SEPTEMBER D EVOT I O NA L JOU R NA L 2 0 1 7
I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.
EZRA 7:28B (ESV)
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SEPTEMBER D EVOT I O NA L JOU R NA L 2 0 1 7
I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.
EZRA 7:28B (ESV)
Also available at www.cefc.org.sg and “Covenant EFC” mobile app.
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MEMORY FOCUS E Z R A
&
H A G G A I
( E S V )
2017 JA N UA RY In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing... EZRA 1:1
F E B R UA RY And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. EZRA 3:11
MARCH But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them until the report should reach Darius and then an answer be returned by letter concerning it. EZRA 5:5
APRIL And this was their reply to us: “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and we are rebuilding the house that was built many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished.” EZRA 5:11
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M AY
Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins? HAGGAI 1:4
JUNE You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes. HAGGAI 1:6
J U LY Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the LORD. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the LORD. Work, for I am with you, declares the LORD of hosts... HAGGAI 2:4
AUGUST For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel. EZRA 7:10
SEPTEMBER I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. EZRA 7:28B
OCTOBER The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way. EZRA 8:31B
N OV E M B E R And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserved and have given us such a remnant as this... EZRA 9:13
DECEMBER Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it. EZRA 10:4
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FOREWORD BY SENIOR PASTORS Vision 2028 is spurring Covenant EFC to fulfil her Intentional Disciple Making Church (IDMC) mission within the Church, in our nation and among the nations. local church with a national and global influence. A people with devotion, depth and destiny. God has given Acts 20:28 as a spiritual anchor for our journey towards Vision 2028. “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” – Acts 20:28 (ESV) At last year’s Listening Retreat, God continued to urge us to possess the following:
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A Firm FOUNDATION in God “For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations …” – Hebrews 11:10a (ESV) Jesus Christ is the firm foundation of Covenant EFC. Laying a firm foundation for a healthy church means seeking, knowing, loving and proclaiming Christ (Phil 3). How are you building your foundation in Christ today? Your daily devotion is the best place to start!
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A Bold FAITH in God’s Faithfulness “And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) A bold faith opposes doubt which slows us, opposes fear which paralyses us and opposes apathy which derails us. Bold faith in God’s faithfulness means our allegiance is unto God. Luke 6:46 says, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I tell you?” There is a holy dissatisfaction with our lukewarmness, fear and apathy. Our bold faith in God will see Him restore our spiritual zeal and do far greater things beyond Vision 2028 (Psa 80). How can you be bold in your faith in Christ today? How about B.L.E.S.S.-ing those around you who have yet to know Him? A Burning Focus Towards FRUITFULNESS for God “…whose designer and builder is God …” – Hebrews 11:10b (ESV) God is the Designer and has a destiny for us! God is the Builder and has the resources! He showed us a promise in Isaiah 37:30-31, “And this shall be a sign for you: this year you shall eat what grows of itself, and in the second year what springs from that. Then in the third year sow and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit. And the surviving remnant of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward.”Authentic discipleship is about people, not just programmes. Intentional Disciplemaking is about reproducing people of A Certain Kind, not just attending an event. In the process of making disciples, we must not lose sight of the end result of fruitfulness. Will you pray for God to make you fruitful as you abide in Him daily? Are you ready for the harvest of fruitfulness that He has promised? This year as we “Return to Our Foundation”, Covenant EFC’s pulpit and Devotional Journal will be mostly based on the books of Ezra and Haggai. May you have a blessed year of studying, practising and teaching God’s Word (Ezr 7:10)!
In Christ, Rev Tony Yeo and Rev Tan Kay Kiong
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GUIDE TO USING THIS DEVOTIONAL JOURNAL
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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!
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W H AT ’ S N E W I N 2 0 1 7 ? Prayer pointers for Pastors and Staff are included every Tuesday. On each Friday, there is a prayer pointer for Lay Leaders (e.g. Board Members, Zone Mentors, CG Leaders, Assistant CG Leaders, and Ministry Leaders), to facilitate your prayer for whoever God brings to your mind at that time.
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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.
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WORSHIP SONGS S E P T E M B E R – O C T O B E R
THE LION AND THE LAMB Verse 1 He’s coming on the clouds Kings and kingdoms will bow down And every chain will break As broken hearts declare His praise For who can stop the Lord Almighty Chorus Our God is the Lion The Lion of Judah He’s roaring with power And fighting our battles And every knee will bow before Him Our God is the Lamb The Lamb that was slain For the sins of the world His blood breaks the chains And every knee will bow Before the Lion and the Lamb Every knee will bow before Him
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Verse 2 So open up the gates Make way before the King of kings The God who comes to save Is here to set the captives free For who can stop the Lord Almighty Bridge Who can stop the Lord Almighty Who can stop the Lord (Almighty) CCLI Song # 7038281 Brenton Brown | Brian Johnson | Leeland Mooring © 2015 Meaux Mercy (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Thankyou Music (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) The Devil Is A Liar! Publishing (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)) Bethel Music Publishing (Admin. by SHOUT! Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 324618
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MAKE A CERTAIN BREAKTHROUGH Verse 1 In my life of searching For the plain and simple way Many paths were so winding The roads were never straight Then the Spirit of God broke through And healed my broken wings And showed me the way into His heart Chorus And I know that God is leading In a clear and certain way My one life for your purpose, Jesus I offer up this day To follow you completely To do all that you say Cleanse my life, fill me up And use me this day Make a certain breakthrough Make it today Verse 2 In these days of danger Lord, we rest upon Your grace With Your tender and skillful hands You shape this stubborn clay Yes, You calm my inmost being Giving courage to hope again And to build this one life In power and faith Ann Chan | Ruth Ling Š2006 Covenant Evangelical Free Church
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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 Š 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
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HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD Verse 1 The splendour of the King, clothed in majesty Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice He wraps Himself in light, and darkness tries to hide And trembles at His voice, trembles at His voice Chorus How great is our God, sing with me How great is our God, all will see How great, how great is our God Verse 2 Age to age He stands, and time is in His hands Beginning and the end, beginning and the end The Godhead, three in one: Father, Spirit, Son The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb Bridge Name above all names Worthy of all praise My heart will sing, “How great is our God!” Chris Tomlin | Ed Cash | Jesse Reeves © 2004 Wondrously Made Songs (Admin. by CopyCare Asia Ltd (Singapore Branch)); sixsteps Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); worshiptogether.com songs (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 4348399
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CONSUMING FIRE Intro There must be more than this O breath of God come breathe within Verse 1 There must be more than this O breath of God come breathe within There must be more than this Spirit of God we wait for You Fill us anew we pray Fill us anew we pray Chorus Consuming fire fan into flame A passion for Your name Spirit of God fall in this place Lord have Your way Lord have Your way with us Verse 2 Come like a rushing wind Clothe us with power from on high Now set the captives free Leave us abandoned to Your praise Lord let Your glory fall Lord let Your glory fall Bridge 1 There must be more There must be more There must be more There must be more Bridge 2 Stir it up in our hearts Lord Stir it up in our hearts Lord Stir it up in our hearts A passion for Your name (Repeat) Tim Hughes Š 2002 Thankyou 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 # 3818569 CCLI License # 324618
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HEAR US FROM HEAVEN Verse Lord, hear our cry Come heal our land Breathe life into these dry and thirsty souls Lord, hear our prayer Forgive our sin As we call on Your name Would you make this place For Your glory to dwell Chorus Open the blind eyes Unlock the deaf ears Come to your people As we draw near Hear us from heaven Touch our generation We are Your people Crying out in desperation Bridge Hear us from heaven Hear us from heaven Hear us from heaven Jared Anderson © 2004 Vertical Worship Songs (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 4455392
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STILL Verse 1 Hide me now Under Your wings Cover me Within Your mighty hand Chorus When the oceans rise And thunders roar I will soar with You Above the storm Father You are King Over the flood I will be still Know You are God Verse 2 Find rest my soul In Christ alone Know His power In quietness and trust Reuben Morgan © 2002 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 3940963 CCLI License # 324618
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IT IS WELL Verse 1 Grander earth has quaked before Moved by the sound of His voice Seas that are shaken and stirred Can be calmed and broken for my regard Chorus Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You Through it all, through it all It is well Through it all, through it all My eyes are on You It is well with me Verse 2 Far be it from me to not believe Even when my eyes can’t see And this mountain that’s in front of me Will be thrown into the midst of the sea Bridge So let go my soul and trust in Him The waves and wind still know His name Ending It is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well with my soul It is well it is well with my soul Horatio Gates Spafford | Kristene DiMarco | Philip Paul Bliss © 2013 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 # 7021972
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WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME Verse 1 You were the Word at the beginning One with God the Lord Most High Your hidden glory in creation Now revealed in You our Christ Chorus 1 What a beautiful Name it is What a beautiful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ my King What a beautiful Name it is Nothing compares to this What a beautiful Name it is The Name of Jesus Verse 2 You didn’t want heaven without us So Jesus You brought heaven down My sin was great Your love was greater What could separate us now Chorus 2 What a wonderful Name it is What a wonderful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ my King What a wonderful Name it is Nothing compares to this What a wonderful Name it is The Name of Jesus What a wonderful Name it is The Name of Jesus Bridge 1 Death could not hold You The veil tore before You You silence the boast of sin and grave The heavens are roaring The praise of Your glory For You are raised to life again
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Bridge 2 You have no rival You have no equal Now and forever God You reign Yours is the kingdom Yours is the glory Yours is the Name above all names Chorus 3 What a powerful Name it is What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus Christ my King What a powerful Name it is Nothing can stand against What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus Ending What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus Ben Fielding | Brooke Ligertwood Š 2016 Hillsong Music Publishing For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 324618 CCLI Song # 7068424
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VICTOR’S CROWN Verse 1 You are always fighting for us Heaven’s angels all around My delight is found in knowing That You wear the Victor’s crown You’re my help and my defender You’re my Saviour and my friend By Your grace I live and breathe To worship You Verse 2 At the mention of Your greatness In Your Name I will bow down In Your presence fear is silent For You wear the Victor’s crown Let Your glory fill this temple Let Your power overflow By Your grace I live and breathe To worship You Chorus Hallelujah You have overcome You have overcome Hallelujah Jesus, You have overcome the world Verse 3 You are ever interceding As the lost become the found You can never be defeated For You wear the Victor’s crown You are Jesus the Messiah You’re the Hope of all the world By Your grace I live and breathe To worship You
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Verse 4 Every high thing must come down Every stronghold shall be broken You wear the Victor’s crown You have overcome, you have overcome At the cross the work was finished You were buried in the ground But the grave could not contain You For You wear the Victor’s crown Bridge Every high thing must come down Every stronghold shall be broken You wear the Victor’s crown You have overcome, you have overcome Darlene Zschech | Israel Houghton | Kari Jobe © EWI (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Sound Of The New Breed (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing); Worship Together Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) For use solely with the SongSelect Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI Song # 6454621 CCLI License # 324618
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IN JESUS’ NAME Verse 1 God is fighting for us God is on our side He has overcome Yes He has overcome We will not be shaken We will not be moved Jesus You are here (oh) Verse 2 Carrying our burdens Covering our shame He has overcome Yes He has overcome We will not be shaken We will not be moved Jesus You are here Chorus 1 I will live, I will not die The resurrection pow’r of Christ Alive in me and I am free In Jesus’ Name
Bridge God is fighting for us Pushing back the darkness Lighting up the Kingdom That cannot be shaken In the Name of Jesus Enemy’s defeated And we will shout it out Shout it out Ending In Jesus’ Name In Jesus’ Name In Jesus’ Name oh Darlene Zschech | Israel Houghton © 2013 EWI (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Integrity Worship Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Integrity’s Praise! Music (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.); Sound Of The New Breed (Admin. by Crossroad Distributors Pty. Ltd.) CCLI Song # 6454638 CCLI License # 324618
Chorus 2 I will live, I will not die I will declare and lift You high Christ revealed and I am healed In Jesus’ Name
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NOTES
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THE CHURCH BEYOND P R AY F O R T I M O R L E S T E “For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.” – ISAIAH 61:11 (ESV)
When Timor Leste gained independence in 2002, most of its infrastructure was destroyed and many Timorese were killed by armed militia supported by the Indonesian army. Today it is one of the poorest countries in the world.
Praise God: ■ That the majority of Timorese are Catholics and for the emerging Protestant churches in East Timor.
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Pray: ■ For peace, healing and reconciliation. The destruction and forcible removal of many Timorese will take decades to heal. The Christian organisations need to provide effective holistic ministry that is practical, emotional and spiritual. ■ For major investments in healthcare, education, economy, infrastructure, the training of leaders and employment creation. Timor Leste needs investors who have a genuine desire to restore the country to the point where it can stand on its own. ■ For the Catholic leaders that they will not mix Catholicism with spirit worship and that the Gospel will be preached in its entirety. Many Timorese remain mostly ignorant of the Gospel; 19 indigenous people groups have yet to be evangelised. ■ For Covenant EFC’s youth involvement in local community outreach, street evangelism and disciplemaking through B.L.E.S.S. – each youth is committed to intercede for two pre-believers.
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FRIDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 2017
Looking Forward: Faith in God Scripture
Genesis 13:14-18; 15:1-6; Hebrews 11:1-2
Observation What was God teaching Abraham in verse 14 and Genesis 15:5?
Deeper Reflection
nlike Abraham who was living blindly in the thick of God’s unfolding drama, we aren’t. Abraham had to take God’s promises at face value without knowing what would happen. But he “believed in the LORD” (Gen 15:6, NASB) who spoke those words. That’s faith — it “gives substance to our hopes and convinces us of realities we do not see” (Heb 11:1, REB). God was enlarging Abraham’s faith. Abraham was no land-taking, nation-conquering man. Except for his act of bravery in saving Lot (Gen 14:13-16), Abraham avoided trouble (Gen 12:9-20; 13:5-9; 20:1-13) even to the point of treachery, so how was it possible that he was chosen? God needed Abraham to see beyond his personality to see God’s power. Faced with the prospect of a less fertile land after his split from Lot, and without any offspring, how could God’s promise be real? God needed Abraham to see beyond his present realities to trust in His providence. Descendants as countless as the dust of the earth inhabiting lands that did not even belong to him? How could that be remotely rational? God needed Abraham to look beyond prevailing reason to see God’s purposes. God lifted up not only Abraham’s eyes to see, but his faith to believe and his heart to trust Him. Faith is seeing God beyond our personalities, present realities and prevailing reason to see a good and gracious God of the “how much more” (Matt 7:11).
U
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Application What is your comfort zone that God is challenging you to trust Him to grow you beyond it?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for lay leaders:
For a God-anchored faith and not a self-centred faith
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
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SATURDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2017
Looking Forward: Love for God Scripture Luke 7:36-50
Observation What are the contrasts between Simon the Pharisee and the unnamed sinful woman in their status, posture, behaviour and motive? Why?
Deeper Reflection
he meal Simon invited Jesus to was probably not private, people could come and watch what went on.1 As a nameless “woman of the city, who was a sinner”, she was probably a prostitute and an outcast. In a culture of honour and shame, she courageously went against every norm, instinct and pride to enter the Pharisee’s house and kneel at Jesus’ feet with tears of gratitude flowing onto His feet. She untied her hair, something no decent Jewish woman did in public, to wipe Jesus’ feet dry. In a mark of deep affection and reverence2, she kissed His feet and anointed them with the rare perfume costing almost two years’ wages.3 In contrast, Simon, a Pharisee, a pious Jew and host familiar with Jewish customs of hospitality, treated Jesus, his invited guest, contemptuously.4 Simon concluded Jesus was a phony prophet who could not even tell the woman was a sinner (v.39). But the woman knew Jesus, her Messiah who forgave her despite her sins and who she was, perhaps from an earlier undocumented encounter with Jesus. While Jesus was not even worthy of basic customary hospitality from Simon, He was worthy of the woman’s every adoration even to the point of personal scorn and ridicule. Simon saw himself as righteous and Jesus a phony. The woman saw herself unworthy and Jesus her Messiah. The woman loved Jesus deeply out of a great debt of love, because she knew how greatly she had been forgiven. The woman loved Jesus shamelessly out of a deep surrender, because she had died to herself and lived to Jesus.
T
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Application When was the last time you honestly confessed your pride and sins to Jesus, and how did you surrender your life to the lordship of Christ?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for lay leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
1
Leon Morris, Luke: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 3, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988), 166. 2 James M. Freeman and Harold J. Chadwick, Manners & Customs of the Bible (North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers, 1998), 504. 3 Crossway Bibles, The ESV Study Bible (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008), 1966. 4 D. A. Carson, “The Gospels and Acts,” in NIV Zondervan Study Bible: Built on the Truth of Scripture and Centered on the Gospel Message, ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2015), 2088.
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SUNDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 2017 SCRIPTURE
OBSERVATION
APPLICATION
PRAYER
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THE PAST WEEK
Review What was my high point and my low point for the week?
What gave me life and what drained me?
How was the Spirit of God at work?
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Reflect What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?
Respond What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? COMMIT IN PRAYER.
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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 1 • SEPTEMBER 2017
WHY DO WE CELEBRATE THE CHURCH’S ANNIVERSARY? We celebrate what God has done for our church through our anniversary celebration. Scripture: Acts 2
ACTIVITY BITE
Ask your parents about important events that happened in your church over the past 5 to 10 years. You may want to ask your pastors for more information. Get them to share some interesting stories that happened back then.
CHAT TIME
Q1: Using your church’s anniversary as an example, what do you think your pastor wants you to remember about the church during such celebrations? Q2: Is it important to remember such important events? Why or why not? Q3: Will your church exist if God was not in the picture? Why or why not?
LEARNING POINT
The book of Acts talks about the birth of the church and how the Apostles and the early Christians continued to spread the Gospel to many nations. It started with the Holy Spirit coming upon the group of Jesus’ disciples, giving them the power to preach the Good News. This incident was recorded in the Bible so that we can remember, rejoice and give thanks to God for what He has done. Your church would have its own stories of how it started. This is something to remember and rejoice over. So, your church’s anniversary celebration is an important time to remember what God has done, and to give praise to Him for what He will do in the future.
ACTION POINT
Think of one thing you can do to celebrate how God has built your church. It may not necessarily be done on the actual anniversary day. Share your ideas with your pastors or leaders. See if this celebration can be done during the children’s programme or the small groups meetings.
PRAYER POWER
Pray that your church members will always remember God’s goodness towards your church. Pray also for the churches in your country to continue to obey God and do what He tells them to do.
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MONDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2017
Theology and Doxology Scripture Ezra 7:27-28
Observation How do verses 27 and 28 show that there is much theology in this short doxology?
Deeper Reflection
zra the priestly scribe was commissioned by King Artaxerxes (Ezr 7:1-13) to bring the gifts and vessels for worship to God in His temple in Jerusalem (Ezr 7:15-24) and to establish governance of the Jews there according to the law of God (Ezr 7:14, 25-26). Ezra’s response to the Persian king’s goodwill was worship: “Blessed be the LORD” (vv.27-28). Here we see the transition from the Aramaic document (Ezr 7:12-26) to a Hebrew doxology (vv.27-28). There is much theology in this short doxology. Theology and doxology are two sides of the same coin. We cannot have doxology without theology. It is simply because doxology is about God: who God is and what God does. We must know who we worship. Theology is knowing God from Scripture, where He has revealed Himself, and in real life. We approach theology not with God as an idea to be studied, but a person to relate with. We cannot have theology without doxology. Theology must lead to doxology. It is as New Testament scholar Gordon Fee puts it: “My strongest conviction about theology is it should always lead to doxology. If theology does not lead to doxology, we certainly have not done our theology.” True knowledge of God results in true worship of God.
E
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Application What does it mean for me to have theology and doxology as inseparable in my life?
Those in need
Se l
f
Leaders
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Significant people
Prayer O God, I have tasted Thy goodness, and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am Givi ashamed of my lack of desire. O ng t han ks God, the Triune God, I want to want Thee; I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. 5
A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God (Christian Publications, 1982), 20
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TUESDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 2017
Faithfulness of God Scripture
Ezra 7:27; Exodus 3:13-15
Observation
What is the significance of Ezra addressing God as “the LORD, the God of our fathers” in his doxology (v.27)?
Deeper Reflection
here is much theology in Ezra’s short doxology. Ezra addresses God as “the LORD, the God of our fathers” (v.27) and he has in mind God’s covenant with His people. Ezra certainly recalls that when God first revealed Himself to Israel as a covenant people, He revealed Himself as “The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exo 3:13-15). The covenant idea “looms large at important junctures throughout the Bible”6. The Hebrew word berit (covenant) “conveys the idea of a solemn commitment, guaranteeing promises or obligations undertaken by one or both covenanting parties”7. The covenant God made with Abraham consists of three elements: blessing, descendants and land (Gen 12:1-3). Exile is the ultimate covenant curse for covenant unfaithfulness (Lev 26:27-33). The return of a remnant (descendants) to Jerusalem (land) is restoration to covenant blessing. Against the backdrop of the return from exile, “the LORD, the God of our fathers” means God is faithful in keeping His covenant with His people despite their unfaithfulness. How deeply meaningful and significant is “the LORD, the God of our fathers” to Ezra!
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Application In what ways do I consider the covenant of God to be of great importance in my life?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for pastors and staff:
To be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led servants of the new covenant8
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
6
P. R. Williamson, Covenant, New Dictionary of Biblical Theology (IVP, 2000), T. D. Alexander & Brian S. Rosner, editors; D. A. Carson & Graeme Goldsworthy, consulting editors; 419 P. R. Williamson, 420 8 2 Corinthians 3:6 7
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WEDNESDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 2017
Sovereignty of God Scripture
Ezra 1:1; 6:22; 7:27
Observation What is a similar key theological theme in Ezra as shown in verse 1; Ezra 6:22 and 7:27?
Deeper Reflection
t is not enough that God is faithful as “the LORD, the God of our fathers”, but He also has to be powerful enough to “put such a thing as this in the king’s heart” (Ezr 7:27). And because God is faithful and powerful, His covenant with His people has “endured the fires of exile and would remain in all the changing circumstances of the future”9. Divine sovereignty overruling the reigning Gentile superpowers was demonstrated throughout Ezra: “the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus” (v.1); God “had turned the heart of the king of Assyria” (Ezr 6:22); God “has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart” (Ezr 7:27). On 4th July, North Korea launched a successful missile test that showed its potential for a nuclear missile attack on America. China is the only country that can restrain North Korea, but is constrained by political concerns. Faced with this dangerous threat, America may launch a pre-emptive attack on North Korea. This will likely result in North Korea retaliating with a brutal counter-attack on South Korea through the thousands of artillery pieces it has positioned along the border, and will lead to “probably the worst kind of fighting in most people’s lifetimes”10. How do we see the sovereignty of God in such a perilous geopolitical situation?
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Application How do I see the sovereignty of God amidst the many negative developments in the world?
Prayer I exalt and praise You, O God Most High, who lives forever. Your dominion is an eternal dominion; Your Kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. You do as it pleases You with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back Your hand or say to You, “What have You done?”11
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
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Robert Fyall, The Message of Ezra & Haggai, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 2010), 113 Jim Mattis, the United States defense secretary Daniel 4:34-35
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THURSDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 2017
Glory of God Scripture
Ezra 7:27; Isaiah 60:7-9
Observation What observations can you make about God’s act of beautifying or glorifying in verse 27 and Isaiah 60:7-9?
Deeper Reflection
he faithful covenant God, the powerful sovereign God, had put it in the heart of the Persian king “to beautify the house of the LORD” (v.27, ESV). “To beautify” the temple of God is “to bring honour” (NIV) to it, “to glorify” (HCSB12) it. God’s temple is beautified by the nations’ rich offerings of “silver and gold” to buy “bulls, rams and lambs” (Ezr 7:15-17) for the worship of God. God fulfils His word to Israel in exile: “I shall glorify My glorious house” (Isa 60:7).13 It is noteworthy that the Persian king was only instrumental in beautifying the temple. In reality, it is God Himself who beautifies His temple. Even when we fail to glorify God through our lives, like Israel, God will still glorify Himself. When God’s name is profaned by His people, God says, “I will vindicate the holiness of My name which you have profaned” (Eze 36:20-23) by reviving and restoring them (Eze 36:24-28). When God revives and restores His people, He not only glorifies His temple (Isa 60:7), but He also glorifies His people with “a divinely given ‘beauty’”14 that causes nations to honour Him (Isa 60:9). This is God’s grace and glory in revival and restoration – the hope of “the weakest reed” and “a faintly burning wick” (Isa 42:3, NLT, ESV).
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Application What does the glory of God mean to me personally?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
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Holman Christian Standard Bible F. Charles Fensham, The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Eerdmans, 1982), 109 14 J. Alec Motyer, Isaiah, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (IVP, 1999), 421 13
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FRIDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2017
God’s Steadfast Love Scripture
Ezra 7:27-28; 3:10-11
Observation What observations can you make about God’s steadfast love in verses 27 and 28 and Ezra 3:10-11?
Deeper Reflection
od’s covenant with His people is central in Ezra’s doxology. Setting King Artaxerxes’s heart to beautify His temple (v.27) is a covenant-keeping act of God. Ezra addressed God as the covenant God, “the LORD, the God of our fathers” (v.27), and he understood what God had done as an act of His covenant love – “who extended His steadfast love to me [which also means to Israel]” (v.28). This is the second time God’s “steadfast love” is mentioned in Ezra. When the returnees from exile laid the foundation of the temple, they acknowledged that their return was because “His steadfast love endures forever” (Ezr 3:10-11), despite their covenant unfaithfulness. But they did not continue in rebuilding the temple, having succumbed to opposition (Ezr 4:1-5, 24) and complacency (Hag 1:2-4). Does “His steadfast love endures forever” still stand true? After some 20 years, Israel arose to rebuild the temple and completed it (Ezr 5:1-2; 6:13-15). From the time Israel returned from exile to rebuild God’s temple (Ezr 1:1-5), to God’s temple being beautified by the Persian king, despite Israel’s ups and downs, one thing never changed − “His steadfast love endures forever” (Ezr 3:11; v.28).
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Application How does God’s steadfast love shape my view of Him and my relationship with the Lord?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for lay leaders:
To hold fast in God’s steadfast love amid life challenges
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
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SATURDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 2017
Strengthened in God Scripture
Ezra 7:6, 9-10, 27-28
Observation What observations can you make about the hand of God in Ezra 7 (vv.6, 9-10, 28b)?
Deeper Reflection
mmediately after his short but deep worship to God (vv.27-28a), Ezra said that he was strengthened, given courage and felt encouraged (v.28b) for the task ahead (Ezra 8), in which he sensed there would be “enemy on the way” (Ezr 8:21-22). This was the state of Ezra’s heart and mind because he knows his God (“my God” v.28b; cf. vv.6, 9 – “his God”) and understood that his God was in it with him, as reflected in His doxology. He knew personally in a real and profound way what the sovereignty, covenant faithfulness and steadfast love of God meant. These were theological realities that Ezra experienced. How true is this in my life? Ezra was strengthened “according to the hand of the LORD my God upon me” (v.28b). This is the third time that “the hand of the LORD” was mentioned in Ezra 7; in all three times, God’s hand was upon Ezra in a personal way – “upon him” (vv.6, 9) and “upon me” (v.28b). God’s hand speaks of His presence, power, providence and protection. When God’s hand is upon us, His will shall prevail and His purposes will be fulfilled. And like Ezra, God’s hand is ready to help us when we devote our hearts to His Word (vv.9b-10; Psa 119:173).
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Application In what areas in my life do I need to be strengthened in God?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
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SUNDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2017 SCRIPTURE
OBSERVATION
APPLICATION
PRAYER
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THE PAST WEEK
Review What was my high point and my low point for the week?
What gave me life and what drained me?
How was the Spirit of God at work?
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Reflect What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?
Respond What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? COMMIT IN PRAYER.
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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 2 • SEPTEMBER 2017
WHY MUST WE MAKE GOD HAPPY? God delights in you because He loves you. Scripture: Zephaniah 3:17; Psalm 147:10-11
ACTIVITY BITE
Think of one thing you can do to make your parents happy and do it within the week. Ask them how they feel about it and why they feel that way.
CHAT TIME
Q1: How do you feel when your parents do something to make you happy? Why do you think they want to do that? Q2: In Psalm 147:10-11, who are the people that God is happy with? What is it that makes Him very happy? Q3: Is it important to live our lives in ways that will make God happy? Why or why not?
LEARNING POINT
The Bible uses words such as “pleasing” and “delight” to represent the happy feelings that God has towards us. He is happy to bless us because we are His children. He is happy to spend time with us. He is happy to share all good things with us. It is not because we have done many good things to earn His love, but because He loves us. He is also very happy when we love Him in return. We want to make God happy not because He is sad or lonely, but as an expression of our love for Him, because He first loved us.
ACTION POINT
Get a card and write a note of thanksgiving to God. Decorate the card as best as you can with various colours and drawings. Pin up the card in your room. Thank Him for loving you every time you see it.
PRAYER POWER
Pray that the church will always give thanks to God in every circumstance, good or bad.
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MONDAY, 11 SEPTEMBER 2017
Belonging in Church Scripture Acts 2:42-47
Observation What picture of community life do you see in the early church?
Deeper Reflection
his week we are reflecting on how Covenanters can step up in our community life and Christian service, hence Step-Up Sunday. Christians are given spiritual gifts by God to build up His body, the Church. We are called to be the salt and light in society. Verses 42 to 47 describe the spiritual vibrancy and social connectedness of the early church in the city of Jerusalem. We see a picture of belongingness in the community. “Belongingness” is a word more often used by social scientists; it means “the human state of being an essential part of something”15. Recent research is establishing the critical nature of social belongingness.16 The early church consisted of Christians who had a strong sense of belongingness. They met daily in the temple courts and in their homes. They joyfully “did life” together. Whether it was devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching, sharing lives, having meals or praying together, every believer was part of a larger community. In many local churches today, belongingness is understood as not just attending weekend worship services, but growing together in weekly small group gatherings. To be a Christian is to be a disciple or learner of Christ. We learn best in small group communities to love and serve one another, as well as the unbelievers around us. A Christian is not meant to live in isolation from other Christians. We are to gather regularly to share our lives, worship God and learn together to follow Jesus. In between those gatherings, we disperse to work in our various vocations, share the Gospel, make new disciples and enfold them into the church community for support, care and instruction.
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Application How can I better participate in and contribute to the community life in Covenant EFC?
Prayer Lord Jesus, You know the hindrances that curb my desire to be part of church community life. I believe that as a child of God, I already belong to the Church of Jesus Christ. Please help me to express this belongingness more clearly by being enthusiastically and joyfully involved in a small group community so that I can grow in my devotion and obedience to Your Word in my life. Amen.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
15 16
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/belongingness https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-social-self/201308/belongingness-essential-bridges-support-the-self
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TUESDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 2017
Learning in Community Scripture
Acts 2:42-47; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Observation How did the early Christians grow in their knowledge of God and obedience to Him?
Deeper Reflection
he apostles faithfully taught the teaching of Jesus. The believers faithfully listened to and obeyed the apostles’ teaching. Learning was done in the context of community and households. The believers met regularly, and a central purpose for the gatherings was to learn and grow in the knowledge of God, His righteous ways, and His will and purposes for His Church. The early Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (v.42) The Greek word translated as “devoted” is a present active participle. It means that the believers were continually, busily engaging in the apostles’ teaching. They kept this up day after day, persisting in this activity. We can imagine a picture of active learning by an enthusiastic and participative bunch. People were responding with loud affirmations to the truths taught. Questions were spontaneously raised and thoughtfully answered. Discussions were carried out excitedly and animatedly. Many personal insights and experiences were shared. Laughter and tears were common during such times. Those advancing were congratulated. Those struggling were encouraged. Those hurting were comforted. The disobedient were corrected. The recalcitrant were rebuked. All were covered with prayers. The community was tightly knit. They made time for one another. The believers were committed to living out the teaching of Jesus. They made time to learn God’s Word together. Did they have temptations from selfish pursuits and pleasurable distractions? Surely they had their fair share of temptations during their time. But they made a strategic choice for godly priorities. And the outcome was that they became godly disciples whose lives and ministries made an eternally significant impact on the world.
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Application How is my devotion to learning God’s Word? How can I become “competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:17)?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for pastors and staff:
To delight in and meditate on God’s Word daily
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
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WEDNESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2017
Sharing with Unbelievers Scripture
Acts 2:41-47; Romans 1:16-17
Observation How did souls get saved by the Lord through the ministry of the church (vv.41, 47)?
Deeper Reflection
he apostles’ teaching in the first century church would certainly have included the Great Commission that Jesus gave His disciples prior to His ascension into heaven: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt 28:18-20). The believers obeyed the apostles’ teaching, and in the course of daily life, the Gospel was proclaimed to unbelievers by God’s people, whether apostles or not. The believers enjoyed the goodwill of all the people. Unbelievers were willing to listen to the Gospel because of the authenticity and attractiveness of the believers’ faith in Jesus Christ. The Christians lived out and shared the Gospel in their homes, their neighbourhoods, the marketplace and wherever they went. As a result, many people believed the Gospel and the Lord added to the number of believers day by day those who were being saved (v.47). More and more praise rose up to God who graciously saves sinners who believe in Jesus. The Church today needs to be revived in spiritual passion for God and His Gospel. May we be fully convicted like the apostle Paul: “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom 1:16). Let us share the good news with unbelievers!
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Application How can my heart be filled with a passion to share the Gospel like the early Christians?
Prayer Heaven Father, remind me now of that time in my life when the Holy Spirit convicted me of my sins, and my need to receive Your forgiveness and Your gift of righteousness through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Please fill me again with deep joy and gratitude for the Gospel and grant me faith and boldness to share the Good News with others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
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THURSDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER 2017
Serving with Humility Scripture
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Observation Why do you think God gave His people a variety of spiritual gifts?
Deeper Reflection
hen we serve, we serve the same Lord. There is one God whom we worship, submit to and honour in our service. Yet the same God encourages variety in the way we serve. God has made us all so unique and different. Unity in diversity. We have been given different spiritual gifts, but they have all been given by the same Spirit. Discover your unique spiritual gifts. They are the unique contribution with which you have been entrusted in order to grow the body of Christ. We have different ministries but we serve the same Lord Jesus Christ. Many ministry opportunities abound. There are no areas of service that are better or worse. There is no need to compete or compare. We all serve in our God-given areas of passion. We may receive a different empowering in how we serve, but the source of all power is from God. God will release His empowering according to His good purposes and in His good time. We are called to be faithful and available, putting our hands to the plow and pressing forward to the goal of serving God wholeheartedly. We are all so different. God has made us so. Let us celebrate our uniqueness. But let us also allow the same Spirit, Lord and God to guide, deploy and empower our service for His glory.
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Application What are my God-given spiritual gifts that I will use to serve in Goddirected ministry, trusting the Lord to empower me to bear good fruit?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
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FRIDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER 2017
Submitting to Leaders Scripture
Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Hebrews 13:17
Observation What are the key roles and responsibilities of the leaders appointed over God’s people?
Deeper Reflection
ithout a shepherd, the sheep will be vulnerable to danger. Without a leader, the church will lose its focus and direction. God wants leaders who will shepherd His people, and care for their health, needs and growth. It is a privilege and high calling to be appointed as leaders over God’s people. Leaders are not to lord it over the people. Leaders are called to love, lead, feed, care for and protect their flock. Leaders are to be dedicated to and diligent in the role God has entrusted to them for the well-being of His people. On their part, church members are to learn to honour their leaders and submit to their leadership. Follow your leaders and support them willingly, proactively and prayerfully. Leaders are accountable to the chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. All appointed church leaders are under the ultimate authority of the Lord Jesus, “the great Shepherd of the sheep” (Heb 13:20). Therefore leaders must pay careful attention to live a godly and holy life, develop a humble posture and God-centred perspective, and keep growing in their shepherding skills and dependence on the Holy Spirit for divine power in ministry. Thank God for the leaders in Covenant EFC whom He has appointed to serve the people. Choose this day to submit to and follow your leaders. Help them to help you progress well in the journey of following Christ!
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Application How can I encourage my immediate leader to serve God with joy and dedication?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for lay leaders:
To live godly lives and serve God joyfully and faithfully
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
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SATURDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2017
Participating in Christ Scripture
1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-29
Observation How should our participation in the Lord’s Supper bind us together as a spiritual community?
Deeper Reflection
e belong together as God’s spiritual community. When we rise up to serve, we are motivated by the fact that we are to serve one another as Christ Himself had come to serve (Mk 10:45). The Lord Jesus Christ showed His great love for us by giving His life for us on the cross. The broken body and the flowing blood are precious, gracious acts of God’s love. Our participation in the Lord’s Supper unites our hearts as one. We are all equal under the cross, none deserving of salvation. We are grateful recipients of God’s gift of grace. We are redeemed people, fully forgiven and set free to be part of a new community of new creations in Christ. This new community will redefine our identity – we are now God’s own people, set apart from the world. Our proper participation in this new community will cause us to grow a deep love for God and for one another. We are many. We come from different backgrounds, have different upbringings and go through different experiences. Because we are so different, we are vulnerable to discouragement, discord, disagreements and divisions. But we should remember that we are all part of one body. One body, different parts all growing and serving together as one. Let us always honour the body of Christ. We all serve the one Lord Jesus who gave His life so that we can be one. We share in one communion that connects us as one community. In all that we do in corporate worship and Christian service, we must never lose sight of our unity in Christ.
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Application What steps can I take today to better reflect the reality that I am a part of one spiritual community in Christ?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
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SUNDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2017 SCRIPTURE
OBSERVATION
APPLICATION
PRAYER
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THE PAST WEEK
Review What was my high point and my low point for the week?
What gave me life and what drained me?
How was the Spirit of God at work?
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Reflect What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?
Respond What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? COMMIT IN PRAYER.
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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 3 • SEPTEMBER 2017
HOW CAN WE MAKE GOD HAPPY? God is happy with those who love and obey Him from the heart. Scripture: Proverbs 11:20; Psalm 139:23-24
ACTIVITY BITE
Ask your parents to share about the times you made them unhappy and why they felt this way.
CHAT TIME
Q1: Do you think your actions or attitude make your parents unhappy? Why? Q2: In Proverbs 11:20, why is God not happy with those whose hearts are wicked? Q3: What are some examples of wicked things that people do which make God very unhappy?
LEARNING POINT
Are there things we can give to God to make Him happy? Psalm 24:1 says that all things belong to Him because He created them. Thus, there is nothing that God doesn’t have. What about doing good things? Well, not all “good” actions necessarily make Him happy. Imagine if your parents asked you to tidy up your room and you did it grudgingly, while complaining about it. Do you think this would make them happy even though tidying up your room is a good thing? The issue is with your attitude. You can do all the good works, but if your attitude is not right, it will not make God happy. He delights in those who love and obey Him from the heart.
ACTION POINT
The next time your parents and teachers ask you to do anything, pause and check your attitude. If your heart is not right, pray and ask God to help you, so that you will do the task to please Him.
PRAYER POWER
Pray that everyone in your family will always adopt the right attitude in everything they do. Pray for God to give you the delight to love Him and His Word.
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MONDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER 2017
The Genealogical Enrolment Scripture
Ezra 7:28b; 8:1-14
Observation What is the significance of the list of names and numbers of Jews who followed Ezra to return to Jerusalem from Babylon in Ezra 8:1-14?
Deeper Reflection
zra 8:1-14 contains a list of the names and numbers of Jews who followed Ezra to return to Jerusalem from Babylon. While the list seems to bear no significance, biblical writers used literary structures to convey theological significance. Ezra 7 to 8 is shaped by a “hamburger” structure with four themes mirroring each other – for example, Prayer of praise (vv.27-28a) mirrors Prayer and fasting (Ezr 8:21-23):17
E
Journey to Jerusalem (Ezr 7:1-10) – “went up to Jerusalem” (Ezr 7:7) Commissioning of Ezra (Ezr 7:11-26) – “you are sent by the king” (Ezr 7:14) Prayer of praise (vv.27-28a) – “Blessed be the LORD” (v.27) Leaders gathered for journey (v.28b) – “I gathered leaders” Returnees from exile (Ezr 8:1-14) – “the genealogical enrolment” (Ezr 8:1) Leaders gathered for journey (Ezr 8:15-20) – “I assembled them” (Ezr 8:15) Prayer and fasting (Ezr 8:21-23) – “I proclaimed a fast” (Ezr 8:21) Commissioning of vessels bearers (Ezr 8:24-30) – “I set apart…” (Ezr 8:24) Journey to Jerusalem (Ezr 8:31-36) – “came to Jerusalem” (Ezr 8:32)
At the heart of the “hamburger” structure is people – returnees from exile (Ezr 8:1-14). They are people of significance, because they are kept by God’s mercy in Babylon for God’s purpose in Jerusalem: God’s purpose (Ezr 7:1-28), God’s people (Ezr 8:1-14) and God’s purpose (Ezr 8:15-36). The people in the list consist of individuals. Philemon is a letter written by an individual (Paul) to an individual (Philemon) about an individual (Onesimus). The significance of an individual!
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Application In what ways do I fail to see the significance of people, and what do I want to do about it?
Prayer In Your glorious humble Incarnation, Lord Jesus, You did not have a beautiful or majestic appearance that attracted Your creatures. You were despised and rejected by mankind, like one from whom people hide their faces, and You were held in low esteem.18 What a divine self-disclosure! What a way to teach us not to find or give significance to appearances.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
17 18
Adapted from Mark A. Throntveit, Ezra-Nehemiah, Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (John Knox, 1992), 38 Isaiah 53:2-3
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TUESDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2017
Significance of Hattush Scripture
Ezra 8:1-2; 1 Chronicles 3:19-23
Observation What is the significance of Hattush being mentioned second after the two priestly families, and specifically referred to as a descendent of David (v.2)?
Deeper Reflection
he list of returnees from exile in Ezra 8:1-14 continues from Ezra 7:28b – “I gathered…to go up with me”. The list begins with two priestly families (v.2a), which underscores Ezra’s primary concern: worship to God in the temple, as reflected in Ezra 7:15-24. The next person mentioned is Hattush, a descendant of David (v.2b; cf. 1 Chron 3:1, 19-22). Hattush plays no special role in the narrative – in contrast to Zerubbabel who leads in rebuilding the temple (Ezr 2:1-2; 3:1-2; 4:1-3; 5:1-2). But Zerubbabel is never referred to as a descendant of David in Ezra, although he is one (1 Chron 3:19). The mention of “the sons of David” immediately brings to mind for every Israelite the Davidic covenant and the messianic hopes expressed by the prophets (2 Sam 7:12-16; Jer 33:15-17; see Matt 22:41-45). The mention of Hattush here brings that to mind and serves as a reminder, even though he is not in the direct messianic line, as history unfolds. Nonetheless, this is Hattush’s function at this point of time – in a rather obscure way, showing that “God’s hand is on this community indeed, but the full glories which are promised have yet to arrive”19. Hattush appears to be insignificant, but in this is his God-given significance.
T
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Application Do I know any “Hattushes” whom I want to affirm and encourage?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for pastors and staff:
To be sensitive to the “Hattushes” around
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
19
J. G. McConville, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, The Daily Study Bible Series (Westminster, John Knox, 1985), 54
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WEDNESDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2017
The 12 Families Scripture
Ezra 8:3-14; 6:16-17
Observation How many families are mentioned in verses 3 to 14, and what is the significance of the number in relation to Ezra 6:16-17?
Deeper Reflection
n the list of returnees from exile, 12 families were listed (vv.3-14). They are reminiscent of and connect theologically with the 12 leaders of the first return (Ezr 2:1-2). There is further theological connection with the 12 male goats offered as a sin offering “for all Israel” “corresponding to the number of the tribes of Israel” at the dedication of the temple (Ezr 6:17). In both returns from exile, not all the 12 tribes of Israel were represented, but God saw those who returned as a whole people. And God is no less present with two or three who gather in His name than among a thousand (Matt 18:20). These “twelves” are the faithful remnant considered “as the true heirs of the promises and the true inheritors of the privileges of the 12 tribes”, “carrying the whole weight of God’s purposes and ultimately to them and from them is to come the Messiah”20. The faithful remnant is ultimately about the faithful God who always keeps a remnant. Just when we think that all is lost, we hear God saying, “Yet I will leave 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal” (1 Kin 19:10, 14, 18). When God has to destroy the whole wicked world, He still keeps a Noah (Gen 6:5-8).
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Application How does knowing that the Lord still fulfils His purposes through His less than ideal Church encourage me to persevere in following and serving Him faithfully?
Prayer Lord Jesus, You loved Your Church and gave Yourself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the Word, and to present her to Yourself as a radiant Church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.21 Thank you, Lord, that You are still doing this despite the many flaws You see in us as Your Church.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
20 21
Robert Fyall, 116 Ephesians 5:25-27
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THURSDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2017
Why Only 5,000? Scripture
Ezra 8:3-14 with Ezra 2:1-2, 64-67
Observation What is the significance of the some 5,00022 Israelites who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon under Ezra (Ezr 8:1-14) compared to the more than 42,000 under Zerubbabel (Ezr 2:64-67)?
Deeper Reflection
here were about 1,500 men in Ezra’s “Return to Jerusalem” caravan (Ezr 8:1-14). The men in each of the 12 families included the leader’s “father, sons and grandsons, his younger brothers and their sons and grandsons, and in some cases the husbands of his daughters and brothers’ daughters”23. Including women and children, the number in the whole company was “about 5,000”24. But this 5,000 was a far cry from the 42,000 in the first return under Zerubbabel (Ezr 2:64-67). Why only 5,000? There was little in Judea now to attract families that had decided 80 years ago that life in Babylon was more advantageous for them.25 Those with “a pioneering spirit or strong feeling for the land of Israel would have gone long before”26. It seems probable, “although history is silent as to detail”27, that reports from those in Judea to others of their families in Babylon had not been very encouraging.28 The lack of discipleship commitment is a major problem that seems to perpetuate in the long history of the people of God. The apostolic age began with a revival on Pentecost (Acts 2), but ended with a call for revival from Patmos (Rev 2-3). But Christ is still standing in the middle of the seven lampstands (Rev 1:13; 2:1).
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Application Why would I still follow the Lord and serve Him even if it may mean being in the minority?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
David J. Clines, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, The New Century Bible Commentary (Eerdmans, 1984), 108; H. G. H. Williamson, Ezra, Nehemiah, Word Biblical Commentary (Word Books, 1985), 110 David J. Clines, 108 David J. Clines, 108; H. G. H. Williamson, 110 David J. Clines, 108; H. G. H. Williamson, 111 H. G. H. Williamson, 111 H. G. H. Williamson, 111 H. G. H. Williamson, 111
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FRIDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2017
Until 80 Years Later Scripture
Ezra 8:3-14 with Ezra 2:2-20
Observation Which family names in the list of returnees from exile in verses 3 to 14 are also found in the records in Ezra 2:2-20, and what is the significance of this?
Deeper Reflection
hile only 5,000 returned to Jerusalem under Ezra, in great contrast to the 42,000 in the first return under Zerubbabel, it is noteworthy that many in the second return are descendants of those who returned 80 years ago.29 Of the 12 family names in verses 3 to 14, 11 of them are found in the list of returnees in Ezra 2:2-20: Parosh (v.3; Ezr 2:3), Pahath-moab (v.4; Ezr 2:6), Zattu (v.5; Ezr 2:8), Adin (v.6; Ezr 2:15), Elam (v.7; Ezr 2:7), Shephatiah (v.8; Ezr 2:4), Bani (v.10; Ezr 2:10), Bebai (v.11; Ezr 2:11), Azgad (v.12; Ezr 2:12), Adonikam (v.13; Ezr 2:13) and Bigvai (v.14; Ezr 2:14). Surely, there had been conscientious discipling of the next generation whose hearts are prepared to catch Ezra’s vision.30 But the fruit was not obvious until 80 years later. The biblical metaphor for spiritual growth is agricultural, following the creation order (Gen 2:5-6). The divine design has not changed even in our, not just faster but “faster faster”, technological age today. In disciplemaking, the seed planted in hearts “sprouts and grows” under the ground, which we cannot see or know how it happens (Mk 4:26-27). And the farmer-disciplemaker must wait patiently (cf. Jas 5:7). Perhaps, until 80 years later – and that’s divine timing.
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Application How do I respond to the lack of or slow spiritual progress in discipling my children or other believers?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for lay leaders:
To be gracious and patient with the weak people under their care
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
29 30
The first return from exile was in 538 B.C. and the second return was in 458 B.C. Robert Fyall, 115-116
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SATURDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2017
Discipling the Next Generation Scripture
1 Corinthians 4:15-17; 2 Timothy 2:2
Observation What observations can you make about Paul as a disciplemaker (vv.16-17; 2 Tim 2:2)?
Deeper Reflection
uring his second missionary journey, Paul calls Timothy to follow him (Acts 16:1-3), that he may disciple, develop and deploy him as a leader. Years later, Timothy is assigned to oversee the churches in Ephesus (1 Tim 1:3). How does Paul disciple and develop Timothy? The question is best answered by asking: What kind of disciplemaker is Paul? Paul lives his life in Christ, and that results in a twofold confidence (vv.15-17). Confidence to exhort the Corinthians: “Be imitators of me” (v.16). Confidence to send Timothy to the Corinthians: “Tell them how I live my life as you see in me” (v.17). That’s spiritual multiplication. And Paul calls Timothy to “entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2) what he has caught from him – and certainly, with his disciplemaking pattern (vv.16-17). But why would Paul choose a rather weak Timothy who is “temperamentally shy, needing affirmation, encouragement and reassurance”31 (1 Cor 16:10-11; 2 Tim 1:6-7) to be this kind of leader? As Paul tells the Philippians: “I have no one else like-minded who seeks after the interests of Christ, and has a genuine concern for your welfare” (Phil 2:19-21).
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Application What challenges do I face in seeking to be a disciplemaker like Paul?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
31
John R. W. Stott, The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 1996), 37-38
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SUNDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 SCRIPTURE
OBSERVATION
APPLICATION
PRAYER
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THE PAST WEEK
Review What was my high point and my low point for the week?
What gave me life and what drained me?
How was the Spirit of God at work?
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Reflect What is one key thing that God said to me this week in light of what has happened?
Respond What is one thing I need to do in light of what God is saying? COMMIT IN PRAYER.
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FAMILY DEVOTIONAL • WEEK 4 • SEPTEMBER 2017
WHY DOES GOD FEEL SAD? God has feelings. He feels sad when we disobey Him. Scripture: Genesis 6:6-9; Colossians 1:10
ACTIVITY BITE
As a family, make a list of things that make you very unhappy. Compare the lists and get everyone to share why they were written.
CHAT TIME
Q1: Do you think your disobedience makes your parents unhappy? Why or why not? Q2: In Genesis 6:6, why did God say He was very sad that He had made man? Q3: However, in Genesis 6:8 God was very pleased with Noah. Why?
LEARNING POINT
There are things that make God happy, and things which make Him sad. One thing that will surely sadden Him is when we disobey Him. Man has been doing that since Adam and Eve ate the fruit that was forbidden by God. It hurts God’s feelings when the people He loves so much do not listen to Him, but do things against His will. When you disobey your parents, you will not only hurt their feelings, but also make God sad because you are not obeying His Word in Colossians 3:20. However, He is happy when we faithfully follow His ways, just like Noah. We may make mistakes, but when we apologise to God He will forgive us. This makes God happy because we choose to do what is right.
ACTION POINT
If you have been disobedient to your parents, say “sorry” to them. You can apologise to them directly or write them a card. Tell them how much you want to follow God’s ways.
PRAYER POWER
Pray that all the Christians in your church will want to walk with God faithfully and not disobey Him.
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MONDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2017
There Are No Levites! Scripture
Ezra 8:15 with 2:36-42
Observation What observations can you make about the Levites in both the first return to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel (Ezr 2:36-42) and the second return under Ezra (v.15)?
Deeper Reflection
ing Artaxerxes commissioned Ezra to take any Jew in Babylon, including priests and Levites, who were “willing” to go to Jerusalem with him (Ezr 7:13). About 5,000 answered God’s call (Ezr 7:28b; 8:1-14). While camping at the river Ahava, Ezra “found no Levites there” (v.15). At the first return under Zerubbabel, there were 4,289 priests (Ezr 2:36-39) and 341 Levites (Ezr 2:4-42). And now, none! The post-exilic Levites “had never been eager volunteers to return”32. The Levites were called to play a supportive role to the priests in the service of the temple. In Babylon, with no temple sacrificial activity, this difference between the two had become virtually nonexistent. Perhaps, the Levites were “reluctant to resume a subordinate role [to the priests], mundane in comparison with the possibilities which life in exile opened up”33. The concern for personal status superseded the concern for God’s calling. When we truly know God’s calling and live by it, we will not compare or compete with others. But that doesn’t mean the temptation to do so will not be there. When such temptation comes, we can respond with “A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven” (Jn 3:26-27).
K
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Application What areas of my life am I tempted to compare or compete with others, and what will I do about it?
Prayer My Creator God, I give You thanks that in Your infinite love, sovereign grace and creative wisdom, You have made me, wired me and called me to be the person You wanted me to be. Help me not to look at others, and wish or seek to be like them. I want to celebrate that I am special, unique and distinct in You and before You. Amen.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
32 33
J. G. McConville, 54 J. G. McConville, 54
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TUESDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2017
Why Look for Levites? Scripture
Ezra 8:16-17 with 7:25 and Nehemiah 8:7-8
Observation How is the importance of the Levites demonstrated in verses 16 to 17 along with Ezra 7:25 and Nehemiah 8:7-8?
Deeper Reflection
ith the temple rebuilt and the worship of God in it restored, the ministry of the priests and Levites must be resumed. Upon discovering that no Levites were going to Jerusalem with him, Ezra sprung into action immediately. Ezra would not proceed on the journey without any Levites. The importance of the Levites was seen in who Ezra carefully chose to send to Casiphia to look for them. Casiphia is unidentifiable34, but it could be “a place where a major concentration of the Jewish population of Babylon lived”35 with “a colony of Levites and temple servants”36. Ezra sent nine leaders and two teachers of wisdom and discernment (v.16) “who could use their influence to get the Levites”37. This mission was so important that Ezra “told them what to say” (v.17). King Artaxerxes required Ezra to ensure that “anyone who is ignorant” of the law of God must be taught (Ezr 7:25) and Levites were needed for this function. Levites taught the law of God in both the pre-exilic and post-exilic times (2 Chron 35:3; Neh 8:7-8). The church can grow to maturity when there is “the proper working of each individual part” of the body (Eph 4:16). And you are a God-given important “individual part”.
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Application How do I see myself as a God-given important “individual part” in the church?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for pastors and staff: To affirm and celebrate one another’s God-given individual part
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
34
J. G. McConville, 55 F. Charles Fensham, 114 C. Charles Ryrie, Ryrie Study Bible: Expanded Edition (Moody, 1986, 1995), 733 37 F. Charles Fensham, 113 35 36
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WEDNESDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2017
Commitment of the 38 Scripture Ezra 8:15-19
Observation What observations can you make in verses 15 to 19 about Ezra initially finding no Levites and subsequently progressing to finding 38 Levites?
Deeper Reflection
hirty-eight Levites at Casiphia responded to Ezra’s call to join him to return to Jerusalem (vv.18-19). A progression from no Levites (v.15) to 38 Levites. God had made “a permanent law” that the Levites “will receive no allotment of land among the Israelites”, because of their special calling to serve in the tabernacle (Num 18:23). But Babylon offered them the opportunity to have their own property for the first time, and this was one of the reasons why the Levites were not keen to return to Jerusalem.38 This happened even though God Himself was the Levites’ portion and inheritance (Num 18:20). But the 38 Levites were a great contrast to the other Levites. They were ready to uproot themselves from their comfort zone to answer God’s call within such short notice. The speed with which they decided and then prepared for such a momentous move showed the depth of their commitment. They were like Peter and Andrew who “immediately left their nets” and the Zebedee brothers who “immediately left the boat and their father” to follow Jesus when He called them (Matt 4:18-22). The 38 Levites responded because the hand of God was at work (v.18). But why didn’t God’s hand touch and move more than 38? The text doesn’t tell us.
T
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Application What challenges do I face in becoming ready to answer God’s call, and how will I deal with them?
Prayer Lord of the harvest, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. And those who are faithfully serving to build Your Church are getting tired, and there is so much work that needs to be done.39 Lord, raise up workers for the harvest and workers for building Your Church. Touch the hearts of men and women to hear Your call and say, “Here am I. Send me!”40
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
38 39 40
J. G. McConville, 54 Nehemiah 4:10 Isaiah 6:8
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THURSDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2017
More Than What’s Asked Scripture Ezra 8:15-20
Observation What observations can you make about the people from Casiphia who responded to Ezra’s call (vv.18-19)?
Deeper Reflection
zra sent 11 able men to Casiphia to recruit Levites (vv.15-18). Thirty-eight Levites respond (vv.18-19). Ezra probably desired more than that. Disappointed, perhaps. But God gave him more than what he looked for. God gave him high quality people like Sherebiah, a very astute man of understanding, insight and discretion (v.18). Sherebiah played significant roles later in Nehemiah’s time along with other leading Levites in teaching the law of God (Neh 8:7), and leading in congregational confession (Neh 9:4-5) and worship (Neh 12:24). Joining the 38 Levites were 220 temple servants who were set apart to assist the Levites (v.20). The number “220” spoke of their remarkable dedication to God. Socially they were “a caste of mixed origins”41 and inferior to the Levites in status and stature. But they responded in larger numbers than the Levites: 220 versus 38. Such dedication showed that they were greater in substance than the Levites. Every individual temple servant was significant and valuable as they were “all mentioned by name” (v.20b, ESV). God’s call for you, “the boundary lines” He assigns to you, may be just as a “temple servant”, but recognise that “It has fallen to me in pleasant places, and my heritage is beautiful to me” (Psa 16:6).
E
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Application How will I receive God’s calling and assignment that has low status, no status or no stature?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
41
Edwin Yamauchi, Ezra, Nehemiah, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 4 (Zondervan, 1988), 659
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FRIDAY, 29 SEPTEMBER 2017
Under God’s Good Hand Scripture Ezra 8:15-20
Observation What observations can you make about the hand of God in verses 15 to 20?
Deeper Reflection
he good hand of God had been upon Ezra in his mission to Jerusalem, and was manifested in various ways, as seen from “the king granted him all he requested” (Ezr 7:6), in his success in reaching Jerusalem (Ezr 7:9) and in gathering leaders from Israel to join him (Ezr 7:28). But there appeared to be a discontinuity of God’s good hand upon Ezra when he “did not find any Levites” among the returnees who followed him (v.15). Things had been rather smooth going until this point. Was God’s hand not upon Ezra, or any less than other times in this “No Levites” problem? It was not a state of affairs where Ezra could say, “It’s alright. We can do without the Levites. Let’s move on.” When God’s hand is upon us, it does not mean that there will be no problems, no disruptions and no crisis. We need to learn to see and trust that God’s good hand is still upon us in our difficulties, however great they may be. Surely Ezra prayed to God about the critical need as he sent able men to look for Levites at Casiphia. Only 38 Levites responded, which seemed few and insufficient. But, God’s good hand was upon both the problem and solution – however inadequate the solution seemed to be. When God’s good hand is upon it, it is adequate.
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Application In what difficult moments of my life do I need to see and trust that God’s good hand is still upon me?
Prayer Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers ■ Give thanks:
■ Pray for lay leaders:
To have faith to see God’s hand upon them in good and bad times
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
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SATURDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER 2017
God Is Not Restrained Scripture
Judges 7:1-7; Joshua 8:1
Observation What can you learn about God from the number of warriors He used in battle in verses 1 to 7 and Joshua 8:1?
Deeper Reflection
he seemingly inadequate 38 Levites who responded to Ezra’s call was adequate under the good hand of God (Ezr 8:15-20). When 22,000 men responded to Gideon’s call to fight the Midianites, God said that they were “too many for Me” (vv.1-2). Then through the divine “fearful” test, 10,000 were eliminated (v.3). But God’s response to the 10,000 who remained was: “The people are still too many” (v.4a), which led to the divine “watchful” test (vv.4b-5). Only 300 men passed this test, and God used them to fight the Midianites under Gideon’s leadership (vv.6-7). God using the few and small for tasks that are humanly speaking too great for them is not always the divine principle. When Joshua led Israel to make the second attempt to conquer Ai, after an earlier failed attempt (Josh 7), the divine order was: “Take all the people of war with you” (Josh 8:1). The overarching divine principle is: “the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few” (1 Sam 14:6), as expressed by Jonathan, as he and his armour-bearer attempted to fight the Philistines that overwhelmingly outnumbered them. Using few or many to accomplish His purposes is God’s sovereign call.
T
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Application In what ways are the dictum “the Lord is not restrained to save by many or by few” 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:
■ Pray for leaders:
■ Pray for significant people:
■ Pray for those in need:
■ Pray for self:
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NOTES
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© 2017 COVENANT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH T: (65) 6892 6811 • E: mail@cefc.org.sg • W: www.cefc.org.sg
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