Body” and “My Blood”

TUESDAY 24 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the significance of Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper during the observing of the Passover?

Deeper Reflection

T IS OF GREAT THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper (vv.22-26) “when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed” (v.12). While observing the Passover, Jesus — the ultimate Passover Lamb (Exo 12:1-27; 1 Cor 5:7) — replaced the Passover with a new meal, the Lord’s Supper. Theologically, the Passover looked forward to the Lamb of God to be sacrificed to take away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29), while the Lord’s Supper looks backward to the Lamb that was slaughtered on the cross. When Jesus “broke” the “bread”, He said, “This is My body” (v.22), “given for you” (Lk 22:19). Jesus spoke in Aramaic, and in Aramaic, behind “My body” “likely meant ‘my person’, ‘my whole being’”23. So, “My body” is “the gift of Jesus Himself, wholly and without reserve, in His self-offering”24 for us. The cup that Jesus gave to His disciples to drink points to “My blood of the covenant” (v.24). Jesus’ blood was “poured out” — His violent death on the cross — “for forgiveness of sins” (Matt 26:28). It is “My body” and “My blood” that make it possible for God to have a covenant relationship with us: “I am your God and you are My people.” How we live our lives must be determined by the significance of “My body” and “My blood” in the whole sweep of salvation history. There is only one way: “If we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord” (Rom 14:7-9).

A P P L I C AT I O N What does the significance of “My body” and “My blood” in the whole sweep of salvation history mean to 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 stand fast in living and dying only for the Lord Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

23 24

James R. Edwards, 425 James R. Edwards, 425

20 20

Following the Lord in Weakness

WEDNESDAY 25 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 14:17-21, 27-31

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

Deeper Reflection

HEN JESUS REVEALED that one among the Twelve would betray Him (v.18), the disciples, certainly excluding Judas Iscariot, were grieved, saddened and distressed (v.19a). We should feel as such at the thought of betraying Jesus. Through the disciples’ question, “Surely not I?” (v.19b), Mark challenges us to ask ourselves if we would betray the Lord in the face of persecution or other trials.25 The Messiah’s death through Judas Iscariot’s betrayal was in fulfilment of Scripture and part of God’s plan, but this does not remove human responsibility (v.21). We see here the convergence of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Jesus foretold His disciples: “You will all fall away” (v.27). How will we respond if these words are spoken to us? Do we say to Jesus like Peter, “Even though all may fall away, yet I will not”? (v.29). To Peter’s declaration of his loyalty to Him, Jesus foretold his threefold denial of Him (v.30). But, against the certainty of the words of Jesus — “Truly I say to you,” accompanied by the triple emphasis of “today, on this night, before a rooster crows twice” (v.30) — Peter “kept saying insistently” that he would not deny his Lord even if he has to die with Him (v.31). We can evaluate our commitment to God wrongly. Be watchful of overconfidence in our discipleship commitment. Perhaps, we may sing “I Surrender All” with humble reflection and tentativeness.

A P P L I C AT I O N How do I go about following the Lord fully?

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 singles: To be humble and not overconfident in following Jesus Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

James A. Brooks., 227

20 20

Being Human in Gethsemane Discipleship

THURSDAY 26 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 14:32-36

O B S E RVAT I O N What do you learn about the will of God in Jesus’ experience in Gethsemane?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS IN GETHSEMANE was a man who was always at the centre of the will of God, living a perfect life and in absolute intimacy with His Father. But can such a person become “very distressed and troubled” and “deeply grieved to the point of death” when going through a severe crisis (vv.33-34)? Jesus’ answer is “Yes”, even despite knowing that He would be raised from the dead. Such was the real humanness of the God-Man. Jesus did not approach the cross with stoic apathy. In His acute and intense emotional state of being troubled, distressed and anxious, was dread and fear.26 Jesus “really did fear death, just as those who were called upon to die for Him would fear death”27. For Jesus, seeking to live by God’s will for all His life did not mean absence of tension with God’s will. He prayed that “if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by” (v.35): “Remove this cup from Me” (v.36a). The will of God is “good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2) does not mean that we will not struggle in seeking and submitting to His will: “Yet not what I will, but what You will” (v.36b). Delight in God’s will and distress in God’s will are not a contradiction of terms. Jesus Himself fleshed out this reality about the will of God. Biblical discipleship does not call us to be non-human or superhuman. We follow Jesus in our humanness in the communion of the cross with Him in Gethsemane.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N What are the areas in my life that I need to bring to Jesus and follow Him in Gethsemane?

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 the communion of the cross with Jesus in Gethsemane Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

26 27

Mark L. Strauss, 633 James A. Brooks, 233

20 20

Staying Alert in Gethsemane Discipleship

FRIDAY 27 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 14:32-42

O B S E RVAT I O N How many times are the words “pray” and “watch” repeated in the passage and what is their significance in this context?

Deeper Reflection

ESUS ENTERED the intense tension in the will of God in Gethsemane with prayer (v.32). In His state of being “very distressed and troubled,” Jesus “took with Him Peter and James and John” (v.33). In His humanness, Jesus needed human companionship and support in “keeping watch and praying” with Him (vv.32, 34, 35-36, 37, 38, 39). To “keep watch” is to be spiritually alert to the testing of faithfulness to God28 and “against the temptation of indifference”29. For Jesus, it was to “keep watch” against avoiding and deviating from doing the will of God (vv.35-36). The key to “keep watch” is prayer: focusing on God, anchoring in God, depending on God and yielding to God. The antithesis of spiritual alertness is spiritual “sleeping” as seen in the three disciples: “He came and found them sleeping” (v.37a). Peter had only recently declared his absolute loyalty to Jesus (Mk 14:29, 31). James and John had claimed that they would share in Jesus’ cup of suffering (Mk 10:38-40). But now they could not even “keep watch” in prayer with Jesus for “one hour” (v.37b). Our application is not that “We will not be like them”, but that “We can be like them”, so that we will “keep watch and pray”. The larger and longer application of “keep watch” and “be alert” is in waiting for the Lord’s return, that He may not “find you asleep” (Mk 13:33-3630). Jesus is asking: “Are you still sleeping and resting?” (v.41).

A P P L I C AT I O N How will I show that “keep watch and pray” is critical in my discipleship journey?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

your meditation on and application of the Scriptures. For SGI leaders: To keep watch and pray against spiritual slumber Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

28 29 30

Mark L. Strauss, 635 James A. Brooks, 234 grēgoreō: Greek for “be alert” (Mk 13:34, 35, 36) and “keep watch” (Mk 14:34, 37, 38)

20 20

Lonely Steadfastness in Gethsemane Discipleship

SATURDAY 28 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 14:32-52

O B S E RVAT I O N What significant observations can you make about Jesus’ disciples and Jesus in His “crisis” in Gethsemane?

Deeper Reflection

T CAN HAPPEN TO US, however disappointed we may be, that people let us down and abandon us when we need them to stand with us in our difficult times. It happened to Jesus. Not only did His three “finest” disciples fail to keep watch with Him (vv.37-41), but “they all left Him and fled” when He was arrested (v.50). Left alone, but Jesus remained steadfast in journeying to the cross. What keeps us following God in lonely steadfastness? Prayer and the Word of God. Jesus’ request for the removal of “this cup” shifted to “yet not what I will, but what You will” (v.36). Then, “again He went away and prayed, saying the same words” (v.39), for a “second time” and a “third time” (Matt 26:42, 44). What is the significance of Jesus repeating “the same words” in His prayer? Prayer is not just an act of asking and then waiting for God to answer. Prayer is a communion with God where a two-way interaction takes place. It is a conversation with God through the Scriptures, the living Word of the living God. And a divine work takes place within us during the communion. When Jesus repeated “the same words” in His intense prayer, there was a strengthening and deepening of conviction and an intensifying of the resolve to be faithful to God no matter what. At the centre of Jesus’ journey to the cross is “to fulfil the Scriptures” (v.49). For all His life, Jesus lived by and was led by the Scriptures.

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How can I cultivate lonely steadfastness in following Jesus?

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 follow Jesus even if it is done alone Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 20 SUNDAY 29 November

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

NOVEMBER 2020

GOD’S GREATEST GIFT FOR HIS PEOPLE IS IN JESUS

Get in the habit of being grateful. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Exodus 12

ACTIVITY BITE Sing the worship song “Count Your Blessings” together as a family. Share with everyone what helps you remember to be grateful.

CHAT TIME Q1: What is the greatest gift/promise that God has given to you and me? Q2: How does God want us to remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross? Q3: What does Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross mean to you?

LEARNING POINT In Exodus, God told Moses that the angel of death would visit Egypt and that the firstborn in every family would die in the last plague. He ordered the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and put its blood over the doorposts of their homes, so that the angel of death would pass over their house. Following this, the Israelites celebrate the Passover every year in remembrance of the day that God freed them from the Egyptians. Centuries later, God sent His only Son (the sacrificial lamb) to earth to die on the cross so that we can all be free from our sins and receive eternal life. The greatest gift of eternal life is given to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. Since then, Christians give thanks to God by carrying out the Holy Communion.

ACTION POINT Establish a regular routine in your family to give thanks to God for His blessings and gift to us.

FAMILY PRAYER POINTS Thank God for Jesus and His blessings. Pray that God will help us look to Jesus when we face difficult times.

20 20

Silent Submission to God’s Will

MONDAY 30 November

S CRIPTURE Mark 14:53-61a

O B S E RVAT I O N What is the theological significance of the words “They led Jesus away…” (v.53)?

Deeper Reflection

ARK THE THEOLOGICAL IRONY of these words: “They led Jesus away…” (v.53). The Lord who silenced the demons (Mk 1:21-27) and stilled the storms (Mk 4:39-41) now let go of His lordship control and became totally passive in the hands of evil people who sought to destroy Him. At this particular historical moment, one wondered, “How could this be the Son of God?” (Mk 1:1). Jesus was put on trial before the Sanhedrin. The trial was hardly a legitimate trial, let alone a just one, because the goal was simply to find sufficient evidence to put Jesus to death (v.55). It was as long as there were two or three witnesses who could show evidence of Jesus deserving a death penalty, it would be enough (Deut 17:6). But the problem was, not only were the “many” testimonies “false”, they were also “not consistent” (vv.56-59). And they “kept trying”, but “they were not finding any” (v.55). As for Jesus, “He kept silent and did not answer” (v.61a). This does not mean there is no place for a disciple of Jesus who faces false accusations to make a self-defence. The heart of the matter here is what is the will of God in a particular situation. For Jesus, He was to be a silent lamb to be slaughtered (Isa 53:7). Nevertheless, Jesus’ example shows that His followers must be ready to suffer unjustly, and like Him, entrusting themselves to God who judges righteously (1 Pet 2:21-23).

ÂŠ 2020 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

A P P L I C AT I O N How will I respond when I suffer unjustly?

2020

P R AY E R Lord Jesus, You suffered for us, leaving us an example,

Prayer Pointers Give thanks:

that we should follow in Your steps. You committed no sin and no deceit was found in Your mouth. When insults

Pray for leaders:

were hurled at You, You did not retaliate and You made no threats. Instead, You entrusted Yourself to God who judges

Pray for significant people:

justly. This is Your calling for us. Help me to follow You steadfastly in this path. Pray for those in need:

Pray for self: