September Devotional Journal

SEPTEMBER 2021 DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

1 SAMUEL 17:45 (ESV)

SEPTEMBER 2021

DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

1 SAMUEL 17:45 (ESV)

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

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Memory Verses January

2021

And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.”

1 Samuel 2:1 (ESV)

February And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel!

Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”

1 Samuel 3:10 (ESV)

March Then the men of Beth-shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God? And to whom shall he go up away from us?”

1 Samuel 6:20 (ESV)

April And Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the LORD with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you and direct your heart to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.”

1 Samuel 7:3 (ESV)

May Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the LORD has helped us.”

1 Samuel 7:12 (ESV)

June Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

1 Samuel 12:23 (ESV)

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July But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)

August Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

1 Samuel 16:13 (ESV)

September Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

1 Samuel 17:45 (ESV)

October And David had success in all his undertakings, for the LORD was with him.

1 Samuel 18:14 (ESV)

November The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness, for the LORD gave you into my hand today, and I would not put out my hand against the LORD’s anointed.

1 Samuel 26:23 (ESV)

December And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV)

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Foreword

BY SENIOR PASTORS

DISCIPLING

THE REMNANT In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, God has laid upon our hearts that He will preserve a remnant and that the church must take care to faithfully disciple the remnant.

2021

“Then the remnant of Jacob

shall be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass which delay not for a man, nor wait for the children of man. And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep, which, when it goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is none to deliver.” – Micah 5:7-8 The remnant people do not consist only of today’s strong and successful Christians.

It also includes weak and downtrodden believers who are experiencing much brokenness and need for purification. Their lives may currently be in a mess, but they are willing to let God

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discipline, mould, shape and restore them for a future that will see them glorify God in all kinds of ways. By God’s grace, they will come through the testing and training process shining as God’s people who trust and obey Him more and more.

“In that day, declares the Lord. I will assemble the lame and gather those who have been driven away and those whom I have afflicted; and the lame I will make the remnant...” – Micah 4:6-7a

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who will do His bidding and carry out His work whatever the cost in these last days. Let us be committed to be disciples who make disciples!

To be a church that is growing deep in God’s Word and Spirit, members must grow spiritually through self-feeding on God’s Word and not depend only on Sunday feeding. Every day from Monday to Saturday, let us

Every day from Monday to Saturday, let us individually seek the Lord by opening up the Scriptures and drinking from Him who is the fountain of living water."

“Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love.”– Micah 7:18 God’s call for His people remains certain and unchanged. We are not just to be disciples but to make disciples of all nations!

In 1 Samuel, God called a simple shepherd boy named David who had faith in Him. And just as God raised up His servant David, God will also raise up a faithful remnant — people

individually seek the Lord by opening up the Scriptures and drinking from Him who is the fountain of living water. This Devotional Journal is designed to help you do just that.

In 2021, may we all from the young to the old, the single to the married, the struggling to the successful, and the fearful to the faith-filled, be discipled as the remnant for the future and for God’s glory!

In Christ, Rev Tan Kay Kiong and Rev Tony Yeo

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Guide to Using THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL

Step 1 PREPARE YOUR HEART IN GOD’S PRESENCE • Select a fixed time (preferably in the morning before you begin your day) and a quiet place where you can be alone and undisturbed.

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

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

(Refer to the list of worship songs provided.)

• Ask God to open your heart to hear Him.

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

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

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Step 2 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 2021

We have provided prayer pointers for Pastors and Staff every Tuesday and for the Generations every Wednesday.

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

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Pray for

The Philippines and Timor Leste “Thus says the LORD of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.”

ZECHARIAH 7:9-10 (ESV)

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The Philippines THE PHILIPPINES has natural resources, democratic roots and a well-educated population. But there are serious economic and social issues that limit the nation’s development. Half of the population continues to live in poverty. Natural disasters, such as tropical storms, floods and landslides plague the country, often destroying lives and homes.

Pray • For the people to know the truth about God and grow in discernment regarding false teachings. For the Bible seminaries to have effective apologetics and that God will raise up many committed, godly leaders.

• Covenant EFC has conducted church planting training in Manila for more than 20 leaders and pastors. Praise God for the spiritual awakening of Christians, with many pastors launching new churches even amid the pandemic. Pray for their growth in the Lord and evangelism among their local communities.

• For the next generation to receive education. More than half of the population are under the age of 20. There are 75,000 street kids in Manila alone. However, 24% of schoolage children are unable to attend school as most of them either have to work or have no local schools. Schools also struggle to educate children when distance learning was implemented because of COVID-19, due to their lack of access to electricity, laptops, Internet and financial resources. Pray for the next generation to find living hope in Jesus Christ and thus purpose and meaning in life.

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• Social Weather Station reported that 30.7% of Filipinos (7.6 million families) went hungry in the last quarter of 2020.

The pandemic has caused many to lose their jobs. The reduced food supply has led to higher prices. Pray that the better resourced churches will rise up to reach out to the poor and feed the hungry.

• The number of COVID-19 cases in Philippines has passed 1.37 million. Hospitals are full. The government has procured 113 million doses from different manufacturers for the 108 million people. Praise God! Pray for wisdom and against corruption in the government. For justice and righteousness to prevail, so that the villagers and the marginalised will also get access to the vaccine.

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Timor Leste TIMOR LESTE is a young country that gained independence in 2002.

The Indonesian military and the Timorese militia have left a legacy of hatred and trauma that will take decades to heal. It has remained poor with low literacy rates and poor health. Transformation is desperately needed in leadership, education, business and healthcare.

Pray

• Traditional spiritualism still permeates the lives of Timorese.

Pray for Christians to renounce all vestiges of animism, to know the truth and grow in discernment. For more biblically trained pastors, a common vision to evangelise the lost and a unity movement among national church leaders.

• For the people who suffered persecution during the independence war to release forgiveness to their former (Indonesian) rulers and for reconciliation among the different factions.

• Many children and young people have lost everything, especially their parents in the independence war. Large numbers roam the streets and join dangerous gangs. Pray for them to find Christ, receive His love, be healed of their trauma and wounds and begin to live for God’s purposes.

• The dual impact of the pandemic and Cyclone Seroja have badly affected Timor Leste’s economy. Pray for effective national leadership and management of resources to overcome their economic difficulties.

• Covenant EFC will anchor the District of Alieu, an hour away from the capital Dili. We plan to build a youth centre there.

Pray for opportunities to visit soon.

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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER ALL WHO ARE THIRSTY Verse All who are thirsty All who are weak Come to the fountain Dip your heart in the stream of life Let the pain and the sorrow Be washed away In the waves of His mercy As deep cries out to deep (We sing) Chorus 1 Come Lord Jesus come Come Lord Jesus come (Repeat) Chorus 2 Holy Spirit come Holy Spirit come (Repeat) Interlude As deep cries out to deep As deep cries out to deep As deep cries out to deep, we sing Brenton Brown | Glenn Robertson © 1998 Vineyard Songs (UK/Eire) (Admin. by K I Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 2489542 CCLI License # 324618

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DOXOLOGY (GOD BE PRAISED) Verse 1 Praise God from whom all blessings flow Praise Him all creatures here below Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost Chorus Praise the Father Praise the Son Praise the Spirit now with us Every moment All our days God be praised God be praised Verse 2 Praise God with mornings breaking light Praise Him through darkness of the night Praise Him with every breath of life Praise Him my soul with all your might Verse 3 Praise God when face to face we see The One who died to set us free The One who rose in victory Praise now, forever Christ our King Thomas Ken | Todd Fields © SIXFIELDSMUSIC (Admin. by Robinson Lane Music) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7134391 CCLI Licence # 324618

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EVERLASTING GOD Verse Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord We will wait upon the Lord Pre-Chorus Our God, You reign forever Our Hope, our strong Deliverer Chorus You are the everlasting God The everlasting God You do not faint You won’t grow weary You’re the defender of the weak You comfort those in need You lift us up on wings like eagles Brenton Brown | Ken Riley © 2005 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 4556538 CCLI Licence # 324618

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HERE AGAIN Verse 1 Can’t go back to the beginning Can’t control what tomorrow will bring But I know here in the middle Is the place where You promise to be Chorus I’m not enough unless You come Will You meet me here again?

‘Cause all I want is all You are Will You meet me here again?

Verse 2 As I walk now through the valley Let Your love rise above every fear Like the sun shaping the shadow In my weakness Your glory appears Bridge Not for a minute was I forsaken The Lord is in this place The Lord is in this place Come, Holy Spirit, dry bones awaken The Lord is in this place The Lord is in this place Amy Corbett | Chris Brown | Steven Furtick © 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 # 7111925 CCLI Licence # 324618

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LIVING HOPE Verse 1 How great the chasm that lay between us How high the mountain I could not climb In desperation, I turned to heaven And spoke Your name into the night Then through the darkness Your loving-kindness Tore through the shadows of my soul The work is finished, the end is written Jesus Christ, my living hope Verse 2 Who could imagine so great a mercy?

What heart could fathom such boundless grace?

The God of ages stepped down from glory To wear my sin and bear my shame The cross has spoken, I am forgiven The King of kings calls me His own Beautiful 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!

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Ending Jesus Christ, my living hope Oh God, You are my living hope Brian Johnson | Phil Wickham © 2017 Phil Wickham Music (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Simply Global Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Sing My Songs (Fair Trade Music Publishing [c/o Essential Music Publishing LLC]) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 7106807 CCLI Licence # 324618

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I GIVE YOU MY HEART This is my desire To honour You Lord with all my heart I worship You All I have within me I give You praise All that I adore Is in You Lord I give You my heart I give You my soul I live for you alone Every breath that I take Every moment I’m awake Lord have Your way in me Reuben Morgan © 1995 Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI Song # 1866132 CCLI Licence # 324618

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HERE I AM TO WORSHIP Verse 1 Light of the world you stepped down into darkness Opened my eyes, let me see Beauty that made this heart adore You Hope of a life spent with You Chorus Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down Here I am to say that You’re my God You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy Altogether wonderful to me Verse 2 King of all days, oh so highly exalted Glorious in heaven above Humbly You came to the earth You created All for love’s sake became poor Bridge I’ll never know how much it costs To see my sin upon that cross Tim Hughes © 2000 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) CCLI Song # 3266032 CCLI Licence # 324618

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ALABASTER JAR Verse 1 This alabaster jar is all I have of worth I break it at Your feet, Lord It’s less than You deserve You’re far more beautiful More precious than the oil The sum of my desires And the fullness of my joy Like You spilled Your blood, I spill my heart As an offering to my King Chorus Here I am, take me as an offering Here I am, giving every heartbeat for Your glory Take me Verse 2 This time that I have left is all I have of worth I lay it at Your feet, Lord It’s less than You deserve And though I’ve little strength And though my days are few You gave Your life for me So I will live my life for You Like You spilled Your blood, I spill my heart As an offering to my King Bridge (You are) Worthy, worthy You are worthy Worthy is the Lord (Repeat 8x) Walker Beach | Zach Neese © 2005 Gateway Create Publishing (Admin. by Integrity Music) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 4887630 CCLI Licence # 324618

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BECAUSE OF YOU Because of You, I was born again Because of You, I’m ransomed by Your grace Because of You, my heart has found a home A refuge for my soul Because of You, sins are washed away Because of You, heaven knows my name Because of You, l can live again You’ve broken every chain Unfailing love, so unreserved You gave Yourself on Calvary And now I stand, forever free My Saviour rescued me Because of You, the weak say I am strong Because of You, the broken have a song Because of You, there’s no need to fear Hope steadfast, ever sure Unfailing love, so unreserved You gave Yourself on Calvary And now I stand, forever free My Saviour rescued me (Repeat) City Harvest Church

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BEFORE YOU I KNEEL Verse 1 Before You I kneel, my Master and Maker To offer the work of my hands For this is the day You’ve given Your servant I will rejoice and be glad For the strength I have to live and breathe For each skill Your grace has given me For the needs and opportunities That will glorify Your great name Verse 2 Before You I kneel and ask for Your goodness To cover the work of my hands For patience and peace to shape all my labour Your grace for thorns in my path Flow within me like a living stream Wear away the stones of pride and greed ‘Til Your ways are dwelling deep in me And a harvest of life is grown Verse 3 Before You we kneel, our Master and Maker Establish the work of our hands And order our steps to seek first Your Kingdom In every small and great task May we live the Gospel of Your grace Serve Your purpose in our fleeting days Then our lives will bring eternal praise And all glory to Your great name And all glory to Your great name Jeffrey J. Taylor | Keith Getty | Kristyn Getty | Stuart Townend © 2012 Seek 1st (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Townend Songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Getty Music Publishing (Admin. by Music Services, Inc.) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 6399236 CCLI License # 324618

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Notes

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SCRIPTURE

WEDNESDAY

Psalm 51; Luke 18:9-14

1 September

Repent of Our Sins OBSERVATION What similarities do you notice between King David’s response (Psa 51) and that of the tax collector (Lk 18:9-14)?

Deeper Reflection

ANXIETY AND GRIEF are two commonly felt emotions during this pandemic. They can be quite revealing. First, anxiety. A person who says he is not worried about either the coronavirus or the uncertain days ahead is either ignorant or dishonest. Feelings of anxiety and apprehension are understandable and normal. In all situations, God invites us to cast our cares on Him, because He cares for us (1 Pet 5:7). But if we keep feeling great fear that causes us sleepless nights, this may well reveal false foundations in our life. This world is passing away, there is a new world coming and God is totally sovereign to bring His will to pass.

In the meantime, we should continue to focus on partnering with God to tell people the Good News about Jesus and God’s Kingdom. Second, grief. Some of us are grieving the loss of our health, our loved one’s health or even life. For others, the loss of jobs, careers or study plans. But for most of us, we are grieving the loss of our former rhythms, routines and favourite activities like parties, overseas vacations and even church events! Nothing wrong with such activities per se, but if they were our coping strategies for numbing the pain of life’s problems, then we need to repent of them as “idols” that we depended on in our lives. God does not want us to rely on them, but on Him always. Let us with contrite hearts repent of our sins. In times of trouble, let us seek God’s help for He is faithful to deliver us from our adversaries.

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APPLICATION

What are the false foundations or idols in my life that I must repent of? Let the Holy 2020 Spirit search your heart, then confess them to God in prayer and take active steps to turn away from these sins.

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for singles: That they will “flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psa 92:12) Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

John 13:34-35; 15:12-17

THURSDAY

2 September

Repent of Our Superficiality OBSERVATION What are some characteristics of close, trusted relationships among friends?

Deeper Reflection

DISCIPLEMAKING IS MORE than just passing on knowledge and information. It is about life transformation and this best takes place in the context of trusted relationships. Three components are required for trusted relationships to develop. First, space. Adequate space is required to grow the relational trust and intimacy to a point where we can truly be available to listen to and receive from one another without judgment and suspicion. Second, a slower pace. Relationships, much like plants, grow at a slower pace than our busy modern city life would allow. Often, we are impatient in wanting them to develop quickly and unwilling to pay the price in terms of time and energy to nurture the growth. Third, skilful work. Cultivating intimacy takes knowledge and skill. Knowledge of various human temperaments and how to grow our emotional intelligence. Skills to listen well and relate appropriately with other people. The pandemic has revealed to us as a church that while we may be good at passing on knowledge and wisdom, we may not have done so well in developing a broader base of strong, trusted relationships among church members. While there is deep trust between the church board and the pastors, and between the pastors and the lay leaders, we need to work harder on growing this beyond these leadership groups and across the generations. It will certainly take a lot of time, effort and intentionality.

Perhaps this pandemic season is just the awakening needed for us to repent of our superficiality and offers us the opportunities to grow a great number of genuine, grace-filled and godly relationships.

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APPLICATION

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What is the quality of my relationships with members of my family and CG? What will I do 2020 to grow trust and intimacy in those relationships?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: That they will build trusted relationships among team members for strong mutual support and encouragement to reach people in need Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

FRIDAY

John 15:1-11

3 September

Rebuilding from the Inside Out OBSERVATION How does pruning relate to the idea of rebuilding?

Deeper Reflection

A BRANCH is lifeless without the vine because branches draw life from the vine. Jesus said, “apart from Me you can do nothing” (v.5c). The person who abides in Jesus will bear fruit as a result of keeping an intimate relationship with Him and continuously drawing life from Him. The heavenly Father is the vinedresser who prunes us, removing parts of our life that do not bear fruit. The process of pruning is painful because God is eliminating harmful areas of our life that we have enjoyed, loved or even been obsessed with. Pruning cuts away that which brings decay, thereby promoting life and growth for a higher quantity and quality of fruitfulness!

Such fruit-bearing is evidence that we are Christ’s disciples – this glorifies the Father. As we respond by repenting of the sins that God has revealed in our lives, He prunes us. In other words, God rebuilds us from the inside out! Through this rebuilding process, God removes things that have brought us fleeting pleasure, but have been deceptively harmful to our intimate relationship with Christ and preventing us from truly loving Him. Perhaps during this pandemic, the Lord is calling us away from worldly attractions and the noise, so that we may abide in Him. Perhaps God is allowing us to spend more time with those closest to us. As we experience tensions in our homes, the Lord surfaces our pride and shortcomings, so that He may rebuild us. Then in His good timing, the Lord will send us out into the world to shine brighter for Him as disciplemakers for His glory.

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APPLICATION

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What are one or two areas of my life that the Lord is working on to rebuild me from the 2020 inside out? How have I responded and how do I want to shine brighter for Him?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: That they will mature in Christlike character and help others to grow spiritually Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

1 Corinthians 3:10-23; Matthew 28:18-20

SATURDAY

4 September

Rebuilding Our Church OBSERVATION What does it mean to have Jesus Christ as our foundation when we build the church?

Deeper Reflection

WITH THE COVID-19 GLOBAL PANDEMIC, the forms of “doing church” have drastically changed. Nonetheless, the foundation of the Church must remain the right one. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the foundation of the Church is Jesus Christ. The Church must embody and represent the Lord Jesus, continually preaching about Him who died, is risen and will come again. The Church must keep pointing people to Jesus Christ, who is the light of the world. Christ must remain the unchanging foundation of the Church throughout all generations. Succeeding generations must carefully build on that sure foundation, relying not on the world’s wisdom, but on divine wisdom. The Church is the holy dwelling place of God. We are God’s people, called to be holy because He is holy. The COVID-19 situation has changed the way we congregate for worship and how we run children and youth ministries, equipping sessions, and other programmes and events. In some sense, we are “rebuilding” the church as we adapt to an uncertain and evolving situation. Christ remains our unchanging foundation. Our church mission also has not changed, nor our underlying and visible values, because they are founded on God’s Word. But the Church today not only has to contend with a prolonged pandemic and all sorts of resultant problems, but also the powerful challenges posed by digital technology-enabled distribution and amplification of opposing worldviews and angry voices accusing Christians of bigotry, ignorance, abuse and hypocrisy. In response, the Church must unite under Christ and forge ahead with His love, compassion, wisdom, humility and sacrificial service to build His Church by making disciples of all nations.

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APPLICATION

In2020 what ways can I contribute to the rebuilding of the church?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Church Board: To have godly wisdom and strong unity in rebuilding the church during these challenging times Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SUNDAY

5 September

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

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INITIATIVE: Seeing what needs to be done and doing it.

MEMORY VERSE “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” - COLOSSIANS 3:23 (NIV)

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK ONE

LINE *Don’tBOTTOM wait for someone else to do what needs to be done*.

BIBLE STORY VIDEO

https://cefc.ch/21FD09W1

BIBLE STORY *Nehemiah 1:1-2:18 – Making Plans: Nehemiah Plans to Rebuild the Wall

*WhoACTIVITY should do it?

Get your family members to look around the house and identify things that are not in order. For example, things not put in place or dishes not washed, among others. Ask, “Who is responsible for keeping the house tidy?” Challenge everyone to put everything in order within 15 minutes. Say, “Who is responsible for keeping the house tidy and clean?

What needs to be done every day in the house? The job may not be easy. When we see that things are not kept in place, we ought to take the initiative to put things right. Jesus knew what had to be done when He came to earth. Even though He knew He was going to suffer, He did not run away from His mission to save us from our sins.”

* TALK ABOUT IT • What was behind the urgency to rebuild the wall in Jerusalem?

• What made Nehemiah decide to step up to lead the people to rebuild the wall?

• What did Nehemiah do before he decided to rebuild the wall?

• What are your responsibilities as a child or parent?

• What needs to be done now?

• If it is not done, what is stopping you?

• Why should we involve God in every part of our plan?

Parents: Share with your family about a time when you did a challenging task. How did it go?

How did you involve God in this experience?

PRAYER *Thank God for listening to our prayers and leading us at every step in our work and studies.

Pray for strength and boldness to do what needs to be done. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/September2021

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SCRIPTURE

MONDAY

1 Samuel 21:1-9

6 September

Lost in Disorientation: David’s Wavering Faith (1) OBSERVATION What is the significance of “the sword of Goliath” that Ahimelech gave to David the fugitive (vv.8-9)?

Deeper Reflection

LOST IN DISORIENTATION is part of our discipleship journey when we do not know the meaning and significance of our adverse circumstances and where things are moving toward. This is where David was in 1 Samuel 21 to 22. God had chosen and anointed David to be the next king of Israel (1 Sam 13:14; 15:28; 16:12-13). And things were going positively for David and moving upward towards his destiny in 1 Samuel 17 to 18. Then things began to go downhill for him from 1 Samuel 19 onwards, when Saul’s attempts on his life intensified. David’s discipleship journey was marked by “fled and escaped” (1 Sam 19:10-12, 17-18; 20:1, 29; 21:10; 22:1). Human emotions can be fickle and here we see David’s faith in God wavering.1 David came to Ahimelech the priest at Nob (v.1). Ahimelech’s question, “Why are you alone and no one with you?”, highlights David’s vulnerability. 2 He came to Ahimelech to ask for food (vv.2-6) and a weapon (vv.8-9). But David lied to the priest that he was sent by the king on a secret mission with some “young men” when actually he was alone (v.2). David’s reason for asking for a weapon was illogical (v.8). How could a seasoned soldier on the king’s urgent business not have his personal weapon? Incidentally, what Ahimelech had with him was only “the sword of Goliath” (v.9). But through this sword God spoke to David, who was desperate in his wavering faith: “Remember the God of 1 Samuel 17!”

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

What will I do when I am lost in disorientation in my life?

2020

PRAYER

ise

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 1 & 2 Samuel, Teach the Text Commentary Series (Baker, 2013), 140 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 141 Psalm 130:1-2, 5-7

lf

pra

Se

nd

d

ank sa

in nee

3

e th

Those

2

Giv

Significant people

1

Leaders

From the depths of my despair I call to You, O Lord, hear my voice. I look for You, Lord, and my soul waits for You. In Your Word is all my trust. My soul waits for You, Lord, more than those who watch for the morning.

I trust in You, O Lord, for with You is steadfast love, and great is Your power to save and redeem.3

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 21:1-9

TUESDAY

7 September

The “Doeg the Edomite” Interruption OBSERVATION What is the significance of verse 7 being sandwiched between David asking Ahimelech for food (vv.1-6) and asking for a weapon (vv.8-9) as an interruption?

Deeper Reflection

THE TITLE of literary scholar Robert Alter’s book, The Art of Biblical Narrative, tells us that biblical narratives are artistic compositions. The Bible is a literary work par excellence. But it is essentially a theological book: It is about God. In the Bible, the literary shapes the theological. So, we need to learn to read carefully how a narrator artistically tells a story. David came to Ahimelech to ask for food and a weapon (vv.1-9). After the narration of David asking Ahimelech for food (vv.1-6), the narrator inserts an interruption: “Now one of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the LORD; and his name was Doeg the Edomite, the chief of Saul’s shepherds” (v.7). Then, the narrator continues with David asking Ahimelech for a weapon (vv.8-9). The inserted interruption is intentional. And the detailed description of “Doeg the Edomite” has significance. Doeg was “one of the servants of Saul…the chief of Saul’s shepherds”. And Doeg “was there” – the place − and “that day” – the time. Look at this theologically in the context of David running away from Saul. Doeg “was there that day” was no coincidence. Furthermore, Doeg “was there that day, detained before the LORD”. We can’t miss the theological element here. Doeg “was there that day” for a future evil purpose, which is not known at this point of the narrative. The theological point is: God is sovereign over an evil thing that is brewing, which will be manifested in the future.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

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How important is it for me to learn to read biblical narratives theologically by observing 2020 how the narrators tell the stories artistically?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To grow in theological insight from the Scriptures Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 21:10-12

WEDNESDAY

8 September

Lost in Disorientation: David’s Wavering Faith (2) OBSERVATION What does David’s flight from Saul to Achish, a Philistine king, tell us about David?

Deeper Reflection

DAVID “FLED FROM SAUL and went to Achish king of Gath” to seek asylum (v.10). No reason is given for David choosing Gath as the place.4 But Gath seems to be the wrong place to go to. Gath was the hometown of Goliath whom David killed (1 Sam 17:4). And the irony is, David came to Goliath’s hometown with Goliath’s sword in his hand (1 Sam 21:8-9).

It seems so illogical and foolish to flee to your enemy’s territory to seek asylum. Perhaps, David was thinking that Achish would “welcome the defection of Saul’s prize lieutenant”5. It certainly seemed to David that Achish was his best hope, even though it was a great risk. He still took the risk, nonetheless. And this shows how desperate David was. Achish’s servants objected strongly to their king about David’s dangerous presence in Gath, reminding him that this man was the legendry David who had slain “his ten thousands” (v.11) – most of whom were the Philistines.

But rather strikingly, they called David “the king of the land” (v.11).

The Philistines recognised David as king even though Saul was king of Israel.6 God must be speaking to David through this in his wavering faith, reminding him of His calling for him. But David was “very much afraid” when he heard “these words” (v.12). For the first time in the story, David is described as being fearful. What would we have done if we were in the shoes of this desperate David?

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

What would I have done if I were in the shoes of the desperate David?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for singles: To grow in faith and courage in God Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

4 5 6

David G. Firth, 1 & 2 Samuel, Apollos Old Testament Commentary (Apollos, 2009), 236 Dale Ralph Davis, 1 Samuel, Focus on the Bible (Christian Focus, 2000), 218 David G. Firth, 236

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 21:10-15

THURSDAY

9 September

Lost in Disorientation: David’s Wavering Faith (3) OBSERVATION What does David’s behaviour as described in verses 12 to 13 tell us about him?

Deeper Reflection

CONSIDERING ACHISH as his best hope in his desperate situation, David sought asylum from him. But David’s best hope crashed! What he thought would be a safe place turned out to be a dangerous one. He was now “in their hands” (v.13) – “under arrest, confined and taken into custody”7. David must now think of how to escape. David’s attempts at self-preservation by lying to a priest (1 Sam 21:1-9) and seeking security from an enemy (vv.10-12) had both backfired. And now he had to act out of character in a bizarre manner to ensure his own safety: “he pretended to be insane in their presence” and “acted like a madman” (v.13, NIV). For David, this was his only way out. In his pretended insanity he “scribbled on the doors of the gate” (v.13). Perhaps, he was “writing nonsensical graffiti or symbols associated with cultic curses”8. And he demeaned himself by “letting saliva run down his beard” (v.13). “The beard was an obvious and important symbol of manhood in that culture, and desecration of one’s beard – especially with spit (cf. Num 12:14; Job 30:10) – would be an obvious indication of derangement within the context of their culture.”9 David’s act convinced the Philistines that he was no longer a threat to them.

In 1 Samuel 21, David was hardly in touch with God. But God was with him, speaking to him through “the sword of Goliath” (1 Sam 21:9) and the Philistines’ recognition of him as “David the king of the land” (v.11).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

In2020 what ways am I wavering in my faith in God and what will I do about that?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To have their hearts directed to Christ’s steadfastness10 Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dale Ralph Davis, 219 Robert D. Bergen, 1, 2 Samuel, The New American Commentary (B & H, 1996), 224 Robert D. Bergen, 224 10 2 Thessalonians 3:5 7

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 22:1-4

FRIDAY

10 September

Lost in Disorientation: “Until I Know…”

OBSERVATION What is significant about David’s move to Moab in the light of what had happened to him in 1 Samuel 21?

Deeper Reflection

LEAVING GATH, David went to Adullam in Judahite territory (v.1). When his family learned of this, they went to him (v.1), “because of their fear of reprisals by Saul”11. And at Adullam, 400 men who were “in distress”, “in debt” and “discontented”, who “failed to integrate into the fabric of society” gathered to David, a leader who “could understand them”12 (v.2).

From this band of men, David began to “form a fiercely loyal inner circle of followers, which was to become a personal army”13 that would strongly support him as king (2 Sam 23:8-39). From Adullam, David went to “the king of Moab” to seek refuge for his parents (v.3). Perhaps the Moabite king “felt allegiance to David”14, who had Moabite blood in him, being a great-grandson of Ruth the Moabitess (Ru 4:13, 17). David left his parents with the Moabite king “until I know what God will do for me” (v.3).

Clearly, David did not know God’s agenda for him at this point of his discipleship journey. Apparently, he went to Ahimelech the priest at Nob (1 Sam 21:1) to inquire of God for him (1 Sam 22:10, 13, 15). And it seemed that nothing was heard from God. God does not answer by demand, however desperate and urgent our situation is, and however earnest we are in seeking Him. Virtually nothing is narrated about David and God in 1 Samuel 21. But now, David began to realign himself back to God in his wavering faith. And a genuine posture of “until I know what God will do for me” will not be disappointed.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

In2020 what ways is the principle of “until I know what God will do for me” relevant to me?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To discern what God is doing in their lives Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert D. Bergen, 225 Robert D. Bergen, 225 Bill T. Arnold, 1 & 2 Samuel, The NIV Application Commentary (Zondervan, 2003), 225 14 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 143 11

12 13

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 22:3-5

SATURDAY

11 September

Lost in Disorientation: The Prophet Gad OBSERVATION What is the significance of God’s word to David through the prophet Gad?

Deeper Reflection

DAVID ACTED OUT of desperation for self-preservation by human reasoning and effort in 1 Samuel 21 through lying to Ahimelech the priest (1 Sam 21:1-9) and seeking asylum from an enemy (1 Sam 21:10-15). But despite David’s weakness and wavering faith, God spoke to him indirectly.

Firstly through “the sword of Goliath” (1 Sam 21:9): “Remember the God of 1 Samuel 17!” And then through the Philistines’ words of acknowledgement: “David the king of the land” (1 Sam 21:11), reminding him of his calling. But now God spoke directly to David through “the prophet Gad” (v.5). God’s troubled people still hear His voice through “the prophetic word made more sure” in “Scripture” (2 Pet 1:19-21), that “through perseverance and through the encouragement” of Scripture “we may have hope” (Rom 15:4).

God’s word to David was a “command stated as a categorical prohibition” as in the Ten Commandments (“You shall not”):15 “Do not stay in the stronghold; depart and go into the land of Judah” (v.5). God commanded David to return to Judah because He viewed his departure from Judah “as contrary to his divinely ordained destiny”16. It was realignment to the will of God. The “stronghold” that God commanded David to leave was “a Moabite fortress”17. God was telling David that his true “stronghold” is ultimately God Himself: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer” (2 Sam 22:2-3).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

What does the Scripture as “the prophetic word made more sure” mean to me 2020 personally?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Church Board: To know God as their true secure fortress Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

15 16 17

Robert D. Bergen, 226 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 143 Robert D. Bergen, 226

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SUNDAY

12 September

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

INITIATIVE:

MEMORY VERSE “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” - COLOSSIANS 3:23 (NIV)

Seeing what needs to be done and doing it.

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK TWO

LINE *LookBOTTOM for ways to make things right*.

BIBLE STORY VIDEO

https://cefc.ch/21FD09W2

BIBLE STORY *Nehemiah 5 – Help!: Nehemiah Helps the Poor ACTIVITY *Questions Props: Six note cards and some pens Write the following questions on note cards (one question per card): What did you give?

Who did you help?

Who did you talk to?

Who did you pray for?

What did you do for How did you help

? ?

Ask each family member to pick a card, answer it and share a time when they helped someone in need. Say, “Nehemiah’s job was to rebuild the wall. He could have chosen not to do anything about the people’s suffering because it was not part of his work. But Nehemiah chose to speak up for them. Nehemiah did not do it alone. He sought the power of God to speak up for them. God reminds us to love one another. We are His light in this world. We may not solve every problem, but we can depend on God to give us the courage and ability to help others in need.”

* TALK ABOUT IT • What happened to the people of Jerusalem? • What is stopping you from speaking up • What did Nehemiah do to make things right? for others?

• Who gave Nehemiah the courage to speak up • How can we overcome this fear? for the oppressed Jews?

Who can we go to for help?

• Was there a time when you were mistreated?

Did someone step in to help?

Parents: Share with your family members about a time when you were mistreated. What did you do? Who stepped in to help you? What happened in the end?

PRAYER *Thank God for giving us the courage and wisdom to help others in need. Pray for a loving heart to be the light to our friends and families. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/September2021

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 22:3-6

MONDAY

13 September

Security in God’s Word Alone OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about what is narrated in verses 3 to 6?

Deeper Reflection

1 SAMUEL 19 TO 21 narrates a chain of events of David fleeing and escaping from Saul’s attempts on his life. David “fled and escaped” from Saul’s spear (1 Sam 19:9-10), but Saul relentlessly pursued him, such that David had to flee from the places and people which he hoped to find help in: his own home (1 Sam 19:11-17), Samuel (1 Sam 19:18-24), Jonathan (1 Sam 20), Ahimelech the priest (1 Sam 21:1-9) and Achish king of Gath (1 Sam 21:10-15). And in 1 Samuel 21, we see a desperate David whose faith in God was wavering. Then, while staying “in the stronghold” of Moab, David focused on God again, seeking and waiting to “know what God will do for me” (vv.3-4). God answered David through the prophet Gad (v.5). God commanded David to leave his “stronghold” in Moab and return to Judah. In obedience, David “departed and went into the forest of Hereth” in the south of Judah.18 But immediately, the narrator tells us: “Then Saul heard that David and the men who were with him had been discovered” (v.6). That would be bad news for David! But it is noteworthy that in the narrative, this happened immediately after God had spoken to David, commanding him to return to Judah, and David obeyed (v.5). David had been running far away from Saul, but God had placed him near to his enemy instead. Should David know of this, God’s word spoken and God’s will revealed to him would be his only security.

He had only to trust in God.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

In2020 what ways is the Word of God alone my security in life?

PRAYER Lord Jesus, You have said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”19 I look at the whole universe with its infinite vastness and ask myself, “When the whole universe with everything that is in it collapses, what do I see that remains?” I visually picture this scenario in my mind…It is only the Word of God that remains!

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

18 19

David G. Firth, 238 Matthew 24:35

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SCRIPTURE

TUESDAY

1 Samuel 22:6-8

14 September

Going from Bad to Worse OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Saul’s behaviour?

Deeper Reflection

IN 1 SAMUEL 22:6-23, the narrator shifts the focus briefly from David (1 Sam 21:1-22:5) to Saul, to show how his disobedience (1 Sam 13 and 15) culminates in his actively opposing the will of God.20 Saul persisted in his selfish ambition and obsession with power. Now, this can happen to any Christian leader, especially when their status grows higher and their influence grows wider. An increase in spiritual alertness and honest selfawareness is critically necessary. Saul would do everything he could to stop David from becoming king, as symbolised by him “sitting…on the height with his spear in his hand” (v.6). Saul had used “his spear” to try to kill David (1 Sam 18:10-11; 19:9-10) and even his own son (1 Sam 20:33). He appealed to tribal allegiance by underling to his fellow “Benjamites” how he had given them more possessions and privileges than David the Judahite would give (v.7). In so doing, he was “threatening Israel’s unity”21. Something like this can happen in the church (1 Cor 1:12). Saul was so chronically selfabsorbed – “conspired against me…sorry for me” (v.8) – that his thinking became distorted, which made him paranoiac that Jonathan had conspired with David to “hide in ambush against me” (v.8, NET). What happened to Saul shows us that if we persist in sin, and are not willing to let go and repent, the effects of sin will not remain the same, but will grow and “will go from bad to worse” (2 Tim 3:13).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How can I keep the effects of sin from going from bad to worse in my life?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To consciously keep short accounts of sin with God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

20 21

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 149 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 146

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 22:9-19; 11:1-15

WEDNESDAY 15 September

Downward Spiral of Persistent Sinning OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Saul as seen in 1 Samuel 11:5-7, 12-13 and in verses 9 to 19?

Deeper Reflection

WE CAN TRACE the downward spiral of Saul’s persistent sinning against God in 1 Samuel 11 to 22. This picture presents a sobering spiritual reality: Disobedient servants of God can end up actively opposing God’s purposes.22 The Spirit of God empowered Saul and through him God “accomplished deliverance” for Israel from the hostile Ammonites (1 Sam 11:6, 13). Then, Saul disobeyed God’s clear commands, which led to God rejecting him as king over Israel (1 Sam 13:13-14; 15:22-28). Instead of resigning himself to God’s unalterable decision, Saul stubbornly refused to accept it and insisted on preserving his rule and his dynasty. As his inflated ego grew (1 Sam 15:12), he tightly grasped his royal position, with no intention of letting go, and relentlessly sought to kill David whom he viewed as the greatest threat to his throne (1 Sam 18:6-11; 19:1-24). His hostility toward David reached a new low when he tried to kill his own son for defending David’s honour and loyalty (1 Sam 20:30-33). This man, who was once a Spirit-empowered king, had now become an “irrational, paranoia-stricken mass murderer”23, killing the priests of God and an entire town, including women, children and livestock (vv.18-19). In the process Saul lost everything. Only Doeg was for him (vv.17-18), which is tragic and sad. 24 These are “the self-destructive consequences of blatant disobedience” of one who has descended from being God’s servant to God’s enemy. 25

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

What do I need to watch out for to keep myself from descending from being God’s 2020 servant to God’s enemy?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for singles: To be graciously restored when they have strayed away from God Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 150 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 150 Dale Ralph Davis, 230 25 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 150 22 23

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SCRIPTURE

THURSDAY

1 Samuel 22:17-19

16 September

Saul, a Type of Antichrist OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about Saul’s character in verses 17 to 19?

Deeper Reflection

THE APOSTLE JOHN WARNS US that the Antichrist – the final antichrist before Christ’s second coming (2 Thess 2:1-12) – is coming, and that even now many antichrists have already come (1 Jn 2:18). John smelled these antichrists through their false teaching (1 Jn 2:22-23). Saul is “seen for the antichrist figure he really is as he has Yahweh’s priests summarily butchered [vv.18-19]. Even now, in 1 Samuel 22, many antichrists have come”26. Saul knew that these priests were “the priests of the LORD” (v.17). And when Saul ordered his guards to kill them, they were “not willing to put forth their hands to attack” them because they were “the priests of the LORD” (v.17). This refusal of Saul’s servants is “intended as a deliberate contrast”27 to Saul’s godless callousness. Saul stands among the ranks of antichrists28 like Pharaoh who sought to kill every Hebrew baby boy (Exo 1:22), Jezebel who “destroyed the prophets of the LORD” (1 Kin 18:4), Athaliah who wiped out almost the whole Davidic seed (2 Kin 11:1), Haman who “sought to destroy all the Jews” (Esth 3:5-6, 13) and Antiochus Epiphanes who “destroyed” God’s people “to an extraordinary degree” (Dan 8:9-14; 23-25; cf. 1 Maccabees 1). “In the course of history there are antichrist figures who prefigure the full embodiment of evil to come.”29 When such times come, we should not be surprised (cf. 1 Pet 4:12), but “stand firm and hold on to” the Word of God (2 Thess 2:15) and “be faithful until death” (Rev 2:10).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

What are the antichrist figures that we can discern in today’s world?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To be spiritually ready to face any antichrist opposition Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dale Ralph Davis, 225 Dale Ralph Davis, 229 Dale Ralph Davis, 229 29 Dale Ralph Davis, 225 26 27

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 22:11-19; 2:27-36

FRIDAY

17 September

Truthfulness of God’s Word Proven OBSERVATION What is the significance of Saul’s slaughter of the priests (vv.18-19) in the light of 1 Samuel 2:27-36?

Deeper Reflection

AHIMELECH, THE PRIEST of the LORD, defended his innocence when Saul charged him of conspiring with David against him: “May the king not accuse me and my family in this matter, for I knew nothing at all of any plot against you” (vv.13-15, NLT). But Saul still ordered Doeg to kill the priests of the LORD (v.18). While Saul’s slaughter of the priests was unjust and brutal, one cannot look at it without recalling the prophecy of 1 Samuel 2:30-36 (especially 1 Sam 2:31-33).30 Doeg’s butchery of the priests fulfilled the word of God against the house of Eli – spoken perhaps 40 or 50 years before.31 Ahimelech and the priests were Eli’s descendants. But God was not the author of this evil. God holds Saul and Doeg fully responsible for daring to kill “the priests of the LORD”.

But in their wicked slaughter of God’s priests they nevertheless fulfilled the word of God. “God’s enemies prove the truthfulness of His word. In their hostility against Him they carry out His will.”32 This truth is “clear even if mysterious; it is plain though not simple”33. This mysterious divine sovereign way was demonstrated on the cross. It was God’s enemies who crucified Jesus, but it was “by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God” that Jesus was “delivered over” to be crucified (Acts 2:23). God will keep His word, be it His word of judgment or consolation. God’s Word is truthful as God Himself is faithful (cf. Heb 11:11).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

In2020 what ways do I live my life by the truthfulness of the Word of God?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To live faithfully by the trustworthy Word of God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Dale Ralph Davis, 227 Dale Ralph Davis, 227 Dale Ralph Davis, 228 33 Dale Ralph Davis, 228 30 31

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 22:20-23

SATURDAY

18 September

God’s Church Will Not Die OBSERVATION What is the significance of Abiathar’s escape from Saul’s slaughter of the priests?

Deeper Reflection

GOD’S FULFILMENT of His word of judgment on the house of Eli through the unjust and brutal slaughter of the priests by Saul is a divine mystery.

Out of this comes another divine mystery: “But one son of Ahimelech… named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David” (v.20). In His judgment on Eli’s house, God preserved one descendant of Eli. Such is the sovereignty of God. And we must peg divine mystery to divine sovereignty. God’s preservation of one priest – albeit a descendant of Eli – out of the massive slaughter points to a divine principle: God always insistently preserves His people in the midst of destruction. The narrator shows the sharp contrast in Saul and David’s treatment of the priests to underscore this divine principle. To Ahimelech, Saul said, “You shall surely die” (1 Sam 22:16); to Abiathar, David said, “You are safe with me” (v.23). The priests of God were destroyed, but not completely. “The people of God may often be put down, but never put out. Abiathar’s escape does not mean that all God’s servants are immune from the world’s butchery, but that the world’s butchery can never wipe out all of God’s servants. The Lord does not promise that we will not die for the Kingdom of God, but the Kingdom of God will never die.”34 Jesus has made His commitment and promise that His Church will not die: “I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matt 16:18).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

What does it mean for me that the Church of God will not die?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

For Church Board: To see the church as God’s Church that will not die Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SUNDAY

19 September

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

INITIATIVE: Seeing what needs to be done and doing it.

MEMORY VERSE “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” - COLOSSIANS 3:23 (NIV)

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK THREE

LINE *StayBOTTOM focused on what needs to be done*.

BIBLE STORY VIDEO

https://cefc.ch/21FD09W3

BIBLE STORY *Nehemiah 2:19-20, 4, 6 – There’s No Stopping Us Now: Nehemiah and Sanballat

ACTIVITY *Distractions Props: A Bible and some objects to make distracting noises Ask each of your family members to take turns reading at least 20 verses from a chapter in the Bible. When someone is reading out loud, get everyone else to use objects to distract him or her from reading fluently. After the game, discuss: What challenges did you face while playing the game?

How did you maintain your focus?

Say, “Just like Nehemiah, we face distractions every day. Nehemiah was calm when he faced challenges. He prayed to God for guidance and made a plan to disperse the opposition. He stayed focused on rebuilding the wall. We can trust God to give us the strength to deal with distractions.”

• •

TALK ABOUT IT * What • were the distractions Nehemiah faced when he was rebuilding the wall?

• How did Nehemiah deal with each distraction?

• What can we learn from Nehemiah in

• What does it mean to stay focused?

• What is distracting you from doing the things that need to be done?

• What can we do when we face distractions?

• Who can we go to for help when we

dealing with distractions? face distractions?

Parents: Share with your family members about a time when you stayed focused on completing a task despite the distractions you faced. What did you do? Who did you ask for help? Who stepped in to help you? What happened in the end?

*ThankPRAYER God for giving us wisdom and strength to face every challenge at work and in school. Pray for a strong mind that is focused on God regardless of the distractions that we encounter every day. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/September2021

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 23:1-2; 21:10-15

MONDAY

20 September

Inquiring of God in Discipleship (1) OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about David in verses 1 to 2 compared to 1 Sam 21:10-15?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN SAUL MADE THE DECREE, “Put David to death” (1 Sam 19:1), David “fled and escaped” to his home (1 Sam 19:11-17), and then to Samuel (1 Sam 19:18-24) for refuge. And eventually, even the safest place that David could find – his best friend Jonathan – was no longer safe (1 Sam 20). David became desperate and his faith in God wavered. And he acted for selfpreservation, relying on his human reasoning and effort through lying to Ahimelech the priest (1 Sam 21:1-9) and seeking asylum from an enemy, the Philistines (1 Sam 21:10). David discovered that it was unsafe to be with the Philistines and he sought to escape by acting insane (1 Sam 21:11-15). But despite David’s weakness and wavering faith, God spoke to him through the prophet Gad (1 Sam 22:5). This marked David’s reorientation from his disorientation in 1 Samuel 21. And now in 1 Samuel 23, for the first time, we read of David the fugitive “inquired of the LORD” (v.2). David was recovering from his wavering faith in God. It seems that David sought God now after God spoke to him through Gad. God is so gracious and faithful to us that He seeks us when we are weak and wavering in our faith. From this point on, we see a David who inquired of God whenever he was at a crossroads: before he became king (1 Sam 23:1-5; 30:1-8), in becoming king (2 Sam 2:1) and when he was king (2 Sam 5:17-19, 22-24).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

Where is the place of inquiring of God in decision-making in my life?

2020

PRAYER Lord, help me to trust in You with all my heart in all things, and rely not on my own understanding. Keep me from being wise in my own eyes.

Make me know Your ways, O Lord. Teach me Your paths.

Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day.35

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 23:1-5

TUESDAY

21 September

Inquiring of God in Discipleship (2) OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about David in his inquiring of God?

Deeper Reflection

KEILAH WAS an “agriculturally productive” “fortified city” in Judah, which was “only about twelve miles east of southeast of Gath [cf. 1 Sam 21:10] and was relatively isolated from other Israelite cities”36. Thus, Keilah was “an attractive and vulnerable target for the Philistines”37. David and his troops were presumably in “the forest of Hereth” (1 Sam 22:5), which was not far from Keilah.38 And when David heard that the Philistines were fighting against Keilah and plundering the city, he sensed the need to deliver the city in danger. But the first thing David did was to “inquire of the LORD” (v.2).

God answered David: “Go and attack the Philistines and deliver Keilah” (v.2).

But David’s troops were “afraid” (v.3). Facing “an army of superior armaments and greater numbers”, David’s troops were “unconvinced by the words of David’s supposed revelation”39. David “inquired of the LORD once more” and God answered him with the divine assurance, “I will give the Philistines into your hand” (v.4). Twice, God answered David immediately.

However, God does not necessarily answer us immediately and certainly not all the time. There are times when we have to wait, trusting in God that He has heard us and He will answer in His time and in His way. But in such times, God has spoken to us: “Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD” (Psa 27:14).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

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What is my attitude in inquiring of God, especially in situations that appear to be urgent 2020 in nature?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To wait patiently in inquiring of God Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert D. Bergen, 231 Robert D. Bergen, 232 38 Robert D. Bergen, 231, 232 39 Robert D. Bergen, 232 36 37

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SCRIPTURE

WEDNESDAY

1 Samuel 23:1-8

22 September

Once Spirit-Empowered, Now Spiritually Incongruent OBSERVATION What does verse 7 tell us about Saul?

Deeper Reflection

ABIATHAR, SON OF AHIMELECH, escaped from Saul’s slaughter of the priests at Nob and fled to David when he was at Keilah (v.6; 1 Sam 22:20).

The two events of Saul’s slaughter of the priests (1 Sam 22:18-19) and David’s deliverance of Keilah from the Philistines (vv.1-6) “are not in strict chronological order”40 as they may seem to be. Abiathar’s arrival at Keilah to meet David (v.6; 1 Sam 22:20) “takes place after or during the deliverance of Keilah”41. This means that Saul’s slaughter of the priests at Nob is “roughly contemporaneous with” David’s deliverance of Keilah.42 Through these two chronologically parallel events, the narrator seeks to further his agenda of contrasting David with Saul.43 While Saul murdered God’s priests, David accomplished what Saul should be doing: delivering God’s people from the Philistines (see 1 Sam 9:16). And David protected the one remaining priest from the murderous Saul (1 Sam 22:23). When Saul heard that David was in Keilah, thinking that David had “shut himself in by entering a city with double gates and bars”, his response was: “God delivered him into my hand” (v.7). Saul thought he saw God and that God was with him and for him in this situation, while the reverse was true: God was with David and for David against him. This is spiritual incongruence that results from self-deception of one who was once Spirit-empowered (cf. 1 Sam 10:10; 11:6).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How can I know that I may be spiritually incongruent?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for singles: To discern any spiritual incongruence in their lives Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 152 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 152 42 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 152 43 Robert B. Chisholm Jr., 152 40 41

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 23:1-12

THURSDAY

23 September

The Centrality of God’s Word OBSERVATION What is the expression that is repeated four times in the “David at Keilah” narrative in verses 2, 4, 11 and 12?

Deeper Reflection

WHEN THE FAITH-WAVERING DAVID fled to Achish king of Gath for safety from Saul’s attempt on his life (1 Sam 21:10), he had strayed from the will of God. Nevertheless, God protected and preserved David’s life, albeit he escaped from the danger in Gath by acting insanely (1 Sam 21:11-15). Then God spoke to him through the prophet Gad to return to Judah (1 Sam 22:5). David left Judah because it was dangerous to remain there. So, by commanding David to return to Judah, God was placing David in harm’s way.44 David had only to live by the word of God. “Keilah” (in Judah) is repeated 13 times in 1 Samuel 23:1-13. Central in David’s “Keilah” discipleship journey is the Word of God. “And the LORD said” is repeated four times in this “Keilah” narrative (vv.2, 4, 11, 12). And in all instances, they are divine responses to David’s inquiring of God. When Keilah was attacked by the Philistines, God’s word to David was: “Save Keilah from the Philistines” (vv.2-4). But in contrast, when Saul sought to kill David at Keilah (vv.7-8), God’s word to David was: “Keilah will surrender you to Saul” (vv.9-12). God’s Word – which is closely tied to God’s will and God’s ways – can be pleasant and unpleasant, but it is always “good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:2).

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt 4:4) is the surest and safest way to live by.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

What is it like for the Word of God to be central in my life?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To make God’s Word their anchor and compass in life Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

FRIDAY

1 Samuel 23:1-12

24 September

When Humans Let Us Down OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about the people of Keilah?

Deeper Reflection

HAVING HEARD that David was in Keilah, Saul sought to “destroy the city” on David’s account, so as to force Keilah to surrender David to him (vv.10-11).

David suspected that this might happen and so he inquired of God about this, whereupon the divine reply was, “They will surrender you” (v.12). One would expect Keilah to be grateful to David for having delivered them from the Philistines and would not betray him, but stand on his side. Wisdom tells us: “Many will say they are loyal, but who can find one who is truly reliable?”

(Prov 20:6, NLT). In this regard, we make a two-pronged application. On one hand, we seek to be truly reliable, but the other hand, we should not be surprised when people let us down, even though they have claimed to be loyal. David the fugitive had sought refuge with human beings, but only to discover that humans are unreliable and will do what is expedient even when they should be grateful for past favours.45 God alone is a dependable refuge. In His intense struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus sought the support of the disciples closest to Him, but they let Him down in their slumber (Matt 26:36-38, 40, 43). Jesus knew that an hour would come when all His disciples will be scattered and will “leave Me alone”. But Jesus’ strong and steadfast conviction was: “Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me” (Jn 16:32).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How will I respond in the Lord when people let me down unexpectedly?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for SGI leaders: To look at the faithful God when let down by people Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 23:10-14

SATURDAY

25 September

Security in “Keilah” Discipleship Journey OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about God in verses 10 to 14?

Deeper Reflection

DAVID’S “KEILAH” discipleship journey (1 Sam 23:1-13) begins with David fighting for Keilah to save their lives (vv.1-5), but ironically, it ends with David fleeing from Keilah to save his own life (vv.12-13). When God spoke to David about saving Keilah from the Philistines, He gave him this assurance: “I will give the Philistines into your hand” (v.4). God kept His word and David delivered Keilah with a great slaughter of the Philistines (v.5). Then when David inquired of God if Keilah would surrender him to Saul, God’s word to him was just “They will surrender you” (v.12) – and nothing more.

There was no promise of deliverance. No word of direction. No word as to what David should do next. All David and his troops did next was they “departed from Keilah and they went wherever they could go” (v.13).

But the narrator calls for eyes of faith to see God’s presence and providence in this “wherever they could go”, which appears to speak of lostness and uncertainty. David faced almost constant danger from Saul, but he always “escaped” (v.13) – a continuity of David’s “escape” journey (1 Sam 19:10, 12, 17, 18; 22:1). Keilah would surrender David “into the hand of Saul” (vv.11-12), but “God did not deliver him into his hand”, even though Saul “sought him every day” (v.14). David might be going “wherever they could go” with Saul pursuing him “every day”, but he was secure in God’s hand.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How will I live in situations when all I can do is to go wherever I could go?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

For Church Board: To walk under God’s hand in uncertain times Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SUNDAY

26 September

Sunday Journal SCRIPTURE OBSERVATION

APPLICATION

PRAYER

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

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

What gave me life and what drained me?

How was the Spirit of God at work?

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

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

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

INITIATIVE:

MEMORY VERSE “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” - COLOSSIANS 3:23 (NIV)

Seeing what needs to be done and doing it.

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL / WEEK FOUR

LINE *LookBOTTOM for ways to celebrate what God has done*.

BIBLE STORY VIDEO

https://cefc.ch/21FD09W4

BIBLE STORY *Nehemiah 3-4; 6:15-16; 8:1-17 – Finally It’s Finished: The Wall Is Rebuilt

*GodACTIVITY Is Awesome!

Props: Some origami star paper and a glass jar Ask your family members to share about the great things that God had done for them and the family. Then get everyone to make a star using the origami paper for each great thing that God has done. Count the number of stars and store them in a glass jar. Pray and give thanks for God’s blessings. Continue to fill the jar with new stars every day as you count God’s blessings. Say, “Our God is worthy of our praises. Even though we are sinners, God has never deserted us. He blesses us with a family, shelter and good friends. He gives us courage and confidence when we are weak. He makes a way for us when we face challenges. Our God can do anything!”

* TALK ABOUT IT • Why were Nehemiah and the Israelites celebrating?

• What were the people commemorating?

• How has God helped your family?

• What has Jesus done for you that no one

• What are some other things you know

about God that you can praise or celebrate right now?

What has God done for you that no one else can ever do?

•

else could ever do?

Parents: Share with your family members about a time when God answered your prayer.

What did God do? What were you grateful for?

PRAYER *Thank God for answering our prayers and giving us more than we deserve. Pray for a God-seeking heart that brings light and glory to His name. *©2021 The reThink Group, Inc. All rights reserved. • www.ThinkOrange.com Adapted by JoshuaWong/CEFC/September2021

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 23:10-15, 19-20

MONDAY

27 September

“Oh No! Not Again, Lord!”

OBSERVATION What significant observations can you make about David’s experience in Keilah (vv.10-12) and Ziph (vv.19-20)?

Deeper Reflection

FOR QUITE A WHILE since 1 Samuel 19:10, just about every day, David had to live with “Saul had come out to seek his life” (v.15) and “Saul sought him every day” (v.14), and keep running away from this menacing Saul from one place to another. It can be quite tiring and makes one wonder when this is going to stop. Perhaps, the trials that you are going through bear a similar pattern, with a similar struggling feeling – “How long, O Lord?” (Psa 13:1).

David had left Keilah and stayed in “the wilderness of Ziph” (vv.13-15). David left Keilah because Saul was seeking to destroy the city so as to force the people of Keilah to surrender David to him (1 Sam 23:8, 10-11a). And God told David that Keilah will “surrender” him to Saul (v.12b). And when the Ziphites heard that Saul was seeking David’s life, they sent word to him that they will “surrender him into the king’s hand” (vv.19-20). Don’t miss the connection: Keilah’s “surrender” of David and Ziph’s “surrender” of David.

We can imagine David’s response to this: “Oh no! Not again, Lord!” When it happened twice, it does not necessarily mean there won’t be a third or fourth time. Trials can come wave after wave as if there is no end to them.

But take heart: “You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful” (Jas 5:11).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How will I respond to trials that come upon me wave after wave?

2020

PRAYER Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in the miry depths, where there is no foothold. My eyes fail, looking for You, O God. Answer me, O God, for Your steadfast love is good. Turn to me according to Your abundant mercy. Hide not Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me quickly.46

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders

Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 23:14-16

TUESDAY

28 September

What Is Encouragement “In God”?

OBSERVATION What is encouragement “in God” (v.16)?

Deeper Reflection

DAVID WAS “AT HORESH” in the wilderness of Ziph (v.15). Note the two contrasting happenings in “David at Horesh”: “Saul had come out to seek his life…at Horesh” (v.15) and “Jonathan, Saul’s son, set out and went to David at Horesh, and encouraged him in God” (v.16). It is not without significance that the narrator highlights Jonathan as “Saul’s son” in this context. The spirit of intentional and earnest pursuing after David marks the contrasting actions of the father and son. Doubtless, something positive happening to counter a negative situation “at Horesh” points to the divine providence over David’s endangered life. Certainly, at such rough and tough times, David needed encouragement. And Jonathan came at the right time to encourage David. Jonathan’s encouragement was “in God”. Jonathan “helped him find strength in God” (v.16, NIV). That’s what encouragement is and for. Such encouragement is not just mere human words. The presence and power of God is there in the encouragement “in God”, for it is an encouragement that points one to God – to who God is and what God says in His Word. Jonathan’s presence with the personal touch and care certainly brought comfort and refreshment to David. But it “does not have the abiding encouragement that God’s sure word does”47: “through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom 15:4).

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

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How can I practise encouragement “in God” towards people who need encouragement?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for pastors and staff: To minister to people with the encouragement of the Scriptures Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 23:15-18

WEDNESDAY

29 September

“David, Remember the Lord’s Calling!”

OBSERVATION What is the significance of the words that Jonathan spoke to David in verse 17?

Deeper Reflection

IT IS SO IRONICAL that Saul sought David “every day” and everywhere that he knew David was hiding (1 Sam 23:14) and could not find him, but his son Jonathan could! Surely, God’s unseen providential hand was on this.

Jonathan’s word of encouragement to David was “Do not be afraid” (v.17).

David’s life was in great danger from Saul’s relentless pursuit after him.

“Do not be afraid” are words of assurance of security to give confidence to David. But these words would be just superficial and empty hopeful words to David, unless Jonathan could guarantee that David’s life would be safe for sure. Could Jonathan guarantee that? Jonathan had a reason for his words, “Do not be afraid”, to David: “because the hand of Saul my father will not find you” (v.17). How could Jonathan be so sure? Jonathan was not presumptuous. He was certain. How so? These words reflect Jonathan’s certainty: “You will be king over Israel” (v.17). These words point to God’s calling for David to be the next king of Israel, which Jonathan knew with certainty that God would bring it to pass. God was speaking to David through these words of Jonathan: “David, remember My calling for you!”

So, “Do not be afraid” were divine words through Jonathan’s mouth. While David had no idea when and how his fugitive life would end, he could be sure that it would not be forever: “You will be king over Israel.”

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

What is God’s calling for me or a particular word that He wants me to remember in 2020 times of disorientation?

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for leaders:

Pray for singles: To remember and rest in God’s calling for their lives Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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SCRIPTURE

1 Samuel 23:18-21

THURSDAY

30 September

Beware of Empty, Hollow Spirituality OBSERVATION What does Saul’s pronouncing of God’s blessing on the Ziphites tell us about him (v.21)?

Deeper Reflection

HAVING RENEWED their “covenant” with each other “before the LORD” (v.18; see 1 Sam 18:3; 20:14-17), David and Jonathan parted ways. This was the last time David and Jonathan saw each other. The next time would be David learning of Jonathan’s death in battle (2 Sam 1). Meanwhile, as David was hiding “in the strongholds at Horesh” in Ziph, the Ziphites, in their loyalty to King Saul, planned to “surrender” David into his hands (vv.19-20). To that, Saul gave a very spiritual response: “May you be blessed of the LORD” (v.21). Saul deluded himself into thinking that God was on his side when he heard that David had “trapped” himself in Keilah: “God had delivered him into my hand” (1 Sam 23:7). The delusion continued in his pioussounding blessing on the Ziphites who conspired with him to kill David.

Rather unfortunately, the name “God” can be a very effective device for self-deception. Saying “Lord, Lord”, and prophesying, casting out demons and performing miracles in Jesus’ name can in reality be spiritual blindness and self-delusion (Matt 7:22-23). Beware of the dangerous hypocrisy of honouring God with our lips while our heart is far away from Him (Mk 7:6).

Let us consciously know why we mention the name “God” when we do – be it to ourselves or to others. It could be just one of the spiritual cliches that we use unthinkingly out of an empty, hollow spirituality that we are unaware of – just like Saul.

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

APPLICATION

How can I detect and guard myself against having empty, hollow spirituality?

2020

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

Prayer Pointers Give thanks and praise:

Pray for Outreach/Missions/ New Life leaders: To be kept from falling into empty, hollow spirituality Pray for significant people:

Pray for those in need:

Pray for self:

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Notes

© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

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© 2021 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH (65) 6892 6811 • @ mail@cefc.org.sg • www.cefc.org.sg